Chapter 10 - THE UNBROKEN HORIZONThe sun began to set over the Atlantic Ocean, casting brilliant streaks of amber, violet, and deep gold across the calm water.
Rachel stood at the edge of the porch railing, looking out at the light, a soft breeze tossing her dark curls.
“Do you ever think about that night?” Rachel asked softly, not turning around. “The night you found me in the dark?”
I walked over to the railing, standing beside her, resting my arms against the cool wood.
“Sometimes,” I admitted honestly. “When the wind blows hard through the pines.”
Rachel turned to face me, her eyes clear, bright, and completely free from the ghosts of her past.
“When I heard that door open,” Rachel murmured, her voice rich with emotion, “and I saw a woman standing in a silk wedding dress... I thought you were just another victim he was going to lock away.”
She reached out, gently touching my arm.
“I didn't know an army had just stepped into the room,” she smiled.
“An army of one, Rachel,” I replied, looking out at the wide horizon. “Supported by good logistics.”
We both laughed, our voices carrying out over the quiet harbor as the first stars began to bloom in the evening sky.
The dark rooms were gone. The chains were melted into scrap metal. The monsters were locked away in concrete cells beneath federal mountains.
And standing on the high granite coast of Maine, bathed in the golden light of an unbroken sunset, Brigadier General Elena Ward finally enjoyed her quiet life.
May you like
Not because she was weak.
But because she had won.
