“Well, if it isn’t my favourite traitors.”
“Sienna!” Kara cried happily.
Sebastian felt the bond flare with Kara’s sudden warmth as Sienna launched herself into her arms, clinging tightly. Kara laughed, breathless, hugging her just as fiercely.
“You’re here, you’re safe. Both of you. Kara – at your trial, I thought...” Sienna’s voice caught, and she shook her head. “I could feel it. Your conviction. I believed you.”
Kara’s eyes filled with tears. “I know. I saw you.”
Sienna peered over her shoulder. “It wasn’t just me.”
A figure came into view, a green cloak pulled tight around her. Alys Hale, Sebastian realised, surprise jolting through the bond. She looked uncertain, but her gaze was fixed on Kara.
“Alys,” Kara breathed.
“I had to see you,” Alys said, her voice breaking. She glanced nervously behind her, checking she hadn’t been followed. “I couldn’t bear–”
Kara crossed the space and pulled her cousin into her arms. Alys folded into her, tears falling freely now.
“I thought I’d lost you,” Alys cried against Kara’s shoulder.
“You didn’t,” Kara replied, holding her tighter. “I’m here. I’m okay.”
“You risk much, Lady Hale,” Sebastian said. “Coming to us.”
Alys pulled back, wiping her cheeks but keeping hold of Kara’s hand. “I had to. And I needed to thank you, Lord Thorne. For saving her. Getting her out of that cell. I’ll be forever in your debt.”
Sebastian stared, caught off guard.
Gratitude from a Hale. That’s new.
“I’m not Uncle Alaric,” Alys said fiercely. “I’m with you, Kara. Always.”
All three women were hugging then. Sebastian’s captains hung back, exchanging glances, not knowing what to make of the interruption. He didn’t blame them. Even he felt like he was intruding on something private. Comfort, tears, open forgiveness – things he’d never experienced until Kara. His world had been orders, detached discipline, not this.
When they drew apart, Kara asked tentatively, “How are things with my father?”
Alys’s expression darkened. “Not good,” she admitted. “He’s bitter. Angrier than I’ve ever seen him, especially when he heard of your Soulbond. I try to stay out of his way, but everyone feels it.”
A hard look passed over Kara’s features. It surprised Sebastian. He’d expected sadness at the words.
“I heard he almost didn’t come here,” Sienna said.
Alys’s mouth thinned to a hard line. “Yes. Thankfully Auntie Eliyana made him see sense.”
“How is mother?” Kara asked tentatively.
“Misses you terribly,” Alys assured her. “We speak of you often, away from your father’s ears.”
Sebastian looked away, the guilt festering. Kara had given up so much for him. Her family. Her home. He knew she missed it, though she pushed it down, tried to accept it. He felt her reassurance hum in his chest in response.
“Will you tell mother I miss her too? And hope to see her, after all this,” Kara asked Alys.
“Of course,” Alys promised, giving a watery smile. “I can’t stay long. If someone sees me here–” She squeezed Kara’s hand. “But I swear, if you fall tomorrow, I’ll get to you.”
Their bond flooded with emotion, so strong it took his breath away.
You won’t fall, Kara. Not whilst I still breathe.
