“I’m inclined to believe the latter,” I finish.
I feel a collective sigh rise into the air, but the atmosphere is still tense and expectant.
“There will be consequences,” I tell them all. “But you have your lives at the very least, and you have my wife to thank for that.”
I turn to Adrik. “Take them to the garage,” I instruct him. “Make sure they’re contained there until I decide what to do.”
I turn back to Esme and she walks into my arms.
“Thank you,” she says into my chest.
“No,” I say. “Thank you. You’re stronger than you look, my love. Isn’t that right?”
She laughs, and when she does, the laughter seems to break open her face and melt away the fissures of worry and fear.
She looks like my wife again. Strong, brave, beautiful.
And I feel my heart expand.
“We’re glad to have yo
