CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE – THE BATTLE IS OURS!

It wasn't until late that night, as the celebrations wound down, that Laura found a moment of quiet reflection. She stood at the edge of the compound, looking out over the territory that had been so fiercely contested. "Quite a view, isn't it?" Logan's voice startled her from her thoughts. He moved to stand beside her, his presence a comforting warmth in the cool night air. "It is," Laura agreed. "Hard to believe it's really over." Logan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "The war might be over, but we've got a lot of work ahead of us. Rebuilding, healing... it won't be easy." Laura turned to face him fully. "Logan, about everything that's happened... I know things have been strained between us. I want you to know that I never meant to-" Logan held up a hand, cutting her off gently. "I know, Laura. And I owe you an apology. I should have listened to you sooner, should have trusted your instincts about Carter and everything else." Laura felt a weight lift from her shoulders at his