16

HANK

Mom leans on me as we make our way into the caves. Unsurprisingly, we're not alone for long, and my dad and sisters appear as if out of nowhere, chattering excitedly in relief. I'm glad the kids are off playing at the moment, though. Mom looks sick. Her time as a prisoner has taken a heavy toll on her. We need to get her rested and fed before she does anything else.

We end up in a big family hug with Mom in the middle. She's crying. I think we all are. I'm so relieved to have her back. And safe. I'm not even sure how Callie managed it, but I know our family owes her a debt of gratitude we can never repay.

I look over Dad's shoulder to see Callie between James and Will watching us. Will's eyes fill with tears, but he closes them tight, unwilling to let them fall. Even though we both know that at this moment, he’s grateful to have a motherly figure in his life back, even though he’ll never see his own mom again.

My heart breaks for my best friend as I consider what it must look like for him. We're happy to have Mom back, but his is still gone. I wish I could change it, but I know I can't.

When everyone is finished saying their hellos, I take Mom's hand. Dad's still got her wrapped tightly in his arms. That's not likely to change any time soon. I understand the bond they share more now that I have Callie.

"Mom, I have some bad news," I whisper, needing to bring her up to speed before she says the wrong thing. I'm sure no one will blame her if she does. Everyone knows what she's been through. But that won't stop it from causing pain.

Her exhausted gaze meets mine. "Who died?"

"Lola," I tell her.

Her face falls, as I knew it would. I hate having to tell her. She pulls away from Dad and turns immediately to Will. She gestures for him and then closes the gap between the two of them.

Surprise shows on his face, but then it relaxes. He's known my mom long enough to understand what's going to happen now. He's always been part of the family. Now, Mom is going to make even more sure that he knows it.

"Oh, Will, I'm so sorry." She pulls him into her arms in the best type of hug a mom can give.

But I can tell from Will's eyes that it's not the same. She's not his mom. And it's going to take time for him to come to terms with. But he lets her hug him anyway, and for that, I'm grateful. I think both of them need it in some way.

Mom pulls away and touches Will’s face. "I'm sorry," she says again. "I didn't even know they had her."

Will shakes his head. "We thought she was here. She was supposed to be. But..." he trails off, not ready to tarnish his memories with reality. She probably decided a drink was more important than staying safe and went to go find herself some booze.

Mom's eyes softened as she looked at my best friend. "She was a complicated woman. No one is going to deny that. But you were the only thing that kept her together. I know she was kind of hopeless. It would've seemed that way to you, but you were her focus. She loved you so much."

Will's face and stoic demeanor crumples, and he releases her, looking pained. “You… you should rest.”

I help her back to Dad and my sisters while James and Callie focus on Will. I know he's in good hands with the two of them. They’ll understand that even though Will isn’t the type to wear his emotions on his sleeves, he’s hurting and needs them.

We all settle down in one of the smaller caverns. There are lots of things we should be doing to prepare, but nothing is more important than taking this rest to care for one another. My parents have their heads together while my oldest sister calls the rest of our family to let them know our mom is safe.

Callie and James sit with Will. I'm between the two groups, but not really talking to either of my families. I can't believe this is going to be my life if we all survive the Solstice. It’s kind of an awesome problem to have.

James gets up and walks towards the entrance to the cavern. I watch him, confused about what he's seen. But a moment later, I catch sight of Fran. She's probably come to warn us about the encroaching Solstice. And she's right, too.

The Solstice is the culmination of everything. All of the training, the pain, the sacrifice, and the heartbreak. We've lost so much along the way. But we've also gained. If none of this had happened, then I wouldn't have met Callie. I wouldn't have fallen in love. And I wouldn't give that up for the world.

I glance over at the woman I love. Callie has got to be feeling the pressure. There's so much resting on her shoulders that I'm in awe of her. I honestly don't know what's going to happen tonight, but I do know she's going to succeed. I've never met anyone else in my life who I'm so sure of.

James catches my eye and inclines his head.

I nod back.

It's time. Nerves flutter in my stomach at the thought. But we're going to be okay. I have to believe that.

I reach out and touch my mom's arm. "Mom," I whisper. "I have to go. It's time."

She takes my hand. "Be careful. We’ll be there with you."

I kiss her knuckles and press them to my forehead. "Thank you, Mom. For being the best. For being alive."

She chuckles. "That was due to Callie. Thank you ."

I kiss her hand one more time and go to the others. I'm guessing James has signaled to them already, too. They've been paying more attention than me. Besides, I doubt Callie has been able to think of anything but the approaching Solstice.

"Come on," she whispers. "You know what will make you feel better?"

"What?" Will mumbles.

"Killing Robert."

Will looks up. "Yeah, it might."

We all chuckle, and I hold my hand out. "Come on, brother. Let's go kill a king."