Page 62 of Us Defiant Few

“You didn’t think we’d leave you, did you?” Serene exclaimed, squeezing him.

“I thought you might’ve forgotten about me.” A tear slid down his face as he hugged them tighter, like he was afraid it was all a dream.

“We could never,” Khalani said, uncaring of the crowd watching.

They could’ve been the only ones left in town, and they still would’ve held each other just as close to make up for all the time they spent apart.

Footsteps sounded behind them. Brock walked over, clapping Derek on the back.

“Nice to see you survived.”

That might’ve been the nicest thing Brock had ever said to him, and Derek laughed, pulling him in for a hug. Serene grinned as Brock sputtered, not used to such a display of affection, but he gave him an awkward pat on the back.

“Takeshi.” Derek exhaled in relief, approaching him. “Can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s good to see you.”

She swallowed as Derek went for a hug, but Takeshi took a step back, a guarded look passing over him. He kept his hand inside his pockets, his muscles completely stiff.

She quickly intercepted, grabbing Derek’s arm. “There’s a lot that’s happened since we’ve left. We’ll fill you in inside.”

Derek cocked his head, unaware of Takeshi’s memory loss. But he turned and led them inside the house. The Chief cleared her throat before they crossed the threshold.

Brock sighed and dropped the heavy bag at her feet.

“The weapons are all there,” he stated, crossing his arms. “If any Sinners come your way, you should be able to deal with them decisively.”

The Chief peeked inside the bag, her eyes sparkling at the number of guns. She handed the pack to Patreus, who might’ve smiled for the first time in his life.

It set Khalani’s pulse racing, but the Chief announced in a brighter voice, “Get some rest. You’ve had a long journey and will need your strength for tomorrow.”

“We’re not staying long,” she replied. “We plan on leaving in an hour or so.”

“Nonsense.” The Chief waved her hand. “Traveling at night is dangerous. You have a spot to stay and a shower to clean up. Why not use this time to rest?”

“She’s got a point,” Serene whispered.

Khalani glanced at the others. Everyone looked exhausted. Brock caught her gaze, sighing when he saw the answer in her eyes.

“One night,” Brock snapped. “Then we’ll leave in the morning.”

“Splendid!” The Chief clapped her hands. “Sleep well.”

She quickly departed, with her men following close behind. Ferren gave them a nod and a light smile.

Patreus didn’t make eye contact. He continued staring at the bag like it was a bountiful treasure. It didn’t make Khalani comfortable, but it wasn’t her business to judge what they did out in the desert.

In the morning, they’d leave for Apollo.

“Are you sure about that?” The Governor’s voice echoed in her ear.

Khalani whipped her head, searching for him, but her family was quiet as they entered the house. The only one who noticed that she hadn’t moved was Takeshi.

He stopped, silently watching her as her frantic gaze scanned every shadowy corner, but the Governor was nowhere to be seen.

Her hands shook.

The visions of him were getting worse. His voice was louder.

More real.