Echoes of Conscience

As their plane descended, they could see the familiar skyline of Blackthorn City ahead. Avery's heart pounded, a mixture of anticipation and horror flowing through her veins. They were back where it all started, but things had changed.

"You sure about this?" Lucas inquired, his hand touching hers in the dim cabin.

Avery jounced, her jaw set with determination."It's time we got some answers."

As they stepped onto the tarmac, the crisp night air struck Avery like a shock. It felt surreal to be back, like walking into an old photograph. But the problems were all too real.

They acted quickly, leveraging the network of relationships they'd built over the previous months. Within hours, they had established a safe house on the outskirts of the city, overlooking Blackthorn University's huge campus.