Empty Authority

A commanding voice cut through the commotion from nearby.

The residents' expressions shifted all at once, and they dispersed without a word.

Only Tessa's face lit up. She whirled toward the newcomer with undisguised eagerness. "Caleb, you're finally back. I can't believe it. We actually ran into an old friend right here in the base."

Elora turned around.

It was Caleb, exactly as she'd expected.

He