Nathan nodded slowly. "Crazy." Not a question, but a verdict.
Seraphina finally spoke. Quiet. "That darkness—can it come back?"
Merlin looked at the hallway. The exit door behind him was already starting to seal quietly, as if annoyed by being open too long. He considered saying No. Considered saying Maybe. Then chose honest.
"It's gone for now. But that kind of magic… it doesn't just vanish. It lingers."
He faced them all. His gaze landed on Elara and Mae, still so young, still processing. His voice softened a fraction. "But we got it. All of us."
There was a pause. Then Flint let out a slow breath, more relief than joy. Dion rubbed his shoulder and tried to pull a joke.
"So, is snack time real now?"
but his voice cracked gathering laughter from the group.
That laughter, it didn't feel earned. It felt necessary. And safe. They closed ranks, each of them touching shoulders, coats brushing loose gear. No speeches. No dramatic heroics.
Just a moment to breathe. Together.
