My hopes simultaneously plummet and soar as the silence drags on for what seems like forever. In hindsight, it was likely only a few seconds while they composed an answer.

Then Zila nods.

She nods.

We won.

The sudden rush of elation is strong enough that strength momentarily returns to my limbs and I'm able to hold on tightly to the warm object in my grip… a hand.

Violet eyes' hand.

Kal's hand.

That's his name. His name is Kal.

There's Kal and Zila and Tyler and Scarlett and Fin. Everyone. Everyone's here. They're all here. They're all here and all alive and we won.

We won.

No more fighting, no more war, no more impending doom and heavy burdens and responsibilities.

It is over. We won. And we're all here… Except Cat.

I suddenly notice the chaos around me, realizing that I must've zoned out for a moment.

They're frantic.

"I'm... okay." I manage through a scratchy, rough, painful throat.

They seem to sigh as one. Relieved that I'm not dying on them now.

I'm relieved too.

Because we won.

Please review, I'm not sure whether to continue the story...