Book 9 - Interlude 1 - ♥♥♥ - Cherishing the Depths
Eventually, he said to her, “So how was it? The Burning Steps was the first true contest you were a part of since you joined our family. Was joining Clan Hart everything you imagined it would be?”
Nessa smiled, clinging onto him even more tightly with her snake tail. “So much better. I thought Faye was overselling, but it turns out she was underselling.”
Jake chuckled at that. “She’s a powerful wingwoman and matchmaker. Though I hear you may have her beat in the latter.”
“I do have a bit of a knack for it thanks to my eyes. As for the overall contest, I wish my impact was nearly as high as others, but I have some tough competition. Sati was the dark horse this time.”
Jake grinned and squeezed her hand. “It’s difficult to compete with destiny and fate like that, and with Champions to boot. Though Tanda said Calix might have gotten away if not for you, and the overall battle on the wind continent was close. You brought him to justice and helped us win, and that’s a big deal.”
“It was a joint effort, but you’re right. If I weren’t present there, he may have escaped and somehow joined the enemy in truth, taking some of his secrets along with him. When enemies can read the future, it gets even more complicated to know how they may have acted.”
Jake ran his fingers through Nessa’s short hair, scratching her scalp with one hand, and running his hand over her snake tail wrapped around him. “Our alliance members were about as successful as they could possibly be. Love and Justice the guild, and the clan alliances you formed as you built it have truly fed into Hearthtribe’s success. To me, it seems like you’ve exceeded your goals and certainly my expectations.”
Cultivators were definitely strong, but they were also insular. Her ability to rally them to fight alongside Hearthtribe had been a big help. It was true that they only made up a small percentage of their overall fighting force, but they made a big impact with their unique talents and mobility.
Jake felt Nessa’s heart flutter, a warm surge of joy pulsing through their bond as she basked in his silent admiration.