A beam from a powerful flashlight cut through the darkness and lit the figure staggering from the forest. Even at this distance I could see that Jamie was a mess.

I struggled to free myself from Morton’s grasp, but he was far too strong. Jamie stared into the bright light, took another unsteady step forward, and collapsed.

“Bring him,” Rose ordered. Then to me, “It’s alright, Grace. He’ll be safe now. Please come with me.”

Relief cascaded over me and tears slipped down my cheeks. We’d made it. Both Jamie and I had encountered the Fury and lived to tell about it. Rose would honor that.

I stepped back to where she stood as Ralph and Morton hurried to Jamie, hoisted him to his feet, and dragged him through the gate.

“Now you know,” Rose said softly beside me. “Now we all know.” Then, “Go home, Grace. I will see to Jamie’s needs and speak to him first.”

I LAY ON MY BED, LOST IN MY THOUGHTS. UNNERVing ones that kept me awake despite my exhaustion. My small side-table lamp gave off just enough light to cast most of my bedroom in shadows. My eyes wandered around the room—simple furnishings, one twin bed, one wooden desk and matching chair, one tall dresser, one nightstand and lamp, walls nearly bare except for the painting of red roses that hung over my headboard.

Everything was tidy and in its place, as required. The few clothes I owned were neatly folded inside drawers or hanging in the closet across from me. Apart from some personal items—a few devotionals, a journal, and a small box under my bed where I stored my paints—I owned nothing. Idolizing things was a sin, so the community at large attended to only what it needed for survival.

Every inch of my room was familiar, yet now it all seemed different. I knew the difference was really in me, but how?

I lost track of time. They’d taken Jamie to the medical clinic immediately and I’d asked to go with him, but Rose had refused. News of our return had brought my mother to tears of joy. She’d been allowed to go to Jamie’s side. Ralph and Morton had been positioned at the front and back door of my home to “protect” me. From what, I didn’t know. Rose and Harrison would want to speak with me, but not before morning. Until then I should rest and pray for my brother.

I was still unsure how he’d made it to the gates so soon after I had. It was only one of many questions I couldn’t answer. Where had Bobbie gone? What was she? Had the Fury destroyed the people in the city we’d seen? Why hadn’t they attacked us until we stopped for the night? How many were there and how close were they to Haven Valley? Was Jamie okay?