A warmth bloomed in my chest at his words, a tight knot loosening behind my ribs. In a life that had felt so uncertain for so long, having people in my corner who cared this deeply—who treated me like one of their own—meant more than I could put into words.
"Thank you, Rick," I said quietly, offering him a soft, genuine smile. "That means a lot."
"Don't go getting all soft on me now," Rick chuckled, giving my shoulder a light, affectionate squeeze before letting his hand drop. He picked up his safety goggles, slipping them over his head. "Besides, I expect to see you running through these tactical drills the second the concrete cures. No slacking off just because you're playing a high-society political assistant."
Drakon stepped up beside me, resting a heavy hand comfortably on the smal
