Timber

Chapter Sixty-Two: Homeward Bound

Hazel held her breath as a familiar figure strode through the train station doors. Thick rubber boots thudded against the tiled floor. A crisp white peacekeeper uniform shone under the chandelier's light as if it were brand new. Imposing weapons glinted from where they were holstered. The man marched forward with an uneven gait. To the unknowing, it would seem the weaponry was to blame for the unbalanced nature of his stride, but Hazel knew better. Hazel's stomach churned, and even from a distance, it was clear that his skin was littered with yellow-green splotches. A large, flat bandage covered one side of his head, stretching from his temple down until it stopped at the junction of his jaw and neck. His amber hair had grown slightly, and it softened the sharpened features of his face, but it did little to hide the damage Percy had inflicted. A shiver slithered up her backbone. Grey eyes locked onto hers, and she swore a small smile pulled on the edges of his scabbed lips.

She croaked, "Leo?"

A ghost of a smile graced his features as he came to a stop before her and Snow. He leaned forward in a simple bow and a nod of his head.

Hazel limped closer, "I... can't believe you are..." she paused, taking in the sickly color that marred his skin and the bizarre bandage, "...Alive."

A somber look stretched over his face as he observed her similarly battered state. His attention shifted from her casted foot to the crutches, then up to her bandaged hand, "Likewise, ma'am."

She flinched at the sound of his deep voice. "And you still have your tongue."

A laugh slipped through his composed demeanor as he tilted his head to the side. He seemed to catch himself as his smile faltered, and his gaze dropped to the ground. "I was advised that my tongue was not my biggest weakness."

Hazel's attention drifted to the bandage covering the side of his head. I'm going to be sick.

Hazel inched closer; tears of something besides grief filled her eyes for the first time in days. He wasn't dead, and for once, blood wasn't on her hands. Leo glanced up at her and then Snow, Festus, and Indira when he froze.

His body stiffened as he stared down at the wobbling redhead balancing on one foot, an arm wrapped around him in a clumsy embrace. He relaxed his shoulders, exhaling as he reached around her, patting her back.

Hazel wavered on her good foot, murmuring toward his unharmed ear, "Thank you."

Leo coughed, watching her with a guarded expression as she released him. He turned his gaze from her to Snow and back, "You should be thanking the Senator, ma'am."

Hazel bit down on a scoff as she stumbled backward.

Snow cleared his throat, "Private Leo Drayton has received correction and has returned to active duty."

Leo nodded, and the female peacekeeper approached, sidling up to her brother. Now that they were standing next to each other, the resemblance was unavoidable.

"Due to his commitment to your safety, even at the risk of his own, I have assigned him, along with Private Bellona Drayton, as your personal security detail," Snow replied.

Hazel couldn't even be annoyed at Snow's smugness as she met Leo's eyes once again. Bellona straightened, and a flash of pride sifted over her features. It was as if the assignment was some kind of honor.

"Don't forget me, Senator," A rough voice called out from behind Leo and Bellona.

Snow tilted his head, gesturing to another peacekeeper approaching. "And finally, Private Sable Pytash."

A strong, weathered man with deep, ruddy skin and a graying beard approached with confident steps. Despite his older appearance, he moved with remarkable ease. His neck was covered in silvery white scars, giving him the air of a seasoned warrior rather than a peacekeeper. While his features were stone-like in seriousness, his light brown eyes shimmered in what appeared to be easy confidence.