I let them discuss the notion, deciding it was best for me to stay silent. I was too biased. There was no downside to continuing the experiment in my eyes because it meant that I got to be home and drag out the inevitable.
“What do you think, Quentin?” My head snapped towards Archer, who looked vaguely amused. “That it should come down to a vote on whether or not to continue?”
He saved me the embarrassment of having to ask them to repeat themselves.
A vote. It would be easy enough to object. To tell them we would continue with it regardless of their thoughts. To wield the bit of power that I had and move things in my favour. The temptation was great, but I swallowed it down, remindingmyself that was not the type of leader I wanted to be. Not even when it came to smaller matters like this.
“I think that would be the best way to get clarity on the situation. All those in favour of terminating the project, say aye.”
There was a chorus around me that sunk my heart.
“And those against, say nay,” I finished.
Three. Only three of us that were against the idea of stopping the project. We were outnumbered by a mile.
Taking in a deep breath, I steadied my emotions and spoke. “It looks like it’s been decided. I’ll speak to Gareth and tell him about our decision. Thank you for your time today.”
The council rose from their seats and I followed suit, leaving them to mill as I headed towards the doors.
“Quentin.” Archer’s voice followed me. “Quentin.” He drew close enough to put a hand on my shoulder.
I stopped and pasted on a smile. “Is everything okay?”
“Are you?”
“Never better, Archer. If you don’t mind, I’d like to head home.”
There was that word again. Home. These days, it had so many meanings that my heart was confused about where to settle.
Archer removed his hand from my shoulder and let it drop by his side. “Don’t let me stop you.”
I stepped out onto the streets of Elysia and walked so quickly that it may as well have been a run. When I reached the dark building that partially belonged to me, I rushed up the path and through the door. Closing it behind me, I leaned against it and closed my eyes.
“Quen?” This time it was Gray’s voice. “How did things go today?”
I opened my eyes slowly and let them adjust to the dim lighting in our hallway.
“Not to plan,” I answered honestly. “The E.L.I. project is officially done. We’ve voted against continuing it.”
A little crease formed between his eyebrows. “Are you okay with this?”
I hadn’t wanted to discuss it with Archer, but Gray was my comfort. With Gray, it was safe.
“It doesn’t really matter if I am or not,” I told him. “It’s the decision that’s been made.”
“Come here.”
It was a gentle command that had me pushing away from the door and into his arms. As I buried my face in his chest, Gray kissed the top of my head.
“You’ll still get to visit,” he whispered.
“I know,” I muttered into his shirt. “But it won’t be very often, will it? It won’t be the same.”
There was silence and I knew Gray wouldn’t feed me lies.
“You knew there would be changes,” he said eventually. His hand ran up and down my back. “Even without leading the council, you knew there would be a time when you’d be here instead of on Earth.”
“I thought I had more time.”
