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Epilogue

O ne Year Later

Damian

The first frost of autumn silvers the sanctuary’s gardens as I make my morning rounds. Steam rises from my cup of hot water mixed with honey. These quiet moments before dawn have become precious—a time to appreciate everything we’ve built here.

Movement catches my eye—Franky is already at work in the greenhouse he designed himself. Through the glass walls, I see him checking the delicate herbs needed for our garum production. The sight still amazes me sometimes—this man who once chased endless schemes now tends living things with patience and dedication.

“The winter lettuce is coming in strong,” he tells me as I pass, genuine pride in his voice. “And the new irrigation system is working perfectly.” He gestures to neat rows of vegetables that will feed the sanctuary through the cold months. “Amazing what you can grow when you give things the right care.”

The metaphor isn’t lost on me. Like his gardens, Franky himself has flourished here in unexpected ways.

A flash of movement along the perimeter draws my attention. Sulla makes his predawn security check, alert and focused as ever. He still keeps to the boundaries, but now he guards rather than threatens. Some habits reshape themselves into strengths, given the right purpose.

Maya finds me as sunrise paints the sky in shades of rose and gold. Her kiss tastes of morning coffee and contentment. The ring I gave her catches the light as she laces her fingers with mine.

“Early meeting with Laura,” she says. “The exhibition program is really taking off. We’ve got requests from three more legitimate security firms wanting to join our training program.”

The sanctuary has evolved in ways none of us could have predicted. What started as a refuge has become something more—a place where ancient wisdom flows naturally into modern life. Where lost souls find purpose. Where love transcends time itself.

A comfortable routine has settled over our strange family. My brother gladiators train with modern security teams while maintaining old traditions. The garum operation produces enough to supply high-end restaurants, as well as a thriving online business.

Last month, we completed the water purification system on Joseph Running Bear’s reservation—our way of honoring those who sheltered us when we needed it most. The tribe refused monetary payment, so we found a different path. The system uses both ancient wisdom and modern technology, just like our sanctuary.

Maya visits regularly to train their young people in self-defense, while I share stories of ancient philosophy with their elders. Joseph says the circle of giving has been completed, but Maya and I know our debt can never truly be repaid—only honored through continued friendship and respect.

Life finds its own balance. Like the gardens Franky tends so carefully, like the boundaries Sulla protects, like the love Maya and I have forged across millennia. Everything grows in its own time, its own way.

The morning sun climbs higher as sanctuary life stirs to full wakefulness. Students arrive for training. Security teams change shifts. The greenhouse glass gleams like diamonds in the frost.

Some paths reshape themselves into destiny. Some souls find home in unexpected places. Some love transcends every boundary we try to place around it.

The sanctuary awakens to another day as frost melts in the strengthening sun. Whatever comes next, we’re ready. Together.

Where we belong.