The staging plain fell behind them with Pebble's ground-whispering stride a low tremor at their backs.
Vespera walked close to Kaiden, her hands loose at her sides, her stride matched to his.
The composure she'd worn in the tent and with Pebble had loosened into quiet happiness, a mother content to walk beside her cherished son.
"You did well in there," she murmured, low enough that only he caught it.
Kaiden grinned at her. "Anything less would've been unacceptable." A wink followed. "Learned from the best, after all."
"..." Vespera paused, blinked once, slow.
When her eyes opened, the pride behind them was so warm and unhidden that many wouldn't recognize her one bit.
The curve at the corner of her mouth stayed for the rest of the walk.
They found Eclipse past the cluster of the numerous command vehicles present.
