Omar stands behind Mason, one hand on his shoulder, the other on his waist, and I love how insanely happy they look.
“This is nice,” I say, nodding at how Mason is toying with Omar’s pinkie.
“At least something good came out of all this,” Omar says, planting a stupidly sweet kiss on Mason’s cheek. And I just know Mason is trying not to let his embarrassment—but also how freaking happy he is—show.
Mia grabs the chair from the other side of the bed where Jasper was sitting not long ago and plants herself by my side, Olivia perches on the armrest.
“Guess you finally captured the flag,” Olivia says.
“You could say that.”
“Seriously though,” she continues. “You came through for all of us.”
“You really did,” Mason says.
Omar nods at me. “That was some serious lunar energy you harnessed. Yoki would be proud.”
Breath catches in my throat. “Yoki, are they okay? Walter had them this whole time and was using their lunar connection.”
“They’re fine,” Omar confirms, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “A little shaken, but they’re heading back to the Sanc, what’s left of it. They said they’re going to spend some time recuperating in the desert.”
“Okay, good.”
I look around at all their faces. They look so fresh and vibrant. Not like they’ve just survived a literal war. They’re just brimming with vibrant new energy.
“So what’s next?” I ask. “Now the threat is over, what are you all planning?”
Mason jumps in. “That’s sort of why we’re here. My dad and Morven are heading off later tonight with the last of our troops. I wanted to hang around until you woke up but now that we know you’re going to be okay, we’ll probably head back with them.”
“We?” I glance at Mia then back to Omar, who is looking uncharacteristically sheepish.
“Agatha said she wouldn’t mind if I crashed with her again for a while. There might be a whole mountain between us still but at least we’ll be close,” he says, squeezing Mason’s shoulder.
“That’s so great. And you?” I ask Mia.
She squeezes Olivia’s knee, and Olivia rests an arm around her shoulders.
“We’re going to see how splitting our time between the two packs works out. Of course our dads are trying to plan how our mating is going to create stronger bonds between our peoples, but I think we’re just happy not to have to run anymore. We’re going to figure out what works best for us and then see if it fits into their plans.”
“So cool.”
“Yeah,” Olivia chimes in. “We’re going to do our thing and see what happens. But always keeping the Pixie spirit alive too.”
“Perfect.”
“And you?” Olivia asks. “What’s your plan now?”
I wish I knew the answer and could say it with as much certainty as my friends but instead all I can do is shrug and shake my head.
“Maybe when I get out of bed, I’ll figure it out,” I say.
RIPPLES IN THE WATER
By the afternoon I’m feeling much better and am able to sit up. I swing my legs over the side of the bed and take a breath.
“Looking spry,” Aisha says from where she’s leaning against the doorframe.
I laugh. “I’ve felt better.”
