"Then we can expect vampire clans worldwide to follow Damien's example," he mused aloud. "Where the Dark Lord leads, the rest generally follow."
"Exactly." Jacinth's eyes sparkled as she reached for her discarded piece of basboussa. "The Vancouver clan has already reached out to their local shifter packs, and I heard glimmerings of the same from London and Paris."
"Undoubtedly there are more," Kieran said, and Jacinth nodded in agreement. The political implications would unfold like an intricate game of chess. Damien's decision would cascade through vampire society, inspiring other clan leaders to step up to protect the shifters.
"A masterful move," Kieran admitted, his respect for Alyssa's influence growing. The Djinn woman had accomplished what centuries of negotiation had failed to do - she'd maneuvered Damien into taking a public stance on supernatural cooperation for the first time since the 16th century.
Jacinth nodded, honey syrup glistening on her fingers as she savored her treat. "The other clans can't ignore this. But," she added, talking with her mouth full, "it's not like the vampires are coming out too. They'll stay secret, as we are."
Kieran nodded in understanding. The vampires' natural affinity for darkness made them perfect for covert protection. They'd guarded their own existence for millennia - they knew how to remain unseen while still maintaining an effective presence.
"That should mean less work for you, there in the Hudson Valley," he observed.
She nodded, brushing crumbs from her fingers. "My focus will be on adding protective wards to private residences," she said. "But businesses are more complicated. Too many people coming and going, too much ambient energy interfering with the spells."
Kieran understood the challenge. Public spaces were almost impossible to ward effectively.
"Security patrols make more sense," Jacinth continued, conjuring a fresh cup of hot tea and sipping cautiously. "Shifters during daylight hours, vampires at night. That's far more practical than trying to maintain complex wards in public spaces. There's a meeting planned with the security forces - shifters and the vampires coming from Damien's clan in New York City - tomorrow evening."
Kieran nodded. "You'll let me know how it goes." His tone made it clear this wasn't a request.
"Of course,Amri."
She tilted her head, studying him with those knowing dark eyes as she deftly changed the subject. "I was wondering how Mandy is coping with the shifters' exposure?"
Kieran's hand froze halfway to his teacup. "I would have thought you had visited her to discuss it."
"It's... complicated." Jacinth licked a crumb of basboussa from her finger, her expression growing thoughtful. "I was with her quite a bit in the beginning after the first wish, yes. Going shopping with her for her new wardrobe those first days, and helping her to settle in. But I've been pulling back deliberately."
She selected another piece of cake, but this time simply held it, turning it in her fingers as she spoke.
"Mandy has had a lot to come to grips with, and while I want to help..." She sighed, setting the cake back down untouched. "I know myself too well. I have a tendency to hover, to try to fix everything for everyone." Her lips curved in a self-deprecating smile. "It would be too easy for Mandy to become dependent on me. Not because she isn't strong - she absolutely is. But because I make it so easy for people to lean on me."
Kieran studied Jacinth's delicate features, surprised by her self-awareness. In all their centuries together, she'd never shown such clear understanding of her own tendency to hover protectively over others. That she'd recognized this pattern in herself and deliberately chosen to step back, to allow Mandy space to adjust to her new reality without becoming dependent on Djinn assistance... it spoke volumes about how much Jacinth had grown.
Memories cascaded through his mind - the impetuous young Djinn she'd been, the powerful Wish Bearer she'd become, the devoted wife and mother who'd challenged centuries of tradition. Through it all, she'd maintained that essential spark of joy that made her uniquely Jacinth, while developing wisdom he'd never expected to see.
In all their centuries together, had he ever actually told her?
"Jacinth." His deep voice carried more emotion than he'd intended. She looked up, those dark eyes widening slightly at his tone. "I don't believe I've ever told you how very proud I am of you. Of the woman you've become."
Kieran watched as Jacinth opened and closed her mouth several times, those expressive dark eyes brimming with tears. Amusement flickered at having rendered her speechless - a feat he'd never managed in all their centuries together.
"I... I don't..." Jacinth stammered, her hands twisting in her lap. A tear escaped, trailing down her cheek as she struggled to form words.
"Surely this must be a sign of the apocalypse," Kieran drawled, his deep voice rich with humor. "Jacinth, rendered completely speechless. Perhaps we should alert the Council that the world is about to end?"
A trembly laugh escaped her as she swiped at her tears. "Oh, stop it," she managed, though her voice wavered. "You're terrible."
"Indeed," he agreed solemnly, though his silvery-blue eyes sparkled. "My reputation for terribleness is legendary."
Kieran watched as Jacinth conjured a delicate lace handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes and blowing her nose with an unladylike honk that made his lips quiver with amusement. Some things never changed - she'd always been emotional, wearing her heart on her sleeve even as a young Djinn.
"So," she said, wadding the handkerchief in her small hands. Her dark eyes sparkled with the return of their usual mischief as she changed the subject. "About Mandy?"
Kieran shook his head, genuine puzzlement creeping through him. "She has completely embraced her 'live mermaid' dream. She has ordered one of those mermaid tails off the internet - eBay I believe - and in anticipation of receiving it,she is spending hours in that pool, practicing swimming, posing and preening, and blowing kisses. Lengthening the time she can spend underwater without coming up for air."
He savored the memory of watching her glide through the water, her movements growing more graceful each day as she explored her newfound freedom from pain. The joy radiating from her during those sessions was almost tangible.
