With trembling hands, Sorcha reached out again, this time placing her hand over Riona’s. “He loved you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “You know that, don’t you? He loved you more than anything.”
Riona let out a soft, broken sound, her head bowing as she crumpled further. Sorcha moved closer, wrapping her arms around her friend, holding her as tightly as she could.
At a distance, Kyron stood silently, his gaze fixed on them. He gave her a single nod of understanding before turning and heading back inside to check on the Commander.
Chapter 28
The City
Sorcha spent the night after Emry’s passing with Riona, their shared grief stretching into the early hours. After that night, Sorcha made it a point to visit her friend daily, though her efforts felt increasingly futile. Riona, usually so sharp and vibrant, had become a shadow of herself. Three days after Emry’s death, the city came together to hold a memorial for all who had been lost in the attack. Mourning faces trickled in as silent cries and flickering candles filled the square. Each name that passed the elders lips sent a wave of grief through the crowd. Sorcha and her comrades stood with tears streaming as Riona stood on the farthest edge of town.
That same evening, Emry was laid to rest beneath the towering boughs of a great oak, surrounded by his friends, family, and Riona. Riona lingered by his grave wellinto the evening hours, her usually pale skin now sickly and frail. Sorcha watched from a distance, her heart breaking as she saw her friend’s grief consume her. She knew Riona hadn’t eaten in days, and no matter how hard Sorcha tried, she couldn’t coax her into taking even a bite. Riona had become like a ghost, withdrawing further into herself with each passing day. Attempts from others to visit her were met with silence, and even Sorcha’s gentle persistence failed to reach her.
In the days that followed, Kyron remained in Lumora working closely with Sorcha. An inn near the town square offered him a room as long as he wanted it.
Many a night he spent walking the city with Sorcha, helping the townsfolk clean up the ravaged city, lending his strength to repair efforts, or meeting with the others to offer relief for patrols. He also took it upon himself to check in on Commander Nethran’s recovery, easing Sorcha’s burden when she was too preoccupied to do so herself.
Two weeks passed, and the Circle fell under the temporary leadership of the Druid elders. The city worked tirelessly to heal its wounds. Circle members and volunteers cleaned the streets, disposed of the twisted bodies of the creatures, purged the tainted waters, and provided solace to grieving families. Sorcha threw herself into the work, checking on the families of the fallen, visiting Commander Nethran, and helping wherever she could. Yet, even amid all the efforts to restore order, the weight of loss lingered heavily over them all.
Two weeks turned into a month under the Druid elders’ direction. Leaders from the other regions came and went, attending meetings with the elders to discuss the growing challenges and strategies for recovery. It helped put Sorcha’s growing concern for the Hollow towns at ease, hearing that they were addressing it.
While others arrived bearing supplies—materials, food, medicine, and clothing, each contribution a small effort to ease the suffering and rebuild the shattered city—Sorcha, Kyron, and the others except for Riona, who hadrequested to be reassigned to the remote woodland post, were finishing up the last of the city repairs. They spotted Commander Nethran walking toward them in civilian clothes. The sight made them pause, tools forgotten, as Sorcha broke into a run. She threw her arms around him without hesitation, catching him off guard, but he returned the hug with a warm smile.
The others followed behind, their faces lighting up as they expressed their relief and happiness to see him up and about, looking more like himself. Commander Nethran greeted them with a nod, his eyes scanning the group with a mixture of pride and sadness. “Thank you,” he said, his voice steady but soft. “You’ve all done more than I could have asked during these past few weeks. I’m proud of each of you.”
A shadow crossed his expression as he added, “I’m deeply saddened by Emry’s loss. He was one of our best. I know his absence will be felt for a long time to come.”
The group nodded solemnly, the weight of the commander’s words pressing on their hearts.
“But,” Nethran continued, straightening slightly, “we must honor him by continuing to protect this city and its people. I’ll be returning to my duties by the end of the week.”
The group exchanged glances, a spark of hope flickering in their expressions. It wasn’t much, but having their commander back felt like the first step toward finding balance again. Sorcha continued her duties as directed by the elders; cleaning, rebuilding, and supporting the city. She only caught fleeting glimpses of Riona at the beginning and end of shifts. Her friend had grown distant, retreating into the woodland post, and Sorcha respected her need for space, though it left an ache in her heart. Kyron, on the other hand, had stayed by Sorcha’s side through it all, offering a kindness that she hadn’t expected. She wasn’t sure what to make of him. Here was a man who had appeared one day in the woods, warning her away from danger and speaking cryptically about her not being likeeveryone else. He had seen her engulfed in the blaze during the battle, yet he never mentioned it, never pressed her for an explanation. If anything, he acted as though nothing had happened. Instead, Kyron integrated himself into her world. He made friends with her friends, lending a hand where he could, and stood beside her during some of their darkest moments. She had grown to like him; more than like him. His presence had become a steady, reassuring force in her life. She pushed all those thoughts aside and worked tirelessly alongside her friends till the end of the week arrived, a day the Circle was anxious for.
When Commander Nethran finally returned to active duty, The Circle greeted him with respect and admiration and he returned it. Of course it was short lived, and he got right back to work, sending members to their assignments. He turned to Sorcha. “But you, Sorcha, I need to speak with you in private”; his expression was serious but not unkind. He waited for the other members to dispatch before speaking. “You did well while I wasrecovering,” he began, his tone steady. “The city owes you a great debt.”
Sorcha nodded, unsure where the conversation was heading. Nethran’s eyes met hers, and there was curiosity in his gaze. “I’ve been thinking about the battle,” he said slowly. “It must’ve been the blood loss, or maybe the exhaustion, but I could’ve sworn…” he rubbed the back of neck as he spoke. “Sorcha, it looked like you were on fire. That you saved me.”
Sorcha froze; she hadn’t expected him to bring it up, and for a moment, she considered lying. But Nethran’s expression held no judgment, only curiosity and a quiet respect. She took a deep breath and told him the truth.
When she finished, he simply nodded. “I thought as much,” he said softly. “Thank you. For everything.” He paused, a small smile playing on his lips. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Relief washed over her, but before she could respond, Nethran spoke again.
“Now, about Kyron,” he said, folding his arms. “I’m not sure what to make of him or the circumstances that brought him here.” Nethran shifted his weight “We’re down an officer, and that isn’t meant to sound insensitive. I know it does.“ He turned to look toward the Druid School and for a moment he seemed lost in thought. “We need more fighters now than ever. He fought alongside us, stayed to help rebuild, and hasn’t asked for anything in return. I have my questions and concerns about him but as my lead, what do you think of him?”
The question caught Sorcha off guard. She hesitated, her thoughts racing. Images of Kyron flashed through her mind, his smirk as he teased her, his unwavering focus in battle, the way he had stayed close through every hardship.
“I think…” she began, choosing her words carefully. “He’s a mystery but he’s proven himself. I think he’s dependable, and I trust him for now.”
Nethran nodded thoughtfully. “Good. That’s what I needed to know before I approach him.”
As he walked away, Sorcha couldn’t help but wonder what the commander had in mind for Kyron and for her.
Chapter 29
A New Member
Sorcha had gone about her daily duties, clearing the last of the rubble, checking the town’s borders, and visiting families of the fallen. It was a service she took on herself, making sure those left behind of the fallen had what they needed. Supplies. Comfort. Presence. It was the only thing she could think to do in the face of so much loss.
