“Are you sure you can't stay, at least until your arms are healed?”

Beatrice hovered beside me, her hand hesitating over my shoulder as her eyes traced the dark purple bruises covering my skin. The night had done little to heal me, and with so many injured still waiting for treatment, asking for one of the town's few health potions felt selfish. Besides, the damage wasn't lasting; I could endure the pain until my body mended naturally.

I focused on Beatrice and nodded. “I can't afford to waste time, and Harold was right-that the dragon might come for me again. I won't risk all of you.”

Daedra, who had been curled up in Collin's arms, launched herself at me, clutching my waist with a desperate whine. “But we don't want to risk you!”

The others exchanged resigned glances, a silent agreement that brought a smile to my face.

I had never expected my habit of adopting people to result in this ragtag family, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

“I know that, but I can't stay.” I smoothed Daedra's hair and turned to Collin. “You're in charge while I'm gone. Make sure they eat and bathe on time-especially Samson. He'll wait until his stench could fell a dragon before finally washing.”

Samson huffed, puffing out his cheeks in indignation. “Excuse you, I smell like a fistful of honey blossoms. Always.”

He tossed his head for emphasis, and Beatrice rolled her eyes. “My nose begs to differ, but I could make some flower-scented soap if you'd like. I dare say it'd be an improvement over,” she gestured to him, “all of this.”

He let out a noise of protest, crossing his arms. “What, is this ‘pick on Samson’ day? Focus on Frederick-he's the one leaving.”

The light hearted atmosphere evaporated at the reminder, and Daedra clung tighter, as if her grip alone could change my mind.

If it weren't for the threat looming over us, it probably would have.

I ran a hand through her hair and extended my other arm in an unspoken offer. The others didn't hesitate, crowding in until we were a tangled mass of limbs.

Thankfully it was early enough that most of the town was either asleep or going about their business, leaving us alone without prying eyes or whispered judgements.

There was only us, and right now, that was exactly what I needed.

I stretched my arm to fit around them all and squeezed, savoring the familiar crush of bodies surrounding me from all sides.

Only the spirits knew how long it would be until I felt this again. I had to soak it up while I could.

Beatrice buried her face in my shoulder, the fabric beneath her damp with tears I'd never call attention to. On either side of her, Samson and James wrapped their arms around my torso. Deadra clung to my thigh, and Collin completed the group hug with an arm tightly notched around my neck. For a moment, I could almost pretend this was a normal day.

No quests, no dragons to slay.

For a moment, I was just plain old Frederick of Dawncrest’s town guard, and everything was okay.

Then, the moment ended.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Collin was the first to pull away, his eyes glossy with unshed tears he held back through sheer willpower. He tugged pointedly at Samson and James when they lingered until they reluctantly stepped back as well.

Beatrice tightened her grip, her voice cracking as she spoke.

“You'd better come back to us, you hear me, Frederick? We're not done being your family yet. You don't get to die to a dragon, The Mad King, or anyone else.”

Her voice wavered on ‘die’, but I didn't comment on it.

Ignoring the burning in my eyes, I managed a wobbly smile and laughed.

“I'll be sure to pass that message along to anyone who tries to kill me. ‘My sister told me I'm not allowed to die’- I'm sure that'll go over well.”

Her laugh was more of a sob, but she finally let go and wiped her tears. “You'd better! I'll march into the hells themselves to drag you back otherwise.” She gave my shoulder a gentle push. “And bring back a girlfriend while you're at it. Someone with fire who'll keep you on your toes in my absence.”

Heat crawled up my neck, and I sputtered. “I'm going to kill a dragon-where am I supposed to find a lover in that mess?!” Then, realizing what else she's said, I snorted. “Bold of you to assume I'd be interested in someone like you. You're a brat, at best.”

This time, her laugh was full and warm, with only a trace of the earlier grief. “Of course, you'll wind up with someone like me-I'm amazing. As for where you'll find her, it's inevitable. People are just…drawn to you. You're too nice not to find someone on this journey. You’d better bring her back to meet us, though! Do you hear me, Frederick?”

Recognizing a losing argument when I saw one, I raised my hands in surrender. “Loud and clear. Any hypothetical sweetheart I have will be brought back for introductions at the earliest convenience.”

She nodded sharply. “Good.” Then, she slumped slightly, her eyes taking on a pleading look I hadn't seen since the day I'd saved her from her drunk father. “Please, Frederick. Please be careful and come back to us.”

A fist clenched around my heart at the fear in her eyes. She was right to be scared-this wasn't just a trip to a nearby town. This could end badly. I might never see them again…

A knife twisted in my chest at the thought, and I sucked in a breath to push it down.

Offering my best attempt at a smile, I nodded. “Of course. There's nowhere else I'd rather be, and once this dragon mess is handled, I'll come straight home.”

I kissed her head, and when she stepped back into Collin's waiting arms, I turned to Daedra. Her face was pressed tightly against my stomach, and when she realized she was the last one holding me in place, her eyes widened. Fresh tears welled up and she sobbed.

“I'm not letting you go.”

Her words lacked conviction, heavy with tired resignation. I hugged her tighter. “I'll be back before you know it, Dae, and the sooner I leave, the quicker I can return.”

A low whine escaped her, and I kissed her head. “You need to let me go, but this isn't goodbye. It's just…until I see you again.”

She finally loosened her grip, but didn't pull away until she cuddled into my throat one last time. “I love you, Frederick. Please come home soon.”

My heart cracked, but I kept my voice steady. “I will. Take care of the others while I'm gone, alright? You know they'd be a mess without you.”

That at least earned a watery giggle, and I knelt to her height for one final, tight embrace. “I love you too, Daedra.”

I carefully pulled away and nudged her toward Collin, though she didn't need much encouragement. She launched herself at his waist, burying her face in his side. He rubbed her back and nodded at me.

“We'll be fine. Just focus on getting stronger and killing that lizard. We'll be waiting here for you.”

James rubbed his cheeks and nodded. “I'll start training too. By the time you get back, I'll be captain of the town guard!”

“Dawncrest could use more faithful defenders, and I know there aren't many who would be better suited for the role.” I said, and James straightened as tall as his willowy frame would allow.

I looked at all of them, committing every detail to memory before forcing myself to turn. If I didn't leave soon, I'd find a reason to stay, and that couldn't happen.

Not with the dragon on the loose and the Mad King himself after my head.

That thought, and the looming threat to my family, gave me the strength to walk away despite the cries that tore at my heart with every step.

When I could no longer hear them and Dawncrest was barely a speck in the distance, a new emptiness gnawed at my chest. I blinked back the tears.

There was no use crying. My time was better spent training, so I could hurry up and return to them.

Determination hardened within me, and I faced Starkfell. Clyde mentioned the people wouldn't be friendly, but with any luck, it wouldn't be too bad. While I could ask other towns for help, Starkfell was the closest and could lend aid the fastest.

It was still a few days’ walk, which left me plenty of time to think.

Just what I wanted…