Devil's Peak

Epilogue

The front door creaked open, and Ryder burst into the living room, his cheeks flushed with excitement. "You won't believe the dream I had!" he exclaimed, eyes sparkling as he clutched at his brother's sleeve.

Christopher smiled, relieved to see his little brother back from the hospital, safe and sound. "Tell us about it, Ry."

"Okay, so there were these demons, right? And they were super scary, like, whoa! And then there were angels, too! And you know what the best part was?" Ryder hopped up and down, unable to contain himself. "You, sis, and your friends all teamed up and fought the demons to rescue me!"

"Wow, that sounds amazing," Christopher said, trying not to let his surprise show. He exchanged a quick glance with his sister, who winked conspiratorially.

"Hey, Christopher," Tracyn piped up, all of his friends having come after school to celebrate Ryder's recovery. "At school today, Braden and Ethen were totally mad about losing to us in that dream game. They vowed they'd get us for that. Crazy, huh?"

"Really?" Christopher raised an eyebrow. "And what about Mr. M?"

"Didn't show up for work," Joe chimed in. "They're already looking for someone to replace him. Guess things are finally starting to look up around here, huh?"

As they laughed and chatted, Christopher couldn't help but think back to Coleton's words. The next time bullies or demons tried something, they'd have to deal with it without his help. A small knot of worry settled in his chest, but he pushed it aside. Whatever happened, he knew he could count on his family and friends.

"Hey, Chris?" Ryder tugged at his arm again. "What if we do have more adventures, like in my dream? With all those demons and stuff?"

"Then we'll be ready," Christopher replied, a determined glint in his eyes. "But for now, let's just enjoy the good times, okay?"

"Okay!" Ryder beamed, and they all laughed as they settled in for an evening of board games and stories.

And so, surrounded by loved ones and friends, Christopher Street embraced the present, knowing that whatever challenges the future held, he was ready to face them head-on. And perhaps with each new adventure, they would grow stronger, braver, and more united than ever before.