The men were waiting when Ilona and Mason arrived back at the cave. Ilona knew her face would be stained with tears, but for once, she didn't care what her crew thought. They knew she loved Mason. Why wouldn't she be upset knowing she might lose him? They would all be the same if the roles were reversed.
Mason had held her hand tight as they walked back to the cave, stopping her to give her one more kiss just before they entered. Now, he stood tall and stoic beside her, ready to face what was to come. He took a deep breath as his eyes swept over the men before him... the men he would lead into battle.
