Emma's POV
My gaze slowly swept across the clearing, taking in the aftermath of the battle. The Nightshade guards, who had been attacking them just moments before, were now lying on the ground, unconscious but alive. I saw Bennett and Hunter standing over us, their chests heaving with exhaustion, their eyes still blazing with a fierce inner light.
Parker, still weak from his injuries, was watching me with a gentle smile. "Are you okay, Emma?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Are you hurt?"
My mind was reeling, trying to process what had just happened. The barrier, it was all so overwhelming. But as I looked at Parker, at Bennett and Hunter, I felt a surge of love and gratitude. They had saved me, protected me with their lives.
I stumbled to my feet, my eyes locked on Bennett and Parker. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Thank you for saving me."