The Road Less Traveled

"You know, I think we're lost," Sam murmured, squinting at the map in the dim light of the Impala's cabin.Dean's knuckles tightened on the steering wheel, his eyes never leaving the shadowy road ahead. "No, we're not. We're just... off the beaten path."The map crinkled as Sam folded it back into place. "Well, that's one way to put it. This road's been going on forever. Feels like we're driving into a black hole."Dean's grin was tight. "It's all part of the charm. Besides, it's not like we've got a GPS signal out here."The car's headlights pierced the darkness, revealing a narrow bridge up ahead. The wooden planks groaned ominously as the Impala rolled over them, the brothers' eyes widening as they spotted the dilapidated house perched on the other side of the river."This is it," Dean said, his voice low and tense. "The place where the trunk's supposed to be."They parked the car and stepped out into the damp night air, the smell of rotting leaves and stagnant water filling their nostrils. The house looked abandoned, its windows boarded up, the porch sagging under the weight of years of neglect."You ready for this?" Sam asked, gripping the handle of his knife tightly.Dean nodded, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of life. "As ready as we'll ever be."They approached the house with caution, the chill of the evening seeping into their bones. The front door was unlocked, and they stepped into a dusty foyer, the air thick with the scent of mildew and decay.Sam and Dean, using a map in their Impala, find themselves on a never-ending road in the dark. They spot a narrow, ominous bridge leading to a dilapidated house, which Dean identifies as their destination for finding the trunk. They proceed cautiously into the abandoned, unlocked house, feeling the eerie atmosphere surrounding them.Sam and Dean, driving in their Impala, believe they are lost on a never-ending road with no GPS signal. They find a narrow bridge leading to a dilapidated house, which Dean identifies as their destination for finding the trunk. They cautiously enter the abandoned, decaying house.The interior was as neglected as the outside, with cobwebs hanging from the ceiling and furniture covered in dust sheets. They moved stealthily through the house, their footsteps echoing in the silence.In the back, they found a door with an ancient lock. "This has to be it," Sam whispered, pulling out a set of lockpicks.Dean watched over his shoulder as Sam worked, his nerves on edge. The lock clicked open, and they pushed the door to reveal a staircase leading down into the basement.The stairs creaked with every step, the darkness below swallowing the light from their flashlights. At the bottom, they found a single room with a large, ornate trunk in the center."Here it is," Dean murmured, a mix of excitement and fear in his voice. "Barthamus's treasure trove."They approached the trunk, their hearts racing. The metal was cold to the touch, the intricate carvings seeming to shift in the flickering light."Ready?" Sam asked, and Dean nodded.They unlocked the trunk, the lid creaking open to reveal a sea of blackness. A sudden gust of wind blew out their lights, leaving them in total darkness.The house groaned around them, and the air grew colder. They could feel something was off.The brothers, having lost their way, arrive at a creepy, abandoned house via a narrow bridge. Inside, they navigate through a dusty, cobwebbed interior to an ancient, locked door. Successfully picking the lock, they discover a basement with a single, central room containing the ornate trunk they seek. Upon opening it, the room plunges into darkness and an eerie presence is felt."Jack?" Sam called out into the void, his voice barely a whisper. "Jack, are you here?"There was a faint rustling, and then a cough. "Guys?" The voice was weak, muffled, and it seemed to come from the depths of the open trunk.The brothers, Sam and Dean, enter an abandoned house and find a locked basement door. After picking the lock, they descend into a dark, single room with an ornate trunk. Upon opening it, they discover a mysterious blackness inside, and hear a weak voice, which turns out to be Jack's, calling for them from within.The brothers' hearts leaped into their throats. "Jack?" Dean called out, his hand reaching for the flashlight at his belt."I'm here," Jack's voice was faint, almost a whisper. "Help me."Dean fumbled for the flashlight, his hand trembling slightly as he flicked it back on. The beam pierced the darkness, illuminating the trunk's contents. Instead of treasure, they found Jack, bound and gagged with what looked like ancient cloth, his eyes wide with fear."What the hell?" Dean's voice was a harsh whisper.Sam's eyes widened as he took in the sight of their friend, his heart racing. "Jack, oh my God," he breathed, fumbling with the knots that bound Jack's wrists."Thanks," Jack murmured, his voice hoarse from the gag. "It's been a rough ride."Sam's eyes searched his face for injuries. "What happened, Jack? Who did this to you?"Sam and Dean, searching an eerie basement for a