Chapter 56

**Homecoming**

The familiar scent of home—the faint aroma of Claire’s lavender candles, the comforting smell of old wood, and the lingering hint of last night’s rain—filled the air as the Hayes family finally stepped through their front door. Despite the exhaustion from the relentless chase and the constant threat looming over them, the warmth of their home brought a fleeting sense of safety. For the first time in what felt like ages, they were back where they belonged. But the sanctuary of their home was tempered by the reality of the battles still ahead.

Samuel, still pale but walking steadily on his own, looked around the living room as if seeing it anew. His strength was returning faster than anyone had dared to hope, and though the physical scars were healing, the emotional toll was written on all their faces. Claire held Lillian close, her heart aching with the need to protect her children from the world that had become so hostile.

Ethan closed the door behind them, making sure