When she left, I put a hand on Kailin's shoulder, feeling the tension in her muscles. "You should go. Everything seems to be under control now."
She snorted. "That's what the guard told us only minutes ago, and then this guy collapsed at our feet, and no one was paying attention to him. It's still a mess."
"Much less so than it was an hour ago. Let the pros take over now. The medics are here, more guards have arrived, and you've done more than your share."
The situation was under control. The initial chaos had given way to organized rescue efforts. The wounded were beingtreated, the dead were being respectfully covered and moved aside, and the guards were beginning their investigation of the blast sites.
Shovia returned from talking to the guard and put her arm around Kailin's shoulders. "We should go check on your grandmother, see if she needs help at the apothecary."
The adrenaline that had kept Kailin going seemed to be wearing off, and as exhaustion settled over her features, I observed her resistance crumbling.
"Okay," she agreed, turning to look at me. "But only if you come with us." She pinned me with a look that brooked no argument. "Shovia and I are not leaving unless you and Codric come along."
Nodding, Shovia crossed her arms over her chest. "I second Kailin's opinion."
Codric put a hand over his stomach. "I gladly accept the invitation. I held it together when I had to, but I really need to visit a restroom."
Poor guy. I'd forgotten about his upset stomach.
"Where is your father?" I asked Kailin. "Has he gone home?"
"He left with my grandmother," she said. "They went to the apothecary."
Codric perked up. "Is that where we are going? Because I could use something for my stomach."
Kailin gave him a tired smile. "My grandma will take care of you."
A grin spreading over his face, he waved his hand. "After you, ladies."
We began making our way out of the square, all of us covered in dust and grime, our clothes stained with the blood of others.
I wanted to take Kailin's hand and convey how much closer I felt to her and her people now, but that was a gesture reserved for couples in a relationship, and we were not there yet.
Regrettably, we never would be.
The four of us had bonded through disaster and trauma, not as romantic partners but as brothers and sisters in arms. In a way, this kind of bond was superior to one born of the fickle desires of the heart because it couldn't be achieved in any other way and was everlasting, no matter who we ended up with as partners.
Somehow, that made the horror of what had happened more tolerable.
Codric and I should probably head to the lodge instead of intruding on Kailin's family time, but Codric needed something for his stomach, and I wasn't ready to be alone with just my cousin.
After what had happened, I needed to be close to more people who had shared this experience with me.
Hopefully, Kailin's parents and her grandmother wouldn't mind hosting the two Elurians who had helped their daughter leave the square unharmed and had also assisted with the rescue operation.
As we reached the shop, the smell of the herbs growing in the window boxes was an oddly peaceful contrast to what we had left behind.
Kailin led us to the back room, where her parents sat at a large wooden table, flanked by two wooden benches. Her grandmother stood next to the stove, measuring herbs into containers while waiting for the water to boil in the kettle.
Kailin's mother jumped to her feet and pulled her daughter into her arms. "When I saw you on the roof, I cried with relief." She let go of Kailin only to embrace me next. "Thank you so much for helping Kailin and Shovia."
"That was quick thinking on your part." Her father offered me his hand. "We haven't been properly introduced yet. I'm Jayron, and this is my wife, Milly."
"A pleasure to meet you both." I shook his hand. "I just wish it were under more pleasant circumstances. I'm Alar, and that's my cousin Codric."
"I know." Jayron grinned. "My mother told us all about your visit to her store earlier today. She kept talking about you all the way here. She's impressed with your leadership skills as much as she is with your impeccable manners."
"Thank you." I dipped my head to the older lady. "It was very gracious of you to speak of me in such a complimentary manner."
