He had never confirmed if the changes had been made, but was trusting Severo that it had been fixed. “I am the only one who decides my gender—not you, not anyone else. But, I am curious why you used ‘she’. Or perhaps it’s not you, just the person who has been bribing you.”
The man who had spoken tensed, before nodding his head towards him, signaling to the others. The officers moved, pushing through the press who looked unsure of what to do. None of the cops seemed to have any intention of backing down.
“Freeze!” The word echoed as many voices said it at once. Men in dark purple combat uniforms appeared out of thin air, guns drawn. The initials CEB were in white on their chests.
The cops froze, eyes widening as some began to look unsure, while others had panic filling their eyes.
A tall man, a body he knew every line of, stepped away from the new arrivals. “STAND DOWN OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES,” Severo bellowed, voice rough and firm. “Listen, or be in direct violation of the standing order of the world authority. Further action will result in fines, jail, or worse, as you will be directly interfering with an international, universal, CEB case.” From the distance, the man’s gaze met his, and even from here he could see the yearning.
After a few tense moments, the press even standing quietly, the cops slowly lowered their guns. The male officer who had spoken was the last to do so—face fearful and grim. The agents moved in then, and began disarming the cops. Some rushed right for the steps. At the front them of was Severo.
Tears pooled in Seri’s eyes as Severo ran to him.
“SERI!” the Dweller called out, voice thick with emotion.
He shoved Preston aside, sobbing. “SEVERO!”
Uncaring as the wheelchair fell over, and Preston toppled out, Seri limped forward. He leapt into the man’s arms when he was only a few feet away on the steps.
Severo caught him. “I got you, Seri. I got you. You did so well,” Severo gasped. Holding him close, the man swept him up.
“I knew you would come,” he whispered. Seri clung to him, uncaring that he was crying in front of a hoard of people.
“Always will. I always will.” The man pressed his forehead against his, cupping the side of his face so lightly he barely felt the man’s touch, while Severo’s other arm was under his butt, holding him up. “The bastard…” the Dweller growled. “How dare he touch you!”
Seri had forgotten about the bruises. They didn’t hurt anymore, but likely looked horrible. “I’m fine. I am. This is the worst of it, I promise.”
Severo growled, as if it was bad enough.
“Seri, Skya is safe,”Severo swore, brushing his thumb over a fading bruise.
“Thank you…Severo…thank you,” Seri sniffled, more tears falling down.
“I didn’t want to leave you, Seri.”
“I know… I…for a moment… I thought…” Seri's voice broke, tears coming faster now. The Nymph swallowed hard before saying, “I thought you died.”
Severo winced. “I…I didn’t know. I took off as soon as I slipped into the Shadow Realm. I knew if I didn’t, I’d hesitate. I couldn’t hesitate. I’d have put Skya at risk. I wouldn’t have been able to leave you. I would have fought.”
Seri rested his hand on his. “You did the right thing. I missed you…I missed Skya.”
Severo pressed his forehead to Seri’s again. “I felt like something inside me had been torn out the minute I left you. And Skya…she misses her daddy so much.”
Seri laughed, his breathing stuttering a bit before smiling and saying, “Then let’s not keep her waiting.”
“Prepare to be clung to for a long while.”
The Nymph giggled, but the joyous sound was cut off when Seri winced.
“Hospital first,” Severo said with a grimace as he switched his hold so Seri was more securely in his arms. He was basically carrying him bridal style. It pulled a bit on his injury, but the thing was almost healed now, so it wasn’t too bad.
“Do we have to?” Seri asked with a sigh.
“Yes. It’s also procedural…” Severo hesitated before explaining, “They need to…document the injuries.”
“Ah…”
“SERI! SERI! Who is this?! How is he involved?” one reporter yelled. Followed by so many others.
