I stayed in the lab for another hour or so, helping Isaac and Shannon log the final stability metrics and carefully lock the elixir into its secure casing for the night. The heavy weight that had rested on my shoulders for weeks felt entirely gone, replaced by a light, dizzying buzz of triumph.
When I finally pushed open the heavy wooden doors and walked outside into the cool night air, Demetrius was standing right there, leaning casually against the stone wall beside Jake.
The moment his amber eyes locked onto mine, a huge, unrestrained smile broke across my face.
"We did it!" I yelled, throwing all lingering decorum to the wind.
I bolted across the flagstones and jumped straight into his arms. Demetrius caught me effortlessly, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as he lifted me
