“Diar sacrificed his legs for us. It’s the least we can do,” Pandora murmured as Dale picked her up and began carrying her out.
“Pandora needs rest,” Baba Yaga said, and Dale nodded. “What she did for Diarmad took a lot of energy.”
“And I’ll owe her for the rest of my life. Her actions saved Diar from death. Pandora has my lifelong loyalty and respect,” Mitch replied, with his hand on his heart.
Baba Yaga’s stern visage softened. “I can see you mean that, Mate of Jess. You are welcome here as long as I remain.”
“Well, I still don’t trust him,” Leon spat, and Jess kicked his ankle as he walked by.
“That’s because you’re as suspicious as hell,” Jess remarked mildly as Leon stared at her in shock.
“You kicked me!”
“Luckily, I didn’t slap you!” Jess retorted.
Leon turned to Mitch, who gazed impassively back. “What did you do to my sweet, loving sister?” he demanded. “I blame you for this!”
“Go ahead, I’m quite proud of her,” Mitch commented with a smirk. “At least Jess isn’t taking your shit anymore.”
“What’s the world coming to?” Leon lamented as he walked away.
Mitch stepped back as Shay shifted into a Yeti. “Holy crap, is it wrong that I feel like stroking him to see if that fur is as soft as it looks?”
“I can hear you,” Yeti rumbled dryly as he crouched and carefully picked up Diar.
“Yeah, still want to pet you, dude, which just sounds so inappropriate.” Mitch shook his head and followed Jess and Yeti out, ignoring the chuckles.
Pandora
“Relax, my love, you’re drained,” Luc murmured as he soothed her hair away from her face.
“Luc?”
“Yes, it’s me. Are you okay?”
“Tired. Diarmad was near death; it took a lot from me,” Pandora whispered. Luc lay down beside her and waved a hand. The curtains snapped shut, and the light turned off. Pandora curled into Luc’s body, and he tucked her in safely against him.
“You’re low, but not dangerously so, Pandora. I don’t like you risking yourself like this,” Luc chided. His arms tightened around her.
“Luc, I couldn’t let Diarmad die,” Pandora replied.
He sighed. Luc understood more about the future than Pandora did. What Pandora knew was a burden; she couldn’t imagine what Luc was managing. He was judging so many balls, and the responsibility fell on his shoulders. Pandora supported where she could, but ultimately, it was Luc who bore the burden.
“Stop that busy brain of yours,” Luc said, kissing her forehead.
“I’m sorry. I worry about you,” she replied, yawning.
“Sweet Pandora, I’m fine. If it comes crashing down, then it was meant to. I find myself caring less as days pass,” Luc admitted.
“Don’t give up. God’s Warriors don’t quit,” Pandora stated.
Luc smiled slightly and hugged her tightly. “No, God’s Warriors don’t stop no matter what,” he murmured in agreement. He wished he had Pandora’s blind faith in himself. One wrong move from Luc and the world would burn; that was a heavy burden indeed.
Mitch
“I have to go to the office,” he said to Jess two days later.
“Why?” Jess demanded.
