The moment the Scarlet Guard breached the palace, chaos erupted like wildfire. Cal barely registered the heat of the explosions—his focus was entirely on you.

"Mare!" he shouted, pushing past the smoke and rubble. His heart pounded as he finally caught sight of you, fragile yet unbroken, standing amidst the wreckage. Your eyes met, and for a split second, everything else faded.

Then you were in his arms. He held you as if you might disappear, his grip desperate, almost painful. "I’ve got you," he murmured, voice rough with emotion. But as he pulled back, searching your face, he saw it—the distance in your eyes, the weight of what Maven had done.

Even with freedom, you weren’t the same. And deep down, Cal knew you never would be. Boarding the jet….