Page 142 of The Alien in the Archive

When we part, Page tugs lightly at the front of my shirt, just enough to make me follow her. “Come on,” she says, her voice a little breathless. “Let’s go home. You can tell me howyou impressed all those scholars with your ancientBorean wisdom.”

I smirk faintly. “It wasn’t hard. They’re easily impressed.”

“Oh, really? Arrogant much?”

“You’re the one who told me to show off.”

Page laughs, and for a moment, it’s just us walking side by side, Ashlan perched like royalty on her shoulder. For all the shadows still lingering on the edges of our lives—for all the work ahead—this moment feels like light.

I have Page. I have purpose. And now…I have a chance at something I never thought I deserved.

Something for us.

For this life we’re building, one step at a time.

The End...

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