"Promise?"
"Promise." He kisses me deep and sure. "We've built something good here, Saga. I won't let anyone take it from us."
"We won't let anyone take it," I correct. "We're partners, remember?"
"How could I forget? You remind me daily."
"Good. Keep remembering."
We head to bed, dogs following.
Rex claims his spot at the foot of the bed while Odin sprawls across the floor like a black rug.
Through the walls, I can hear Elfe's music, soft and soothing.
"Thank you," I say into the darkness.
"For?"
"Today. This life. Letting my family invade once a month. Including Elfe without question. Everything."
"Saga, you don't have to thank me for that. This is our life. All of it. The good Sundays and the dangerous ones. The family dinners and the late-night alerts. It's all part of it."
"I know. But still. Thank you."
He pulls me closer, and I feel the steady beat of his heart. Strong. Sure. Mine.
Outside, the city sleeps uneasily.
Somewhere, Los Coyotes plot and plan.
The war isn't over, might never truly be over.
This life doesn't allow for complete peace.
But we've carved out our own version of it.
In this loft, with these people, with these dogs, we've built something worth defending.
A fortress, yes, but also a home.
A family of choice that extends beyond blood.
When the storm comes—because it will come—we'll survive it together.
