The silence was the strangest part.
After the wild sounds of the Grey Fells and the screaming from the Chimera nest, the silence in the safe rooms felt very loud. The ASTF team was put in clean, comfortable rooms. Their mood was a mix of being super tired and quietly proud.
He sat on a soft couch, holding a steaming mug of sweet, warm liquid. Vanessa was beside him. She was usually full of smart energy, but now she was quiet and watching.
She hadn't left his side since he'd woken up.
Across the room, Jax was carefully sharpening a knife, but his usual rough manner was missing from his movements. He looked up at Jonah, and their eyes met.
"Never thought I'd say this, alchemist," the old Hunter grunted, a hint of something like respect in his eyes. "But you earned your keep out there. Your lab-coat magic ain't half bad."
Titus, who was standing like a statue by the reinforced window, gave a slow nod of agreement.
"Your assets performed beyond expectations."
