"Pehton, Caedes, Aria, and Torch."

The tiny Lyrik flew into my arms without prelude and squeezed with surprising might. I returned in kind, saying, "Hey there, Executive Warden. Did you come to ask me something?"

Against my hair, Pehton said, "Oh Elden, it's true."

I laughed incredulously while asking, "What's true?"

"You do give the best hugs."

All five of us laughed.

Afterward, I separated us and met her garnet eyes. "Talk to me."

Pehton gave Caedes, Aria, and Torch a nervous glance before wetting her lips to say, "In a roundabout way, my meeting you led me to my children, and I wanted to tell you how grateful I am that you would go to any lengths to keep a promise. Apparently including resurrection."

I couldn't resist ruffling her feathers and saying, "Dork. I'm glad the Shadow were there for you."

Caedes nodded silently behind her with respect in his dark green eyes.

Aria and Torch stepped forward and gently touched their mother's shoulders. "The others await their turn with the Co-Emperor."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

I gave Pehton another squeeze and offered her children an appreciative smile.

Before they left, I called, "Caedes."

The gruff Icarus turned with a raised brow. "Yes, your imperial majesty?"

"Can you hang back a second?"

Caedes kissed Pehton before Aria and Torch left with her. Then he faced me alone.

I leaned against the arm of a couch and considered him for a moment. When I spoke, I conveyed my sincerity. "You've come a long way from exploiting The Brethren resources to move black market merchandise. Now you're a head of security for Iona Pax. I think I'll always feel indebted to you for looking after Tameka and Pax while I was dead."

Caedes' wince was faint and unexpected. He confessed, "She's worthy of loyalty and support, and Pax is a joy. Always has been."

"Are you happy?" I'm not sure why I asked such an intrusive question, but I think if he'd said 'no,' I would try to fix it.

The half-smile suited the bald Icarus as he said, "Yes. Truly. And possibly for the first time in my life. With the Verses all intact now, it's almost as if Elden meant for this to happen—For me to be stationed at Iona-28." Caedes chuckled, giving an incredulous shake of his head. "But as you know, it was Lucas' idea. However it all came together, I'm grateful." The light died in his eyes, and his smile dissolved as he added, "I will live up to my role and keep everyone safe."

"Iona Pax thanks you."

After speaking the most words I'd heard from him at once, it was as if Caedes had used his allotment for the year. To dismiss himself, he saluted with a fist to his chest, nodded, and left. The entire time, I beamed at Caedes, happy he came over to the Shadow all those years ago. For the love of redheads.