Chapter Eighty Two

The oppressive Cambodian heat hung heavy in the air, even within the cool confines of the hidden temple complex that served as the Keepers' base of operations. Sarah and Alex, their bodies still aching from the recent ordeal, sank gratefully onto cushions laid out around a low table. Jason, his face pale and drawn, sat opposite them, a hesitant smile playing on his lips.

"You guys look like you've been through a war," Jason remarked, his voice raspy from disuse.

Sarah chuckled, a sound tinged with exhaustion. "We could say the same about you."

Alex reached across the table, squeezing Jason's shoulder. "Glad you're okay, man."

Jason's smile faltered slightly. "I... I owe you both an apology. I should have told you everything."

Sarah reached out and clasped his hand. "It's okay," she said gently. "Right now, all that matters is you're safe."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their recent experiences settling in. They had faced danger, forged an unlikely allianc