章 196: Chapter 196: Among Other Things

Gabriel came to me, the stranger he'd been gone now, aware and himself all over again. I clung to Max as I hugged my son to me with one arm, feeling empty and alone despite the boy who squeezed me tight and the powerful drach holding my hand.

The world finally settled again, the Stronghold's shaking subsiding, dust filling the air, making me cough.

"Mom," Gabriel whispered into my t-shirt. "I'm sorry."

I shook my head and pushed him gently back, finally releasing Max. The ribbon on my wrist flexed and released its tight hold, sighing in such an accustomed way I almost stared at it. I knew that sigh, but from where? Didn't matter now. I had the grief of my son to deal with.

"Never apologize for doing what has to be done." I looked up at Max, shrugged in a bout of wonder. Three pieces in such a short period of time, after all this searching and guilt and anger. Two thirds of the way there in an eye blink. Seemed anti-climactic. "Now what?"