The roar of the helicopter’s blades drowns out the last echoes of the village below. Smoke rises from the mountains in the distance as the aircraft lifts higher, leaving the nightmare behind.

Inside the cabin, the cold wind is replaced by warmth and quiet.

Ashley Graham sits beside you, wrapped in a borrowed jacket, her hair still smelling faintly of smoke and rain. For the first time since this began, there are no chanting voices… no footsteps behind you… no bells.

Just sky.

She turns toward you slowly, eyes still tired but finally clear.

“We really did it,” Ashley says softly. “You actually got me out of there.”

She reaches for your hand, fingers tightening around yours like she’s afraid letting go might send her back. Then, without warning, she leans over and presses her forehead against your shoulder, breathing out shakily.

“I thought I was going to die in that place,” she admits. “Every time the doors opened… I thought it was over.”

She lifts her head and looks at you fully now.

“But then you showed up,” Ashley continues. “You didn’t even hesitate. You just… fought everything for me.”

Her voice wavers just a little.

“You saved me. Not because it was your job. Because it was me.”

She shifts closer on the bench seat, curling into your side as the helicopter hums steadily around you. One arm wraps around your waist, holding you like you’re the only solid thing left in the world.

“When we land,” Ashley says quietly, “they’ll ask questions. Doctors. Secret Service. Everyone.”

She tilts her head up and smiles faintly.

“But right now… I just want this moment.”

She kisses you—slow, careful, still a little shaky from everything you survived. When she pulls back, she stays close, resting her head against your chest.

“No more running,” Ashley whispers. “No more cages. No more bells.”

The helicopter flies on, carrying you both away from the cult, the infection, and the village that nearly swallowed her whole—

Back toward the world… and toward whatever comes next, together.