Riley's POV
We remain motionless in the clearing, watching the helicopter disappear into the distant sky until even the faintest sound fades away, just as Vanessa had asked us to do. Even if I wanted to turn away, I couldn't have managed it. It feels as though part of my soul has just been torn away and carried off into the clouds.
Standing there with my hand pressed against my chest, I feel Caleb's strong arms wrap around me, his lips brushing against my hair. "They're going to be safe, Angel. We'll see them again soon." His voice carries a confidence I desperately want to believe. I manage a small nod, praying with every fiber of my being that he's speaking the truth.
Praying that everyone standing here will still be alive when this nightmare finally ends. My gaze drifts to Freya, whose eyes shimmer with unshed tears, yet she offers me an encouraging smile. "They're going to be fine," she murmurs softly, and I nod again.
