I took Felicity's hand and walked her over to where the twins were sitting. They introduced themselves warmly and within minutes Felicity had settled between them, the three of them already debating whose hair to plait first. I watched for a moment and felt the tightness in my chest ease a fraction.
I made my way back to Phoenix as the first of the buses and trucks pulled onto the dirt track and came to a stop, their engines cutting out one after the other. The doors opened and people began to climb out with equipment and supplies.
My jaw tightened when Lyra stepped off the first bus.
She looked as composed as always, her eyes bright as she took in the scene and began moving toward us with the ease of someone who belonged wherever she happened to be standing. I straightened up and said nothing.
Phoenix greeted her when she reached us, and I watched her slow slightly, clearly expecting more than she received. He offered a brief formal kiss to her cheek and stepped back.
