8. DestinyEarly the next morning, Aiden stepped out into the street to find Branwyn waiting for him. She stepped forward, dawn light bathing her face golden, and linked an arm through his. “Excited?”
“Sort of,” said Aiden, “but it doesn’t feel real yet.”
He turned back to his family, who had followed him out. His mother pulled him into one final hug.
“Do good,” she whispered into his ear.
“I will Mum,” he said, squeezing her tight and then stepping away.
He reached out to tousle Andor’s hair. “Look after them all.”
Andor batted his hand away.
“Come on Aiden,” said Brokk, turning him towards the street again. “You don’t want to be late.”
Branwyn took his arm again and he followed her, keeping his eyes resolutely ahead. The sun had almost reached the horizon and the cool breeze blew
