Talia, Lucian, Reign, and Celeste stepped toward the portal together.
The light rippled—controlled, stable, obedient.
Before Talia crossed, she turned back and pulled Sera into a fierce embrace.
“We are sisters now,” Talia said quietly. “Reach out when you can. And move to the next steps.”
Sera nodded, swallowing hard.
“It’s good to have you back,” she whispered. Then, softer, more carefully, “Kaela.”
Talia smiled—just once.
“And thank you,” Sera added. “For trusting me.”
The portal flared and closed behind them.
Their return to Obsidian Ridge was uneventful.
That alone felt wrong.
Casius and his two children traveled in one vehicle. Raven, clearly displeased, expressed his disappointment that Aurelia had chosen to ride with her father instead of him, noting that it would have b
