From the air, it's a cluster of buildings spread across the hillside—main operations center, medical facility, residential complex, and the massive training facility that takes up more square footage than everything else combined. The stadium-sized gym is lit up even at this hour, probably Reaper running some late-night drill. Beyond the buildings, the PCH-1 winds along the coast, headlights tracing its curves like a river of light.
"It's beautiful," Sera says quietly. She's been silent for most of the flight, holding Rosie, processing. Now she's staring out the window with an expression I can't quite read.
"It's safe," I say. "That's what matters."
I've flown into this place a hundred times. But I've never been so grateful to see it.
Angel brings us down on the helipad behind the ops center. The rotors wind down, and for a moment, no one moves. We're all just breathing, processing, letting the reality of survival sink in.
"We're here." My voice comes out rough. "Everyone out."
CJ and Mitzy are waiting at the edge of the pad. Mitzy holds a tablet in her hand, her violet hair practically glowing under the floodlights. Her gaze moves over us—cataloging injuries, emotional states, the way Evie and I are still holding hands.
"You made it.” Mitzy beams at the women. "I was tracking you the whole way. Clean flight, no pursuit. The cartel is still searching Sacramento—they have no idea you're gone."
"Mitzy." My voice carries something like affection. "This is Evie. And Sera and Rosie."
"I know who they are. I know everything." Mitzy grins at me, and there's something infectious about her energy. "I'm the one who's been in Riot's ear all day. Sorry about the running, the shooting, and the general chaos. It's not usually this exciting."
"Ms. Sinclair. I'm glad you're safe." CJ's gaze moves over our group—assessing, cataloging, the same way Riot looked at Sera's house.
"Thank you. I don't—I'm not sure what to say."
"You don't have to say anything." His voice is surprisingly gentle for such a large man. "Let's get everyone settled, and then we can talk about next steps."
"Medical is standing by,” Mitzy says. “Family suite in the residential complex is ready—Sera and Rosie, you're in buildingthree, second floor." She's talking fast, the way she does when she's been running on adrenaline and caffeine for too long. "CJ wants a debrief in the morning, but for now, everyone needs to sleep. Rosie, do you like dinosaur nuggets? I feel like you might like dinosaur nuggets."
Rosie, who has been silent and exhausted since the helicopter, perks up slightly. "Dinosaur ones?"
"Is there any other kind?" Mitzy holds out her hand. "Come on. I'll show you where the good snacks are."
Sera shifts Rosie in her arms. "I should get her settled?—"
"I've got it." Mitzy is already moving, gesturing for them to follow. "Building three is this way. There's food in the common room, and the kitchen is stocked. Evie, you're in the same building—unit 204—unless arrangements have changed?" Her eyes flick between me and Evie. "No judgment either way."
Heat floods Evie's cheeks. I fight a smile.
"Unit 204 is fine." Evie's voice is admirably steady. "Thank you, Mitzy."
"Any time." Mitzy herds Sera and Rosie toward the residential complex, still chattering about dinosaur nuggets and bunk beds and something about a movie marathon if anyone's interested.
Then it's just me and Evie, standing on the helipad in the California night, the hum of the compound settling around us.
"You should get that arm looked at." She's looking at the blood soaking through my sleeve.
"It's a graze. I've had worse."
"That's not reassuring."
I laugh—tired, genuine. "Come on. I'll get patched up, and then I'll walk you to your unit."
Medical takes fifteen minutes. The graze is nothing—cleaned, bandaged, forgotten before the nurse finishes taping it down.The cut on my forehead takes another five minutes and two butterfly strips.
Evie waits in the hallway. When I emerge, she's leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking like she's about to fall asleep standing up.
"Hey."
"Hey, yourself." She pushes off the wall and falls into step beside me. "How bad?"
