THE UNBROKEN

Back in Marisiana, the cheers rose like birdsong.

The sound of victory carried through the trees and across the water, echoing off stilted homes and lantern-lit walkways.

Parents clutched their children tight, sobbing softly into curly hair, into small shoulders, into palms pressed against tiny backs. Elders leaned on carved canes, eyes glinting with tears, lips trembling in silent gratitude. Many had feared they would not live long enough to see this day.

Peace.

The garrison that had stayed behind to guard the growing trading post was already deep in their cups, drinking and laughing, toasting those who'd returned from the frontlines. Some lifted their glasses toward the jungle, toward the bloodied horizon, murmuring thanks to those who hadn't.

Phineus and Alejandro made their way back through the crowd, Aurora already running to meet them, Esperanza bouncing on her hip.

The little girl's eyes shone bright with wonder, and something more. A strange, eerie sort of knowing.

As if she understood what had happened.

As if she had felt it in her blood, the same way her parents had conjured storms and fire.

When the three of them met in the clearing, words failed.

They simply stared at each other.

Teary-eyed. Whole. Alive.

Alejandro's lip quivered. His hand moved to cradle Esperanza's cheek, but then he paused.

Aurora gave a small nod and gently passed her to him.

Alejandro took her with shaking arms, kissed her curls, and then, after a long moment, passed her to Phineus.

"Go," Phineus said quietly, the unspoken understood. He turned with the baby and disappeared down the walkway, toward the Matteo bungalow, giving them space.

Alejandro didn't say anything at first.

He just stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Aurora, burying his face in her neck.

At first, she stiffened.

Shocked.

Wanting to push him away.

But then… her body began to tremble.

The dam broke.

She sobbed; loud, raw, unrelenting. The way only someone who's buried years of betrayal, longing, and silent loyalty can sob.

"I'm sorry," Alejandro whispered hoarsely.

His whole frame shook.

"I'm so sorry I didn't escape sooner. Gods, the time we missed- thirteen years, Aurora. You were all I thought about every damn day, my sunrise in the dark, I just-"

She pressed her hand over his mouth.

She didn't care that people were watching. That whispers floated around them. That the celebration had shifted into hushed awe.

Her other hand clutched at his back, nails digging through fabric.

Their tears mixed. Their scars touched.

"You're here now," she whispered. Voice breaking.

She pulled back to look at him, fierce and shining, silver eyes wet and wild.

"Blast it all, Alejandro. I can't deny you. I don't want this ache anymore. Please, I-"

He kissed her.

Long.

Slow.

As if it were the first time, and maybe the last.

As if he'd die if he didn't.

As if he were memorizing her all over again.

No sarcasm.

No witty remarks.

Just mouths meeting. Hands clutching. Two souls who had waited far too long to fall apart in one another's arms.

And Aurora, sharp, stubborn, proud Aurora, kissed him back. Arms thrown around his neck, her fingers threaded through his hair, giving in.

Letting herself want.

Letting herself heal.

That night, Phineus didn't return to his mother's quarters.

He laid Esperanza on the pallet beside him, her little feet curling against his side. He kissed her forehead, smiling.

They were safe. They were home.

He fell asleep that way. Peacefully, for the first time in months.

With his beloved baby cousin nestled beside him.

Under stars that finally didn't feel like they might fall.