“Thank you.” Gerard wore a crooked grin. “And thanks for having us. Really, I mean it. In that battle, it felt like we were finally doing what we were made for. I’ve never felt so alive as I did when defending this territory. We don’t have a fancy term for it, but the feeling is mutual. When you need help, we’re your gargoyles. And we, too, will be joining the convocation. It’s time we saw more of what exists outside of our lonely mountain.”
Gargoyles cheered now, some making ou-ou-ou sounds.
“Her,” Kingsley continued when the noise died down. “Thank you. Your basajaunak are fearless and your leadership something to aspire to. You are a pack friend, and should you need our help, do not hesitate to ask.”
The basandere bowed to him before facing the crowd. “My clan has been isolated for many years, not wanting to partake in the changing world and its troubles. But being part of a larger team has brought energy to us all. We mourn the losses of those we loved. Like the gargoyles, however, we felt the calling of unity. We, too, will be joining the convocation.”
Surprise lit up my bonds with Austin, and Kingsley startled. Clearly they hadn’t been expecting
that.
The basandere asked to get closer to me, and Kingsley stepped out of the way. She took my hand, her eyes solemn. “You have proven that you put your people above yourself. You expect nothing, while giving everything. You are worthy of our loyalty. You are family now.”
She bent to put her forehead against mine, and I started crying yet again. When she stepped to the side, Kingsley went on.
“And let’s not forget the late additions to our team who showed you don’t need wings or fur to fight like a warrior.”
Patty and Aunt Florence climbed the steps with wide smiles.
“I don’t think we’ve ever known someone whom an entire territory calls aunt,” Kingsley said, gesturing at Aunt Florence. The crowd laughed and cheered. “You ladies stepped into a role that was foreign to you, in a place you’d never been before, with magical creatures with which you were unfamiliar. And despite that, you made lasting friendships, glued everyone together, put on one helluva barbecue, and protected the town from every last enemy, all without batting an eye. You are remarkable, ladies, all of you, and we are proud to have you among us. You are all granted the title of pack friend, and we hope you visit us often.”
Patty grabbed Aunt Florence’s hand and lifted it into the air, laughing.
After they stepped back, I was gobsmacked to see Edgar climb up the steps, Indigo behind him, her head ducked shyly.
“I never, in all my wildest dreams, thought I’d say this, but thank you, Edgar, for your magical killing flowers. The flowers on the perimeter took down a good many enemies. The flowers in the square provided protection and…companionship is the only way I can express it. Before that, they killed the strange creatures who had been plaguing us. Thank you.”
Creatures no one had seen in the battle or since. Sebastian and Nessa were trying to learn more.
Edgar clasped his hands and bowed to the crowd. “Thanks you to been here.”
He wasn’t the best at public speaking.
“Indigo,” Kingsley went on without skipping a beat. “You saved a great many lives. You worked tirelessly during the battle and have been a saving grace to those hurting in the fallout. I speak for the pack when I say, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us grieve.”
She nodded mutely, hunched, as though physically trying to ward off the attention.
Once they’d all cleared away, Kingsley turned to me, his eyes serious, and enveloped me in a tight hug.
“Thank you,” he said softly, rocking me slightly. “If you hadn’t saved my brother a year ago and worked to get all these creatures on your team, my pack and my family would’ve been lost. You’ve saved us all, and not just by your heroic act in the battle.” He pulled back, his eyes shining. “I owe you a debt I doubt I can ever repay.”
“Just stay in your brother’s life, that’s all I ask,” I replied, my tears not stopping. “Keep your family together.”
He smiled, a rare treat. “I think it’s you and Mimi who’ll likely do that, but sure, why not.”
He faced everyone again, his arm around my shoulders. “There are drinks and refreshments at Hide Park, recently renamed by the garhettes and adopted in tribute. Please, help yourself. Thank you all for coming and honoring those who perished while protecting this town.”
“Oh…” I stopped Kingsley as everyone started to exit the stage. “Actually, I take that back. You can repay me by not killing me after you learn how Hide Park got its name.”