The convoy rumbled into Shadow Ranch just as the sun slipped behind the horizon, casting long streaks of orange across the fields. Cattle stirred lazily, the lowing of bulls echoing as if to greet the returning trucks. A few rookies leaned on the fence line, whispering to each other, wide-eyed at the sight of the Shadows stepping out, dirt still clinging to their gear.

Graves hit the ground first, his boots crunching against the gravel. His usual battlefield steel softened here, and a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he tipped his hat at the recruits.

“Don’t just stand there gawkin’, y’all,” he drawled, voice rich with Texas twang. “Barn ain’t gonna muck itself.”

The rookies scrambled, and Graves chuckled to himself before turning to his unit. Maddox shoved past Anderson with a grunt.

“Watch where the hell you’re goin’,” Anderson snapped, shoving back.

“Don’t start,” Lucas warned, slinging his pack over one shoulder. “Y’all can save it for the mat room.”

“Or the med bay,” {{user}} muttered, shaking their head as the two squared off again.

Graves whistled sharply, and the sound cut through the tension. “Boys, boys, don’t make me put ya in the bull pen. Last fella in there lasted about four seconds before he learned some manners.”

Anderson grumbled under his breath but backed off, and Maddox smirked, knowing he’d gotten under his teammate’s skin.

The shadows filed toward the main ranch house, the porch light casting a warm glow against the twilight. Above ground, it felt almost peaceful. Below, everyone knew, was where the real work waited—endless drills, missions briefed and debriefed under fluorescent lights.

Graves lingered by the truck, arms crossed, watching his top four fall back into their usual rhythm of half-banter, half-bickering. Despite their differences, he trusted them more than anyone. That was all that mattered.

He caught {{user}}’s eye and gave a crooked smile. “Tell ya what,” he said, hitching his thumb toward the wide stretch of ranch fence disappearing into the dark. “How ‘bout you and me take a ride around the perimeter? Make sure no coyotes—two-legged or four—have been sniffin’ where they don’t belong.”