Katherine stirs, her senses adjusting as the world around her sharpens into focus. Distant birds chirp in a rhythmic refrain, clustered yet free, their song threading through the warm, salted air. Her body is pressed against something firm—solid, yet impossibly warm and familiar. She snuggles closer, drawn to the comfort of it, her heart slowing in the safety of its hold. Then, a steady rise and fall beneath her cheek. Breathing.

Her breath catches. Her eyes snap open.

Pale skin, a sharp jawline, blond hair that catches the light even in the dimness. No black veins. No twisted, infected stare. Just Newt. Just him.

Her fingers tremble as she lifts a hand, tracing the curve of his face with aching gentleness, needing to feel him, to make sure he’s real.

Newt’s lips curl into a sleepy smile, his eyes still closed. “Take a bloody picture, love. It'll last longer.”

Her throat tightens. “Am I dead?” The words are barely a whisper, fear gripping her. She doesn’t want to blink, doesn’t want to wake up and find this is just another cruel trick. “Is this real?”

Newt finally opens his eyes, brown and full of something that makes her chest squeeze. “Trust me, I wondered the same when I woke up.” A small chuckle escapes him as he reaches for her hand, his grip warm and solid. “Why don’t you figure it out yourself?”

Katherine doesn’t hesitate. She swings her legs over the edge of the creaky bed, but as she moves, strong arms catch her, pulling her back against a warm chest.

“First my kiss,” Newt whispers into her ear, his breath sending a shiver straight down her spine.

She turns to face him, her heart hammering in her chest before she crashes her lips against his. Newt makes a sound deep in his throat, something between a chuckle and a groan, pulling her closer. Their mouths move in sync, their hands desperate to feel, to memorize, to make up for lost time. He’s alive. He’s breathing. The realization makes her nearly laugh into the kiss, makes her pull him even closer. He hums in pure bliss before they finally break apart, foreheads resting together, breaths mingling.

The moment her feet touch the sandy floor, pain lances up her legs. A small whimper escapes before she can stop it.

Newt is on his feet instantly, hands gripping her shoulders. “What is it? Where does it hurt?” His face twists with concern as he helps steady her.

“I’m fine,” she lies, though the dizziness lingers. “Just a little lightheaded.”

Newt gives her a look, skeptical but unwilling to argue. Not now. Not when they’ve both fought so hard to get here. To live.

Outside, the world unfolds like a dream. The ocean stretches before them, endless and calm, waves rolling in with lazy grace. A camp is set up a few feet away, scattered figures moving with purpose. Most are busy with their tasks, but their faces radiate something unmistakable—freedom. Real, tangible, finally-within-their-grasp freedom.

Newt laces his fingers through hers, squeezing lightly. “Let’s go.” His grin turns playful. “Though, I wouldn’t mind staying here all day with you. Or maybe we head back inside and have a bit more fun.”

Katherine smirks, ruffling his blond hair. “Are you sure you’re fully cured? I still see glints of craziness in you.”

He shrugs, poking her cheek. “Figured being crazy is fun. Might as well get used to it.”

She pouts and playfully punches his stomach, laughing as he pretends to double over. Together, they head toward the campsite, the warmth of his hand anchoring her to reality.

The first to spot them are Minho and Vera, their eyes widening before they break into relieved smiles. But Katherine barely registers them. Her gaze sweeps the camp until it lands on a familiar figure—a tall, messy-haired boy with piercing brown eyes scanning the crowd, searching.

Her breath hitches. “Tommy.”

The moment she says his name, Thomas’s head snaps up. His eyes lock onto hers, and something inside her shatters.

She doesn’t think. She just moves. Her fingers slip from Newt’s as she runs to her twin, throwing herself into his arms. The force of her impact nearly knocks Thomas back, but he holds on, his arms tightening around her, as if afraid she might disappear.

Then she hears it—a sharp intake of breath, a barely contained wince. She pulls back instantly, eyes wide with alarm.

“Oh my God, Tommy—I’m so sorry, did I hurt you?”

Thomas shakes his head, forcing a smile even as pain flickers in his eyes. “I’m okay.” His voice is hoarse, but warm. “And I’m glad you’re okay, too.”

