Matthew Wild
The air was thick with the scent of herbs and the faint tang of blood, mingling with the tension that hung over us. I sat in a worn wooden chair by Arney's bed, the creak of its joints the only sound in the otherwise silent room. Arney lay unconscious, his chest rising and falling slowly, each breath a small reassurance that he was still with us.
His mother sat on the other side of the bed, her shoulders hunched as she wept quietly. Her tears fell onto Arney's hand, which she held tightly, as if her grip alone could anchor him to this world. Her sobs were soft, but they cut through the silence like a knife, each one echoing the helplessness we all felt.
Alice and Elizabeth stood nearby, their faces etched with concern. Alice had her arms wrapped around herself, as if trying to ward off the chill that seemed to permeate the room, while Elizabeth hovered near the bed, her eyes fixed on Arney with a mixture of worry and determination.
"He will be okay, Mum," I called out to her, trying to inject some confidence into my voice. But the words felt hollow, almost like a prayer more than a certainty.
Arney's mother didn't look up, her focus entirely on her son, but her grip on his hand tightened, as if she were holding onto my words for strength. "He has to be," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I can't lose him too."
Alice shifted beside me, her expression softening as she glanced at Arney's mother. "He's strong. He's made it this far," she said gently, though there was a tension in her voice that betrayed her own fears.
Elizabeth, still standing at the bedside, nodded in agreement. "He's a fighter, he's not going anywhere."
Arney's mother finally turned to look at us, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She shook her head slowly, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I don't know what mess you and Arney have gotten into," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and frustration. "But whatever it is, it nearly cost me my son."
I felt a wave of guilt crash over me, knowing that our choices had put Arney in this position. "I'm so sorry," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I was just trying to help."
Arney's mother looked down at her son, her expression softening as she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "I just want him to be safe," she whispered, her voice cracking. "That's all I've ever wanted."
"I'll make sure of it," I said firmly. "No matter what it takes."
...
Arney was left at home to rest, his mother's watchful eyes never leaving his side. I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me, but there was still work to be done. Alice, Elizabeth, and I made our way to the tavern, the cool night air biting at our skin as we hurried through the dimly lit streets.
The tavern was quieter than usual, the usual raucous laughter and clinking of mugs replaced by hushed conversations and the occasional glance in our direction. We pushed through the door, the warm glow of the lanterns inside offering a welcome contrast to the cold outside. The three of us moved toward a secluded corner, where Throne was already waiting, a serious expression on his face.
"Throne," I greeted him, sliding into a seat across from him. Alice and Elizabeth followed suit, their expressions mirroring the tension in the air.
Throne didn't waste any time. He leaned forward, his voice low. "I've been looking over those papers you and Arney lifted from the Valorian general. There's something big here, bigger than any of us thought."
My heart raced. "What did you find?"
Throne spread out the papers on the table, pointing to a series of maps and documents marked with symbols and codes. "These aren't just military orders. They're plansâplans for a full-scale invasion. The Valorians are gearing up for something massive, and it's not just about taking territory. They're after something specific, something they think is here."
"What could they possibly be looking for?" Alice asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.
Throne shook his head. "That's the part I haven't figured out yet. But whatever it is, they're willing to tear this place apart to get it."
Elizabeth leaned in closer, her eyes scanning the documents. "If they're planning an invasion, we need to warn Sebastian. We have to be prepared."
"We will," Throne replied, his tone grim. "But we need more information first. We need to find out what they're after, and why it's so important to them. Otherwise, we'll be fighting blind."
As Throne finished speaking, the tension in the room thickened, a palpable sense of urgency hanging in the air. We needed to act quickly, but just as we were about to delve deeper into our plan, the tavern door burst open with a loud crash.
A group of hooded figures stormed in, their cloaks dripping from the rain outside, faces obscured in shadow. The usual murmur of conversation died down instantly, replaced by an uneasy silence as every patron in the room turned to stare at the newcomers. Something about them set my nerves on edge, a chill running down my spine as they advanced toward our table with purpose.
"Who the hell are they?" Alice whispered, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Throne didn't answer, his gaze fixed on the hooded figures as they drew closer. I could see his hand inching toward his belt, where he kept a knife hidden, ready for anything.
