Page 144 of Storm

I blink against the sting in my eyes, the guilt loosening its hold a little as I squeeze his hand back.

Out in the yard, Rook and Reed have stopped sparring.

Their playful shoves fade into something quieter, more serious, and without a word, they start toward me—drawn by the bond we share, by the way they always seem to know when I need them most.

Jonathan and Alex break away from their conversation, both crossing the grass to me.

Jonathan sinks to one knee beside me, resting his hand gently over mine where it sits on Fox’s thigh, offering his silent strength.

Alex comes up behind the couch, his hand settling gently on my shoulder. Solid and steady, letting me know he's here too.

Around me, every thread of my life pulls tighter, binding us all together—not with force, but with love.

Across the porch, I see Frankie watching us, Lumi cradled gently against his chest. Alex joins him a moment later, brushing a kiss to Frankie's hair before wrapping them both up in his arms.

We built this. We chose each other.

I lean into Fox’s side, resting my head against his shoulder as Lumi lets out a tiny sigh in her sleep, her little hand fisting in Frankie's shirt.

"Home," I whisper.

Fox presses a kiss to my hair.

"Home," he whispers back.

And as I look around at the bonds woven tight around me, at the family we’ve built.

I can't help but smile.

I’m glad I rigged the draw.

Because somehow, against every odd, I got my dream.

I found my home.