“Mellie wants us to talk,” she said to Brock.
“Do you miss when your biggest problem was being captured by the Phaedra?”
She chuckled. “I didn't get to thank you.”
“You did thank me.”
“Not the way I want. I really mean it. Thank you for bringing the drone to me before and for risking your life for me. I have no idea how to repay you.”
Brock held her eyes with no problem, completely at ease, unlike Zayne. “Just make it out of here and be happy.”
“You too.”
“Trust me, I will be. For the most part. I don't want to leave Zayne behind.”
That knocked the ground out from under her. He was losing his best friend for her. Tears gathered in her eyes and lodged a knot in her throat. Brock would never stop worrying about him, just like Kira wouldn't.
But that wasn't what made her want to sink onto the ground. Kira hadn't thought through never seeing Zayne again after finally being reunited with her stranger.
“It's okay,” Brock said. “This is best for everyone.”
Not for Zayne. It was best for him to come with them and forget about the people he protected and the war he fought from within.
When Brock and Kira left, they might take some of Zayne's warmth with them. How much could he lose before he turned into his father? Before he lost himself in the Phaedra's schemes and eventually protected the very regime he wanted to destroy?
“Put it from your mind for now,” Brock said.
Nodding, she wiped her eyes and looked at him. “I'll never stop being thankful for all you're doing.”
“Same for you. I know there's much more you'll do once you're free.”
Happiness found its way into her grief, and Kira leaned in to hug him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “This will be over soon.”
Kira squeezed him back, smiling.
While pulling away, a figure blurred in the corner of her eye, and she jumped back with a gasp, seeing Zayne standing directly behind them. Brock flinched too.
“You scared me.” Kira touched her chest. “I didn't hear you coming.” Hadn't he just been out with his mother?
“Apparently not.” Zayne's eyes were drilling into Brock's, but they cut to Kira. “I came to tell you I was out of line earlier. Your clothes aren't slutty.”
Brock shifted his head back like someone smacked him, and then he ran his hand over his face.
“Don't worry.” Kira held up her hand. “I'm the one who started this. He was using my words against me like a child. Thank you, Zayne. I accept your apology.”
A nod. “And?” he asked.
“And I accept it. That's all. Thank you.”
His eyes narrowed after she didn't return the apology. “Well, then. Continue with your embrace. Sorry for interrupting.”
She wanted to tell him to have fun getting felt up by his fiancée again in his slutty shirt, but it felt petty now.
Brock rolled his shoulders, practically squirming. “How about instead of saying thanks, just make sure I'm never here for that again.”
“Sorry. I suppose I should apologize for calling him a slut, but I don't feel like it.”
He chuckled and sighed. “You're not in an easy position. But you're important to him.” His voice quieted. “Much more important than Mellie.”
