When Gideon went downstairs, the living room was empty. He turned toward the kitchen instead and found Delilah and her daughters preparing Glowbat meat, Geysermire cuts, and sautéed Pod vines.
The warm smell of cooked protein filled the air.
The moment Summer saw him, her eyes widened. Surprise quickly turned into relief and excitement as she rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Freya told me what happened! Oh my God, I'm so glad you're alive! Why are you always so reckless like that?" she scolded, though the relief in her voice was obvious.
Gideon chuckled.
Summer had been asleep when he returned earlier. She did not even stir despite the noise of the travelers setting up tents near the house.
Just like Delilah, once they fell asleep, nothing could wake them except the blaring military emergency alarm that could jolt them upright in a second.
Probably trauma.
