Chapter 19 - The Return of the Light
The drive back to Michigan was long, the storm clearing away as Luca crossed the state line, replaced by the first golden rays of a fresh dawn.
When his truck finally turned down the long driveway of the estate, the federal security vehicles were already packing up their equipment. The threat was officially gone; Victor's network had been completely dismantled by the FBI using the data recovered during the Gary raid.
Sarah was standing on the terrace, a thick woolen blanket wrapped around her shoulders against the morning chill. She hadn't slept a single wink.
The moment Luca stepped out of the truck, she dropped the blanket and sprinted down the lawn. She threw herself into his arms so hard they both stumbled back onto the grass. Luca caught her, lifting her off her feet, burying his face into her neck as he held her flush against his chest.
"You're alive," she sobbed, her tears wetting his collar. "You're safe."
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"He's gone, Sarah," Luca murmured, his voice thick with emotion, his strong arms wrapping around her waist like an unbreakable bond. "Permanently. The family debt is paid. Nobody is ever coming for us again."
Marco walked out onto the porch, holding a sleeping Grace in his arms, while Lena and Ash rubbed their eyes, peeking out from behind the front door. Seeing their father safe, the two older children let out joyful yelps and raced down the steps, joining the massive, tangled hug on the lawn.
