The light faded, and Greenvale's deep forests welcomed him back.
Quinlan took a slow breath through his nose, filling his lungs with air that carried the scent of pine, damp earth, and the faintest trace of wildflowers from the meadow beyond the estate grounds. It was thinner than the primordial realm's ancient atmosphere, younger and less dense, but it was familiar in a way that settled something in his chest.
He smiled.
"This is still home."
His girls emerged from the soul realm portal one after another, stepping onto the grass of the stronghold grounds with expressions that ranged from relieved to content. Vex stretched her arms overhead. Seraphiel rolled her shoulders and sighed happily. Kaelira's ears twitched as she took in the familiar treeline.
