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“I can get things set up if you guys want to come with me. We can go out on the patio,” Vash says.

We all go out on the patio. I sit down and the sun is starting to set. The last of the light is shining on me. I close my eyes and soak it up. I feel more relaxed being away from everyone.

“Here you go,” Leli says, handing me a pair of leggings. Kael takes them from her before kneeling and putting them on my legs. When I stand, he helps pull them up.

“Ready?” Vash asks.

“No,” I sigh. “But I need to so I can eat and lie down.”

“Striker just left to get you guys some pizza,” Leli says.

“Bless him,” I laugh. “Let’s do this.”

“Okay. I think for the broadcast, Lilith should be sitting with the guys standing behind her,” Vash says.

“Why?” I ask.

“With you sitting, it will imply what you went through is worthy of rest while the guys standing will show they are protective of you. It also is them putting you first,” Vash explains.

“Makes sense,” I shrug. “What do I say?”

“Right now, just say that you are safe, and you need time to rest and recover from the ordeal,” Vash says. “Promise to go into more detail at a later date. Also, confirm they are dead and no longer a threat.”

“Okay,” I sigh and sit back down.

“I’ll give you a signal when we are live. Just look at the camera,” he says as he types on the laptop. I take a deep breath and center my thoughts. Vash gives me a thumbs up, and I talk to the country.

“Hello, citizens of Grimitara. The kings and I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that we are safe and resting at home. I know there has been a lot going on, especially in the last week. I know you all want answers, and we want to give them to you. Right now, we must take the time to rest and heal from everything that happened in the last week. In the next few days, we will go to City Hall for an official press conference to further explain as well as to answer questions. I encourage more than just the press to come see us. No matter your species, you are welcome to come hear our story. I also…” I stop when a wave of emotion hits me. Daemon leans down to whisper to me.

“Take a deep breath. You’re doing great,” he whispers. I look at him and smile before looking back at the camera.

“I will confirm that the bodies of Zypher Fallins and Brion Morwen were recovered in the wreckage of an abandoned building in Estroria after an explosion. They were deceased upon arrival. We appreciate your concerns and well wishes. We will have a member of the council update everyone when we plan on coming into public again. In the meantime, the council will still be managing things in our absence. Thank you, and have a good evening.”

I exhale a shaky breath and sit back when Vash gives me another thumbs-up. “You did well,” Vash says with a smile.

“I look like trash,” I mumble.

“You were held captive in an abandoned building by two psychos. No one is expecting you to look like you just stepped off the runway,” Leli says.

“I know,” I say as I stand.

“Bolt should be back soon,” Leli says.

“He hates that you call him that,” Vash laughs.

“Yeah, and Volis hates it when I call him Volley,” she giggles.

“Right. Bolt and Volley,” I smile.

“Please, call them that,” Leli says as we walk inside.

“All good?” Dad asks me when we come into the living room.

“Yeah. Did you guys watch?” I ask.

“Yeah. You did a good job, Lilith,” he says before hugging me. I wrap my arms around him, wanting comfort. I am crashing emotionally.

“I’m sorry you keep having to go through losing me,” I say quietly.