Fiona spotted Ghost. "You're up." Happiness lit her face as she jogged over, giving the man a one-armed hug.
Fiona's cheeks were still creased in a smile when she looked in Chirron's direction. "I thought you said he'd be down longer."
The healer's lips curled down. "Don't look at me. Apparently, nobody considers my advice worth listening to."
Fiona drew back from Ghost with a frown. "How are you feeling?"
There was a sweetness in Ghost's smile that was rare. Warmth and affection Eva suspected he didn't show to many.
"I feel no different than that month of training we spent in Sparrow company getting our asses handed to us."
Roscoe and Fiona winced in sympathy.
"That bad, huh?" Fiona asked.
He made a pained expression. "I wouldn't recommend it."
Fiona set her hand on his and squeezed. "We're glad you made it through."
Ghost covered her hand with his. "Always, commander. You know me. I'm like a cockroach. Unkillable."
Fiona chuckled as she sat back on her heels. "I see you haven't lost any of your arrogance."
Ghost's smile was a tad wicked.
Roscoe fist bumped Ghost's shoulder. "You got better just in time. It sounds like you'll get your shot at revenge very soon."
Chirron made a disgusted sound. "Does no one listen to me? He's not better. His system was put under extreme stress. He needs rest; not to go swinging his sword at insects."
Eva could tell by the bland look on Ghost's face that Chirron might as well have been speaking to the air. That was how much stock Ghost was putting in the other man's words.
"Give it up, Chirron. You're not going to win this battle," Van informed the healer, sounding like he found the entire exchange all too amusing.
Chirron made an aggravated sound before throwing his hands up. "You're all insane."
Van gave Chirron the lazy smile of a lion. "You could always save yourself the headache and return to your old ways."
Chirron's mouth snapped closed as he pinned the other man with a fulminating glare.
Van's laugh rumbled in his chest.
"I'm assuming you didn't call us here so Chirron could lament the unchangeable," Gawain said with a steady gaze on Eva.
"Why are you looking at me when you ask that?"
One side of his mouth tilted up. "You left with the Kyren this evening. Now you're back at this late hour and we've been called from our rest. The conclusion should be obvious to those of us who are paying attention."
Van's lazy slump disappeared as he focused on Gawain. "Do you have something to say, Rain?"
Gawain slid him a look. "I don't know, Lion. What do you think?"
"Enough." Caden's order cut through the brewing tension with the sharpness of a blade. "Eva, you have something to share?"
Eva took a deep breath, forcing her hands not to shake as she became the center of attention.
"Orion summoned me at sunset." Eva's expression was neutral as she kept her gaze trained on Caden's. "The Kyren have rescinded their invitation and are asking us to leave."
Van cursed and stood in an explosive movement. He lifted a hand, rubbing his face, unable to keep still. Gawain's reaction was a little more controlled as he closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
