The morning sun filtered through the trees surrounding the Hale house. Grey ran at full speed, his muscles tense and his breath steady, feeling the strength of his lineage flowing with every step. He leaped over a fallen root, spun in the air, and landed perfectly, noticing every small change in the forest floor beneath him.
Cora followed closely, weaving between branches and bushes with ease.
—Don't underestimate me! —she shouted, smiling as she briefly pulled ahead.
Grey grinned, both amused and focused.
—That was just luck! —he replied, speeding up to catch her.
The training continued like that, full of laughter and coordinated movements, until they finally stopped, panting, adrenaline still running through their veins. They sat on a fallen log, letting the forest wrap them in its silence and freshness.
Talia appeared between the trees, watching with pride and a hint of concern.
—You've both improved a lot —she said, arms crossed—. But remember: strength is important, yes, but control is even more so.
Grey nodded, wiping sweat from his forehead.
—I know, Talia. I feel like I can handle it better every day.
Cora leaned against him, watching the leaves drift down.
—This will be our last year before high school… —she murmured, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Talia smiled gently, sitting in front of them.
—I have news —she said, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes—. Laura will be coming back to wish you luck on your first day of high school.
Cora's eyes lit up, and Grey felt a small knot in his stomach, a mix of joy and nostalgia.
—She's coming! —Cora exclaimed, bouncing slightly—. I can't wait to see her.
Grey smiled, but his mind filled with memories of the fire. Five years had passed since that night that destroyed their home. He remembered every detail: the heat, the urgency to escape, the fear and loss, and how Talia had saved him and Cora while Peter fell into a coma and the house disappeared into the flames.
—It's been five years… —Grey said, more to himself than aloud—. And yet… here we are.
Talia placed a hand on Grey's shoulder.
—Yes, Grey. You've come this far. Every day since that night was a step toward who you are now. And you did it together, as a family.
Cora rested her head on Grey's shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her, sharing the warmth and security they both needed.
—I never thought we could… —Cora whispered—. Survive and be this strong.
—Neither did I —Grey replied—. But we did. And we'll keep doing it, no matter what.
They stayed silent for a few moments, listening to the wind rustling through the trees, the crunch of dry leaves, and the distant call of a bird. Simple moments, yet full of meaning. Every laugh, every look, every touch held memories and unspoken promises, the kind of bond forged only through years of shared experiences.
That afternoon, while gathering branches and preparing the clearing for their exercises, Grey and Cora talked about high school.
—Do you think it'll be different? —Cora asked, biting her lip nervously.
Grey smiled, trying to ease her worry.
—Yes, but exciting too. New people, new challenges… though nothing we can't handle.
Cora looked at him, a mix of amusement and something deeper neither of them would name.
—I guess I'm a little nervous… —she admitted—. But if we're together, I don't think I'll mind it so much.
—Exactly —Grey said, smiling—. Always together, remember?
They laughed softly, sharing a moment of closeness before returning to their exercises. Their jokes and meaningful silences showed just how close they were and how the years of training and shared experiences had built a bond beyond friendship.
That night, as twilight settled over the forest, Talia approached them, holding the phone with a serious expression.
—Grey… Cora… I just got a call —she said, her voice trembling slightly—. It's about Laura.
The young ones looked at her, and something in her face told them immediately that something was wrong.
—What is it? —Grey asked, his heart pounding.
Talia took a deep breath, trying to remain calm for them.
—She… she won't be coming. Laura… she's been killed. She was found… cut in half.
The world seemed to stop for a moment. Cora let out a small, choked scream and clung to Grey, her tears mixing with his. Grey felt a pang of helplessness and pain hit him like a wave.
—No… it can't be… —he whispered, voice breaking—. She was going to be here…
Talia held them both tightly, sharing the shock, trying to offer comfort amidst her own grief.
—I know it hurts… I know. But we must stay together. Remember everything we've learned, everything Laura represented for us.
Grey clenched his fists, letting the weight of the loss settle in, while Cora nestled against him, sharing the sorrow. For a moment, there was only silence, echoes of the past, and the certainty that the only thing they could control was their bond and the strength they had built together.
The moon shone above, casting silver light over the forest. The world kept turning, relentless and painful.