The road to Portside was long and winding, cutting through valleys and hills that had been scarred by the darkness but were slowly healing. Grass was returning, trees were sprouting, and the sky was clear—a deep, endless blue that seemed to stretch on forever.
Ethan walked beside Ava, their footsteps steady on the packed earth. The sun was warm on his face, a sensation he'd almost forgotten during his months trapped in the Nexus chamber. Every breath felt like a gift, every step a declaration of freedom.
"I can't believe we're finally going home," Ava said, her voice filled with wonder. "It feels like it's been years."
Ethan nodded slowly. "It has been years. But it feels like a lifetime."
Ava reached out and took his hand. "We've been through so much together. I can't imagine what my
