The faded map on the kitchen table seemed to pulse with hidden life as Nora traced the lines with her finger.
"We leave at first light," Nora said. "This old site in the hills holds our real start. No more guessing about the bloodline. We go find it together."
Blake leaned in close. "I am with you all the way. The kids need to see where we come from. Drew, you good with packing the gear?"
Drew nodded fast. "Already thinking about it. Extra lights, ropes, snacks for the little ones. Nora, your vision for connecting our world makes sense now. We build bridges instead of walls."
Lily bounced in her chair. "Mom, can I use my colors to guide us? I feel the spot calling already."
Tim grinned wide. "I hear voices in my head when I think about the hills. Old ones. They want us to come."
Nora
