The moment I stepped out of the bar, Isle was already waiting beside me.
He closed the distance with a few quiet steps, opened his arms, and pulled me into a warm embrace.
For a moment, it felt like the entire world had fallen silent.
"Xenia, you've been through so much," he whispered, his deep voice soft against my ear. "It's all over now."
He gently patted my back, slow and steady.
The moment I leaned into his shoulder, the anger and exhaustion I had carried just moments ago slowly faded away.
Yes. It was all over.
I wrapped my arms around his waist, holding onto the warmth and security that belonged only to me.
My heart softened completely.
*****
Over the next few days, I pushed away all lingering thoughts and cherished the final moments I had in my hometown.
I took the initi
