Chapter 55: The Promise.

The morning sun cast a gentle glow over Green Arbor, and Callie walked through the village with a quiet pride, a confidence she hadn’t known before. Her new knife and custom throwing knives—gifts from Ava and Talon—were strapped securely to her belt and leg holster, feeling like both a badge of honor and a reminder of how far she’d come. Villagers greeted her with warm smiles and nods, the respect in their eyes a source of newfound strength.

As she neared the market, her gaze fell on Matt. He was helping an elderly woman choose produce, his warm smile easing her nerves. Taking a deep breath, she approached him, each step feeling like another small victory.

"Hey, Matt," she called, trying to keep her voice steady.

He looked up, surprised, but his expression softened. "Callie! How are you feeling? I heard about what happened."

Callie managed a smile, though her heart was pounding again, feeling oddly different from the thrill of battle. "I'm alright. Just… it’s been a lot."

Matt nodded, concern shadowing his face. "I was worried when I heard you got separated. I didn’t know if… well, I’m just glad you're here."

She felt her cheeks warm under his gaze. "I made it through," she said, voice softening. "Thanks to Ava, Talon, and Miko."

He stepped closer, his eyes full of genuine admiration. "You're really brave, Callie."

The words filled her with a rare warmth, one she hadn’t known she needed. She felt her confidence mixing with nerves, emboldened but unsure, wanting to say more. "Um, actually… there's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"What's on your mind?" he asked, a note of curiosity in his voice.

Callie’s heart hammered as she took a steadying breath. "We've both been busy, but… I was wondering if you’d like to spend some time together. Just… us."

Surprise flickered across Matt’s face, quickly replaced by a bright, happy grin. "I'd love that, Callie. How about tonight? Dinner at the tavern?"

A rush of relief filled her as she nodded. "Perfect. I'll see you there."

As she walked away, Callie felt a thrill of excitement mixed with lingering nerves. She’d faced down bandits, fought for her life, but somehow this felt just as challenging.

Passing the Sentinel post, she ran into Jess carrying a basket of supplies. Jess eyed her with a knowing smile. "Got a date tonight?"

Callie’s blush deepened. "Kind of. Meeting Matt at the tavern."

Jess set down the basket, a hand on Callie’s shoulder. "That’s wonderful. You deserve some happiness, Callie, after everything you’ve been through."

Despite her brave front, Callie’s voice softened with uncertainty. "But what if I mess it up? What if I can’t just… be myself?"

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Jess’s touch was warm and steady. "Listen, you faced down bandits and survived—trust me, you can handle a night with Matt. Just be yourself. Enjoy it."

Callie nodded, feeling a bit more assured. "Thanks, Jess. I needed that."

"And remember, it’s okay to just have fun. You don’t always have to be the tough cadet," Jess reminded her with a warm smile.

The day flew by in a blur. Callie spent the afternoon with the ADF, joining in training exercises. A few members stopped to congratulate her on her bravery, sharing encouragement that bolstered her confidence further.

"So, Callie, how did you evade the bandits?" one ADF member asked.

She shrugged, a little embarrassed by the attention. "I just… remembered my training. Talon’s survival kit helped, too."

“Good job, Callie,” another said, giving her a nod of respect.

As evening fell, she made her way to the tavern, her heart thrumming with a mix of excitement and nerves. Matt was waiting at a corner table, his smile easing some of her tension.

"Hey," she greeted him, trying to sound casual.

"Hey yourself," he replied, his smile widening. "You look great."

They ordered their meals, and as the evening unfolded, their conversation flowed easily. The tension from the previous days faded with each shared story and laugh. Every time Callie glanced at him, she felt her confidence build, her nervousness slowly giving way to something comfortable, something genuine.

Several ADF members came over to clap her on the shoulder and praise her bravery. Talon, overhearing, ambled over with a grin.

He clapped a hand on Matt’s shoulder. "Just wanted to make sure you know, our Callie’s important to us. Treat her right, okay?"

Matt nodded, earnest. "Of course, Talon. I promise."

Satisfied, Talon gave a mock salute and wandered back to his card game, leaving Matt and Callie exchanging a shy smile.

Selene arrived with a special drink, setting down two glasses in front of them. "A family recipe. Good for the soul," she said with a warm smile, fussing over Callie in a motherly way that brought a blush to Callie’s cheeks. "You’ve been through a lot, Callie. We’re all proud of you."

"Thank you, Selene," Callie replied, feeling a deep gratitude for the support from the people around her.

As Selene left, Callie turned to Matt, her voice more serious. "Out there, when things got rough, I made a promise to myself. I promised that if I made it back, I’d ask you to spend time with me."

Matt’s gaze softened. "I'm glad you did. And I’m honored you thought of me."

She let out a quiet nervous laugh, feeling a bit of her nervousness returning. "I was so scared, but… knowing I’d get back to Green Arbor, to you… it helped me get through."

Matt reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "You kept your promise, Callie. And I’ll keep mine—to be here, for you."

They lingered over their drinks, laughter and easy conversation filling the space between them. Callie felt lighter, freer than she had in a long time. When the tavern began to quiet, Matt looked towards the door. "Want to step outside for some fresh air?"

Callie nodded, her heart fluttering. "Sure."

They found a quiet spot under the trees, the cool night air refreshing after the warmth of the tavern. The stars above cast a soft glow, lending a sense of peace to the moment.

"This is nice," Matt said, looking up. "Makes everything feel… small but in a good way."

Callie leaned against the tree, the weight of the night’s excitement catching up to her. "Yeah. After everything, it’s good to just… be."

Matt turned towards her, his gaze steady. "You’re one of the bravest people I know, Callie. And I’m really glad you asked me here tonight."

She felt a warmth spread through her, replacing her lingering nerves with something she could only describe as belonging. "I’m glad too. Just… thank you."

He leaned in slowly, and when their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss, it felt like a promise—a quiet understanding of everything they’d shared and everything yet to come.

When they pulled back, Matt smiled. "Let’s make a promise, Callie. To always be there for one another."

She nodded, her heart full. "I promise."

Under the stars, they sat together, hand in hand, feeling a sense of hope and strength. For the first time in a long time, Callie felt like she belonged—not just to Green Arbor, or the Sentinels, but to the moment, to herself, and to a future that now felt a little bit brighter.