treasure, find their friend Jack trapped in the trunk. He's bound and gagged, with fear in his eyes. After freeing him, they ask about his ordeal and he confirms it's been a terrifying experience.Jack took a deep, shaky breath. "I left Sydney. I was looking for answers, trying to find a way to fix things," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "But then he found me.""Who found you?" Sam's voice was urgent, his eyes never leaving Jack's face.Jack's eyes darted around the room, as if expecting the kidnapper to jump out of the shadows at any moment. "A man, I don't know his name," he rasped. "He said he was looking for something, something powerful. He thought I could help him find it."Dean's jaw tightened. "What did he do to you?"Upon opening the trunk, Sam and Dean find Jack bound and gagged with ancient cloth. They free him and ask about his captor, learning that Jack left Sydney seeking answers and was kidnapped by an unknown man searching for something powerful.Jack winced as the gag was removed. "He didn't hurt me, not much anyway. He just... talked. A lot. He knew about me, about my powers."Dean's eyes narrowed. "What kind of man knows about you and thinks sticking you in a trunk is a good chat strategy?"Jack swallowed hard. "The kind that doesn't care much for small talk. He said he's been watching us, waiting for the right moment."The air grew colder, and the brothers exchanged a tense look. "We need to get out of here," Sam said firmly, his eyes darting around the room.Having found Jack in the trunk, the brothers learn he was abducted by a mysterious man seeking power. Jack, who left Sydney for answers, reveals his captor knew about his abilities and had been surveilling them, heightening their sense of urgency to leave the unsettling house.They helped Jack to his feet, and the three of them hurried back up the stairs, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the empty house. Once outside, they took a moment to breathe in the cool, damp air, feeling the weight of their discovery."Jack, why did you leave Sydney?" Sam asked, his voice tight with concern.Jack looked down at his hands, still shaking slightly from his ordeal. "I had to," he said softly. "I couldn't just sit there, not knowing if I could fix what I've done."Dean put a firm hand on his shoulder. "We're going to figure this out, okay?" His voice was gruff, but his eyes were kind.Jack nodded, his eyes haunted. "I know I hurt her, but I healed her," he said, his voice filled with regret. "It was an accident. I didn't mean to use my powers like that."Sam's expression was a mix of shock and concern. "Jack, what are you talking about?"Having freed Jack, the brothers learn that he left Sydney to find a way to control his powers and was kidnapped by a man who knew about him. The man claimed to have been watching them and only wanted Jack for his abilities, leaving Jack feeling guilty and afraid of his potential to cause harm.Jack took a deep, shaky breath. "Sydney... I... I accidentally hurt her. It was an outburst of power. I didn't mean to," he choked out.Dean's eyes widened in surprise. "You hurt Sydney?" he asked, his grip on Jack's shoulder tightening slightly.Jack nodded, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I didn't mean to," he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "It was a mistake, a complete accident. I just... I didn't know how to control it."Sam's expression softened. "It's okay, Jack. We've all made mistakes," he said, placing a comforting hand on Jack's arm. "But you can't keep running away from them."Jack looked up, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I know," he said, his voice barely audible. "But I'm so scared of what I might do. What if I hurt someone else?"Dean's grip on his shoulder loosened, his hand moving to give Jack's arm a reassuring squeeze. "We're here for you, kid," he said, his voice gruff but filled with sincerity. "We'll help you get through this."Jack nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "But it's not just that. It's... Mark and Sarah. They're dead."Dean's hand froze on Jack's arm, his eyes going wide with shock. "What?" he barked, his voice echoing in the stillness of the night.Sam nodded solemnly. "It's true," he said, his voice low and tight. "Sydney called me. She said you guys had to fight with Demons and she got hurt but you healed her, Jack."The brothers express shock at learning Jack hurt Sydney in an accidental power outburst, leading him to run away. Despite his fear of hurting others, they reassure him of their support. The gravity of Mark and Sarah's deaths weighs on them, and they discuss the battle with demons that preceded Jack's disappearance.Sam and Dean, using a map without GPS, arrive at an old house with a bridge. They find Jack, bound and gagged, in a trunk in the basement. He reveals he left Sydney seeking power control and was kidnapped by a man who wanted to exploit his abilities. The brothers express concern over Jack's accidental harm to Sydney and the demon battle before his disappearance.Jack's eyes searched their faces, looking