Would she continue to do so?
Yes. Especially since he’d sent her this photo. He had to know what he looked like, right?
See? Alive and well.
Ryker’s angry, but he’s going to come around. I promise.
Alive, indeed.
I’m sorry, I forgot how to form words for a moment.
Are you sure you’re not a god masquerading as a fae?
That would make more sense.
If I were, would it increase my chances of getting another kiss?
Maybe, if you played your cards right. *winking emoji*
I’ll do whatever it takes, little storm.
River laughed, and gods, that felt good. It felt like a reclaiming, in a way. That even after everything she’d gone through, there was still hope for her.
Maybe one day, the clouds really would part, and River would see the stars again.
Careful what you promise.
For you? I’d do anything.
They texted for hours. Nikhail told her about his new temporary assignment, explaining why he’d been at the memorial. She told him how hard it was to put on the dress for the ceremony today.
They talked about everything and nothing, and it was good.
And late that night, when her head was heavy on her pillow, and sleep was calling her name, River texted Nikhail goodnight with a sigh. The clouds were parting, and for the first time since she’d woken up in the Hub, River felt like she might one day find healing.
River woke earlythe next morning. She grimaced when she glanced at the clock and saw that it was barely past six. It was one thing to get up early for work at the hospital, but another when she wasn’t required to be awake.
What had drawn her out of sleep?
Soft murmurs of conversation drifted under the door. Something nudged at her to pay attention, even after she rolled over and tried—unsuccessfully—to fall back asleep.
After a few minutes, she gave up. Leaving the warmth of the bed behind, she wrapped the blanket around herself. Her toes curled as she slipped her feet into slippers. Clutching her phone and the blanket, River opened the door and descended the stairs.
“I’m so worried about her, sweetheart.” Ryker’s voice drifted towards River as she padded around the corner to the open living space.
Ryker was sitting on the couch, the back of his head visible where he leaned against Brynleigh.
“I know you are,” the vampire murmured, running her fingers through his hair. “She’s been through a lot. You both have.”
“I just… I can’t shake this feeling of unease. The memorial service yesterday was hard enough.”
“But you made it through,” she said. “You both did.”
“This time.” Ryker laced his fingers through Brynleigh’s and sighed, drawing his wife close. “I can’t stop thinking about what might happen if she finds out about Chavin. It could push her over the edge, and I don’t know what we’ll do if that happens.”
Brynleigh murmured something in response, but her words didn’t register.
Nothingregistered.