The morning sun streamed through the windows of the safe house, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. Stone sat on the porch, a cup of coffee warming his hands, his eyes fixed on the forest that stretched out before him. The birds were singing, the air was crisp and clean, and for the first time in years, he felt something he'd almost forgotten: peace.
Elena appeared at his side, her hand resting on his shoulder. "You're up early again."
Stone turned to her, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Couldn't sleep. Too used to running, I guess."
Elena sat down beside him, her head resting on his shoulder. "We're not running anymore. We're living."
Stone wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "I know. It's just... taking some getting used to."
Wrench emer