for any sign of anger or accusation, but all he found was worry and a determination to help. "We need to get back to her," he said urgently. "The man who took me, he said he'd go after her."Dean's expression hardened. "Then we better get moving," he said, his voice a low growl. "We can't let that happen."Sam fished out his phone and dialed Jody's number as they hurried back to the Impala. "Jody, it's Sam. We found Jack, but it's not good," he said, his voice tight with tension. "There's a guy after him, and now he's after Sydney too."Dean's eyes darted to the rearview mirror as they sped away from the house, the headlights cutting through the darkness. "What's the plan?" he asked, his foot pressing harder on the gas pedal.Sam relayed the information to Jody as he climbed into the backseat next to Jack, who was already leaning against the door, looking pale and exhausted. "We're on our way back to the bunker," Sam said into the phone, his eyes on Jack in the mirror.Jody's voice was clear and calm over the line. "I'm already on it," she said. "I'll meet you there. What's the status on Jack?"Sam's eyes met Jack's in the mirror. "He's shaken, but okay. Physically, at least," he replied, his voice tight. "Emotionally, I'm not so sure."Jody's voice was firm and reassuring. "Keep him safe, Sam. I'll handle things here."After hearing Jack's confession and learning of the danger to Sydney, the brothers race back to the bunker. They contact Jody, who agrees to meet them there and handle the situation in their absence. Sam stays in touch, updating her on Jack's condition and the threat posed by the unknown man.Sam nodded, ending the call and slipping the phone back into his pocket. "Jody's on it," he said, his eyes on the road ahead. "She's going to check on Sydney and keep an eye out for this guy."Jack's breath hitched. "What if he's already there?"Sam's hand tightened around the phone. "We're going as fast as we can," he said, trying to reassure him. "We'll get to Sydney before he does."Jack's eyes were glued to the side window, the darkness outside a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions inside. "I shouldn't have left her," he murmured, his voice haunted. "If I'd just been more careful..."Dean's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, studying Jack's reflection. "You couldn't have known, Jack," he said, his voice firm. "You're not a mind reader."Jack's expression was haunted. "But I could've felt it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I should've felt something was wrong."Sam leaned back in his seat, his eyes on the road ahead. "Jack, you can't blame yourself for this. We're all in this together," he said firmly. "And we're going to figure out who this guy is and stop him."Dean nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving the mirror. "We've faced worse," he said, though the tension in his voice suggested otherwise.Jack leaned back, his eyes closing briefly. "I know," he murmured. "But it's different when it's someone you care about."Concerned for Sydney's safety, the group speeds to the bunker while Jack expresses guilt for leaving her. Sam reassures him that they're all in this together and will work to stop the dangerous individual. Dean, though visibly tense, echoes Sam's confidence in their ability to face adversity despite the gravity of the situation.The engine roared as Dean pushed the car to its limits, the tires eating up the miles of asphalt. The silence in the car was thick, punctuated only by the occasional crackle of the radio and the hum of the engine."We're almost there," Dean said, his eyes never leaving the road. "Just hold on a little longer, Jack."Jack nodded, his eyes still glued to the side window. The darkness outside was a stark reminder of the gravity of their situation. They were racing against time, against an unknown enemy who had already proven capable of capturing one of them."Sam," Jack's voice was barely a whisper, "what if we're too late?"Sam didn't answer immediately, his eyes focused on the road ahead. The silence grew heavier, each passing second a weight on their shoulders. "We won't be," he finally said, his voice steady despite the racing thoughts in his head. "We're going to get to Sydney before that guy does."Dean's knuckles were white on the steering wheel, his jaw set. "We've been through worse," he reiterated, trying to convince himself as much as Jack. "Remember the time we had to save Bobby from the Rugarus?"Sam nodded, his eyes on the GPS. "Almost there," he said, his voice tight.The tension in the car was palpable, the only sound the hum of the engine and the occasional static from the radio. They were racing against the clock, and every minute that ticked by felt like an eternity.As they pulled up to the Street, Jody's silhouette was already visible in the headlights, pacing back and forth in front of the house. She looked up as they approached, her expression a mix of relief and anxiety. She had her gun drawn, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble."Jack," she breathed, rushing to the car as they skidded