Without warning, the lead figure lunged forward, flipping the table and scattering the papers across the floor. The suddenness of the attack caught us all off guard, and before I could react, one of them grabbed Throne by the collar, slamming him against the wall.
Chaos erupted around us. The other bandits drew their weaponsâdaggers glinting in the dim lightâsending the tavern into a frenzy. Patrons scrambled to get out of the way, knocking over chairs and tables in their haste. Shouts and screams filled the air as the fight broke out, fists and blades clashing in a violent dance.
One of the bandits came at me, his blade slicing through the air. I barely had time to react, raising my arm to block the attack. Pain shot through me as the dagger tore through my sleeve, leaving a deep gash across my forearm. I hissed in pain, but there was no time to dwell on itâthe bandit was already coming at me again.
Alice and Elizabeth were fending off two others, their movements quick and calculated. Elizabeth's eyes blazed with fury as she parried a blow, countering with a swift strike that sent her attacker reeling. Alice, agile and precise, managed to dodge another bandit's wild swings, but the sheer number of them made it difficult to hold our ground.
Throne, meanwhile, was grappling with the man who had him pinned against the wall. Blood dripped from a cut above his eye, but he fought back with a ferocity I hadn't seen before, determined to keep hold of the precious documents.
But it wasn't enough.
With a swift, brutal motion, the leader of the bandits yanked the papers from Throne's grasp, shoving him aside. Throne hit the ground hard, gasping for breath as the man stepped back, the stolen documents clutched in his hand.
"Matthew!" Alice screamed as she saw me struggling to fend off another attack, her voice full of panic.
I swung wildly at the bandit in front of me, but my arm was weakening, blood pouring from the cut. The room spun around me as I tried to stay on my feet, but the pain was becoming overwhelming. I staggered back, barely managing to keep the bandit's blade from slicing me open again.
The leader of the bandits, now holding the stolen papers, barked an order to his comrades. "We've got what we came for. Time to go!"
With that, the bandits began to retreat, their movements swift and coordinated despite the chaos. One of them kicked over a chair as they backed away, creating more confusion and hindering anyone who might try to follow.
Throne, still on the ground, tried to push himself up, blood streaming down his face. "No! Don't let them get away!" he roared, his voice thick with desperation.
I tried to move, tried to block their path, but the pain in my arm was too much. My vision blurred, and I stumbled, crashing into a table. The bandits were almost to the door, their figures blending into the dark as they made their escape.
Alice and Elizabeth fought to the last second, desperately trying to cut off the bandits' retreat, but it was too late. The leader shoved past them, and in a flurry of movement, the group disappeared into the night, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
The tavern was a wreck. Broken chairs and overturned tables littered the floor, mingling with the blood of those who had been caught in the fray. The other patrons, those who hadn't fled, were groaning in pain or cowering in fear, their eyes wide with shock.
Alice rushed to my side, her face pale as she took in the blood soaking my sleeve. "Matthew, you're hurtâbadly."
"I'm fine," I lied through gritted teeth, trying to steady myself against the pain. "But they got the papers..."
Throne finally managed to get to his feet, swaying slightly as he wiped the blood from his brow. His expression was a mix of anger and frustration, his fists clenching at his sides. "Those bastards... they knew exactly what they were after."
Elizabeth moved quickly to Throne, steadying him as he caught his breath. "We have to get out of here," she said, her voice urgent. "They won't be the last ones after those papers. If they find out where we are, they'll come back."
I nodded, my mind racing despite the pain. "We need to regroup... figure out our next move."
Alice tore a strip of cloth from her own cloak, wrapping it tightly around my arm to stem the bleeding. "Let's get you patched up first. We can't afford to lose you too. Sebastian would fucking kill us."
With the urgency of our situation clear, we wasted no time. Throne, Alice, Elizabeth, and I bolted out of the tavern, leaving the wreckage behind. The cool night air hit us as we sprinted down the narrow, dimly lit streets, our footsteps echoing off the cobblestones. My injured arm throbbed with every step, but I forced myself to keep moving. We couldn't afford to slow down, not with those papers in the wrong hands.
