Serena lowered her head, and for once, nobody rushed to save her from discomfort.
I turned and walked out.
Behind me, voices erupted. Chairs scraped. Someone dropped a glass. My mother called my name, but it sounded far away, like a signal from a ship I no longer served.
At the ballroom doors, I saw Nora behind the audio booth.
She gave me one sharp nod.
I returned it.
Then I stepped into the freezing night and let the cold air hit my face like freedom.
Part 8: Returning Responsibility
Two days later, base security called.
“Commander Vale, two civilians are at the visitor center asking for you.”
I already knew who they were.
I drove to the gate beneath a flat gray sky. No flattering gold light. No shadows. Just concrete, glass, and truth.