to a halt. She pulled him into a tight hug, her eyes searching his face. "Are you okay?"Jack nodded, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "I'm okay," he said, his arms tightening around her. "But we need to get inside. He might be coming."Jody's grip tightened briefly before she stepped back, her expression grim. "Let's go," she said, her eyes flicking to the house.They moved quickly, their boots crunching on the gravel driveway. The house looked peaceful, but the tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife."The house is clear," Jody reported, her voice low. "But we can't be too careful."The four of them moved through the house, checking every room, every corner, for any sign of the mysterious man who had taken Jack. The quiet was eerie, each creak of the floorboards and groan of the old house echoing through the empty spaces.Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of a door opening upstairs. "Sydney?" Sam called out, his voice taut with anticipation.Their hearts pounded in unison as they rushed up the stairs, guns drawn, ready to face whatever danger lay ahead. They reached the room where the sound had come from, and there she was—Sydney, standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock and relief."Guys?" she whispered, her hand flying to her chest. "Jack?"Jack rushed to her, his eyes searching hers. "Sydney, are you okay?"Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him, her hand shaking as she reached out to touch his face. "Jack," she whispered, her voice trembling.Jack's eyes searched hers, desperate for any sign of anger or fear. But all he saw was relief and love. "I'm so sorry," he choked out, his own eyes brimming with tears.Sydney's hand cupped his cheek gently. "It's okay," she said, her voice filled with understanding. "You didn't mean to."The relief on Jack's face was palpable as he pulled her into a tight embrace. For a moment, it felt like everything might be okay. But the shadow of fear remained, a constant reminder of the danger lurking outside."Who is he?" Sydney's voice was a tremble as she stepped back from Jack, looking to the brothers for answers.Sam spoke up, his eyes never leaving hers. "We don't know yet, but he's after you too."Her gaze darted to the door, the color draining from her face. "What do we do?"Dean stepped forward, his hand on the butt of his gun. "First, we get you two somewhere safe," he said, his voice firm. "Then we figure out who this guy is and what he wants."Sydney nodded, her eyes never leaving Jack's. "Okay," she murmured. "But I'm not leaving your side."Dean nodded. "We're all in this together," he said firmly. "We'll find a place to lay low, regroup, and then we'll figure out our next move."Just as he said this, the ground beneath them trembled, and the lights flickered. They all spun around, their eyes widening as a figure materialized in the middle of the room, surrounded by a burst of sulfurous smoke. Asmodeus, the smug and powerful demon, grinned at them, his teeth gleaming in the dim light."Well, well, well," he drawled, his eyes taking in the scene with amusement. "The prodigal son returns, and with a lovely little entourage."Jack stepped in front of Sydney, his body tense, his eyes never leaving the demon. "What do you want?" he demanded, his voice steady despite the fear that gripped his chest.Asmodeus's grin widened, his eyes raking over the group with a predatory gaze. "Isn't it obvious?" he purred. "I've been looking for you, Jack. You're quite the hot commodity in the supernatural world."Sydney's hand clutched Jack's arm, her eyes wide with terror. "What does he want with you?" she whispered.Jack took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Asmodeus. "He wants my power," he said, his voice low and deadly.Sydney's grip tightened on his arm. "What are you talking about?"Jack's eyes remained locked on the demon. "It's a long story," he said, his voice tight. "But he's not getting what he wants."Asmodeus chuckled, the sound grating on their nerves. "So, you think you can just waltz in here and take on a Prince of Hell?" He snapped his fingers, and the room grew colder, the air thick with power. "You're not as clever as you think, little nephilim.""We're not alone," Dean said, his voice low and steady. "You picked the wrong night for a housewarming party."Asmodeus's grin grew wider. "Oh, I think I picked the perfect night. After all, who doesn't love a good reunion?"The brothers and Jody spread out, forming a protective semi-circle around Jack and Sydney. The air grew colder, the very essence of evil seeping into the room."What's going on?" Sydney's voice was a terrified whisper, her eyes flicking between the demon and Jack.Jack's jaw was set, his eyes glowing with a fierce determination. "It's complicated," he said, his hand reaching for hers. "But we're going to get through this."Sydney nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. "Together," she murmured, her voice barely audible.Dean stepped forward, his eyes narrowed on the demon. "Why don't you tell us what you really want, Asmodeus?" he