Gray and Rhett move to the stove without being asked, carrying in wood from the stack by the door. Wes starts clearing space on the counter. Jace raids the cupboard with practiced mischief, pulling down mugs and jars like he’s done a hundred times before.
Thane lingers in the doorway, watching the sunlight spill across the kitchen floor like he doesn’t quite trust it yet.
Mairen presses a mug into my hands—something steaming and sweet that smells like honey and warmth.
“You did right by us, child,” she says quietly, brushing hair back from my face. “That’s enough for today.”
My throat tightens. “Not enough. But it’s a start.”
She smiles, soft and knowing. “Starts are all we get. The rest comes after.”
I take a sip, letting the warmth spread through my chest, chasing back some of the exhaustion.
Footsteps in the hall.
Riley and Zira appear in the doorway, hesitant.
Mairen gasps, the mug in her hand trembling. Her eyes lock on Riley—on the face that wore mine, that gave the orders, that put collars on her family.
“It’s okay,” I say quickly, standing despite the exhaustion. I cross to Mairen, taking her hand. “She… she was being used. Just like I was.”
Mairen’s breath shakes, but she nods slowly. Her gaze shifts between Riley and me, seeing the differences now—the black and silver Ether threaded through Riley’s fingers, the exhaustion in her eyes that mirrors my own.
“I’m sorry,” Riley whispers from the doorway. “For everything.”
Mairen doesn’t answer, but she doesn’t look away either.
The moment stretches, taut and fragile.
Then Mairen turns back to the stove, her shoulders still tight but her voice steady. “Well. I suppose we’ll all need feeding then.”
Riley’s breath catches—relief and gratitude tangled together.
She and Zira move into the kitchen carefully, taking seats at the far end of the table where they can see everyone but aren’t in the way.
Mairen busies herself with pots and spoons, then pauses, glancing back at me. “Oh—your band of misfits arrived while you were… occupied. They’re already getting settled in the back of the sanctuary.”
My chest warms. “They made it.”
“All of them,” she confirms. “Loud bunch, but good-hearted.”
Around me, the guys settle into the kitchen like they belong here. Rhett leans against the counter beside me, close enough to catch me if I fall again. Gray stands near the window, watching the courtyard. Theo pulls out a chair across from me, eyes clearer than they’ve been in days.
Wes sits beside me, quiet but present. Jace perches on the edge of the counter, swinging his legs. Seth stays near the door, silent as always. Stellan examines the restored stonework with something like approval.
Even Thane eventually moves from the doorway, taking a seat at the far end of the table where he can see everyone.
The kitchen fills with the sounds of life returning—mugs clinking, quiet conversation, Mairen humming under her breath as she works.
I look toward the doorway where sunlight spills across the floor, proof that the sanctuary has begun to heal.
Outside, through the window, I catch a glimpse of the garden—daisies blooming wider, vines climbing the walls, color returning to earth that had been gray.
The heart of the sanctuary beats again.
And somewhere beyond these walls, the Counsel is coming.
But for now—just for now—we’re home.
