WINTER IS COMING

[Raven]

Kailen stayed quiet as they were introduced and welcomed into the house. He knew Stephanie was better with people, and his hands and jaw clenched as they mentioned that people had died, but he still said nothing. As the owner of the house apologized, Kailen said, with a hint of dry humor and a hint of sourness, "We'll live."

[Doom]

Blake looked at Kailen with sadness in his eyes. "And what's your name, son?"

[Raven]

"Kailen," he said.

[Doom]

"You haven't said much," Blake said. "Why is that?"
Monique bit her lip, unsure if she should intrude.

[Gifted]

"After what we've seen today, I'd say he's been about as chatty as you could expect." Stephanie said pointedly. "Thank you so much for helping us.

[Doom]

Blake nodded. "Of course. I'm glad you took the initiative to get away from danger instead of waiting for it to come to you."
Monique flinched at this but said nothing.
"I'll bring these to the guest room," said Cam, holding the luggage they'd brought. "You can sort it out whenever."
"Now that your vehicle has been emptied, let's get it back to town without further delay." Blake nodded out the window. "I've got a truck stashed away nearby. I can pick you up."
"I could drive it back into town," suggested Cam, returning from the guest room, luggageless. "These kids have dealt with a lot already. No need to put them at risk again."
"Is that alright, Stephanie?" asked Blake. "Would you prefer to drive back into town or let Cam handle it?"

[Gifted]

"I'd like to do it myself." Stephanie said, recalling earlier comments about it being dumped in the river. "How will I contact you to ask to be picked up? We don't have cell phones. Those can be wiretapped and tracked via GPS. We ditched them immediately."

[Doom]

"No need to contact me," said Blake. "I'll follow behind you. Drive as close as you like to town, then walk the path you drove to get back to me. We can leave as soon as you're ready."
Monique gave Stephanie a nervous look.

[Gifted]

Stephanie nodded. "Alright." She looked to the other two. "I'll be right back, okay guys?"

[Doom]

"Okay," said Monique, still nervous-looking. "Drive safe."

[Raven]

Kailen looked uncertain, but he nodded. "Be careful, Steph," he said seriously.

[Gifted]

"I will. Don't worry, I still have my fake IDs and stuff." She waved and went outside to get into the rental car and drive to the city.

[Doom]

Blake followed Stephanie out the door, heading to his truck.

Cam sat on the sofa and opened a book, saying nothing to Monique or Kailen.
"Should we go unpack?" Monique whispered to Kailen.

[Gifted]

Stephanie got into the rental car and drove into town. She was nearly on the other side of the city before she stopped, parked it, locked the doors and put the keys in the glovebox. Then she began walking back the way she came.

[Doom]

Blake was parked on the side of the road, truck still running, waiting for Stephanie to get in.