Meredith.
The journey to the Eastern border felt endless.
The night was thick with smoke and silence, the city of Duskmoor shrinking behind us with every mile.
When our cars finally slowed and stopped, I felt a strange ache in my chest—a mix of exhaustion, relief, and something heavier I couldn't name.
The air outside was cold when I stepped out. The woods whispered softly beneath the full moon, the scent of pine mixing with the faint metallic trace of blood still clinging to my skin.
Ahead of us, the rest of our people were already gathered—rows of vehicles lined neatly under the moonlight, warriors and families standing close together, waiting for our arrival.
I barely had time to look before five familiar figures came running toward me.
"My Lady!"
Deidra reached me first, nearly throwing her arms around me before remembering herself and stopping short, her eyes wide with tears and relief. Cora wasn't as restrained—she hugged me tightly, and soon the others joined in.
