The convoy compound's northern perimeter had been cleared of debris, creating an open space where Atheon waited, his posture rigid with barely contained emotion.
The Grim Hollow survivors gathered slowly—Academy candidates who'd started their journey in that fallen outpost, who'd witnessed its destruction, who carried memories of evacuation through Crawler-infested darkness.
Bright arrived first, his expression reflecting recognition that this was a formal farewell rather than a casual conversation.
Duncan came next, massive bulk moving with surprising gentleness, his Bone Guard ability maintaining minimal defensive structure—a permanent caution that Clear Light's Eve had reinforced.
Mara followed, twin blades still present despite an exhausted desire to finally rest, her combat readiness automatic after the night-long crisis.
