Chapter 99: Epilogue

He pauses on the bank of the river, chest heaving, lungs on fire. His thighs burn from the speed he's kept, his feet

screaming for rest. The trees shudder around him from a growing wind, showering him with needles. He grins into the

sunrise, the scent of warming air, the call of waking birds. So familiar, good memories married to horrible.

This is home.

It doesn't matter how far he's come, what jobs he completes, who he loves and loses. This is sweet, fate, destiny.

She pants beside him, ever faithful, her glossy black coat shining in the growing light. Her wet nose nudges his hand.

She is eager to continue and he is happy to oblige her.

Even after a century, and for as long as he may live, the need is with him.

Reid runs.