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  "Oh, my favorite," I said, reaching for one of the treats. "Sit down, Denevik. I'll have someone else bring a plate for you and carry your tray around the table."

  "I hear you're going to join our search team," Zaria pulled out a chair with power so Denevik could sit three seats down from her. He might negate someone else's power, but not a Larentii's—or one of the Hierarchy. Zaria—we still didn't know whether she could be a member of the Hierarchy, but there were strong suspicions by most of us in that group.

  As for her status in the Hierarchy (if she were a member), none of us could guess at the level. With some genetic manipulation from Charles, she was my daughter, Bree's daughter, and the daughter of a Vampire Queen long dead. I still didn't know who the reincarnated version of Sarita was, although I felt Bree and Charles did.

  Travis and Trent were more than happy to be related to Zaria, as were my other children, but my High Demon child, who went by the name of Vik Roth, loved her the most, I think.

  She'd seen something in him, and she and Quin had gone back in time to negate his death and heal him of wounds that affected him most of his life. All that was before they were aware they were half-brother and sister.

  Vik would follow her to the depths of hell, if she asked. She'd put her life on the line before she'd ever ask that of someone else. I realized that she'd inherited that quality, at least in some small measure, from Breanne and from me.

  While my children accepted her as family without question, she and I were still coming to terms with our relationship. The same held true for Breanne, and to some degree, Ashe.

  How Charles viewed all this, I had no idea.

  I have three daughters, Charles sent, as if he knew what I was thinking. I was only able to see them once in a while, and for a few stolen moments. Don't let the opportunity pass to form a bond. I've failed in that way, and it eats at me.

  Could have fooled me popped right out before I could stop myself.

  I deserve that, he agreed. At least Kiarra, Conner and I have some sort of relationship, now. My youngest daughter—I should have known that she'd be the skeptical one.

  Zaria isn't one to be fooled, I sniped.

  She has that from her mothers, Charles acknowledged.

  More Breanne than me, I said. Zaria and Bree can see through just about anyone.

  Sarita was good at reading people, Charles told me. She knew Wlodek loved her and that Merrill didn't. She tried her best with Wlodek, but it wasn't enough. Merrill had her heart and he rejected it.

  I know that feeling. Merrill had done the same to me, until Bree came along and Changed What Was.

  I didn't mean to bring up old wrongs. I certainly don't want to be the reason you and Merrill have an argument later about it.

  Charles, go soak your head, I huffed. You didn't have anything to do with that, anyway. My own father did.

  As he did with Sarita.

  I went still. Griffin did that to her, too?

  Merrill requested it; Griffin complied, just as he did in your case.

  My father was responsible for her suicide?

  She may have done it eventually, even if Merrill had accepted her. She wanted children, and that could have eventually convinced her to walk into the sun. With Merrill and Griffin's interference, her life ended sooner than it should have.

  No doubt that affected the timeline.

  It did. It made me realize that I needed a third daughter. It was only fitting that Sarita get the child she always wanted, to right the eventual wrongs that came because of past interferences.

  I'm still not sure how I feel about becoming a mother again when I had no idea it was done.

  You should have heard Breanne, when she told me in ah, plain, if profane, words, that I kept this from her far too long.

  I think Zaria takes after Bree more than anyone, I said.

  Don't sell yourself short, Lissa. Have you told Zaria that she has her own suite here at the palace?

  I haven't finished decorating it—I wanted to find out what she likes, first.

  Then tell her and let her make those final decisions. You can help, once you know what she wants.

  She'll be off again before, I began.

  Tell her now. Ask her to stay for a day or two and rest. She's tired and needs it.

  "Zaria," I said aloud. She and Edden had been talking quietly with Winkler, who'd sat across from both.

  "Lissa?"

  "I—you have your own suite here at the palace, but I haven't finished decorating it, yet. I wasn't sure what you'd like, but we can have it ready for you in no time. Will you stay for a day or two, at least? I think you need some rest, and your other mates can catch up with you if you want. Besides, I think Nissa would like to see you."

