Chapter 54, Part 18: The Morning After.

The morning sun filtered through Callie’s window, its light brighter than usual—or maybe that was just her aching head. She groaned, pressing her fingers to her temples, trying to block out the thumping in her skull.

Just then, her door burst open, and little Ava bounded into the room, her face lit up with excitement. “Morning, Callie!” she sang, jumping onto the bed.

“Oh, morning, little one,” Callie murmured, still trying to shield herself from the light.

“Mummy says you got lost, and Auntie, Uncles, and Daddy had to come find you! But you were a hero and fought off loads of naughty men!” The girl’s voice was full of awe.

Callie smiled, pulling little Ava into a playful hug, ignoring the way her head protested. “Oh, that’s right. I did, didn’t I?”

Jess appeared in the doorway, smirking as she leaned against the frame. “How’s the head this morning, Cadet Hero?” she teased.

“Oh, if only someone would stop that blasted bell ringing in my head,” Callie moaned, as little Ava wriggled free and bounded toward her mother.

“Come get some breakfast,” Jess said, a touch of sympathy creeping into her grin. “It’ll help settle you. Come on, you, let Callie get herself up,” she added, guiding her daughter out. Little Ava kissed Callie on the cheek and ran off, her voice echoing down the hall.

Over at the tavern, Ava, Talon, and Lucas were beginning to stir, slowly realizing they hadn’t left the place the night before. Selene stood over them, arms crossed, shaking her head with an amused smile. “Good morning, you lot. This isn’t a hotel, you know. Talon, where are your trousers?”

Talon blinked, looking down in confusion, then shrugged, “Are we still here?”

Ava laughed, holding her neck. “I think I’ve had more comfortable nights in a trench.”

They both looked over at Lucas, who was curled up on a bench, hugging Echo’s mobile unit, which had powered down. Lucas stirred, squinting at them. “What time is it? Oh… my head. Why on earth do I drink with you two?”

Selene chuckled as she placed mugs of strong coffee and plates of breakfast before them. “Here you go, fuel up. Then you’re off—I don’t need Mark seeing all this lot and sacking me, the tavern is looking like a bomb hit it.”

A few hours later, Green Arbor bustled with life as the morning wore on. Callie was now seated at a desk in the Sentinel post, hunched over her after-action report, her hand moving slowly over the paper as she jotted down each detail from the night before. She was still feeling the effects of both the mission and the late-night celebration.

Miko sat across from her, looking up from his own stack of paperwork to give her a thoughtful look. “How’s the head, Callie?”

“Getting there,” she replied with a small smile, rubbing her temple.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

He grinned knowingly. “Jess had a few choice words for me last night, you know, about letting ‘the twins’ take you drinking.”

Callie laughed, shaking her head, but a flicker of unease crossed her face as she returned to her report. Noticing, Miko leaned back, tapping his pen on his desk.

“You know,” he said in a softer tone, “if there’s anything you need to talk about after the last few days… anything you’re turning over in your mind, you can. Right here.”

Callie looked up, her gaze softening. She took a deep breath. “It was… intense. I didn’t expect it to be like that, you know?” She hesitated, glancing down at her hands. “I was scared, Miko. Really scared. And for a second there, I thought… that maybe I wasn’t ready.”

He nodded, his expression gentle. “Feeling fear doesn’t mean you aren’t ready, Callie. It just means you’re human. And the way you handled yourself? That’s the mark of a true Sentinel.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Besides, anyone who can handle Ava and Talon in the tavern the way you did deserves a medal.”

She laughed, a bit of the tension in her shoulders easing. “Thanks, Miko.”

Just then, the post door swung open, and Ava and Talon strolled in, looking a little too lively for Callie’s comfort. Miko immediately stood, hands on his hips. “No, no. I am not having you two in here all day. Go to the school, play with the kids, and leave Callie to work.”

“Play with the kids?” Talon asked, bewildered. “I thought we were teaching them!”

Callie laughed, amused by his look of confusion.

Before they could respond, Echo’s face lit up on the new monitor Lucas had installed. “Hello!” he greeted brightly.

Talon yelped, nearly jumping out of his skin, and everyone laughed. “I didn’t know he could do that!” he muttered, staring wide-eyed at the monitor.

Echo chuckled. “I believe it’s called a ‘surprise,’ Talon.”

Callie laughed again, her spirits lifting as Ava set down a leather bag on the desk before her.

Ava cleared her throat. “We were going to wait until you returned to home base, but… after your mission, I think you’ve earned this early.” She nodded toward the bag.

Curious, Callie opened it slowly, her fingers brushing over the contents—a new knife, beautifully crafted, and a set of custom throwing knives. Her mouth fell open. “Oh… my god. Thank you so much,” she breathed, her voice choked with emotion.

Talon winked. “Made ‘em just for you. Something to remember us by.”

Callie’s eyes filled with tears as she held the gifts, her hands trembling slightly. Without a word, she hugged Ava, then Talon, and finally Miko, her heart too full to speak.

“You earned them,” Miko said with a warm smile, squeezing her shoulder. “Well done, cadet.”

Callie stepped back, glancing down at the blades, her eyes brimming with gratitude. For a moment, she was too overwhelmed to speak, but the look on her face said it all.

“Alright,” Miko interrupted with mock severity. “Enough of the sentimental stuff. Now you two, get out! I have a post to run, and you’re not driving me mad all day.”

Ava and Talon exchanged amused glances, then gave Callie a final nod of approval before heading toward the door. They cast a last, proud look back at her, watching as she stood, clutching her new knives with a look of awe and quiet pride.

As they left, Talon glanced over at Ava. “You know, she’s really growing into her role,” he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

“Yeah,” Ava agreed, a smile touching her lips. “She’s got the heart of a true Sentinel.”

They made their way toward the school, the sounds of the bustling market and the laughter of children filling the air.

As Callie held the knives, she took a moment, reflecting on how much she had learned during her time here in Green Arbor. Watching Ava, Talon, and Miko had once felt like looking up at legends—effortlessly skilled and confident. But now, holding these new blades—crafted just for her, a gift of respect and faith—she realized she was slowly finding her own place among them. These knives weren’t just tools; they were a reminder of what she was becoming, proof that she had earned her place in their trust.

Her gaze drifted to the window, where Green Arbor’s market was bustling, the laughter and chatter of villagers filling the air. She felt a pang of bitter-sweetness, knowing she’d soon have to return to the Sentinel base, leaving behind the warmth and support of this close-knit community. But the skills and confidence she’d gained here would be with her, guiding her forward.