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She barely got a breath in before the others rushed over. Their joy and relief at having her back were nearly overwhelming. I saw the tears Neverra and Imogen wiped away as they pulled back from their embrace. After her, they turned toward me, embracing me as if they had been just as worried about me. I returned it and even laughed when Cameron swore he’d kill me personally if I left him.
“I missed you all,” Neverra whispered, her smile tear-soaked.
Samkiel, worn and looking beyond exhausted, approached, and the others parted to make way for him.
“Neverra.”
Her voice broke. “Hey, boss.”
I expected him to start immediately questioning her, gathering information. I thought he might ask how she was at most, but I never expected what he did next. Samkiel studied her face, and then he hugged her tightly, his massive arms swallowing her small frame.
Neverra laughed, caught off guard, but the sound turned into soft sobs. She leaned into him, accepting the safety and comfort he offered. We all stood frozen, everyone in the room shocked. Samkiel, although he risked his life for us, was never affectionate. He didn’t say the words ‘I love you’ to anyone. He hadn’t truly hugged anyone since his mom died. Yet, here he was, holding Neverra like he’d lost a part of himself when she’d disappeared, and I suppose, in a way, he had.
“I missed you too,” she whispered when he pulled back enough to press a kiss to her forehead.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice husky with emotion.
She glanced at me before nodding. “Yes. I’m okay.”
“Good,” Samkiel said and stepped back.
Neverra returned to my side and wrapped her arm around me, leaning against my side.
Samkiel glared at me, anger born of fear moving behind his eyes. “That was completely reckless. You understand that?”
I nodded.
“You could have died.”
“I know, but she is worth it. You knew I wouldn’t stop or rest until I found her, regardless of rules and obligations. I know to disobey orders is an act of treason amongst us, and if you—”
“I am glad you are okay,” he said, cutting me off. This time it was my turn to be shocked as he embraced me next in a hug. I smiled against his broad shoulder as he squeezed once then let me go. And just like that, it was over. He turned and strode back into the main room. Everyone took a deep breath and followed.
Imogen linked her arm with Neverra’s on her free side, just like old times. She leaned her head against Neverra’s shoulder, whispering, “Ugh, I missed you so much. You left me here with Cameron and Xavier. I almost didn’t survive.”
“Hey! I heard that, Imogen!” Cameron yelled.
Neverra laughed, and I could feel her relax with the normalcy of the exchange.
Inside the conference room, boxes were stacked against the walls, some still open and half-packed with books, scrolls, and papers.
“Are we leaving?” I asked.
“Yes,” Samkiel said, taking a seat at the head of the table. “But first, I have questions. I need to write this down, but we will keep it to ourselves. Is that clear?”
We nodded, and Neverra took the seat closest to Samkiel. We all sat as he opened a large folder and grabbed a pen before looking at us.
“Haldnunen is dead.”
A hush fell across the room, and Cameron released a small whistle.
“You killed a King of Yejedin?” Samkiel almost dropped his pen.
“No, Dianna did.” I sat up straighter. “You should have seen it, seen her. She moves like you, Samkiel, but she is deadlier. What all have you taught her?”
His throat bobbed, but I saw the look of pride cross his features. He was proud of her, even if he believed it was reckless. “Not a lot. I only perfected what she already knew.”
No one said anything, as if shock was the only thing they could master. Not even Cameron could muster words.