  "Really? I'd love to sit and talk with her," Zaria sighed. "We only met one time and didn't get to spend more than half an hour together."

  "I'll make sure Grey House lets her and her husbands come for a visit tomorrow, then." I smiled, because seeing Nissa, Toff and Trik would be wonderful, and seeing them with Zaria would be even better.

  In fact, if I worked things out right, I could get all my children here, and we could have some family time. Yes—that would be excellent.

  "Really? They can all come?" Zaria read me like a book.

  "I think I can get them here," I smiled at her sudden excitement. She'd grown up as an only child, and I was coming to realize how lonely that had been.

  Well done, Charles sent. You've made our daughter happy for the first time in months.

  King's Palace, Karathia

  Rylend Morphis

  "I worry that something will happen," Vik paced before my desk.

  "By something, I assume you mean somebody will figure out who you really are? Can that be a bad thing?"

  All seven feet of him stopped dead center of my study and blinked at me. "I can only imagine that Reah will be more than pissed, and I've come to terms with the fact that she's with someone else, now."

  "It's not fair to you, dude. Besides, Zaria wants to see us. That means you, too."

  "If I go for anyone, it would be her."

  "Then come. I can provide a disguise, if Zaria won't do it for you."

  "Zaria will if I ask her."

  "Then come. Randl can do without you for two days, at least. Besides, Travis and Trent are coming, and they'll have Sabrina with them."

  "Fine. I'll go. It'll be nice to visit old stomping grounds."

  "Come on, then, bro. Go pack or something. I've already arranged to leave Dad in charge. I'll be leaving in about an hour. Want to come with me?"

  "Sure. Let me grab my stuff and I'll be back."

  Grey Planet

  Nissa

  "Pack your swimsuit," I told Trik. "Stop worrying about pale legs. I can give you a fake tan if you're that self-conscious."

  "I've got mine," Toff wandered in, with three shirts and swim trunks hanging off the points of his wings, while he carried a stack of jeans and shorts to pack.

  "If you ever decide to change professions, I think I can get you work as a valet," Trik teased him.

  "The humanoid kind, or the one that stands in a corner and serves as a catch-all?" Toff lifted an eyebrow at Trik.

  "Your choice," Trik laughed. Toff hurled one of his shirts at Trik, who deftly employed his wizard's power to fold it in midair and allowed it to plop gently onto the bed with a rustle of cotton.

  "This is going to be fun, isn't it?" I smiled at Toff and put my arms around his neck. He smiled and leaned down to kiss me.

  Yes, it was going to be fun.

  Sirena

  Travis

  "Zan, you're invited. Don't be a martyr and say it's only for family," I barked. "Get your stuff together, and make sure Perri is ready, too. You'll be Quin's guests at Avii Castle. Perri can visit with her brother while we're there."

  Zanfield looked surprised by my words. "Look," I softened my tone, "I got mindspeech from Zaria. She specifically invited you. I don't want to be
the one to tell her you refused."

  "She asked for us to come?"

  "Yes. Now, go pack. Bring your swimsuit. We can go swimming either in the palace or at the beach outside the light palace."

  "On my way," Zan grinned and loped out of my quarters.

  "Do we need anything formal?" Sabrina leaned into the doorway to ask.

  "Bring at least one outfit; I'm hoping for a trip to Desh's," I grinned at her.

  "Oooh, that sounds nice. I'll go grab something."

  Lissa

  "Wayne, please mind your manners," I said. "You still have to go to school; Master Morwin won't let you skip your lessons, you know."

  "Mom, where will everybody sleep?" Wynter asked.

  "Some will stay with Aunt Quin," I told her.

  "Is Nissa staying here with us?"

  "She is."

  "Good."

  "You just want to play with Trik," Wayne accused his sister.

  "He's fun. You're not," Wynter sniffed.

  "Don't start," I shook a finger at my youngest. "If you want to spend time with our guests, you have to behave yourselves." Had I been this frazzled with Travis and Trent? As I recalled; they'd been into most everything, but they'd been united in their misdeeds, at least. Wayne and Wynter were always sniping at one another.

