Page 48 of Faron (The Golden Team #8)

Julia’s Place – Dawn

I stood on the rooftop with Faron, watching the sky bloom in cotton-candy pinks and warm orange streaks.

Below us, kids were already gathering. Playing. Laughing. The sound drifted upward like something sacred.

“You did it,” I said.

“We did,” Faron corrected.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a tiny silver charm on a chain—shaped like a heartbeat line.

“I found this yesterday,” he said. “Thought you should have something to remind you what kind of heart you’ve got.”

He clasped it around my neck, and I reached up to touch it—lightweight, but solid. Like him.

Then I turned, stood on my toes, and kissed him.

Slow. Certain. Full of everything we’d fought for.

Peace. Love. Home.