The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152: We Finally Found Our Way Home

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Evelyn’s POV

I grabbed Freya’s shoulders as she thrashed wildly in her bed. Her eyes were squeed shut, face twisted in terror, every muscle rigid like she was still fighting for her life in that dungeon

Treya, I’m right here. You’re safe now, I said, trying to keep my voice gentle. When she didn t respond, still struggling against invisible attackers, I had to get firmer. Freya, wake up! Right now!

Her eyes finally snapped open, but she immediately scrambled backward, pressing herself against the corner of the bed. I raised my hands to show I wasn’t a threat. The door suddenly burst open as Diana, Taric, and Sophia rushed in, their aces etched with worry. This only spooked Freya more, making her curl into a tight ball between the headboard and wall.

Freya, look at me. Just at me, I repeated until she finally focused on my face. He pupils were huge, eyes unfocused physically awake but mentally still trapped in her nightmare. ‘We’re safe now. We escaped. We found our way home”

When I reached for her hand, she flinched away.

“What do I do? I asked without turning around. She seems worse now than when we were actually in that place.”

–

Get her to describe what she sees,’ Diana suggested. ‘It reconnects the brain to reality. Ask her about everything she can see, hear, feel, and taste it helps

with panic attacks.”

I nodded, keeping my eyes on Freya. “Hey, I said firmly but gently, avoiding that ondescending tone people use with kids. “Look at me. We’ll get through this together, but you need to work with me. If you can hear me, just nod.”

1inched closer, just enough to touch her fingertips. Her eyes finally focused on my face.

‘Deep breath, I coached. Tell me what you see right now.”

Her gaze darted around nervously. “I… I see you.”

What else?

“The sheets all tangled around my legs. Some people by the door with Diana. Do remember their names. A hint of a smile crossed her face progress.

Good. Keep going

Another bed across from us yours, I guess. Table and chairs in the corner.

I nodded. ‘Now what can you feel?”

Your fingers touching mine. Her smile grew slightly more genuine. The soft be Warm alt from the vent.”

And what do you hear?

As I asked, color gradually returned to her face, her eyes clearing as fear receded

“People breathing Voices in the hallway. She corked her head. “Where exactly a we? I hear lots of people talking. And… silverware clinking?”

I stayed focused. There d be time later to show her around the training center.

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Chapter 152: We Finally Found Our Way Home

She closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them, they held more clarity. Wait, I can smell myself. She wrinkled her nose. “God, I need a shower.”

We both laughed, breaking the tension.

“We both do, I agreed. “But first, what else can you smell?”

“Bacon! I smell actual food!” Our stomachs growled simultaneously, making us laugh harder. The others joined in softly from the doorway. Freya noticed them and immediately clutched the sheets tighter, wrapping them around herself

“Hey, look at me.” I redirected her attention before panic could resurface. I handed her a water bottle. “What can you taste?”

She examined the bottle cautiously before taking a small sip. “Just water. Nothing else in it.” She looked back at me, slightly more relaxed.

“See? We really are safe now.” I stood up. “Now, before all the bacon’s gone, let’s shower and head downstairs. I’m starving.”

She followed me to the adjoining bathroom. I helped her adjust the water temperature and told her I’d leave the door slightly ajar so Diana and I could hear if she needed anything.

While waiting outside, I went to Sophia and gave her a warm hug. “Thanks for coming to get us.”

I turned and hugged Taric next. His muscular arms wrapped around me, my fingertips barely touching behind his back.

“We’ll always come for you, little one,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. “Not just because you’re a Sentinel, but because you’re family.”

Those simple words hit me hard. I hugged him tighter, fighting back tears not fom sadness, but from how much that meant to me.

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Freya emerged wearing the blue training outfit I’d left for her. I showered next, rushing so I wouldn’t leave her alone too long. I wasn’t sure how comfortable she felt in this strange place with people she barely knew.

The hot water felt amazing as I scrubbed away days of grime and trauma. I realized I needed to ask how long we’d been gone I’d completely lost track of time. I dried off with a fluffy towel, grateful for such a simple luxury, and change into clean training clothes.

When I came out, Sophia and Diana were talking with Freya, who seemed to be ting to follow the conversation despite looking uncomfortable.

‘I’m starving, I announced. “Freya, ready to head downstairs? It’ll be crowded and noisy. If that’s too much, we can eat up here instead.”

“No, I’m fine,’ she took a deep breath like she was preparing for battle. “I can’t he forever. Just… don’t leave me, okay?” She looked up at me, seeming almost embarrassed by the request.

‘I won’t, I promised, linking my arm with hers as we headed out with Sophia and Diana following.

I need to grab some supplies from the medical center for you both, Diana said, buching my shoulder gently. I’ll be back in about an hour. Nadia’s been driving everyone crazy wanting updates.”

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