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My stomach is doing flips as Fynn opens the door. Here is the moment of truth, how much of a family are we? Will they come or chose to stay?
“So how many more years did your bravery cost you?” I hear Roberd ask.
“Actually, none,” Fynn responds as he steps further into the room, allowing Akiyra and me to enter. “Boys, meet Akiyra, our fairy godmother.”
I watch as both Jax and Sawyr’s faces show confusion. From the little that they have said over the years, I guess they didn’t have the typical childhood reading fairy tales.
“Our what?” Sawyr asks quietly.
Akiyra steps forward, gently swatting Fynn’s arm as she passes him. “How about we sit down and talk? Today has been a whirlwind for all of us and it isn’t over yet.”
Sawyr cautiously nods his head, leading us to the sitting area.
“Oh, would anyone like a drink?” I suddenly ask, needing something to do with my hands.
Akiyra looks up at me and smiles, “I would love one. Whatever is easiest.”
The guys echo her agreement on drinks and I quickly gather everyone’s favorites from the cooler. “Okay, Akiyra. I think we are ready,” I say, handing her a bottle of berry flavored spritzer. I had noticed a similar drink in her eating area, so figured it would be something she would enjoy.
Akiyra looks around at each of us. “So I assume you know that we were called to the Investigator’s office today?” Sawyr, Jax and Roberd nod their heads. “Well, the men who attacked me were there as well. The investigator told them that they owed a life debt for attempting to kill me, and had them taken to auction. He then looked at me, I thought that I was about to be sent to auction. But instead, he told me that I owed a life debt to Fynn and Tobis for them saving me. He gave me two options. But I could only see one real option.” She looks over at Fynn.
“He told her that she could either join us and work part of our debt off, or she could purchase our debt.” His voice cracks a little at the end, betraying the emotion he has hidden. “She purchased both of our debts.”
The three men stare at us in shock, then Jax jumps up. “You’re free! You can leave this place with Akiyra?”
Fynn nods, but I jump in before he can speak, “But we couldn’t leave without you three. We are family, I hope at least.”
Sawyr’s eyes haven’t left Akiyra’s through all of this. “What did you do?” he whispers hoarsely.
Akiyra looks at each of us, “I did the only thing I could, the only thing that was right. Will you come with us?”
I watch as the three men process what they have been told. Jax looks ecstatic before he yells his agreement, running to his room to gather his things. Roberd looks as if he wants to say something but doesn’t know how. But it is Sawyr who I worry about. He is always so quiet and it is hard to know what he is thinking.
“So we are your slaves now?” He asks quietly.
“No!” Akiyra almost yells. “As far as I am concerned, once we are off this planet you owe me nothing. You can go where you want, do what you want.”
“Why? We are no one to you.”
A haunted look crosses her face, making me wonder what happened in the past to put it there. “Let’s just say that it is paying a debt I owe.”
Sawyr nods his head, “Then thank you. I will accept your generous offer. Let me gather my things.”
“Roberd?” I ask. “Everyone else is coming. Will you?”
“Do I have a choice?” Bitterness laces his words. “I can’t stay here alone, my debt has probably already been transferred. Nothing in this life changes.” He stomps toward his room where we can hear things being thrown.
“Akiyra, don’t mind him. He doesn’t like change or not being in control. Control is something we tend to value as we have had so little of it.” Fynn says. He turns to go to his room, then turns back to her, “Would you like to come to help me pack?”
I watch them leave, taking a few deep breaths before I go to my room. I finally can breathe normally and the butterflies have left. My family has just grown a little bit bigger.