Page 109 of Spirit Trials

“No, Mom. Never.” I shake my head. “You were never a burden to me.”

A tear drips down her cheek, and I ache at seeing it. “Thank you.” She takes a shaky breath. “Thank you for keeping us alive.”

“Mom,” my voice cracks. I pull her into my arms and hug her tightly. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Farrah.”

I take a step back, needing a break from all the emotion. I step right into Rysden’s chest, but he makes no move to back away, so I don’t either. His hand is still at my waist, and I wonder if this is going to be our new norm.I could get used to it. I turn to face my little brother, who doesn’t look as little anymore. His face is more filled out, and he looks healthy. “Are you going to come greet your sister or keep stuffing your face?” I smile as I say the words and laugh as he takes another bite.

“It’s really good,” he protests.

I shake my head. “I’m sure it is; Hector’s a great cook.” I walk over to him and pull his chair out. Before I can say anything, he launches himself out of his chair and hugs me tightly. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “I missed you.”

“Missed you too,” he says softly. I squeeze him tightly once more and then let him go.

Kinsley stands up. “Can I give you a hug now?”

“Why not?” She launches herself at me, and I stumble back but Rysden stays steady behind me, keeping me standing.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Okay, enough emotion,” Harper says, picking up her bowl and pushing in her chair. “Come on, Kins. You’re with me.”

“You don’t have to go,” I tell them.

“It’s okay,” Kinsley says, giving me a warm smile. “We want you to be able to catch up with your family.” There’s a sadness to her words, and I hate that. But she gives me a warm smile and a wave before leaving the room.

“Glad you’re on your feet, Girl.” That’s all Harper says before she follows Kinsley out.

I make my way over to where a certain red-bearded man is stirring a pot of stew. “Thank you, Hector.” I reach out and hug him. He grunts a moment and then returns my hug before dropping his hands and stepping away.

“When is it my turn?”

I whirl around at the voice and stare in shock. My mind stutters because I literally cannot believe what I’m seeing. “Lox?” My voice breaks a little.

He grins. “In the flesh.”

And then I’m running. I launch myself at him. He grunts but catches me. “How are you here?” I ask when I step back. “You were...dead. I watched him gut you.”

Lox grimaces. “Okay, I don’t need to be reminded; I was there. I felt it.”

For just a moment, I see past the levity. “I’m so sorry, Lox.”

“I’m alive, thanks to the healers. I’m thankful to be anywhere, but I’m thankful to be back here.”

“We’re so glad you’re here too. I can’t believe you're alive.” My eyes narrow at him. “Don’t ever do that again, though. Nobody risks their life for mine.”

“Well, since I did practically die for you, maybe you guys can name your first-born child after me. Lox if it’s a boy; Loxetta if it’s a girl.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Loxetta? That’s a terrible name.”

“But Lox?” He wiggles his eyebrows. “You’re thinking about it.”

I turn to Rysden, but he shakes his head. “Don’t encourage him.”

I shake my head. “I’m starving. I'm going to get some food and then I’ll join you,” I say to my mom and brother. Rysden joins me in the kitchen. “Did you know? About Lox?”

“Not until he showed up this morning. About gave me a heart attack.” He stares down at me a moment, and I step right into him. He rewards me by wrapping those strong arms around me and pulling me close. I look up at him and meet his eyes. “Thank you for taking care of me.”