Oak moves her toward the hallway. “I’m going to lay her down, and I’ll shift to the pier to meet you all shortly.”
Maines keeps her gaze fixed on me while Oak gently guides her down the hallway toward the bedroom. I will keep my promise and return to this house, but I am uncertain if I will come back alive or dead after all this is over, and I know we all feel that way.
We move quickly across the living space and out into the open air of the balcony. Even from this distance, I can hear the chaos on the pier. Without hesitating, Fen shifts into the night, going to assist with prepping the kingdom as best we can for their arrival. But, I know she moves quickly for one person—Warrick.
Silas wraps his hand around mine, and we both delve into our magic, drawing it forward to shift us there faster than we’ve ever traveled through the shadows.
We land on the wooden pier with a thud, and immediately I’m overwhelmed by the bustle of Wielders everywhere. It may not be two ships’ worth of people, but I’m stunned by the civilians of Andorwood who are ready to help right now. Silas also takes a moment to look around, slowly blinking in awe. I glance toward him and watch him absorb the surroundings. His people have come to help.
Seconds later, a growing presence compels us to turn around to see Oak land on the pier in a bright white light. Fen stands nearby as well, and she scans the crowd, looking for one person and one person only.
“She’s not going to sleep anytime soon,” Oak says, walking toward us. “She is worried sick.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised,” Silas responds. “Or blame her.”
Fen continues to scan the crowd, stepping toward a looming figure. A sigh leaves her lips, and she lowers her gaze in defeat.
“He’s coming,” Silas says, stepping forward.
Fen glances at her brother. “I don’t have time to wait.”
“You do,” Silas says.
“Tell him that I went to prepare the others,” Fen says. “Tell him I’m sorry for everything. Tell Warrick I choose him, and always will.”
Silas nudges her forward. “You tell him.”
Through the chaos, Fen goes rigid as she spots a large figure nearing us with intense purpose. Warrick approaches, his wild hair contrasting with the dark weapons strapped all over his body. His expression is both hard and panicked, and his gaze is fixed solely on Fenmore amid the distracting turmoil. No one else matters to him right now but her.
I see Fen suck in a breath as he reaches us.
She doesn’t move and waits for him to make the first move, whatever that may be, after their last exchange.
Warrick bounds forward, not slowing his steps, and without a second thought, crashes against Fenmore. Her chest heaves as he pulls her in, placing his head in the nape of her neck. His arms wrap around her petite body, first around her waist, and then one hand slowly travels to the back of her head, pulling her in as close as possible. She melts into his chest, and without words, I know they’re apologizing for the fight.
In this moment, their previous words don’t matter. What matters is making sure they know the love they have for one another before everything could change.
Silas turns his head, not wanting to watch the exchange between his best friend and sister, and for the first time, I see their lips meet. Warrick’s massive body looms over her, and she tilts her head as his lips crash into hers. His hand tangles in her hair as she slings both arms around his neck.
It’s passionate and messy.
It’s understanding and raw.
It’sthem.
They pull apart, and his hand slowly traces her jaw. His gaze is steady, but neither speaks. They don’t need to.
His lips press against hers for a final kiss.
“I’m sorry,” Fen whispers.
“Me too,” he replies.
Fenmore smiles, but dips her head. “Everything is fucked, Warrick.”
He quickly lifts her head with the tip of his finger. “That’s life, baby, but I’m here to live in this fucked up world with you.”
She smiles as wide as her face allows, and he tucks a piece of fallen hair behind her ear. She inhales deeply, reveling in his proximity, and even on the brink of battle, she relaxes for a second.
