They’re a cacophony of emotions right now.
Excited, nervous, hopeful, and…a touch fearful.
My soul strokes theirs, willing away that emotion.
When I yelled at Yemi and told her I was giving her more power, the decision solidified in my mind and settled into my bones. This is the right thing to do.
They all deserve it.
Also, I don’t know what’s heading our way next, but something will. There’s no doubt about it, and I need them protected.
“Oh, this water is glorious. No wonder you all spend so much time out here,” Yemi says as she closes her eyes and spreads her arms out around her.
“Yeah, for now. Thayla’s got that look in her eye. She’s about to drop some shit on us,” Sevryn says, crossing his arms.
“You’re so annoying. Let me have my moment.”
All heads turn to me. Even Mara’s as she cautiously makes her way through the water. She looks funny as fuck in full armor, sans swords.
I don’t tease her, though.
I take a deep breath as everyone makes a circle around me. My gaze roams across each of them, except for my men, who are at my back. I recount everything they did for me, all the support they showed me.
There’s no telling how this all would’ve turned out if I didn’t have them.
“I…” I clear my voice, and the sudden emotions choking my throat. “I’ve been practicing a whole speech. It sounded better in my mind.”
Damn, I didn’t think giving them a thank you would be so hard.
A few soft huffs of laughter ripple through them, and it eases something tight in my chest.
I exhale, shaking my head once, then look back at them. I really look at each of them this time.
“All of you…you didn’t hesitate. Not once. I didn’t even have to ask for help and you all were ready to do whatever was necessary.” I breathe out something that almost resembles a laugh. “Then when I did ask you didn’t question me. You all jumped right into my plans. I wouldn’t have made it throughany of this without you. Not the planning, the research, the conversation, the waiting. None of it.”
My words hang there, and everyone’s face softens toward me. Not in the way that makes me want to claw at my skin, but it still heats from their gazes.
My eyes shift, landing on Yemi.
“You kept everything straight and kept me from losing it. Every time I got too far into my own head, or even when I stupidly went against your sage advice.” A small, knowing look passes between us, and a smile tugs at her lips. “You didn’t let me spiral. Even when we both know how close I was to it.”
My attention lingers on her for a second longer, saying everything else I want to say without words.
Then it moves.
To Lambrit. My childhood best friend.
Gods, he’s changed and come so far.
I’m so incredibly proud of how much he’s come out of his shell.
To Rose, Havar, Doren, Iric, Nero, and Mara.
I allow my face to say everything I can’t seem to get out of my mouth at the moment. They each played a different role in this, and there were times when they knew what I needed or what needed to be done without me asking.
Only people who care do that.
Even Mara. She may have had a few moments of panic, but she said fuck it and jumped into the fray. Are we suddenly best friends because of this? No. But I see a side of her I don’t think she’s quite realized yet.
