The door closes and with it my last remaining hope for the future.
The air is thick, my breath coming out in quick pants through my nose, but I stand anyway.
“Let’s get back at it tomorrow.”
The rustle of feathers and leather creaking lets me know that they’re all standing and following me out the door.
But even if I couldn’t hear them, I can feel them. Their despair, anxiety, and panic.
And there’s nothing I can do about it.
Or is there?
As I walk steadily down the hall, I hold my head up high despite the struggle that rages within me. We have a plan at the very least now.
But I’m not sure the looming deadline makes anything easier. It’s real now, tangible in the way that sand feels slipping through my fingers. I throw a glance over my shoulder and regret it.
Hopelessness, fear, and anxiety of varying degrees weigh on each of the people that I love.
I should say something.Do something.But I feel the same. The crippling suffocation of panic.
We eat in silence. There are no words shared, only the sound of chewing and utensils scraping against plates interrupts the quiet.
I’ve got to say something, to encourage, to lead.
“Remember how we all went to that tavern and Mathildahad to drag Tane onto the dance floor?” My words are met with blinking. “And Mathilda, you told me about the rebellion?”
Evander breaks first. “You told her about the rebellion, then?”
Mathilda shrugs. “She overheard some warriors talking about it. So I nudged her in that direction. But Lachlan stalked her the whole night!” She flings the accusation like a spear across the table.
It hits its mark. Lachlan chokes on his water.
“I dinna!” He sputters in between coughing fits.
“Yeah, right man. We saw you outside the restaurant. Hovering.” Tane adds, eyeing him.
“We should’ve known then something was up.” Mina chuckles, pushing the food around on her plate. “Lachlan going to his favorite sandwich place and not eating?”
My eyes bulge. “That’s where you got the sandwich recipe from!”
Lachlan glares at Mina. “I canna believe ye all took her there without me.” He crosses his arms to seem threatening, but the most adorable pout plumps his lips.
Mathilda cackles, slapping the table, and the dishes and glasses rattle. “Not a very good one! We all know how you feel about those sandwiches.”
The laughter and teasing ease the weight from my shoulders. I’ve waited my whole life for friends such as these.
“So you followed me around that night?” My shoulder bumps against Lachlan’s.
He glances sidelong at me, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I told ye I never left your side. I had to make sure ye were safe. Even with these wankers.”
Laughter explodes with his words, and my own lips curl into a broad smile.
He leans in close, a twinkle in his eyes, to whisper into my ear. “I saw ye dancing.” My smile falters, and my cheeks bloomwith color as the heat spears across my face. “And the red dress.” He clutches his chest.
“That wasn’t for you,” I grumble, staring down at the food on my plate.
“Aye, but one of these days, it will be.”
