Mekara and Aegis groaned in unison, and shuffled their way out of the room. As soon as they left, he returned his gaze to you.

“Is there anything else that you require?” he asked, his voice sounding practically serene for how calm it was.

You stared down at your feet, caught yourself, and glanced back up to meet his eyes properly.

“Probably, but I can’t think of everything just right now.” you said, turning your head towards Grandma Young. “Grandma, would you be cool with staying here to help with things for a bit?”

“Wh–why? Where are you going?”

“Back to your shop. I forgot something there that I think I’m gonna need.”you answered.

“Do you know your way back?” she asked, looking surprised.

“Of course. I saw the city from above on the way over. Plus, you get a good view from the stairs. I’ve got a route already mapped out in my head.” you proudly declared, tapping the side of your head with your pointer finger.

The look on Young’s face told you exactly how satisfactory she found that answer.

“I won’t be going alone. I’ll have Harpy with me.” you said.

The Harpy swung her head over to look at you, and she looked just as surprised as Young.

“You want me to let the Bandit Queen chaperone my grandbaby.” Grandma Young said in disbelief, not quite phrasing it as a question.

“Not just her, but-”

“Cindy. We’re gonna go find out more about that Brood outbreak.”

All three of you turned surprised gazes on Ben and Ana. The two of them were understandably tense, considering the circumstances. You noticed James a slight distance away from them, clearly listening in.

“There is a decent chance that this Varnae’s doing. We cannot afford to let the army be delayed any further.” Ana explained.

“Wait…you’re both leaving?” you asked, deflating a bit.

The two exchanged glances.

“We just want to make sure. You don’t want any of these things surviving.” Ben said.

Ana nodded her agreement. And that’s when it hit you.

The Brood weren’t just space pests to your surrogate father. They’re the monsters that killed his friend.

A twinge of guilt pricked your heart as you mentally chastised your past self for being so callous in your opinion of the Brood.

“Okay. Just be careful.” you requested.

Ben casually crossed the distance between you in a heartbeat and wrapped his arms around you in a hug. The shock of it had your vulpine ears standing straight up, and your tail sticking straight out.

“You too. Don’t get into too much trouble while I’m away.”

“I’ll be fine.” you promised, feeling a little embarrassed by all the eyes on you. "I've got Harpy, and, uh..."

Suddenly, the throne room doors opened, and you all turned to find Walker strolling the room.

"You took your sweet time." Ben mentioned, releasing you from his grasp. "Do you need a moment to take a breather?"

(Cont.)