Relief replaced the tight feeling of that balloon. She’d done it. She’d taken that first and hardest step into the light.
“What are you doing right now?” Kira loomed over Selene in a manner Selene knew wasn’t meant to be intimidating. Her sister couldn’t help her nature. Even as a child, Kira’s stare could make others back down when she was angry. As an adult, that ability had only grown.
Ignoring the hot splash of power against her skin, Selene reached for the pot of tea and filled a second cup before handing it to Kira.
Bafflement showed on Kira’s expression as she took the offered tea.
“They issued an invitation, and I am accepting,” Selene said by way of explanation.
Kira raised the cup and blew on its surface before taking a small sip. She made a pleased expression. “You have obligations. Remember?”
“I would never forget.”
The children were Selene’s heart and soul. They were her salvation at a time when she’d contemplated ending the monotony of her existence.
Selene didn’t think Kira was aware of how close she’d been to the abyss when that first child was brought to her. Or maybe Kira knew, and the children were her solution.
Selene had taken that first child and built a life around them and the others that followed.
She would never leave them in danger.
“I’ve already made arrangements for another to take up my duties in my absence.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yes.”
Selene had never been surer of anything.
Something inside her said Kira would have need of her soon. That her presence was necessary for the other’s survival. If that was the case, Selene planned to accompany her—whether the rest of the forty-three approved or not.
“Much as it pains me to say—I agree with Kira. It will not be easy to leave later.” Alexander’s gaze bored into the side of Selene’s face.
Kira continued to sip her tea, watching the byplay between them with a look of avid interest.
“It is time,” Selene said, facing Alexander.
His disapproval over this course of action radiated from every line of his body.
Selene channeled the calm that had served her well in the worst times of her life as she met his stare. One no less intimidating than Kira’s own.
Selene didn’t let herself waver, despite the instinct warning her to retreat. That she wasn’t as powerful as either of the other two. It was one she had practice in denying.
She wouldn’t allow herself to be swayed. This was her path. She would take it no matter the cost.
Alexander’s eyes closed in defeat. “Very well. If that is your wish.”
Kira gave him an appalled look. “That’s it? That’s all you have to say? She tells you she’s going and you’re like, okay?”
Alexander glared at their youngest sister. “She isn’t as reckless as some I could name.”
Kira’s scowl deepened. “I’m not reckless.”
A scoff came from across the table. The target of Kira’s ire shifted to Graydon.
“Then it’s settled. We’ll leave in two days,” Yukina said, quick to press her advantage.
To her credit, there was no sign of smug victory, her expression as calmly poised as it had been before Alexander and Kira’s interruption.
