Jess is leaning against the side of the wagon, eyes half-closed but still watching me. “What are you doing? You’re bouncing around like that time we drank those triple-shot espressos to see how long we could stay up.”
“Oh, God, don’t remind me,” I say, rocking on my feet. “My heart’s still vibrating from that night. Those drinks should be illegal.”
One of the falkyrie frowns. “What’s anespresso?”
Graven answers, not bothering to look up from where he’s sharpening his blade. “Human witch potion. Makes you invincible for about twenty minutes, then useless for the next six hours.”
Jess snorts. “Yeah, that’s accurate.”
Zarreth shakes his head, handing us both a pouch filled with cheese and dried fruit. “You two shouldn’t be trusted with human beverages…or sharp objects.”
“Hey,” Jess laughs. “We do pretty good with human beverages, as long as there’s whiskey in them.”
Seeing Jess sit there, giving everyone a hard time, gives me the hope I need to keep going. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous for tomorrow, but I know it has to be done, and I know I’m the one to do it. I pop a piece of cheese in my mouth, and before swallowing, I quickly follow it up with two more. I guess I was hungrier than I thought.
Jess looks over at the horses. “They’ve been traveling all day too. They should get some treats.”
“They’ve already been fed,” Rhea calls, leading one closer. The horse dips its head as she whispers something in its ear. The glow in its mane deepens to a warm gold. “But Solera is greedy, so she’d love a little treat.”
The horse folds its legs and lowers beside Jess. “Oh my God,” she gasps, stroking the shimmering mane. “Frankie, look at her!”
I grin, kneeling in front of her so I can smooth my hand over the gold crescent shape between her eyes. “She was born with it,” Rhea says. “Kara swore it meant she was touched by Theia. I tend to agree.”
Kara calls out from across the camp, “Oh, so you do agree with me on something for once!”
“Don’t get used to it, sunshine,” Rhea shoots back with a smirk.
"Wouldn't dream of it.” Kara grins.
The moment fades as camp quickly comes together. Bedrolls unfurl, weapons are stacked within reach, and Zarreth’s fire throws a warm halo around the clearing.
For a while it almost feels normal—the quiet talk, the crackle of the fire. It reminds me of the bonfires we’d have back home before Nate…I stop myself, not ready to go there.
My gaze drifts to the edge of camp, where the faint pulse of the portal stains the horizon. A reminder that normal doesn’t exist anymore. Zarreth settles in behind me, his body against my back while he folds me in his arms. I needed this, needed him.
I glance around the fire to everyone settling into their own rhythm. Rhea leans into Kara, their heads close together as they trade quiet smiles. Graven sits a few feet away, pretending not to watch over Jess as she sleeps, even though we all know he is. The other falkyrie murmur in low voices, their laughter quick and bright.
Zarreth rocks us gently, side to side, his warmth against my back, flames glowing in front of us. I’m almost asleep when I feel it.
A flutter. It’s so faint, I almost miss it. I press my hand to my stomach, and Zarreth goes still. I look back, he’s already watching me. “Is that…”
“Yeah.” My voice is a hush. “I think so.”
His hand comes around mine, settling over them as we wait.
There it is! Another flutter.
They’re real! Oh my God! It’s them!
His voice is low, hesitant. “Do you…do you think they can hear me?”
I’ve never heard him so unsure before, and it makes me want to cry. “I think so.”
He swallows, the sound barely audible. For a second, all I can hear is his breath. Then he says one word, so soft I have to lean in to hear it.
“Hi.”
That’s it, just one little word, but it means everything. I press my palm more firmly against my belly, hoping to feel another one, and I do! They shift again!
