“I choose you, Warrick,” she says, as she cups his face. “The rest we can figure out.”
He nods, pressing his forehead against hers, and smiles. “No matter the outcome of my life, my choices, needs, and wants are always you.”
“Always,” she whispers.
He throws his arm over her shoulder, pulling her in, and they turn to us.
Silas clears his throat, and Fen flashes a quick smile up to Warrick as he plants another kiss atop her head.
Silas steps forward, clasping his hand around Warrick’s. “Without you, brother, we would have been blindsided. Thank you.”
Warrick nods. “Just keeping those I love safe.”
Silas turns to me, and the others follow his lead.
“Does everyone remember the plan and their positions?” I ask.
“I'll remain closer to the center of the kingdom to assist any stragglers. I’m sure it will take people some time to reach the mountain for safety,” Fen says. “If you need me nearer to the pier, just shout, and I can make sure my post is covered. If the center is breached, I’ll be there to fight.”
Warrick speaks next, “I’ll stay between the pier and the city center. This way, if things go wrong, I can get to Fen, alerting her to get those people to safety as quickly as possible.” Heglances at Silas. “I can monitor how the pier holds and prepare for whatever is needed, but leaving Fen completely alone isn’t an option.”
I shoot him an understanding glance along with Silas, who I know appreciates Warrick in thousands of different ways right now.
“I’ll be on the pier with Oak near the water. Once the Andorwood ships enter our waters, I’m going to create a wall of shadows to shield us and the civilians for as long as I can,” Silas says. “This will give you time, Fen, to get the remaining women, children, and men who don’t want to fight out of the city and give the people fighting time to prepare,” Silas finishes, and Oak nods in agreement.
“And I’ll be here,” Oak chimes in. “Trying not to shit my pants.”
Silas slaps his shoulder and smiles, appreciating the bit of laughter breaking the tension that fills the air.
They all pause and turn to me, waiting for my orders.
The sea around us is furious, and the waves crash together in a chaotic, dark rage. Black storm clouds fill the night sky, obscuring all signs of light and stars. I open my mouth to speak, but stop when I feel two solid hands clasp around my shoulders and squeeze. I peer up through my lashes to see the familiar chiseled face dusted with facial hair.
Larkin stands above me.
“Briar and I will be on the ship.” He squeezes my shoulders again with a sly grin. “We have two ships filled with strong warriors ready to confront the resurrected. We will hold them off as long as possible and take out as many as we can.” Larkin’s voice demands attention. “I need all of you to be ready and prepared, but understand that we will fight. We will fight fiercely to keep those on the shore safe. If we can, we will return to the pier and fight on land alongside all of you.”
I feel a sense of relief knowing Larkin will be with me, and I won’t be on the ship alone, but this is my fight, and I plan to take on those creatures headfirst. But his choice of words lingers.
If.
“We should move to our positions immediately,” I command. “We don’t need to waste any more time.”
Fen races toward Silas and wraps her arms around her brother, pulling him in so tight he groans.
I hear her whisper, “Fight hard. I love you,” before releasing him so she and Warrick can venture deeper into the city. She shoots Larkin a quick glance and winks before turning away and stepping off the pier onto the streets of Andorwood.
Warrick slaps Larkin’s shoulder and pulls him into a quick embrace. “Love you, brother.”
“Don’t be sappy,” Larkin says. “You are too big for that.”
Warrick booms a laugh and turns, following Fen into the alleyways.
Larkin takes a second to watch them move into the distance, and shouts, “Love you too, buddy.”
I watch Fen and Warrick for a moment. Even on the brink of battle, Warrick is gentle with Fen—almost tender—as he leads her into the dark alley. He places a hand on the small of her back, and she doesn’t recoil; instead, she steps into his touch, and their hands wrap together.
They disappear, and I think to myself that Warrick would follow Fenmore almost anywhere.
