Page 64 of Dark Rover's Luck

Gertrude nodded. "Better not jinx it."

Amanda settled beside her, reaching for Evie's hand. "Do you want to come to mommy, sweetie?"

Evie shook her head. "Nana."

"Traitor," Amanda murmured under her breath. "She likes you better than me, her own mother."

"That is the superpower of grandmothers." Annani kissed the top of Evie's head. "We have the privilege of always being nice, never raising our voices, and leaving all the parenting to our daughters and sons."

"The clan is growing," Syssi said. "With Kyra's extended family joining us, we've added quite a number of members in a short time."

"Have you met all of Kyra's family yet?" Amanda asked Annani.

"Yes, they came to visit me the other day. Lovely women, and the children are delightful. One of them, the little one named Cyra, was particularly drawn to me. She climbed right into my lap without hesitation. Naturally, I was delighted."

"Speaking of Kyra's family," Bridget said. "I have more good news that I almost forgot about in all the excitement. Turns out that Fenella is related to them. They share a maternal ancestor from many generations back. It's quite remarkable when you think about it, this family that was spread across continents, finding each other under such improbable circumstances."

"The Fates at work, no doubt," Amanda said.

"Indeed," Annani agreed.

Bridget had informed her right after getting the genetic test results, so it was not a surprise for her. In fact, it had not come as such a big surprise at all since she had sensed that there was a connection between the three women.

"Actually, I intended to discuss something with you about Fenella." She turned to look at Amanda. "I believe that she was found along with Kyra for a reason, and that she might have an ability that will contribute to the effort of finding my Khiann. She is not aware of having any paranormal talents, but perhaps you should test her."

"Of course," Amanda said. "But Fenella is a little busy now, with Din coming to see her and applying for a job at the Hobbit Bar."

"I am sure she can find a few hours to get tested." Annani transferred Evie to her mother. "I am glad to hear that things are working out for her. She seemed a little lost when I saw her."

28

SYSSI

"Ineed a word with you." Annani motioned for Syssi to follow her inside the house after most of the guests had left.

Syssi had been expecting that, and she had already planned on summoning another vision about Khiann.

"I am worried about Queen Ani," Annani said as she closed the door to her home office. "She has been sent on a diplomatic tour of the colonies by the Eternal King, and you know what that means. Since she could not take Aria with her, we have not had contact. Is there any way you can check on her? Ask to see if she is okay?"

Syssi hadn't expected that. She'd known about Ani's trip, of course, Annani had told her about it, but she hadn't expected the goddess to request a vision about her grandmother.

"Of course." She sat on one of the small armchairs flanking a round table.

"I cannot help fearing for her life." Annani sat down on the other one. "The Eternal King might have discovered Ani's connection to the resistance or her communication with me and decided to get rid of her."

"I'm sure Aria would have known if anything happened to the queen. It would have been big news on Anumati, and she would have let Aru know."

Annani regarded her as if she'd just found a cure for cancer. "Why did I not think of that? Of course, Aria would have informed Aru. As long as there is no news, it is good news, right?"

Syssi nodded. "If you want me to summon a vision about Ani, I will, but I'd rather not muddy the waters, so to speak. We need to concentrate on Khiann. Last time I asked for a clue about his whereabouts, I got Kyra instead. I'm glad that I did, and I'm overjoyed that we could save her and Fenella and the rest of the family, even if it meant postponing the search for Khiann."

Kian's and Allegra's joint birthday party had had to be postponed as well, but that had been a small sacrifice to make.

They'd had a small celebration at home, with two cakes and two candles and lots of presents for Allegra, but the village-wide celebration had to be moved and was finally happening this Saturday, provided that nothing else came up.

"Kyra was a clue," Annani said. "And now we have discovered that Fenella is related to Kyra. There is a pattern forming, I am sure of it, I am just not sure what the Fates are trying to show us. All that my gut tells me for now is that Kyra, Jasmine, and Fenella need to combine powers to find Khiann."

"I agree," Syssi said. "And I'm certainly willing to try again."

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