*Vanessa*

It’s not Ashborne I see first when I pass the final border.

It’s Shawn.

He’s waiting for me as far away from the territory as he can while still being close enough to guard it. His eyes are searching the horizon, waiting for me. Like he’s always been waiting for me.

Something in me strains toward him, drawing me forward despite my exhaustion and the mental strain of the last few days. I can tell ...