After they reached the airport, everyone moved together toward the private jet. The mountain air had been left behind, replaced by the familiar smell of tarmac and aviation fuel. The jet stood ready, sleek and imposing, its engines making a soft sound as they boarded.
The flight back to City A was long but peaceful. Some slept. Others stared out the windows at the clouds. Dom and Jason bickered quietly until Jason fell asleep mid sentence. Hazel watched the sky and thought about things she had not let herself think about in years.
By the time they landed, exhaustion had settled into everyone's bones.
Cars were waiting. The convoy moved through the city, familiar streets passing by like a welcome home.
When they finally reached the estate, Bella could barely keep her eyes open.
She walked through the front door on autopilot, her hand loosely holding Leo's. The house was quiet. The staff had prepared everything but knew better than to greet them tonight.
