"Yes, Father!" Alistair responded, straightening his back.
The younger siblings bounced with impatience, trying to hide their nerves behind excitement.
Adrenaline mixed with curiosity, creating an energy that buzzed through the group.
They had grown strong under Ross's guidance, but this would be their first real test—an exposure to the outside world beyond walls, gates, and the bunker.
Brandon approached, giving each child a reassuring nod.
"We'll be fine," he said calmly. "Just stay alert, stay together, and trust your instincts."
Alistair grinned, his confidence renewed. "We've waited for this for a long time. We can handle it."
Ross studied them for a long moment.
He could see the eagerness in their eyes, the spark of courage, and the sense of responsibility beginning to settle in.
For a father, for a leader, that pride was both satisfying and nerve-wracking.