"Keep moving!" Throne urged, his voice strained as he pushed ahead, guiding us through the maze of alleys. I could see the tension in his posture, the adrenaline still coursing through him after the fight.
As we rounded a corner, the shadows seemed to close in around us, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. Suddenly, we collided with a figure stepping out of the darkness. The impact was jarring, sending all of us stumbling.
Throne, ever ready for a fight, reacted instinctively. He swung his fist at the stranger, aiming to take him down before he could become a threat. But the man was quickâtoo quick. He dodged Throne's punch with a fluid motion, then retaliated with a powerful blow that sent Throne reeling backward, nearly knocking him off his feet.
Without thinking, I raised my good arm, preparing to strike back. But the stranger was faster. He lashed out, his hand connecting with my injured arm. The pain was instant and excruciating. A scream tore from my throat as I doubled over, clutching my arm in agony.
"Matthew!" Alice cried out, her voice filled with panic. She lunged forward, ready to defend me, but the stranger suddenly froze, his eyes widening as he registered the name she had just called out.
"Matthew?" the man repeated, his voice filled with disbelief.
Alice paused, confusion etched on her face. "Wait... Marcus?"
The stranger hesitated for a moment before reaching up to remove his hood, revealing his face. It was Marcus, his features familiar despite the shadows and the years that had passed. His eyes, full of shock and relief, locked onto mine.
"What the fuck, Marcus," Alice snapped, her voice sharp with adrenaline. "You can't just come at us like that!"
Marcus, still catching his breath, looked from me to Alice and Elizabeth, his expression softening as he recognized them. "Alice, Elizabeth... you guys are here too?" His voice was laced with disbelief, as if he couldn't quite believe his eyes.
"Yes, we are," Elizabeth replied, her tone a mix of exasperation and relief. She glanced at the bloodstained bandage on my arm before turning back to Marcus. "And we've had a hell of a night. What are you doing here?"
"Matthew... It's really you," Marcus said, his voice a mix of wonder and concern. He quickly moved to steady me, his grip gentle as he took in the sight of my injury. "I can't believe it. After all these years... what the hell happened to you?"
The pain in my arm was momentarily forgotten as I stared at him, a mix of emotions flooding my chest. "Marcus... I thought I'd never see you again."
Marcus's eyes softened, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips, but before he could respond, Throne cut in, his voice laced with frustration. "I'm guessing this is another fucking royal," he gritted out, his patience clearly wearing thin. "We don't have time for a reunionâthose bandits stole the fucking papers."
Marcus's expression turned serious as the gravity of the situation settled in. "I know," he said, his tone urgent. "That's why we need to move. They've got a head start, but we can still catch them if we hurry."
Throne shot me a look that was equal parts exasperation and concern. "You sure you can keep going, Winston? That arm doesn't look good."
I clenched my jaw against the pain, forcing myself to nod. "I'll manage. We can't let those papers get away, not after everything we've been through."
"Alright, then," Throne said, glancing at the rest of the group. "Let's get those bastards."
Marcus led us swiftly, his familiarity with the terrain evident as he navigated the shadows. "They can't have gotten far," he called back over his shoulder. "We need to head towards the docks. They might be planning to escape by ship."
"Why the hell would they go there?" Throne asked, struggling to keep pace beside me. "It's crawling with guards."
"They think they can slip away unnoticed in the chaos," Marcus replied, urgency lacing his voice. "But if we hurry, we might still intercept them."
Alice and Elizabeth stayed close, their expressions a mix of determination and fear. Elizabeth glanced back at me, her brow furrowed with worry. "How's your arm holding up?"
"I've had worse," I lied, forcing a smile, but I could feel the blood seeping through the makeshift bandage Alice had wrapped around me. I needed to focus on the task at hand, not my injuries.
As we rounded a corner, the sound of shouting reached our earsâloud and frantic, mingled with the crashing of waves. We paused, exchanging glances. "That sounds like them," Throne whispered, tension coiling in the air.
Marcus nodded, his expression resolute. "Let's move."
We crept closer, the sounds of the docks growing louder as we approached a dimly lit area where the shadows danced against the wooden crates. I could make out figures in the distanceâhooded men shoving items into a small boat, their movements hurried.
