"Full transparency," she replied without hesitation. "An agreement to cease all aggression, release captives, and begin peace talks in earnest. Oversight from a neutral third party of your choosing to hold us accountable. And an admission of wrongdoing in Franklin's actions."
I glanced at Bran, saw him nod slightly. It was more than I'd expected, honestly. A real overture and not empty promises. I couldn't detect any hint of deception from her.
"We'll need to discuss specifics, but... I believe you. Cautiously," I qualified. "We accept your offer to open a dialogue in good faith. But we remain vigilant. We won't be fooled again."
Bran fixed her with an unwavering stare. "But let me be clear. If this turns out to be another trick, another trap..." He paused, jaw clenching. "There will be no more chances. No more mercy. The lives and well-being of my people, of all the other monsters you've wronged, must come first. We cannot afford to extend trust again if it's betrayed. Is that understood?"
His tone left no room for argument, low and resolute. I'd never heard Bran take such a hard line before. He was always thediplomat, the peacemaker. But even he had limits. And the alchemists had pushed him to them one too many times.
The woman held his gaze steadily. "I understand completely. You have my word, and that of the alchemists, that we are sincere in this overture. But I acknowledge your reservations. They are justified. We will have to earn your trust through our actions, not empty assurances."
Bran nodded curtly, apparently satisfied for now. I still couldn't quite wrap my mind around it.
The woman turned and left without another word, the click of the door sounding impossibly loud in the silence left behind.
Luce squeezed my hand, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts. I squeezed back, anchoring myself in his steady presence.
A sudden chime split the air, making me flinch.
Hugh glanced down at his phone, his face morphing into surprise as he read the screen. "It's from Martellus. Shay's in labor."
Roma leapt to her feet. "What? Now?"
Bran peered over Hugh's shoulder, his brow furrowed. "He says her water broke an hour ago. They're en route to the hospital."
I shook my head regretfully. "I'm sorry, I don't have the juice to go. The rest of you, scram."
"I'll call for the helicopter," Tanni said, already stabbing at her phone. "It'll be faster than a car anyway."
As the others erupted into a flurry of activity around me, I leaned back against the pillows.
It was actually kind of lucky that Shay was in labor. Now she’d have to deal with all this attention.
Roma turned to Bran, her hand finding his. "I have to go. Shay needs me."
"All of you, go," I said firmly. "I'll be fine. Shay's the priority right now."
Luce nodded. "We'll keep you updated on Rissa's condition. Just focus on Shay and the baby."
Roma hesitated a moment longer. "Rest up, okay? No more heroics until you're back on your feet."
I managed a weak salute. "Yes, ma'am."
With a final squeeze of my hand, Roma hustled out of the room.
Luce smoothed my hair back from my forehead, his touch infinitely gentle. "How are you feeling, really?"
I leaned into his hand, letting my eyes drift closed. "Honestly? Like I went ten rounds with a meat grinder. But I'll live."
"You better," he murmured fiercely. "I didn't wait this long for you just to lose you now."
I cracked one eye open, my heart stumbling at the raw emotion in his gaze. "Luce..."
"Shh." He pressed a finger to my lips. "Rest now. We'll talk later, when you're stronger."
I wanted to argue, but someone had tied ten-ton weights to my eyelids.
24
