When that song ends, another starts, and this time, more people sing.
“How do they all know the words?” I ask Mordecai, laughing.
“It’s what we do when we get together. We sing, we enjoy each other’s company, life. It’s important to remember to live, too.”
I stare up at him, wondering when my life turned from living to surviving. Maybe it was always about survival. Living in Beta City was like living as a bug, scurrying away whenever they turned over a rock and discovered us.
“I don’t know any songs,” I whisper.
Mordecai’s smile is soft and forgiving. He pulls me closer and wraps his arms around me. “I can teach you.”
The relief and lack of judgement loosens the metal bands wrapped around my chest. “Thank you.”
“You’re more than welcome, Kaida.”
“Why don’t you ever call me Keres? Everyone else does. But even from the start, you refused to do so.”
“When I looked at you for the first time, I felt like my entire world shifted, and when I realised who you were and the fact that the universe knew who you were, I didn’t want to be like the rest of the world, I wanted to stand out so you would look at me and see someone different.”
“Did you think I could look past you?” I reach up, brushing my fingers through his hair.
“I don’t know, but I was scared you would. I’m just Mordecai Haspian, and you are the Kaida Keres who walked into the citadel to save her family and friends, who escaped six months later and managed to evade the entire force of the Beta’s Path for almost five years. You are a legend. Why would you ever look at me?”
We’ve stopped moving.
“You are so much more than you know, Kaida, and I am simply happy to be by your side.”
I open my mouth to reply, to say something, but the words, all the emotion, is locked in my chest, and I can’t get it out.
He pulls me into his chest and wipes my tears away gently.
“You were alone for so long, too long. But you don’t have to be anymore. I will stay by your side.”
“Are you sure? It’s no music, running, and fear?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” he laughs. “Kaida, you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried. Jarek and Cadel either. You are stuck with us, no matter what happens.”
“And when they come for me?” I whisper.
“We’ll be standing beside you,” he says grimly. “You won’t ever have to face the Path alone. Not again.”
“Mordecai,” I whisper, “you are going to have to kiss me now.”
He laughs as he ducks down and does just that.
When he pulls back, he pulls me into another energetic dance before Jarek takes over. Cadel sits in the dark, his eyes glowing, watching me like a hungry wolf.
I have never been so happy.
I throw my head back and laugh as I’m whirled around. The sound of my happiness is something new, something scary, but I’m willing to dive in head first. If I can only live for a day, let it be today.
They are, after all, by my side.
Gradually, everyone quiets and departs one by one, leaving us alone by the fire.
“Cadel, tell us a story,” I say.
“I don’t know any happy stories,” he says softly. “Only sad ones.”
