The Sterling Private Airfield. New York. Dawn.The stealth jet touched down, its tires screeching on the wet runway. The sun was just rising, painting the sky in soft shades of orange.Waiting on the tarmac stood Jackson, Serenity, Margaret, and even Liam.As soon as the ramp lowered, Serenity ran forward.The "New Vanguard" walked out. They looked terrible.Mia had a bandage on her forehead and was limping. Kael’s suit was shredded. Alex looked like he hadn’t slept in a week, his face pale and eyes red."You look like you went through a meat grinder," Jackson said, his voice gruff, hiding his immense relief. He grabbed Mia and checked her pupils. "Concussion?""I’m fine, Dad," Mia swatted his hand away, grinning. "You should see the other guys. Specifically, the giant robot I blew up.""I am proud," Liam nodded at Kael. "You fought well, wolf pup."But then, the atmosphere shifted.Alex walked down the ramp, holding the hand of a girl.Cassandra.She wore Alex’s oversized hoodie over
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