~Northbound Truths~

CALISTA (as Daphne)

We crossed into the North before sunrise.

The gates recognized Arden’s clearance immediately. The scanners swept the SUV, logged our arrival, and waved us through without delay. I watched the land change as we drove deeper in. The terrain was sharper here. More exposed. The North never hid what it was. Control mattered more than comfort.

Arden drove in silence for the first stretch. He always did after long returns. It gave me time to settle back ...