Jax approached from an area partitioned with large sheets of leather, signaling to Storm.
“Is everyone okay?” I panted, exhausted not only physically from battle but mentally as well.
“Safe,” Storm replied, adjusting his disheveled tunic.
Raya appeared next to Storm. Color filled her cheeks, and she had a pep in her step that wasn’t there before.
“Who would have thought a good fight would bring you back?”
She shrugged. “Good distraction.”
“Raya—” I started to ask her about her words earlier, about the fact that she told me she didn’t deserve to live before. The weight of what she carried from Mount Legion was evident in how withdrawn she was becoming. Before I could remind her of her worth, people began thanking us.
Walking out of the house, Fae appeared with wheelbarrows, already cleaning up the makeshift paths circling from the house through the tents. Their efficiency astounded me. They worked together so flawlessly both in the battle, eager to protect each other, and after, while picking up the remains.
A profound sense of determination skated over me as the wind blew, pebbling my skin at its touch. Until now, nature hadn’t revealed itself to me here in Mysthaven, but here it was, finally making its presence known.
These people were all my responsibility. It wasn’t just those in Brookmere, but in Mysthaven as well. The Hidden Henchman had been a persona to protect and serve all of my people, but now, I didn’t need her. I was a queen. I could do whatever and save whomever I wanted, however I pleased.
I would make a difference in this world.
After helping for about an hour, Storm brought water over to Raya and me. Raya sat, collapsing slightly as she moved to the ground, spilling her water.
“There’s so many people here,” I said, looking ahead toward the still-bustling encampment.
Storm chugged some of his own water before answering. “Last time Kade and I were here to take people across the void, there were only a handful of additional tents set up.” He sighed, hanging his head. “They’re a bigger target now with so many. We should have tried to do a run as soon as we came back.”
I touched his arm. “This is not your fault. You’ve given them hope and kept them alive. They seem to have figured out how to fight back on their own too.”
He grunted, though I knew he didn’t accept what I’d said.
“Where’s Jax?” Raya asked from behind us, her breathing becoming more shallow.
Perhaps she wasn’t as healed as we all thought. The momentary rush of adrenaline vanished, revealing her still healing body. Her shoulder slumped forward, and she fell to the ground.
“Lana!” A shout came from behind us.
Ignoring the call, I rushed to Raya’s side, rolling her onto her back. She remained breathing but did not respond as I shook her shoulders.
Jax sprinted toward us, completely out of breath. “I went to check the perimeter.” He slicked back his hair with his hand, removing the strands from his eyes. “The void—Shit,” he muttered, seeing Raya’s limp body.
“Quick, we need to help her,” I begged.
Storm rushed to her side, kneeling and cradled her head in his hands “She will live. She’s done this before. She just needs a moment.”
Jax inhaled sharply, assessing Raya’s injuries before returning his gaze to mine. “Lana, the void.”
“What about it?” I asked, distressed not only for my friend's well-being but for the worry etching Jax’s brows.
He raised his gaze to me, shaking his head.
“The void is gone.”
Chapter 6
Kade
The screaming of the Fae trapped in the dungeons served as a reminder that Thames held no room for mercy.
