Page 225 of The Delta's Rogue
Reid grimaces. “I regret asking.”
“I’m sure I can arrange that,” Selene laughs.
The mood shifts in the room. The adrenaline fades, and the remnants of humor leave all of us. I slide into Sebastian’s embrace again.
He kisses my temple, glances around at the others, and then turns back to Selene. “Thank you. For everything.”
“I wish I could have done more.” Her eyes shimmer with remorse. “I should send you home now.”
Before any of us can say goodbye, we’re back in Crescent Lake, standing on the shore beneath the tiniest sliver of the moon.
My parents and Micah wait for us there. They stare at us expectantly, taking in our ichor-soaked bodies and our solemn faces.
“It’s done,” Wesley says. “He’s gone.” He leaves before he’s finished speaking, heading around the lake and towards his home hidden in the depths of the forest.
The others leave too, making their way back to their mates and their families, until it’s only Sebastian, my family, Brenna, and me at the edge of the lake.
“I know there is much to do back home,” I say to my parents. “I know Sebastian and I will need to step into our roles officially sooner rather than later. But we’d like to stay here with his family until after his dad’s funeral.”
Sebastian dips his forehead against my temple—a silent offering of gratitude.
“Of course,” my dad replies. “We’ll act on your behalf until you return.”
“Thank you.”
I glance at Brenna, who stares across the lake at the spot where Dominic disappeared. Sebastian nudges me forward, already knowing what I wish to do before I can speak it into existence. He crosses to my parents, and I stroll to Brenna’s side, gazing at that spot with her.
“He tried to save me, and I got him killed,” she whispers.
“He was a member of the royal guard, a warrior. He knew what he was getting himself into.”
Brenna’s eyes glisten under the stars. She hugs herself tightly and bites her lip to keep whatever thoughts race through her mind from escaping her.
“There’s a place for you at the royal pack if you want it,” I say.
“A place as what?”
“An ambassador. An advisor. A friend.” I swallow. “A sister.”
Her eyes slide to my family. They skate over my parents, Sebastian, and my brother, and then back to me. “Thank you, but I think I need to find myself first,” she says. “I was so young when I first arrived at the compound, and I was a prisoner there the entire time. And my magic. It’s so volatile right now. If I had better control over it, I could have…” She shakes her head and tightens her arms around herself. “I need better training. Proper training. From someone who doesn’t have ulterior motives.”
“From the crones?” I ask.
She nods. Tears fall from my eyes, and she pulls her hands into her long sleeves so our skin doesn’t touch before wrapping me in a hug.
“I’ll miss you,” I murmur.
“I’ll visit.”
“You better.”
She releases me from her embrace, and another, larger body envelopes me in one from behind. Brenna smiles sadly at Sebastian and me as a soft, warbling birdsong floats around the lake.
“My offer still stands.” I lean back into Sebastian’s warmth. “You’ll always be welcome in our home.”
“I’ll remember that,” she whispers. “Goodbye, Sarina.”
She heads into the packhouse, and I fall further into Sebastian’s arms.
