Page 69 of Sky’s Edge

I thought of a motley group of four people, stranded, alone, and making a family.

I thought of a boy fishing, to feed his mother as the supplies ran low.

And partly tame, mostly wild beasts circling a dead female to protect her from nothing.

And I wept.

I was so in my thoughts, when I felt the touch on my neck, I was surprised.

I turned.

Looked up.

And Tanyn gazed down at me.

“She would have loved you,” he whispered.

I sob tore out my throat, and I collapsed into his body, my arms rounding him.

His did the same to me.

Tight.

“Comm us when you’re in Abyssinia. We’ll fly over. Have dinner.” Standing on the landing platform, the soni-jet loaded up behind us, waiting for Tanyn, Hurley and I to embark, Zyra was holding me and talking in my ear.

“Okay, when Mira sorts everything, I’ll let you know.”

She pulled her head away but didn’t let me go.

“Also, we want to come to Nocturn. See your gallery.”

I smiled at her. “That can be arranged.”

“I’ve never been to Nocturn,” she said.

“Well, you’ve got an in for a VIP tour of Spikeback Castle,” I bragged.

“Oh Lilith! I’d love that,” Zyra exclaimed.

“Female,” Manny grunted. “Let her go. The pilot doesn’t have all night for you to gab.”

Zyr glared at her husband then turned back to me, rolled her eyes and griped, “Males.”

I smiled at her again and gave her a squeeze.

We released each other and I went to Manny for a hug.

He engulfed me in his arms and this time I got the squeeze, and it was tight.

He let me go with a pat on my shoulder and a, “See you soon, lass.”

“You will,” I confirmed.

“Baby?” Tanyn called.

Not even drunk, I went right to him.

He took my hand, we sent one last wave to Zyra and Mangold then walked up the steps, holding hands, Hurley following us into the jet.