Tess stepped through the vortex to Primus—the only place she could now call home. After being stranded in the modern world and revisiting her old district, it was clear: there was nothing left for her back there. No reason to return.
She passed under the archway that led to the courtyard with pool area, the water glinting in the midday light.
"Tess!" Zino squealed, her large, brown eyes practically popping out of her head.
In a blink, Tess found herself crushed in a tight hug, Zino's arms wrapped around her with bone-cracking force.
On the nearby lounge chairs, Zack and Szedra sat up in disbelief.
"Is it really you?" Zack asked, already getting to his feet.
Tess gently cleared her throat, giving Zino a small nudge to ease the death grip. She thought about deflecting with a sarcastic comment—but for once, the energy wasn't there.
"Yeah," she said instead. "It's me."