  Winkler, your seven-year-olds are acting up again.

  It's normal, came back in his usual drawl.

  How long does this normal last, then?

  Until they go out with the pack the first time.

  Great.

  Sometimes after that, too.

  Oh, lordy.

  I want to be on one of Zaria's search teams, Winkler informed me.

  Are you sure?

  Yep. I can do legwork and sniff around. I think I can get Weldon and a few others to help, too.

  Take a couple of vamps with you. Couldn't hurt, huh?

  I'll talk with Rigo.

  You do that. Rigo would be a good choice, either for advice or to join in.

  That old vamp knows a few moves.

  Yes, he does.

  When is everybody showing up?

  Could be any minute. Ry was so ready to come, he grabbed Bel Erland and started packing. Erland will hold down the fort while they visit. Travis and Trent may be right behind those two.

  I don't think I've ever seen a family reunion come together so fast, Winkler teased.

  Maybe we should do this more often, then.

  Maybe we should.

  Avii Castle

  Zaria

  "Quinnie Bee," I held her for a long, satisfying hug, while Justis stood a few feet away, smiling.

  "When will Perri and Zanfield get here?" Quin pulled away to ask.

  "Could be any time," I said. "It's so good to see you."

  "We have more suites available, if Lissa needs space," Justis offered.

  "I'll make the offer; some may want to come here, just for the view."

  "He won't say it, but he enjoys the company," Quin laughed.

  "I think we may be invited to Desh's for dinner tonight," I turned toward Justis. "And you may get the ox-roast you're so fond of."

  "That sounds intriguing," Justis said. "Come, have tea or coffee with us and we'll watch the boats from the balcony."

  "You know I want coffee," I said.

  "I do know that," he chuckled. "Come, the weather is quite fine, and I'll have the drinks delivered from the kitchen."

  I watched as a guard dipped his head to the Avii King and walked out to place our order. Quin hooked her arm with mine and together we walked toward the King's private balcony, where the weather really was as fine as Justis said.

  "Zanfield and Perri just arrived," Deena strode in behind us, dipping her head to Justis.

  "Send them to join us," Justis told her. "Is Zanfield wearing his uniform?"

  "No, my King. He ah, was told he had to remain as incognito as possible."

  "Good. I didn't want to explain things to the entire castle."

  Deena stifled a laugh and went to do as Justis asked.

  "I like him—Zanfield," Quin said as she and I took seats in the shade of the castle behind us.

  "He's an honorable man. Not easy to find, nowadays," I replied. "I like him, too."

  "A quirky, honorable man. Certainly not easy to find anywhere," Quin agreed. "What color will his hair and eyebrows be this time, you think?"

  "No idea. I think Perri indulges him nowadays—a witch's power won't damage his hair like dyes will."

  "The guards said we'd find you here." Tamp, Ilya, Bleek and Edden, with Denevik trailing them, walked out to join us. "They ordered extra tea and coffee."

  "Save room for Desh's tonight; I just got confirmation from Reah and Lexsi that they've reserved their banquet room for us."

  "We'll need more chairs," Quin half-rose from her seat.

  "I'll take care of it." I waved a hand and ten more chairs, matching what Quin already had on the balcony, appeared around us, in addition to a large round table, where tea and coffee could be served.

  "You always think of us," Tamp leaned down for a quick kiss.

  "Denevik, are you overwhelmed, yet?" I asked my High Demon conscript.

  "I'm trying not to be. Only time will tell whether I'll be successful."

  "You take after your father, don't you?" I asked gently. He had the dark hair and eyes of Lendevik, once the King of Kifirin.

  "Glindarok says that I sometimes shock her with how much I look like our father." Denevik didn't try to hide his sorrow at that fact.

  "You couldn't have saved him; you'd have died beside him," I said. "I know this is little comfort, but that plot was designed by rogue Ra'Ak, and they'd have killed you if you'd learned of it before it happened."

