Ryder POV
The morning we leave, Elena is gone.
Her cabin stands empty. No note. No goodbye. Just a single silver feather on the doorstep that disintegrates when I touch it.
"She said it would cost her years." Doc stares at the empty cabin. "Maybe she had fewer years than she thought."
"Or maybe she's finally resting." Jolie touches the cabin wall gently. "She lived long enough to complete her purpose. To prepare me for what's coming."
"What is coming?" I load our gear onto the bikes.
"I don't know." She turns away from the cabin. "But I'll be ready for it."
The ride home starts at dawn. Knox takes point, riding ahead to scout the route. Doc follows behind with medical supplies. I ride beside Jolie, close enough to reach her if needed.
She's changed.
It's not just the silver light
