Downstairs, everyone was eating dinner at the table.

“You guys are leaving tomorrow?” Vel asked Genevieve.

Genevieve nodded. “Me and Hestatham are going to meet up with the others. We’re gonna sweep around, make sure things are okay before we go back home. I feel bad we’re gonna miss the party.”

“There’s a party?” Hestatham looked up from his food, curious.

“Feel free to come by if you need to take a rest,” Vel said.

Hestetham nodded. “Yes! Please! More colors.”

Jassiter had turned his attention to Mercy.

“So, what are you doing now?” Jassiter asked.

“...I have to return home,” Mercy said. “My father’s asking for me.”

“I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you,” Jassiter said. “How long has it been?”

“..It’s been a long time,” she said.

“Maybe, after you see him, you can come back and see Jon,” Jassiter said. He shrugged. “You know?”

Mercy blushed. “Oh, I… oh…”

Vel gave Jassiter a knowing look.

“What?” Jassiter asked.

“We talked about it,” Vel said. “It’s Jon’s choice.”

“But we can still have an opinion, can’t-”

“It’s Jon’s choice. Jeeze, Jassiter. You’re worse than the council.”

Jassiter didn’t appreciate the comment, judging by the frown on his face.

“I’m just trying to help, jeeze... “ he continued to eat his dinner.

“...Fine.” Hector put his fork down. “Jon can come.”

“What?” Mallory turned to Hector.

“I said it. You’re right. Jon can come. He’s proven himself. He’s saved me more than enough times, and it’d be foolish enough for me to tell him otherwise. Imagine how many more people he could help-”

“No!” Mallory said. “I mean, now? In the middle of dinner?”

“I was thinking about it now,” Hector said.

“Don’t I get a choice?” Mercy asked.

“No!” Hector looked at her. “You don’t.”

“Hector, we’re escorting her,” Mallory explained. “She’s not a prisoner. In fact, she’s almost like a royal-”

“Don’t, or I throw this fork in your eye,” Mercy said.

“Okay. Same thing. I think she gets a say. But not now.”

“But what about Jon’s parents?” Mallory asked. “Don’t they get a say?”

“We just want Jon to be happy,” Jassiter said. “And he seems happy-”

“Jassiter,” Vel added, stenly. “Remember.”

“It’s a good idea!” Jassiter said. “I’m listening to you. Right? No doubts.”

Vel sighed.

“If Mercy doesn’t get a choice, then you don’t get a choice either,” Mallory said.

“I also admired Jon’s bravery today,” Genevieve said, “But, instead of saying what we think, how about we just ask him.”

Everyone stopped talking and looked at Jon.

“...Can I go with Mercy?” Jon asked.

“...It’s your choice, Jon,” Jassiter said.

“I want to go with Mercy.” Jon continued to eat his food. He didn’t notice Mercy hide her large embarrassed smile beside him. She nearly had tears, but she couldn’t lose the smile he had given her by saying those words.

“Thank you, Jon,” she whispered.

He continued to eat his food.