Ryker and Elena stepped out of the bedroom, still trying to regain their composure. Lira was waiting at the end of the hall, arms crossed.
“There’s some old man at the gate with a trailer,” she said. “He claims you’re expecting him.”
Elena laughed. “Eldin. Wait— a trailer?”
Ryker nodded to Lira. “Let him in. We’ll meet him out front.”
They headed outside just as the gate opened. A familiar figure stepped out of a small U‑Haul truck, long gray hair tied back, eyes warm as ever.
Elena didn’t wait. She ran straight to him and wrapped her arms around him.
“Eldin! How are you? I’ve missed you.”
He hugged her tightly. “I am good, my child. And you look well. Very well. I am happy to see that.”
She pulled back and eyed the trailer. “What is with the U‑Haul?”
“We will get to that in a mom