Relief crashes over her like a tidal wave. She grips his face, searching his expression, needing to be sure he’s really here, really alive. He grins at her, the same grin that used to drive her crazy when they were kids, the same grin that always made her feel safe.

“Group hug!” Vera’s voice breaks through the moment before she throws her arms around them. Minho, Newt, Brenda, Jorge—even Gally joins in, their arms tangling together in a mess of laughter, exhaustion, and something that feels dangerously close to hope.

The others watch from a distance, smiles tugging at their faces.

Later that night, the survivors gather around a massive bonfire. Vince stands at the center, his voice carrying over the quiet murmur of the crowd. The fire crackles, its warmth wrapping around them, pushing away the lingering chill of the night. Overhead, the stars shine brighter than Katherine ever remembers, reflecting in the faces of the people around her.

This isn’t just survival.

This is a new beginning.

And for the first time in a long, long time, she lets herself accept that they’ve finally found a home.

Vince stands at the heart of it all, the firelight carving sharp lines across his face, his voice steady and full of something heavy, something raw.

"We have come a long way together. So many have sacrificed so much to make this place possible. Your friends. Your family." He lifts his drink, the glass catching the fire’s glow. The others follow, a sea of hands raised high. "So here’s to the ones who couldn’t be here. Here’s to the friends we lost."

A murmur of agreement ripples through the crowd. Some whisper names under their breath. Some just close their eyes. But all of them feel it.

Vince gestures to the stone monument behind him, its surface smooth, engraved with names that mean everything. "This place is for you. It’s for all of us. But this, this is for them. So, in your own time, in your own way, come make your peace. And welcome to the Safe Haven."

A cheer erupts, loud and full of life, and Katherine finds herself swept up in it, lifting her drink and taking a long sip. The warmth of it spreads through her chest, but nothing compares to the feeling in her heart. Relief. Hope. A future. After everything, after the blood and the running and the loss, they’ve made it. The past will always be with them, but now, so will something else.

A chance to live.

She glances at her brother, watching the way the firelight dances in his eyes. "This is gonna be a good home for us."

Thomas doesn’t look away from the flames, but she sees the corner of his mouth twitch up, just slightly. "Yeah. It is."

Katherine nudges him gently. "You deserve to be happy, Tommy. Just as much as anyone else. I know it’s hard. Take your time, as much as you need. But don’t wait too long, or you might miss your chance."

She flicks her gaze toward Brenda, who’s leaning against Gally, arms crossed, smirking at something he’s saying. Thomas follows her eyes and exhales a quiet laugh. "If you want tips on how to kick Gally’s ass, you’ve got the best here."

Thomas chuckles, shaking his head. "I’ll keep that in mind."

Katherine grins. "Alright, my sweet brother. I should check on my date. He ditched me for drinks."

She spots Newt near the fire, his head tipped back in laughter as he clinks his drink against Frypan’s. The sight tugs at something deep in her chest—something warm, something right. Not far from them, Minho and Vera sway together just beyond the crowd, moving to the quiet rhythm of the waves. It makes her heart ache, in the best possible way.

"Kat." Thomas’ voice pulls her back.

She turns to him. "Yeah?"

He hesitates, then, "I love you."

Her chest tightens. "I love you too, Tommy." She leans in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You’re the best thing in my life. And the biggest pain in my ass."

Thomas smirks. "Best, yeah. Pain in your ass? You sure?"

Katherine smirks back. "Very sure."

He rolls his eyes, but they both end up laughing, the kind of laughter that feels like home. Like safety.

"By the way," Thomas says, wiggling his brows, "there are kids around. Behave yourself."

Katherine snorts. "No promises, Tom."

With that, she makes her way toward Newt, weaving through the fire-lit crowd. When she reaches him, Frypan smiles at her. "Hey, Kat. You want some chocolate cookies? Saved a few just for you."

She smiles. "Frypan, you are a saint. But first—" She tugs Newt by the wrist, pulling him toward her. "Mind if I steal him for a bit?"

Frypan grins, his white teeth gleaming. “Go ahead.”

Katherine mock salutes him. “I’ll be back for the chocolate cookies,” she promises before grabbing Newt’s hand and tugging him along. He follows with a soft chuckle, though curiosity flickers in his soft brown eyes.

