The journey back to Haven took weeks.
Hundreds of hybrids, weak and traumatized, unable to travel fast. But they had help now—supplies, guards, healers. Sasha walked at the front of the caravan, Rhys beside her.
Nadia walked among the hybrids, caring for them, teaching them, loving them. But her heart was at Haven, with her children. She thought about Nico and Katarina every day. She wondered if they missed her. She wondered if they thought she had abandoned them.
"Almost home," Sasha said, walking beside her.
"Almost."
"They're fine. Maya is taking care of them."
Nadia nodded. "I know. I just... I've never been away from them this long."
"That's called being a mother."
Nadia smiled. "I'm still getting used to that."
They arrived at Haven in the winter.
The whole community came o
