Page 68 of Passions Ignite

Zoey’s mom nodded. “It will take some time to recover, both physically and mentally. But you’re strong, Lux. I can see that.”

Lux wasn’t sure how to respond to that.

Zoey’s dad cleared his throat, his expression serious. “We can’t thank you enough, Lux. For everything you did for Zoey.”

“I didn’t do anything special. I just did my job,” Lux said.

Zoey’s mom reached over and squeezed her hand. “That’s more than enough, Lux. More than enough.”

Lux swallowed hard, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She wasn’t used to this—this feeling of having a mother. “Thank you,” she managed.

Zoey’s parents exchanged a look, and her dad spoke up. “We should let you both get some rest. It’s been a long few days.”

Zoey’s mom stood up and leaned down to kiss Zoey on the forehead. “We’ll be back later, sweetheart. Get some rest, okay?”

Zoey nodded, her eyes filled with warmth as she watched her parents leave the room. Lux stood up as well, feeling a strange reluctance to leave.

“Thank you,” she said.

Zoey’s mom smiled and pulled Lux into another hug. “You’re always welcome with us, Lux. Always.”

When they finally pulled away, Lux watched Zoey’s parents leave the room, the door closing softly behind them. She stood there for a moment, her heart full and heavy at the same time.

Zoey’s voice broke through her thoughts. “You okay?”

Lux turned to look at Zoey, who watched her with those kind, understanding eyes. “Yeah,” Lux said quietly. “I’m okay.” Zoey patted the spot on the bed beside her. “Come here.”

Zoey and Lux exchanged glances, but the door opened almost immediately.

It was the crew from the fire station.

“Hey, look who finally made it out of the wild,” Jay said.

Zoey grinned, sitting up a little straighter. “You guys found us.”

“We weren’t going to stop until we did, Lieutenant,” Ramirez said.

“I think we can drop the titles now, Ramirez,” Zoey said. “It’s Zoey.”

“You had us all worried sick,” Jay said.

Zoey smiled. “We were pretty worried ourselves.”

Jay turned to Lux, her expression serious but kind. “You did well out there, Lux. You kept your cool and got Zoey through it. We’re all proud of you.”

Lux felt pride in her words, but she also felt overwhelmed by the attention. She wasn’t used to being in the spotlight like this. “I just did what I had to.”

“You did more than that,” Jay said, her tone firm. “You kept her safe..”

Ramirez nodded in agreement, her eyes warm as she looked at Lux. “We’re just glad you’re both okay.”

Lux shifted slightly. She was grateful for their support, but being the center of attention like this was uncomfortable.

Zoey’s expression softened as she looked at Lux, then back at the crew. “I couldn’t have made it without Lux. She was there every step of the way.”

Jay nodded, her gaze steady. “You both made it. That’s what matters.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence as the crew settled in, filling the space with their familiar presence. Lux relaxed a little, the tension in her shoulders easing as she listened to the friendly banter between Zoey and her colleagues.

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