The clearing erupted into chaos as the pilot struggled to sit up, his face pale but alive, his eyes flickering with recognition as they landed on Mira, Bill, and Nicole. Before he could say anything, Mira let out a choked scream, her voice breaking with relief and disbelief.
Bill and Nicole also yelled " Dad.. "
They ran to him and hugged him.
"Jack... is that really you?!" Mira sobbed, her hands trembling as she clutched his arms, her eyes filled with tears.
Bill and Nicole hovered beside her, their faces pale but relieved, their voices overlapping in a chaotic reunion.
Bill murmured, his voice cracking. "We thought—"
"I knew you'd be safe," Jack replied, his voice hoarse but firm. He pulled them closer, his gaze flickering over the rest of the group, his expression darkening as he took in their desperate faces.
But the moment of relief was short-lived.
