Chapter 56: What Then?

Eli moved quietly through his cabin, fixing breakfast as the first light of day crept in. As he whisked together some eggs, he glanced back at Ava, still sleeping soundly on his bed, her features softened in peaceful rest. He couldn’t help but pause, taking in the rare sight—Ava, his warrior, his Sentinel, looking utterly serene. Moments like this had been scarce, and Eli knew he’d savor every one.

Balancing a plate in one hand, he walked over to her, nudging her gently. “Come on, sleepyhead. Breakfast is ready.”

Ava stirred, squinting up at him with a sleepy grin. “I don’t want to. Just… five more minutes,” she murmured, tugging him back onto the bed playfully.

Eli laughed, trying to resist. “No, no, I’m late enough as it is. I’ve got to set up my market stall.”

Ava pulled him close, giving him a mock pleading look. “Just five more minutes.”

Eli chuckled and finally relented, lying beside her for a moment, both of them smiling. It had been a while since they’d stolen any time just for themselves, and though he tried to protest, he was grateful for it.

They lay there in the quiet, breathing together until Eli finally broke the stillness. “She’ll be going back soon, won’t she?”

Ava blinked, shifting slightly as she registered the shift in tone. “Yeah,” she replied softly. “She’s almost through her second year. Callie’s come so far since she arrived here. I want her to stay, but she’s going back to the Sentinel base soon. Next year, her training will pull her deeper into the wasteland with other units.” She paused, frowning. “I don’t like the thought of her leaving Green Arbor, not after how far she come.”

Eli reached over, tracing the scar along her side, a mark left from her last mission. “I know what it means to be a Sentinel, but... I don’t like this one,” he admitted, his voice soft. “It was bad this time, Ava. I can tell.”

Ava managed a smile, brushing her hand over his. “I got this one bringing Selene here for Talon. I’d go through worse for family.”

Eli gave her a small, pained smile, not entirely convinced. “I know, but I worry. You’re not invincible.”

She reached up, her fingers gentle on his cheek. “I always come back to you, Eli.”

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He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of those words. “Then… what about Callie?” he asked after a moment. “Could you train her yourself?”

Ava leaned back, lost in thought. “I don’t know. I care about her deeply—more than I ever thought I would. I want her to get the best training possible, to be ready for what ever's out there.”

Eli nodded, understanding. “But do you think you could fill in her training role? It’s… different than what you train the ADF.”

Ava’s eyes softened, realizing how much she had come to want the best for Callie. She looked at him with a small, determined smile. “It’s different, yeah. But maybe it’s something worth thinking about.”

They lay together in silence, both absorbing the weight of what it would mean for Ava to become Callie’s full-time mentor.

Ava snuggled closer, a mischievous glint in her eye as Eli tried to pull himself out of bed. She grabbed his arm, tugging him back down beside her. “Hey, I thought we agreed on five more minutes,” she teased, her voice low and warm.

Eli laughed, letting her draw him back. “I know… but that was more like ten,” he replied, feigning reluctance even as he wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her forehead, his laughter melting into a grin. “At this rate, I’ll be setting up my stall by nightfall.”

Ava smirked, kissing him softly. “Then stay a little longer… the market will survive without you for once.”

Eli shook his head with a smile, settling back into her embrace. “Fine, you win,” he chuckled, stealing another kiss. “But only because I know better than to argue with you.”

---

Later that morning, Eli was off to set up his market stall, and Ava made her way to the North Gate. Talon stood there already, talking with a few members of the ADF, catching her approach with a laugh.

“Late start this morning, Blondie?” he called out, raising a brow with a mischievous grin.

Ava smirked, approaching with a shrug. “I was enjoying a morning without you, jumping on my bed to wake me up, Talon.”

As she got closer, Talon’s grin turned to a playful challenge. “You sure you’re back on full duties? Think you can keep up?”

Ava narrowed her eyes, rolling up her sleeves. “Try me.”

The two immediately fell into a mock play-fight, their movements easy and fluid. The ADF members around them cheered and laughed, enjoying the show as Talon and Ava circled each other, each pretending to land punches or grapple. Talon’s laughter echoed across the gate, catching the attention of the market goers nearby.

Just then, Callie arrived, balancing a basket of sandwiches. She gave Ava and Talon a bemused smile. “You two ever grow up?” she teased, setting the basket down.

Talon, pausing from their banter, looked down at the basket. “What’s this?”

Callie grinned. “Selene sent these over. I think she’s trying to fatten me up or something.”

Ava laughed, pulling Callie close. “She’s just worried about you, Callie. You helped save her life, remember?”

Callie flushed, glancing down. “Yeah… I guess.”

As they gathered to share the sandwiches, Talon couldn’t resist teasing her. “Better eat up, Callie. Gotta keep your strength up if you’re going to make us proud out there.”

Callie rolled her eyes, but a small smile crept onto her face. “Don’t worry, I’ll do you all proud.”

With that, they enjoyed a few moments of camaraderie, laughing and joking together, the sense of family and belonging binding them all.