The car drove quietly along the familiar streets, though Roselyn's heart was anything but calm. Beside her, Julian and Lucian exchanged few words, their presence steady and reassuring.
Finally, they reached the sprawling family estate. The gates opened, and the sight of her childhood home brought a flood of memories—laughter, warmth, and a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in years.
Roselyn's hands trembled as they stepped out. Julian and Lucian flanked her protectively as she took a deep breath and pushed open the front door.
Inside, her mother, Emelia, was waiting, her eyes widening at the sight of her daughter. "Roselyn…?" she whispered, voice trembling.
Roselyn's chest tightened. She didn't answer right away—she only ran, throwing herself into her mother's arms. Tears poured freely as years of fear, pain, and loneliness spilled out.
"I… I'm so sorry," Roselyn choked between sobs. "I didn't mean to disappear… I—"
Emelia held her tighter, whispering over and over, "It's okay, my darling. You're home now. You're safe."
From the hallway, a voice called softly: "Roselyn?"
Her elder brother, Ethan, stepped forward, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Ros… it's really you?"
Roselyn turned to him, tears streaming down her face. "Yes… it's me. I'm back."
Ethan rushed forward, enveloping her in a firm, protective hug. "I—I didn't know where you were… I thought—"
"I know," she whispered. "I thought you'd never forgive me for being gone."
Julian gently guided her to sit in the living room, Lucian standing quietly nearby, surveying the reunion with a mix of pride and relief.
Roselyn began to recount everything—the kidnapping in Canada, the betrayal by her friends, the ship, Rambo, and the experiments. Her voice cracked, but Julian and Lucian stayed close, supporting her. Emelia clutched her hand, rocking slightly as she listened, tears falling freely. Ethan's face was pale, anger and sorrow mixing, but he held her tightly whenever she faltered.
"I was alone… so alone," Roselyn admitted, her voice breaking. "I didn't know if anyone would ever find me. I thought I'd never see home again…"
Emelia whispered, "We never stopped looking for you, Roselyn. We never gave up hope."
Ethan's voice was quiet but fierce. "I should have checked more, done more… but you're here now. That's what matters."
For hours, Roselyn shared her story, crying and laughing, the room filled with raw emotion. Julian and Lucian offered strength and guidance, while Emelia and Ethan enveloped her with unconditional love.
Rowan wasn't there physically, but Roselyn felt him beside her, the memory of his protection and care grounding her. She realized that while her past had been full of fear, her present—and her future—was anchored in love, family, and safety.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the crying eased into quiet hugs and soft smiles. Roselyn rested her head on her mother's shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of home.
"I'm really home now," she whispered. "And I'll never run again."
Julian nodded, his voice firm but gentle. "We've made sure no one can hurt you anymore. This is your life, Roselyn. Your family, your home, and your choices. Protect it—and let us protect you too."
Lucian placed a hand on her shoulder. "You survived the worst. Now it's time to live freely. And we'll be here for you, every step of the way."
Roselyn looked around at her family—her mother, her brother, her father, her grandfather. Tears streamed down her cheeks again, but this time, they were tears of relief, love, and belonging.
She finally felt whole.She was home.