  "Cursed all the way around, then," Denvik sighed and took a chair beside Tamp's.

  "Don't let the past destroy your future," Quin told him. "May I touch you?" She was off her chair and walking around the table to reach him.

  "It will do you good," I told him as Denevik hesitated. After a few moments, he nodded and closed his eyes as Quin reached out to hold his head in her hands.

  He needs this, doesn't he? Ilya sent.

  Yes. Quin glowed, even in the bright light of day, as she offered what healing she could to a mind long eaten by guilt and self-recrimination. Denevik's dark hair lifted in the breeze from the sea far below, as lines of worry disappeared from his face.

  By the time Quin had removed her hands, he looked far younger than he did when he first sat down.

  "Thank you—I didn't realize," Denevik blinked at Quin.

  "You're welcome," Quin patted his shoulder and walked back toward her chair.

  Three winged servants flew up to the balcony, each carrying a covered tray. Their feet touched the balcony gracefully; Quin motioned them forward to set out tea, coffee and snacks for us.

  "There's food? I'm in," Zanfield arrived, sporting orange hair, purple sideburns and eyebrows, and a hoop of gold in one ear.

  "Zanfield, did someone tell you about Earth pirates?" I asked, eyeing the earring.

  "I saw images—Travis and Trent sent them," Zanfield grinned. "I thought about putting two Tiralian crystals in the hoop, but they said that was overkill."

  I had no part in any of that, Vik appeared on the balcony with Rylend Morphis. It was all Travis and Trent.

  Did you not warn them that Zanfield would have an earring by the end of the day? I asked. He grinned in response.

  They had a bet going how long it would take.

  I really, really want to slap my forehead right now, and I can't. "Zanfield," I said aloud, "the earring looks good, but if you decide that you want to change your look someday, I can heal the hole in your ear. Or Quin can. Just ask."

  "She can put the hole back, too, if you change your mind again," Vik volunteered. "Just don't ask more than twice."

  "There's a slight problem," Teeg San Gerxon announced as he appeared next to Rylend.

  "What's th
at?" Vik asked. I already knew from reading it in Teeg's face. Irina's body had been found; I recognized her image in Teeg. He still didn't know her identity, but testing on her body revealed that she died of radiation poisoning, and that she was originally from Old Earth.

  Chapter 2

  Queen's Palace, Le-Ath Veronis

  Lissa

  "Where was the body found?" I asked.

  Zaria, Gavril, Ry, Vik and several others had brought the news to me shortly after Gavril's arrival. In my house, surrounded by family, he was Gavril and not Teeg.

  "Sawnee," Gavril replied. "Ten minutes before I left to come here, I got word from the CSD's Forensics Department that she was from Earth—Old Earth, actually. The toxins, heavy metals and such in her body verified it. We're worried that she came in contact with radiation on one of those abandoned worlds that Randl may have investigated."

  "Or one that the Prophet currently lives on," Vik growled. "He appears to thrive on that filth."

  "Do you suppose that D'slay asked his ah, relative to house his paramour?" I asked Zaria.

  "I don't know. Quin and I ought to see the body, though. Maybe we can tell something from it."

  "I think I'd like to see this for myself," I said. "Can we go now, so I'll have time to get my appetite back before dinner?"

  "I'll take us," Ry offered.

  "Then let's go."

  With power, Zaria lifted one of Irina's hands, followed by the other. She examined the body while Quin studied the woman's face. I wondered if D'slay really cared for her—most women who found themselves companions of Sirenali usually had bite marks or scars from old bite marks all over them.

  Irina had none of that.

  When Zaria's hand passed over Irina's abdomen, however, her head jerked up and her eyes stared straight into mine. Irina gave birth, she told me. Several times.

  D'slay's?

  Not completely—no.

  Who else, then? I asked, although afraid of the answer.

  There's the touch of Sirenali about them, and ah, something else.

  What something else?

  Krelk.

  Those things? I hesitate to call them people, because they're so primitive they're barely beyond living in caves.