Within minutes, it was over.
49
Ava paced in the command tent, fists clenched as she tried not to fear the worst. Thorne watched with crossed arms, his hair even more scarlet in the glow of the brazier.
“It stresses me out when you do that, you know,” he chided.
She paused. “Do what?”
“Pace like that. You always do it when you’re worried about the others.”
“Sorry I’m not as calm and collected as you,” she said with a wave of her hand.
He chuckled. “It’s taken decades of practice, little sister.”
“Aren’t you worried too?”
His brow pinched ever so slightly. “Of course I am. I’m just hiding it better than you.”
She rolled her eyes.
It worked,Luna rose from her spot near the fire.They’re all dead. Casimir and the others are headed back.
“Are they alright?”
A few minor injuries.
Ava exhaled a shaky breath, the tension in her shoulders easing. “I’m going to meet them in the healers’ tent.”
“I’ll come with you.”
Ava stepped into the cool night, thousands of stars shining down from above. She spotted a light blue orb and paused, staring at the twinkling beauty. Like an aquamarine suspended in the sky—exactly how she remembered the first time she laid eyes upon it.
The star that gave her a glimpse of hope in a dark time. The star that guided her when she was lost and terrified.
The star that led her home.
“Are you alright?” Thorne asked, stopping beside her, hand on her shoulder.
She sighed. “I was just remembering the night I escaped and followed that star. I had just learned who I was, and had no idea what to do. I was so scared, and all I could think about was getting somewhere safe. And then I found you all. It seems like it was so long ago…”
“You fit so seamlessly soon after you arrived in Mosshaven, it felt like you had always been here with us.”
Ava tried to smile, but worry crept up in the back of her mind.
“What is it?” Thorne asked.
She shook her head, still staring at the star. “What if I can’t do it? What if Andras is too strong? Or he figures out what we’re doing and kills us all?”
“You mustn’t think like that. You are capable.”
Ava swallowed. “I know…but sometimes I still question myself and—well…all of you are so brave. And I’m…terrified. I feel like a coward.”
Thorne faced her, placing both hands on her shoulders. “Ava, listen to me. If you weren’t terrified then you’d be a fool. All of us are scared. Bravery doesn’t mean you aren’t. It means you do it despite your fears. That you acknowledge theminstead of fighting against them, but you don’t let them control you. Bravery means doing it anyway, because the reality of doing nothing at all is worse.”
Thorne pulled her into a hug. “Thank you,” she said. “I needed that.”
“I know. I think I needed to remind myself too.” With one last squeeze, he pulled away. “I’m glad you followed the star.”
