Wendy's POV
Javier seizes my hand and drags me through the shadowed city streets. He refuses to explain our destination, but the fierce joy dancing across his features and the urgency in his stride sends my pulse racing. His fingers burn against mine, anchoring me to earth in ways no celestial power ever could.
We weave through bridges and narrow passages until the urban chaos dissolves into whispers. Concrete surrenders to towering pines, and pavement gives way to soft earth.
When he finally halts, we stand at a forest's threshold. The midnight air thrums with vitality - chirping insects, rustling leaves, and the distant murmur of flowing water. Overhead, a massive moon peers through gossamer clouds, bathing everything in silver light.
Javier's breathing comes hard and fast. He wears that untamed, vulnerable expression I haven't witnessed since before the fanatics arrived, before the sanctuary burned, before our world crumbled into chaos.
