Chapter Text
The quiet halls of the temple echoed with the faint sound of footsteps as Vera strode toward one of the study chambers, her dress billowing slightly behind her. Hamish followed, his hands tucked into his robes pockets. He’d been uncharacteristically subdued since they left the council meeting.
The interrogation had ended decisively, and justice was delivered in a way only Vera could mete out. Yet there was a lingering tension in the air between them—unspoken, simmering beneath the surface.
Vera pushed the chamber door open, revealing the familiar rows of dusty tomes and dim, warm light. She walked to her desk and sat down, motioning for Hamish to do the same.
“You’re brooding,” she said, leaning back in her chair, arms crossed.
“Not brooding,” Hamish replied, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her. “Just… thinking.”
Vera arched an eyebrow. “Care to share these thoughts?”
Hamish smirked faintly, but the humor didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s strange, you know? Being… helpless. I’ve fought monsters, stared down death more times than I can count. But this—being so little—was different. I couldn’t protect myself, couldn’t protect any of them.”
“You weren’t helpless,” Vera said, her tone firm. “You were targeted. There’s a difference.”
“Still,” Hamish said, looking at her. “It was you who saved us. If you hadn’t been there…”
Vera sighed, though her expression softened. “You think I’d let you die as a puppy? Don’t insult me, Hamish.”
Hamish chuckled, the sound warm but brief. “I bet you’re relieved, though. No more chewing on your books or sneaking drinks from puddles.”
“That’s true,” Vera said, a rare smile tugging at her lips. “Though, I’ll admit, I might miss certain parts of it.”
Hamish tilted his head, curious. “Like what?”
Vera leaned forward, her sharp gaze meeting his. “Oh, you were adorable as a puppy. So sweet, so obedient.” Her tone was teasing, but her smirk turned playful. “But I won’t miss it too much, because then I couldn't do this.”
Before Hamish could respond, Vera leaned across the desk, cupping his face with one hand, and kissed him. It was brief but firm, and when she pulled back, she studied his expression carefully.
Hamish blinked, momentarily stunned, before a slow grin spread across his face. “Well, that’s one way to welcome me back."
He then got up, and got closer, finally kissing her back.
Back at the den, the mood was lighter than it had been in days. The Knights were finally back to their normal selves, and the living room was alive with laughter and clinking glasses.
Randall was sprawled on the couch, gesturing wildly as he tried to picture the details of what had happend, much to Lilith’s groaning annoyance.
“You know, I was definitely the cutest one,” Randall declared, raising his beer in triumph. “Even Gabrielle said so!”
“I said no such thing,” Gabrielle shot back, rolling her eyes from her spot on the armchair. “You were an absolute menace.”
“You both are,” Lilith muttered, nursing her drink. “I can’t believe I didn’t claw your face off when I had the chance.”
“Love you too, Lil,” Randall said with a wink.
In another corner of the room, Jack sat beside Alyssa, a book open on his lap. He was studying it closely, trying to understand what had happened to them. Alyssa leaned closer, watching as his fingers moved swiftly over the page.
“I'm sorry I couldn't help more,” she said quietly.
Jack shook his head, his expression earnest. “You were there. You stayed with us, even when you didn’t have to. That means everything.”
Alyssa’s smile softened, and she placed a quick kiss on his ckeek. “Don’t ever change.”
Jack chuckled lightly. “I’ll try not to. Want a drink ?”
“Sure.”