The late summer breeze rolled gently across the streets of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. The air was fresh, the sun a little too bright, and the world seemed… lighter.
Ethan Albarado stood in front of the house he hadn't seen for days no, weeks, depending on how one counted time that bent under pressure. But now, with his discharge papers finally signed and the scars of the past battle slowly healing, it was no longer just a return…
…it was a homecoming.
Beside him, his mother Elle Albarado beamed with soft warmth, the kind only a kindergarten teacher could master. And next to her, Anna—his 10-year-old little sister clung to his hand like she'd never let go again.
"Ready?" Elle asked gently.
Ethan nodded.
He stepped forward, opened the door
"WELCOME BACK!!"
The shout exploded like a full-court buzzer-beater. Streamers flew. A huge banner that clearly hadn't been hung by professionals read:
VORPAL'S HEART HAS COME HOME
