But my eyes are only on two small figures standing at the edge of the landing pad.
Asher and Elara.
They look exhausted. Their small faces are pale, dark circles bruised beneath their eyes. Asher’s tactical gear is covered in dirt, and Elara’s white dress is stained with grass and soot. But they are standing tall, their hands clasped tightly together.
The transport ramp drops, and Kade and I are moving before it even hits the tarmac.
I drop to my knees in the dirt, opening my arms. Asher crashes into me, his small body trembling with the adrenaline crash. Elara is right behind him, burying her face in my neck. Kade wraps his massive arms around all three of us, his chest heaving, his face buried in Asher’s white-and-black hair.
You held the line, I project to them, my mental voice thi
