Nobody spoke for several minutes and the peaceful silence felt strangely comforting.
West finally smiled. "...Thanks."
The three women looked at him in confoundment as he continued.
"For fighting beside me."
"For trusting me."
"For always being there."
Seraphyra leaned against his shoulder. "We'll always be there."
Gor'thala nodded. "You gave us purpose."
Aurethia looked toward the fireworks. "You summoned us."
"Our blade."
"Our strength."
"Our loyalty."
"They are yours."
West smiled softly. "...Then let's keep getting stronger together."
Above them... another brilliant burst of fireworks painted the night sky with brilliant gold and sapphire colors.
For one peaceful evening... there were no enemies.
•••
•••
The Shadow Reapers celebration finally arrived.
For the first time since its founding, the headquarters wasn't filled with strategy meetings, training sessions, ruin reports or emergency briefings.
Instead...
It was alive with celebration.
