She nods, adjusting her hold around Fynn.
“I can hold him,” I offer.
Fynn only buries himself deeper into Isolde’s arms.
“I’m good, thanks,” Isolde says, with a little smile. “I didn’t know kids were your thing.”
I laugh. “That kid is.”
Before Sol can question me, Soter, Ry, and Wilder’s mom arrive. Chiara beelines to Fynn, evaluating him where he sitsrather than prying him from Isolde’s grasp. Soter and Ry head my way, but my gaze keeps drifting back to Fynn.
Chiara’s voice is calm, soothing, and directed mainly at Isolde since Fynn won’t speak. After a few questions, she pulls a kit from her bag.
“I need an update,” Soter says, handing a pocket-sized digital notepad to Ry. “Take notes.”
Ry raises an eyebrow. He looks more at home with a rifle than a pen.
“I was heading back toward the beach when I found Isolde,” I start. Soter nods, but his focus is pinned to Isolde as if she’ll disappear.
“What was Officer Faez doing?” Soter asks crisply.
I don’t mention the tears I’d seen. “She was on patrol, I assume.”
“Are you assuming, or do you know?” Soter’s gaze flicks to me, sharp.
“She looked upset. I stopped to see what was wrong, and then we heard it.”
“Heard what exactly?” Soter prompts.
“Crying,” I say.
He nods to Ry. “Did you get all that?”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Ry, we need to update the president,” Soter adds. “Inform her that the missing boy has been found. We also need her final decision on the gateway. Ravi texted. He can close the rift, but I need confirmation from the Council—do we seal it permanently? Tell her Wendy and I await her final orders.”
Ry gives a brisk nod, but I catch the flash of hurt in his eyes. His friend is trapped in a realm of despair, and all he thinks he can do is relay messages. “Of course.”
Chiara approaches, her face serious despite the slight tremor in her hands. I move closer to her, lowering my voice.
“I’m working on a plan to get them out,” I tell her quietly. “I can convince some of the other Blades to?—”
She shakes her head to cut me off. “Jaxson, he’s the most capable Blade any of us know. If anyone can navigate that realm and bring Leigh home safely, it’s Wilder.” Her voice wavers slightly, but her conviction remains strong. “He’ll find a way out in time.”
I search her face, seeing the effort it takes her to maintain that faith. “What if?—”
“He will,” she says firmly, then places a hand on my arm. “I need you to have faith, too. The same faith I’m holding onto right now. Can you do that for me?”
The strength in her voice, even though her hands shake, makes something settle in my chest. If Chiara can believe in Wilder’s ability to return to us safely, so should I.
But watching her fight to stay strong only makes me more determined to have a backup plan ready.
“Commander Telfour, may I have a word about our patient?” Chiara asks.
Fynn still clutches Isolde like she’s his lifeline, so tight his knuckles are white. He trembles in Isolde’s hold. Soter straightens.
“Yeah, just give me a sec.” Soter aims toward Isolde and Fynn, removing his jacket.
