The silence that followed their departure was deafening, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. Billie's grip on my hand tightened, her eyes never leaving the spot where Orion had vanished from view. Tristan and Dallas stood beside us, their expression stoic, a pillar of strength amidst the swirling currents of fear and apprehension.
"We wait," Tristan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "And we hope."
Hours stretched into eternity as we lingered in the packhouse, each passing moment fraught with anticipation and dread. Billie paced restlessly, her movements a reflection of the turmoil raging within her. Tristan and I remained by her side, a steadfast presence offering silent support and understanding.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, ca
