The heavy steel door which had swung shut at some point, slammed open again.
Zara jumped, heart seizing in her chest. Leo pressed against her side, a soft whimper in his throat. Winter had already shifted into a defensive stance, body tensed, ready to launch himself at the threat.
But it wasn't soldiers.
"Ima?" Winter breathed.
Zara's knees nearly buckled as the familiar faces burst into the room.
"Winter!" Miles's voice cracked as he crossed the space in hurried steps and wrapped his arms tightly around his stunned friend.
Winter clung to him, surprise colouring his voice as he hugged back. "You're here...?"
Miles held on a second longer before stepping back just enough to examine him, his hands gripping Winter's shoulders. "We came as fast as we could. Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I'm okay." Winter's eyes darted to Zara. "They're okay, too. We're—"
"I'm fine," Zara interrupted, though her voice trembled.
