Auryn stood at the edge of the reception hall and watched Claudia and the rest of her family.
Her tears were slow and he could tell she was gleefully surprised. Her smile even in tears said it all.
Cara had her arms wrapped around her sister, talking so fast the words blurred together. Eva stood beside them, her hand on Claudia's shoulder.
He'd planned this before going into the breach. Set everything in motion, told Borin who to contact, when to bring them, how to keep it quiet.
Then he'd nearly died and the whole thing had sat waiting all this while.
It was worth the wait though. Watching Claudia's face right now made the planning worthwhile.
Castor appeared beside him. The older man looked tired but satisfied. His family was here, his daughters were together, and for once nothing was on fire.
"Where's Daren?" Auryn asked.
Castor's expression shifted slightly. "He chose not to come."
Auryn's mouth then closed. It seemed Castor had more to say.