"There they are!" Marcus hissed, pointing towards the bandits. "We can take them by surprise if we act now."
Throne stepped forward, his fists clenched. "Let's go!"
With a battle cry, we charged forward, our feet pounding against the wooden planks of the dock. The bandits, startled by our sudden appearance, turned to face us, their eyes widening in shock.
"Stop right there!" Throne bellowed, advancing on the nearest bandit. The man raised his weapon, but Throne was faster, delivering a swift punch that sent the bandit sprawling.
Alice and Elizabeth engaged the others, their movements fluid and fierce, but I hung back, the pain in my arm blurring my focus. I watched as Alice tackled one of the bandits to the ground, and Elizabeth deftly disarmed another.
In the chaos, I spotted the leader of the bandits, the one who had taken the papers. He turned to flee, darting towards the boat. I gritted my teeth, forcing my legs to move despite the pain, and sprinted after him.
"Matthew, wait!" Marcus shouted, but I didn't stop. I had to catch him.
The leader leaped into the boat, his hands reaching for the oars. I lunged forward, just as he turned, and caught him by the collar. "Not so fast!" I shouted, pulling him back.
He swung a fist at me, connecting with my side and sending a jolt of pain through my body. "Get off me, you fool!" he yelled, scrambling to regain his footing.
I stumbled back, but not before throwing a punch of my own, catching him in the jaw. He staggered, and I lunged again, grappling for the stolen papers that he clutched tightly in his hands.
In that moment, I felt a surge of determination, fueled by everything that had happenedâthe chaos, the pain, and the weight of responsibility. I couldn't let him escape with what we needed. I had to do this for Arney, for Sebastian, and for everyone who had fought so hard.
With one last push, I wrestled the papers from his grip, pulling them free just as the rest of the group caught up with us. Throne was right behind me, his expression fierce as he approached the fallen bandit.
"Nice work, Winston," he said, a hint of respect in his tone. "Now let's make sure they don't follow us back."
As we secured the bandit and his comrades, I clutched the papers tightly to my chest, relief flooding through me. We had what we needed, but the fight was far from over.
...
As the last of the bandits were subdued and secured, I found myself leaning against a stack of crates, breathing heavily. The pain in my arm was more insistent now, throbbing with every heartbeat. Marcus approached first, his face a mixture of relief and concern.
"You did good back there, Matthew," he said, clapping me gently on the shoulder. "But you need to get that arm looked at before it gets worse."
I nodded, wincing as the movement sent a sharp jolt of pain through me. "I'll manage. We couldn't let them get away with the papers. What do you think they wanted with them?"
Before Marcus could respond, Alice and Elizabeth joined us, both of them still catching their breath after the intense chase and fight. Alice's eyes scanned my arm, worry etched in her features. "You're hurt worse than you're letting on. We need to get you somewhere safe and stitch that up."
"Not until we find out who they are" I replied, though the exhaustion in my voice betrayed me.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement, though her eyes remained fixed on the blood-soaked bandage. "We will, but it's no use if you're bleeding out. Let's head to the innkeepers and go to our room. We'll take care of you there."
Marcus glanced around, assessing our surroundings. "Good idea. We can lay low and tend to your wounds while we figure out our next move."
Throne, still catching his breath from the fight, gave a curt nod. "Let's move quickly. We need to stay ahead of any more surprises."
With our next steps decided, we slipped through the narrow, winding streets, staying in the shadows to avoid any unwanted attention. The adrenaline from the fight was beginning to wear off, leaving a dull ache in its place as I pushed forward. Every step felt heavier, but I forced myself to keep going, knowing that we had to stay focused.
Eventually, we arrived at the inn where Alice and Elizabeth had secured a room. The inn was cozy, filled with the warm glow of lanterns and the scent of roasted meat from the kitchen. I felt a small wave of relief wash over me as we stepped inside, the familiar hum of conversation providing a sense of safety.
Once we reached their room, Marcus quickly shut the door behind us, ensuring we had some privacy. The space was small but comfortable, with a bed in one corner and a table in the center. Alice gestured for me to take a seat at the table while she gathered supplies.
"Just sit still, Matthew. I'll get you patched up in no time," she said, her voice firm yet soothing.
