We Stand Together

Chapter 22: Queen of the Awoken

After having gotten some rest and a little something to eat, Eden whirls around the apartment, getting ready to leave. She mutters to herself, grabbing her guns and making sure she has everything. Jaren looks on curiously as Uriah sits in the table, watching in mild amusement.

"You know, we don't really need that much with where we're going," He reminds her.

She sighs heavily, stopping in her tracks to eye her Ghost.

"I know, I know but still."

Jaren smiles at her worried words before standing and coming to stand by her side.

"It'll be okay. Relax."

His words are gentle and soothing. She nods and releases a deep breath, trying to loosen her frazzled nerves. A few moments pass and she's back to herself.

"Thank you Jaren." A warm smile is sent his way and he returns it. Her heart flutters in her chest and she turns away, clearing her throat.

"I um, also, thank you for walking me to the shipwright."

He chuckles and it sends a pang to her heart.

"It's no problem. I was going to head that way anyways. Hunter hangout and all that."

She nods without turning around and finishes gathering her stuff. Once she's ready, she nods to her Ghost and Jaren and they leave the apartment.

Uriah decides to float next to Jaren as they walk, carrying on a conversation. Briefly, she sees Lux peek over Jaren's shoulder but as soon as they make eye contact, the Ghost glares at her and disappears. She shakes it off and keeps walking.

As Eden descends down the stairs to the shipwright, Ava and Quinn pass by. The cheerful, little Huntress waves happily and calls out a warm hello, along with her Ghost Val. Eden smiles brightly and waves hello back. Well, at least until Jaren's voice sounds from behind her, greeting them too. Then, her face goes a little red and she sends annoyance to her Ghost, who is teasing her endlessly through their connection. Ava catches the looks on her, and her Ghost, and a big grin stretches across her face.

Eden shakes her head rapidly, the red growing and growing by the second. Ava laughs and waves her off but the mischievous glint in her eyes isn't lost on Eden.

The female Titan sighs and hurries to move toward her ship. Uriah zooms toward her shoulder, leaning himself next to her ear.

"Ava sent a ping. She says she wants to know all the details."

Eden groans and gives Uriah a look and ignores him. He laughs and floats back to Jaren. The conversation strikes up again and they're laughing and joking together.

Finally, they walk down the last steps and Eden turns to head into the shipwright, only to be stopped by Jaren grabbing her wrist. Surprise fills her features and she turns around.

Jaren is staring at her with a solemn and dark look, something that looks very unnatural on his face.

"Be careful. The Queen isn't exactly welcoming of strangers, especially her brother. Don't talk out of line and always, always address them as royalty. Nothing less, do you understand?"

Eden nods uncertainly and he releases her, look gone. He straightens and flashes a soft grin at her.

"Good luck Eden."

Eden can almost promise that as he walks down to the Hunter hookah bar underneath the shipwright, he winks at her. He's gone before she can question it and it leaves her feeling dopey.

She walks to her ship with a stupidly big smile (and also very much ignoring her Ghost because she can feel the smugness and teasing looks) and boards. Buttons are clicked and switches are flipped. The engine roars to life. When Eden gets the go ahead, she pushes a lever up and the ship whooshes out of the Tower hanger. They zip into space as Eden puts in directions.