Serena’s POV

The sun was low in the sky, painting the city in shades of gold and amber. The air carried the scent of freedom, of life unburdened, and I breathed it in deeply, savoring each inhale. Today was different. Today, the world felt lighter, brighter—like the storm that had threatened to swallow us all had finally passed.

Ross and Richard walked beside me, their hands brushing against mine, an unspoken reassurance of presence, of protection, of love. We had endured everything together—betrayal, pain, threats, and battles that had left scars both visible and invisible—but now, at last, the horizon felt open, infinite, and ours.

I glanced toward the skyline,...