Elizabeth spread the stolen papers out on the table, her eyes scanning over the text with a mix of curiosity and urgency. "There's a lot here, seems like those bandits had more Valorian papers." she murmured, her fingers tracing the lines of writing. "Military plans, supply routes... and something about the capital."
Marcus leaned over her shoulder, his brow furrowing as he read along with her. "These are detailed. If the Valorians were planning something, this would give us a serious advantage. We need to get this information to Sebastian as soon as possible."
Throne paced near the door, keeping an eye out for any potential threats. "So we're playing messenger now, huh? Fine by me, as long as we get paid. But we need to be careful. Whoever sent those bandits isn't going to give up that easily."
"You think that's what they are targeting, the capital, Kinsley" I said terror running through me.
Throne paused, turning back to face me, his brow furrowed. "Could be. If they've got plans for the capital, it means they're making a move, and we can't let them get there first."
Alice focused on wrapping the bandage around my arm, her expression serious. "We need to know what we're dealing with. If they're planning something big, we have to find a way to counter it."
I winced as she tightened the bandage, but I managed to keep my composure. "What if the information on those papers leads to a way to stop whatever they're planning?" I asked, glancing at Elizabeth and Marcus, who were poring over the documents.
"Exactly," Marcus said, nodding as he pointed to a section of the map. "If we can decipher these routes and supply lines, we might be able to predict their next move. But we need to act fast."
Throne resumed his pacing, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "And if they figure out we have the papers before we can get them to the prince? We'll be sitting ducks."
Alice finished wrapping my arm and looked up, her eyes locking onto Throne's. "That's why we have to be strategic. We can't just rush in blindly. We need to find a way to send a message to Sebastian without drawing attention."
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes scanning the papers. "There has to be a secure way to reach him. We can't afford any mistakes."
As the weight of our situation settled over us, I felt a surge of determination. "We can do this. We've faced worse, and we're still standing. But we have to work together."
Throne stopped pacing and turned to face the group, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "Alright. Let's come up with a plan. We'll get these papers to Sebastian and figure out how to thwart whatever they're planning. But we need to keep our heads low and stay sharp."
"Agreed," Marcus said, stepping closer to the table. "Let's break this down. We need to figure out the most crucial information on these papers and decide how to deliver it without being seen."
Alice leaned over the table, her fingers tracing the lines of the map. "We should identify the routes they're using. If we can find out where they're headed, we can set a trap."
"Or at least warn Sebastian before it's too late," Elizabeth added, her expression fierce.
I felt a sense of unity wash over us. We were all in this together, and it didn't matter where we had come from; what mattered was where we were going. With our combined skills and determination, we had a chance to turn the tide.
"Let's get to work," I said, feeling a newfound sense of purpose. The road ahead would be fraught with danger, but we were ready to face it together.
...
As the dim light of the inn flickered from the nearby lantern, the room settled into an uneasy silence. Alice and Elizabeth were curled up on the beds, the exhaustion from the day's chaos finally catching up with them. I glanced over at Marcus, who was leaning against the wall, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I can't believe we've actually found you," Marcus said, his voice low but filled with relief.
"Yeah, I didn't think I would see you guys ever again," I responded, leaning back against the wall, the weight of the day's events pressing heavily on my shoulders.
Marcus chuckled softly, shaking his head. "After everything that's happened, it feels surreal. I thought you were lost to us for good."
I looked away, the memories of the past five years flooding backâdays filled with fear and loneliness, nights spent in hiding, and the hope that had slowly dimmed. "I couldn't make it to Wallucia. Arney saved me."
Marcus's expression shifted, a mixture of admiration and concern crossing his face. "Arney? The boy who got stabbed and killed the general. He's brave, how is he doing?"
I sighed, feeling the weight of my words. "He's alive, that's the main thing."
Marcus furrowed his brow, processing the information. "And what about you? Are you okay? That cut looked pretty deep."
"I'll be fine," I assured him, but the pain in my arm was a constant reminder of my vulnerability.
"Did Arney teach you how to fight? Because when you left, no offense, you were a wimp," Marcus teased, a hint of a grin breaking through the seriousness of our conversation.
