Annani's carefully maintained composure shattered.
They started crying simultaneously, shedding rivulets of tears for the five thousand years of their separation. Her sister's beautiful face crumpled with emotions that mirrored her own.
"You have not changed a bit," they said in unison, then laughed through their tears at the synchronicity.
"Well, we are goddesses," Annani managed, wiping at her cheeks with shaky fingers. "Of course, we did not change." She frowned at the screen, taking in her sister's appearance. "What are you wearing?"
The question was so absurd, so perfectly banal in the midst of this chaos, that Areana laughed. She pulled the phone back to show the oversized sweatpants and t-shirt that swallowed her frame.
"Esag was kind enough to lend me his clothes. I'm even wearing his socks because I have no shoes." The laughter died as quickly as it had come, her face crumpling again. "Annani, Navuh's condition is so dire. The doctor is doing everything he can, but the injuries are so extensive. I don't know if he's going to make it."
Before Annani could respond, Areana shook her head, "He has to. He will. Navuh is the strongest male I know. He will fight to come back to me." Fresh tears streamed down her sister's face. "I'm begging you, Annani. Not as a goddess, not even as your sister, but as a female who loves her mate and can't live without him. Please, grant him clemency. I know what he's done. I know that you think he deserves death a thousand times over, but?—"
"Sister." Annani's voice was steady despite her own tears. "We will do everything in our power to save his life, but he will have to be contained. You understand this, right? Your mate is extremely dangerous."
"I know." Areana said, looking relieved. "I expect nothing less. I didn't even dare hope for this much. I know that you need to lockhim up. All I'm asking is to be locked up with him. He's my mate and I love him. I've loved him for five thousand years, and I can't—I won't abandon him now."
"I would never separate truelove mates," Annani said softly. "Whatever containment we arrange, you will be together. You have my word. Naturally, I hope you will leave the cell to see your sons and your grandson. Darius is just precious."
"I can't wait to hold them all." Areana wiped at her face with the bottom of Esag's shirt. "Thank you. Thank you for being so merciful, so accommodating."
Annani smiled. "I know you do not see it that way, but to me, this is a great day of celebration. We will probably make it into an annual happening to commemorate the day my sister was finally set free, when Navuh ceased to be a threat, and when his entire harem of immortal ladies was rescued. Think about it. Your charges, the ladies you have protected all these centuries, are finally free. You succeeded in getting them out."
A ghost of a smile touched Areana's lips. "It wasn't my doing. It was an accident, but you are right. The only real victim of tonight is my mate." Her smile faltered. "I hope he doesn't hate me forever for what I have done. For what I have cost him."
Areana was sinking again, and Annani needed to steer her toward more positive thoughts. "You're going to see your sons soon. And your grandson. Focus on that." She turned to Kian and waved him over. "Let me introduce you to my son. You have spoken, but you have never seen each other."
Kian moved to stand behind her chair, bending so his face would be visible in the camera. The moment he appeared on the screen, Areana gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
"Dear merciful Fates," she breathed. "How is it possible that he looks so much like Khiann? The eyes, the jaw, even the way he holds his shoulders."
"I have a type." Annani sighed. "I chose Kian's human father because he looked remarkably like Khiann. Naturally, no mortal could truly look like a god. Not like my perfect Khiann. But he came close."
Kian put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Hopefully, you will soon be reunited with him."
Annani had told Areana her theory about Khiann being in stasis, but she had a feeling that her sister did not believe it.
Areana's brow furrowed deeply, and for a moment, her expression went completely blank.
"What is it?" Annani asked. "What are you thinking?"
Areana shook her head. "Something tickled the edge of my consciousness, but I'm too frazzled to form a coherent thought right now. Between Navuh's condition and everything that's happened tonight, I can't process this. It's too much."
"That is understandable," she said gently. "You are handling this very well."
Areana cast her a skeptical look. "I'm hanging by a thread. Do you think it's possible for Kalugal and Lokan to call Anandur's device? I would love to talk to them, to see their faces as they are now."
"Of course. I'll call them immediately and have them contact Anandur's number."
"Thank you." Areana's eyes welled with fresh tears. "For this and everything else. For sending help when I asked for it. For saving Tula and the others. For giving Navuh a chance at survival despite everything. I just can't thank you enough."
"You're my sister," Annani said. "I would move heaven and earth for you. I almost did."
A watery laugh escaped Areana. "You kind of did. A submarine full of rescuers is pretty close to moving heaven and earth."
"Rest now," Annani urged. "Try to eat something, even if you do not feel like it. You need your strength."
"I will. And, Annani? I love you."
