The Long Lost Tribrid

27. Reunited

Hope's Pov:

It's been a couple of hours since the intense battle finally drew to a close. The aftermath left us all exhausted, but there was a sense of relief in the air. I took the time to help Reece get cleaned up, providing her with fresh clothes that seemed to lift her spirits. I made sure to take care of myself as well, washing away the grime and memories of the fight. As I was getting ready, I witnessed a heartwarming reunion between Emily and Nick. The joy on Nick's face when he saw my sister again was indescribable, and it filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time.

While I was brushing my damp hair, trying to untangle the knots that had formed during our ordeal, I glanced over at Reece. She was lounging on my bed, looking more relaxed than I had seen her in months. It was a stark contrast to the tension we had lived with for so long. Earlier, I had a serious conversation with Queen Caroline about Reece's future. To my immense relief, the Queen agreed to let Reece stay with me under my care. This decision lifted a weight off my shoulders that I didn't even realize I had been carrying. The thought of Reece being taken away from me after everything we had been through was unbearable. She had already lost so much at such a tender age, and I was determined to provide her with the stability and love she desperately needed. Her sweet nature and resilience touched my heart, and I found myself fiercely protective of her happiness.

"Want to go sit by the fireplace?" I asked her, watching as her face lit up with excitement. She nodded quickly, her enthusiasm evident in every movement.

Reece hopped off the bed, her light pink dress flowing gracefully behind her as she moved. She reached out and grasped the fabric of my white dress, which I had chosen to match hers in a subtle show of unity. Hand in hand, we made our way through the winding corridors of the castle. Our destination was the common room, where a warm, inviting fire was roaring in the hearth. The clock had just struck past nine, and the lateness of the hour meant the corridors and common areas were blissfully quiet. I was grateful for this moment of peace, away from the chaos and prying eyes.

As we entered the common room, I settled down near the fire, feeling the warmth seep into my bones. Reece nestled close to my side, seeking comfort in my presence.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. She shifted to sit in front of me, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that belied her young age. I brought my knees to my chest, creating a cocoon of safety around us as I listened intently to what she had to say.

"You kept me safe," Reece began, her words carefully chosen. "You kept your promise from the moment you first saw me. You sacrificed your own food for me, endured torture in my place, and shouldered all the pain and suffering to protect me." Her heartfelt words struck a chord deep within me, and I felt my heart swell with emotion. For an eleven-year-old, Reece possessed a remarkable ability to articulate her feelings and experiences.

Touched by her words, I reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "I would do it all over again for you, Reece," I assured her, my voice thick with emotion. "You're my family now. Never forget that. We're in this together, always."

A smile blossomed on Reece's face, brightening the room more than any fire could. She moved back to my side, snuggling close as we both gazed into the dancing flames. The crackling of the fire filled the comfortable silence between us, but my mind was far from quiet. Memories of the past five months we spent in that dank, oppressive cell together flooded my thoughts. Tears began to well up in my eyes as I recalled the despair, the pain, and the moments when death seemed like a merciful alternative. But even in those darkest hours, I found strength in the knowledge that I couldn't abandon Reece, Josie, Lizzie, and Emily. They had become my family, my reason to keep fighting, and my love for them had become an unbreakable lifeline.