She stops a short distance away, out of earshot from the others, and turns to face him with a serious expression. The firelight catches on the delicate lines of her face, the weight of what she’s about to say making her heart race.

Newt’s brows furrow as he tilts his head. “You alright, love?”

Katherine nods. “I got some good news for you.”

A beat of silence. Then Newt’s face twists with realization, his lips parting slightly. “Are you pregnant?”

“No!” Katherine exclaims, louder than intended. Several heads turn their way, and she offers a sheepish wave before focusing back on Newt. Her fingers come up to cradle his cheek, thumb brushing over his cheekbone. “No, at least not yet. But this is important too.”

Newt exhales, running a hand through his tousled blond hair. “Bloody hell, Kat, you’re scaring me.”

Katherine doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, her gaze sweeps the crowd, landing on a familiar blonde girl who, until now, had only been another survivor in the sea of faces. But Katherine sees it now—the same bone structure, the shape of the eyes, the way she holds herself. Just like Chris had told her before he…

The pang in her chest tightens at the thought of Chris. Her throat burns, grief creeping up her spine, but she shoves it down. Aris. She needs to check on him too. Later. For now, this comes first.

Katherine grabs Newt’s arm, gently but firmly, leading him to Sonya.

“Sonya,” she calls softly.

The girl lifts her head from her thoughts, offering them a small smile. “Hi.”

Newt shifts beside Katherine, glancing between them in quiet confusion.

Katherine takes a deep breath. “Back at the rooftop at WICKED headquarters, Chris told me he found something in their database.”

Sonya’s brows knit together. “What do you mean?”

Katherine takes both Sonya’s and Newt’s hands, squeezing gently. “You two are biological siblings.”

The world stills.

Newt goes utterly still, his breath hitching. For so long, he’d accepted the idea that his family was gone, lost to a world that had turned to ruin. But here, now, in the middle of Safe Haven, he finds a piece of himself he never thought he’d see again.

Sonya lets out a quiet, choked breath before launching herself into his arms. Newt barely has time to react before his arms wrap around her, his chin pressing against her hair. He blinks rapidly, overwhelmed, feeling Sonya shake in his grip.

“I—I have a brother,” she whispers, voice thick with emotion.

Newt swallows hard, nodding. “And I have a sister.”

Katherine steps back, letting them have their moment, a soft smile pulling at her lips. As Newt clutches his sister like she might disappear, Katherine scans the crowd again. Her eyes land on the stone structure where Aris stands, fingers ghosting over the names carved into the rock. Her stomach twists when she sees ‘Chris’ etched beside ‘Tara.’

She moves toward him, her voice low. “I’m sorry about Chris.”

Aris doesn’t turn immediately. When he does, his eyes are rimmed red, a single tear slipping down his cheek. “He died a hero. Like he always wanted.” His voice cracks. “I’m proud of him. But… I miss him. He always had my back. Always. And now…”

Katherine places a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. “Chris saved me. I owe him my life. But I also know how much he loved you. He wanted you to be strong for him.”

Aris doesn’t reply, just leans into her touch, shoulders shaking. Katherine lets him cry, whispering quiet reassurances until his breaths even out. When he finally pulls away, he gives her a small, watery smile.

“If you ever need a friend,” she says, voice steady, “I’m here. Always.”

Aris nods. “Thanks, Kate.”

Hours later, Katherine sits on the edge of a cliff, the ocean stretching endlessly before her. The sunrise casts golden light over the waves, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. It’s quiet. Peaceful. A rare moment where she can just exist.

A rustle behind her. She turns.

“Hey there,” Newt murmurs.

She smiles. “Hey back. Wanna sit?”

“Why, yes, thank you.” He plops down beside her, their shoulders brushing.

They sit in silence, watching as the sun pushes away the last remnants of night.

Newt breaks the silence. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

Katherine exhales softly. “For once? Absolutely nothing.”

A slow smile spreads across Newt’s face. He reaches for her hand, fingers lacing with hers, squeezing gently. “There are over two hundred of us here. All immune. It’s a good start.”

Katherine turns, pressing a kiss to his cheek, then his lips. “Good that.”

Newt pulls her close as the morning light washes over them, a new day beginning with hope, love, and the promise of something better.

END OF PART 3