CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY ONE – THE LIFE THEY CHOSE

As they walked towards Maxwell's house for the meeting, Cassie felt a sense of purpose and belonging wash over her. This was her life now - fighting to protect a world she had only recently discovered, standing alongside the man she loved and the community that had become her family. It wasn't the life she had imagined for herself back in Chicago. It was something far more extraordinary. And despite all the dangers and challenges, despite the uncertain road ahead, Cassie wouldn't have it any other way. Cassie's heart pounded as she and Florian huddled in the dimly lit safe house. The scent of mold and dust filled her nostrils, a stark contrast to the life they'd left behind. "That was too close," Florian whispered, his eyes darting to the boarded-up windows. Cassie nodded, her voice trembling. "I thought... I thought we were done for back there." "Elena really came through for us," Florian said, a hint of admiration in his tone. "Yeah, but for how long can we keep relying on othe