46. Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Emma
E mma's head pounded from the intensity of the emotions swirling around her in the room. The air was thick with fear and worry, both spoken and unspoken, and it made it difficult for her to breathe. Her hands flapped at her sides, and she bounced on her toes, desperate to expel the weight of everyone else’s feelings, but it was like trying to shake off a heavy cloak.
Thomas moved to her side, somehow sensing her need for space without touching her, as if he was the one with the gift of empathy.
It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy his touch. He would often casually graze her arm or hold her hand, and his physical contact usually brought her peace. But in this moment, it felt as if he understood that having to process any more sensory information might cause her to explode. His presence next to her was a steadying force, calming her amidst the onslaught of feelings radiating off the others.
No one argued with the plan as Gray and Lea presented it, but still, an undercurrent of anxiety and uncertainty swirled through the group like the wildfires still sparking throughout the kingdom.
“Emma, I’d like you to stay here with the rest of the army. When Alaric is found and we mobilize our armies, you can join them. If you're willing to take the potion, that is. I hope you will consider it. We don't know what advantage could tip us over the edge to victory.”
The gravity of Gray’s words weighed on her, but she nodded, agreeing even though she was terrified. It didn’t sound like they were going anywhere that would have spirits to speak to and gather information. She couldn't fight. Wouldn’t fight. But taking the potion, especially knowing the moonflowers could bring her back? That was something she could do.
“Thomas,” Gray started, but Thomas cut him off.
“I’d like to stay here with Emma.” Thomas lifted his chin, almost as if in a challenge, then took a deep breath. “Please. If I’m needed somewhere else…” he trailed off, his internal struggle pinging off Emma’s skin. She could feel the battle within him, a fierce desire to protect her butting up against his need to serve the rebellion.
Gray shared a look with Lea, understanding passing silently between them.
“That’s fine,” Lea said, her voice steady, and Thomas visibly relaxed, his shoulders easing as a sigh of relief escaped his lips.
“Thank you. I’ll work from here. Continue to strengthen our weapons and make sure our army is as prepared as possible.”
Lea nodded, her determination shining through her fear. “That leaves Vincent, Tanad, Erik, Gray, and myself. What are our options?”
“What are your thoughts, Tanad?” Gray asked.
“There were a few places Eudora was particularly fond of within Desia. Maybe there’s an outpost close by? What are the nearest towns to Alaric’s army?”
“Longdal, Wolfpine, Pontor, Alnwick,” Erik chimed in, his eyes narrowed as if picturing a map of Desia in his mind.
Janelle sucked in a sharp breath, her hand coming up to her chest. Waves of apprehension washed over her, making Emma’s stomach churn. Erik leaned down, whispering in her ear. She only nodded, and his eyes turned fiery with resolve. “If there are no objections, we will go to Alnwick,” he said.
Gray’s eyes flicked to Tanad. “I don’t know that name. I think it’s safe to say Eudora would be more likely in Pontor. She’s mentioned it before.”
“Then we’ll take Pontor,” Gray said. “The sooner Lea can get to him, the better.”
Emma felt Lea’s disappointment, there and gone in a second. She tried to meet her eye, but Lea continued on without missing a beat.
“That leaves Longdal to Vincent,” she said.
Gray put a hand on Lea’s shoulder. “Then we’re all in agreement?” Gray asked.
“I think each group should take a few soldiers with them. Safety in numbers. I’d like to bring Henry, Daniel, Patrick, and Cole.” Lea said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. Gray tilted his head, and Emma could feel his confusion at her choices, but he didn’t argue.
“Okay. Everyone choose your men, and let them know that we’ll leave in the morning. Rest tonight,” Gray ordered. “Who knows when we’ll get the chance again.”
Everyone nodded, the mood growing somber now that the plan had been put into place. All except for Lea. Yes, there was a sorrow within her, a heavy weight pressing down on her heart. But mixed with it was a powerful sense of relief and unwavering resolve. Emma stared at her for a moment too long, until Lea’s eyes flicked up, meeting Emma's gaze. She shook her head, almost imperceptibly, but Emma knew exactly what she was saying: I know you feel what I’m feeling. But please, don’t say a word.
So, Emma simply turned, grabbing Thomas's hand to lead him from the room. But as Emma walked away, the uncertainty of what lay ahead gnawed at her insides, leaving her feeling hollow and yet, somehow, hopeful.