I smirked despite the pain, shaking my head. "You have no idea how much I've had to adapt. Surviving out there wasn't easy. I've learned a thing or two along the wayâmostly out of necessity."
"Fair enough," Marcus replied, leaning back against the wall with an amused expression. "But I can't imagine you going toe-to-toe with someone back then. You were more likely to run away than throw a punch."
"True, but I've had my share of close calls. I've had to learn quickly," I said, my tone growing serious. "When you're on the run, every moment counts, and every decision can mean the difference between life and death."
Marcus nodded, his expression softening. "I get it. Arney clearly saw something in you worth saving. That kind of bravery doesn't just come from nowhere."
"I owe him everything," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."
"Keep speaking like that about him to Sebastian, and he'd get jealous," Marcus teased, a smirk creeping onto his face.
I chuckled, the lightness of his comment easing some of the heaviness in my chest. "Where is he? Clive said he saw him when Arney killed the general" I asked.
"He had to go back to the Kingdom. Your sister, Katharinaâshe was pregnant. She gave birth to a son." Marcus whispered, his voice lowering at the mention of her name.
My heart ached at that, a wave of conflicting emotions crashing over me. I had been so consumed by my own struggles that I hadn't stopped to think about what was happening back home. "A son? Wow, Sebastian has a child now?
"Yeah," Marcus replied, his tone somber. "You do you know it was forced right, that's how evil Katharina is"
"Yeah, I heard," I said, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "I knew she was desperate, but not enough to do that. It's just... cruel."
"Sebastian never wanted any of this," Marcus continued, his brow furrowing. "He was in a dark place after you left. Katharina used that weakness to manipulate him. She wanted a child to secure her power, to keep him tied to her. It's sickening."
I clenched my fists, frustration rising in me. "It's not fair. He deserves better than that." The thought of Sebastian being trapped in such a situation tore at my heart.
"You should have seen Alice when it was announced that the princess was bearing a child," Marcus said, a hint of a smile breaking through the seriousness of our conversation. "She got so angry, she trashed Sebastian's room. She thought he was betraying you."
My heart ached at the thought of Alice. "She cared that much?"
"Absolutely," Marcus replied. "She never stopped believing in you, Matthew. Then, when Sebastian finally told us the truth, he broke down. It was hard for all of us."
Tears fell down my face, hot and unbidden, as the weight of everything crashed over me. I had left them all behind, and they had fought my battles while I was lost in my own despair. "I didn't want any of this. If I could turn back time I would."
Marcus reached out, his hand resting on my shoulder. "You were the best thing that happened to Sebastian. And that's someone who's know him from his whoring days. I've never seem him this clear minded about someone. Someone who he actually cared about. You gave him strength, Matthew. After your sentence, it shattered him."
I took a shaky breath, the enormity of Marcus's words sinking in. "After a few years I thought he would move on, that he'd find someone else, someone who could give him what I couldn't."
"Never," Marcus said, his tone firm. "You don't understand. After you left, Sebastian was a shell of himself. He tried to put on a brave face, but we all saw through it. He fell into old habits, drinking too much, surrounding himself with people who didn't care about himâanything to numb the pain of losing you."
A knot formed in my throat as I processed the hurt I had unintentionally caused. "I didn't want that for him. I just want him happy."
Marcus shook his head. "And that's you. You make him happy"
"I want to see him so badly," I said, my voice thick with emotion. The longing in my heart felt almost unbearable, like a gaping wound that would only heal once I was with him again.
Marcus nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. "I already sent word to him. You will see him soon."
Relief washed over me, mingling with the lingering pain. "Thank you, Marcus. I don't know what I'd do without you and the others."
"Don't mention it," Marcus replied, his voice steady. "One step at a time."
I glanced over at Alice and Elizabeth, who were sleeping soundly despite the chaos. I was grateful for their presence and support. "We should rest too. We'll need all our strength for what's ahead."
Marcus agreed, and we settled into a quiet corner of the room, each lost in our thoughts. As I closed my eyes, I held onto the hope that soon, I would be reunited with Sebastian, that the fractured pieces of my past would finally come together.
The night wore on, and despite the pain and exhaustion, I felt a glimmer of hope. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but it would also bring the chance to make things right, to fight for the future I had thought was lost.