growled.The demon's grin never wavered. "Why, the same thing everyone wants," he said, his eyes flicking to Jack. "A piece of the action."Jack's hand tightened around Sydney's, his eyes never leaving Asmodeus. "I'm not giving you anything," he spat.Asmodeus's smile grew colder. "You think you have a choice?" He snapped his fingers again, and the room grew colder still, the shadows deepening.Sam stepped up beside Jack, his angel blade glowing in the dim light. "You're not taking him," he said, his voice firm.Asmodeus's eyes flicked to Sam, his grin never wavering. "Or what?" he taunted. "You'll stab me with your little knife?""It's not a knife," Sam said, his grip on the angel blade steady. "It's an angel blade, and it's been known to take down demons like you."Asmodeus's smile grew, his eyes glinting with challenge. "Is that so?" He took a step closer, the power in the room ramping up. "Let's see if it can handle a Prince of Hell."Sydney's eyes grew wide with fear, but she didn't flinch, her hand still tightly gripped in Jack's. The air grew colder, the hair on their arms standing on end as the demon's power rolled over them like a wave."We're not going anywhere with you," Dean said, his voice a low growl, his hand tight on the grip of his gun.Asmodeus's smile grew. "I think you'll find you don't have much of a choice," he said, raising his hands. A blast of power shot towards them, but Jack stepped in front, his own power flaring to life, a barrier of light springing up around the group.The demon's eyes widened in surprise, his attack dissipating against the shield. "Impressive," he hissed. "But you can't hold that forever."Jack's chest heaved with the effort of maintaining the barrier, but his gaze remained unwavering. "We'll see about that," he said, his voice strained.Asmodeus's eyes narrowed, his grin fading slightly. "You're more powerful than I gave you credit for," he hissed, his form flickering as he sent another blast of power at them.Jack gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with a fierce light. "Stop hurting my friends," he snarled, his power surging through the room.Asmodeus's eyes narrowed, his smug expression faltering for a fraction of a second. He threw another volley of dark energy at them, but Jack's barrier held firm, the light pulsing brighter with each impact."You're more than just a pretty face, aren't you?" the demon sneered, his eyes flicking to the trembling barrier. "But power like that isn't sustainable for long."Jack's eyes never left the demon's, his grip on Sydney's hand a lifeline in the face of overwhelming fear. "I've had enough of your games," he said, his voice vibrating with a power none of them had ever heard before.The air grew still, and the room was bathed in an eerie silence as Jack's power grew, pushing back the dark energy threatening to consume them. The barrier grew brighter, the light from his eyes piercing the shadows. "Leave us alone," he demanded, his voice resonating with authority.Asmodeus's smug expression faltered, his eyes widening slightly as he felt the pressure of Jack's power. For a moment, it was as if the very fabric of the room was straining under the weight of their wills. Then, with a sound like a thunderclap, the demon staggered back, his smirk gone."Your time is up," Jack's voice boomed, filling the room with a palpable energy. The barrier around them grew brighter, pushing the demon back further until he was pressed against the far wall. The air crackled with electricity, and the walls groaned in protest.Asmodeus's smugness had disappeared, replaced by a look of genuine surprise and growing concern. "You're stronger than I thought," he rasped, his eyes flicking around the room as if searching for an escape.Jack's voice grew louder, the power behind it unmistakable. "I said, leave us alone," he repeated, his eyes blazing.The barrier grew brighter still, the light so intense it was almost blinding. The room shook as the demon's power clashed with Jack's, the very air seeming to crackle with energy."Jack, be careful," Sam called out, his eyes on the barrier, his heart racing.But Jack's focus was unwavering. "You're the one who's made a mistake," he said, his voice like thunder. "You picked the wrong person to mess with."The demon's eyes narrowed, his form flickering with the effort of resisting. "We'll see about that," he spat.But Jack's power was unyielding, the light from his barrier now blinding. "You're not taking me," he roared, his eyes glowing like two supernovae.The room trembled, and the demon's form began to waver. "Jack, you're pushing too hard," Sam warned, his voice tight with concern.Jack's eyes didn't leave Asmodeus, his determination unyielding. "Get out," he snarled, his power growing to a crescendo.With a final, desperate burst of energy, the demon's form wavered and then dissipated, the sulfurous smoke dissipating into the air. The room fell silent, the echo of the demon's departure a stark contrast to the tension that had filled it moments before.Jack's shoulders slumped, the barrier fading away as he took a deep, shaky