RETH
Reth stood by—hovering obnoxiously, but so far beyond caring, he would have snapped his teeth at anyone that suggested it—as Elia moved among the gathering Protectors.
They'd been so excited to see her, even in the circumstances, wanting to share the joy and satisfaction of finally being their own tribe. And she'd found it in herself to share that with them. To smile and squeeze hands, and hug males, and dance with females…
She hadn't stolen their joy, despite the loss of her own.
He'd never loved her more.
He stood behind her through it all—an unfeeling rock that cracked a smile now and again when someone looked at him. But he was struggling. Every second that ticked by was another second they couldn't use, another moment they couldn't share. And even though he understood that these were her people, and she needed a moment to just be with them, he found himself resenting the intrusion.
