Page 5 of Saving Noor

Sammy’s eyes brightened with gratitude, surprise flickering behind his steady gaze. Link’s faith buoyed and sustained him, strong and empowering.

A thick silence grew between them, no words needed, only understanding.

Sammy glanced away briefly, running a nervous hand through his hair before meeting Link’s eyes again.

“Thanks, Dad,” he whispered, voice full of respect and quiet determination. “I promised her. I have to.”

Link’s eyes softened. With a simple nod, he gave Sammy the final confirmation he needed. “Alright, then. Let’s do this.” He reached over and put the monitors to sleep, the screens dimming but the communication center still humming softly with activity.

Quickly, he tapped the comms. “Swede, we’re packing up to move out.”

The moment held a sharp jolt of finality.

Sammy grabbed his pack, the familiar gear and essentials settling over him like a second skin. The straps pressed firmly against his shoulders, transforming the boy he was into the soldier he needed to become. Each buckle and pouch felt laden with responsibility, a silent reminder that childhood had given way to duty.

Link followed as Sammy moved through the farmhouse where their team readied themselves.

Shadow and Jax were finishing preparations: dressed casually, blending in, weapons minimal but hidden. Yet their posture, their eyes, their every move spoke of vigilance. The readiness was quiet but unmistakable.

Fresh pine-scented air hit Sammy as he stepped outside with Link. The gravel driveway buzzed with activity around the armored SUV.

Bear and Flora huddled near the hood, speaking quietly with Link, while children and dogs weaved through the adults in chaotic orbits, a normal morning’s energy that felt foreign beneath the promise of what lay ahead.

Amelia clung to Moose’s leg, firing one question after another.

“Who’s keeping Sammy safe? Is Shadow coming? What about Jax? My dad’s not going this time.”

Moose laughed, trying to load a gear bag around Amelia, then scooped her up to end the questioning. The girl’s giggles trailed back toward the farmhouse as Salty yipped behind.

Kenzi tugged Sammy’s sleeve, her eyes wide and locked on him alone.

“I looked up Basra last night,” she said softly, her voice serious. “Did you know the markets there are super old? Like, hundreds of years old. The alleys are really narrow, and there’s always lots of people. It sounds so busy, even when it’s really hot. I even found some maps that show how everything is! It’s like the city’s heartbeat or something.”

Sammy was taken off guard by the seriousness, but before he could answer, Rhys nudged Kenzi gently on the arm. “Hey, Kenzi, give me a minute alone with Sammy, alright? Time’s short.” Kenzi frowned briefly but nodded, stepping aside without protest, giving Sammy the space Rhys knew they needed.

Rhys leaned in close, voice low.

“Scared?”

Sammy hesitated, then nodded.

Rhys smiled softly. “You got this. Remember all the training you’ve done since you’ve been at the farm. You’re ready. Bring your mom back, Sam.”

Sammy bumped fists with Rhys, steadying himself.

“Load up!” Link’s voice cut through the morning din.

Bear stepped away from the SUV and gave Link a meaty hand on the shoulder before locking eyes with Sammy.

“Bring her home, son. We’ll hold the fort.”

Flora didn’t wait; she pulled Sammy into a tight, fierce hug, soft and steady. A hug that he imagined his mom’s would feel like after all those years apart.

“Be safe,” she whispered, releasing him before any awkwardness could grow.

Link pulled Moose aside, his brow lifting in surprise. “I didn’t expect you and Elena to come all the way from Tennessee,” he said quietly. “I heard your mom’s recovering from her accident. How is she holding up?”

Moose hesitated a moment before replying. “She’s healing…getting back on her feet. She still gets lost sometimes, drifting away with the music in her head. But she’s steady. We built her a music studio now—something to keep her from wandering.”