breath. His eyes searched the room, finding Sydney's terrified gaze on him. "Jack," she whispered, her voice trembling.He turned to her, his eyes wide with shock at his own power. "Sydney," he murmured, reaching out to her. She rushed into his arms, her body shaking with sobs.Dean holstered his gun, his eyes on the spot where the demon had been. "What the hell was that?" he breathed, his voice shaking slightly.Sam stepped closer to his brother, his eyes still on the fading light show. "Jack," he said, his voice low and urgent. "You okay?"Jack took a deep, shaky breath, his eyes slowly returning to normal. "Yeah," he murmured, his arms tightening around Sydney. "I just... I didn't know I could do that."Sydney pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face. "What happened?" she whispered, her voice trembling.Jack swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving hers. "I don't know," he said, his voice shaking. "But I know I won't let anyone hurt you."Sydney's grip on him tightened, her face buried in his chest. "You scared me," she whispered, her voice muffled.Jack's arms tightened around her, his heart still racing from the confrontation. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't mean to... I just didn't want him to hurt you."Sydney pulled back, her eyes searching his. "Jack, you just... you just sent a Prince of Hell running," she said, her voice filled with wonder and fear.Jack nodded, his eyes wide with the realization of what he had just done. "I know," he murmured. "I didn't mean to, but I couldn't let him take me again."Sydney leaned into him, her arms wrapping around his waist, and he returned the embrace, pulling her close. The warmth of her body was a stark contrast to the cold fear that had gripped him moments before. He could feel her heart racing, the steady beat a comforting rhythm that matched his own.The room was eerily quiet now, the echoes of Asmodeus's taunts and the battle's aftermath a stark reminder of the danger they had just faced. But here, in the warmth of each other's arms, Jack and Sydney found a semblance of peace. They hugged again, this time longer, deeper, their bodies entwined in a silent pact of protection and support. The tremors of fear slowly subsided, replaced by the steady throb of their hearts beating in sync.Sam and Dean exchanged a look, their expressions a mix of shock and pride. They had seen Jack's power before, but never had they witnessed such raw, unbridled strength from their little brother. "Jack," Sam began, his voice gentle, "you've got to learn to control that."Jack nodded, his eyes still on Sydney. "I know," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'll work on it."Jody cleared her throat, her eyes on the two of them before shifting to the brothers. "Are you guys hungry?" she asked, trying to break the tension.Dean blinked, the question bringing him back to reality. "Food?" he repeated, his voice still shaky. "Yeah, I could eat."Sam nodded, his eyes on Jack. "We all could," he agreed, his voice still tight with the aftermath of the battle.Jody's eyes searched their faces, the concern etched into her features. "I've got some lasagna in the oven," she said, her voice a welcome reprieve from the tension. "It's nothing fancy, but it'll fill you up."Sam managed a weak smile, the mention of food grounding him. "Sounds perfect," he said, his stomach growling in agreement.Dean nodded, his eyes never leaving the spot where the demon had been. "But first, we need to figure out what that was all about," he said, his voice still tight with tension.Jody's eyes softened, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We will," she assured them. "But right now, let's get some food in us. We can't fight on an empty stomach."They followed her downstairs, the smell of lasagna wafting through the air. The kitchen was a stark contrast to the battleground upstairs—warm and inviting, with a homely touch that was both comforting and jarring. Jody pulled the steaming dish out of the oven, the cheese bubbling and the sauce thick and fragrant. The sight of it made their mouths water, the first sign of normalcy in what had been a tumultuous evening.As they sat around the table, Jody passed out plates and forks, her movements efficient despite the tremor in her hands. "Eat," she urged, her eyes searching their faces. "You all need to keep your strength up."Dean took a bite, the rich flavor of the lasagna a stark contrast to the bitter taste of fear that still lingered in his mouth. "Thanks, Jody," he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers. "For everything."Jody nodded, her eyes lingering on Jack and Sydney. "You two okay?" she asked, her voice gentle.Jack swallowed hard, his eyes on his plate. "Yeah," he murmured. "I'm okay."Sydney nodded, her eyes never leaving Jack's face. "Me too," she said, her voice still shaky.They ate in silence, the sound of forks scraping against plates the only noise in the room. Each bite was a reminder of the danger they had just faced, the warmth of the food a stark contrast to the cold fear that still lingered.