With the last captives safely through, Quinlan crossed after Lucille and Kaelira. Behind Serika, who carried Celia, the other women made their way into the garden before the queen squeezed her abdomen past the gate's edge.
Sera stayed beside her, healing light moving over the torn shell. The spider shuddered as the bleeding wounds closed, then gingerly put weight on a leg she'd been dragging.
"Better?"
"Yes... First time I... Heal magic."
"Oh?" The blonde beauty's eyes lit up. "I hope I didn't disappoint~"
"No... I... Amazed..."
"Hehe! You truly are a good girl, aren't you?"
"...Yes..."
"Great, I love you already. Try not to step on anybody."
"Okay..."
Quinlan closed the gate behind them.
"DADDY!!"
A green blur came racing across the lawn.
Quinlan caught Rosie under the arms and lifted her into an embrace. Her legs wrapped around his waist while she squeezed his neck, pressing her face against the side of his helmet.
"You're all covered up!"
