A fierce orange dawn crested the harbor as the rescue vessel drifted into a hidden cove. Camp Horizon's makeshift docks lay quiet—only the soft lap of water and distant gull cries. Celeste Su stood on deck with Leo, absorbing the peace. Adrian Lu joined them, hands tucked into his coat pockets, eyes scanning familiar pines.
“Welcome home," Adrian murmured, voice gentle.
Celeste smiled, brushing grainy teak against her palm. “It feels like a dream."
Leo hopped off the rail. “Can I explore?" His eyes shone with excitement.
She knelt. “Be back for breakfast?" He darted toward the forest trail with Mia, who was already guiding him.
Celeste rose as Adrian approached. The last vestiges of the Deprivation System lay dormant in Dr. Park's tablet—ghost code that once throttled their wills. Now
