Page 69 of From the Edge

“Ro, who kept you from being alone?” His words were soft, and her grandmother’s head came up.

She jerked and said, “I did.” She turned on her heel and stalked away.

Renyet met her and took a look at her expression. “What happened?”

“Grandpa asked a question, and I didn’t know how to answer.”

He turned to walk with her and offered his hand. She held onto him, and they walked toward the house where dinner was in the slow cooker. He calmed her down, and that was a rare thing. She muttered, “Don’t get a swelled head.”

Ren laughed. “Of course not, little opal.”

* * * *

Vasoric looked toward his granddaughter and sighed. “All hope is not lost. Renyet knows her struggles, knows the past, and has an opal omega in his bloodline. Strong as steel and delicate as glass are hard characteristics to work with.”

Eleanor lifted her head. “It’s a challenge, and only the worthy have a chance.”

“It was like being attacked by a kitten made of lead when I met you.”

“And then you followed me home, you glutton for punishment.”

“I did. And we had three glorious daughters, and one of them had Rowan. What do you truly see for her, love?”

Eleanor sniffled. “I still see her and little children who look like her.”

“What about the ears?”

“Uh, pointed.”

He smiled. “And the skin?”

“Golden green. Oh!” She looked back toward the house. “So, the shaman...”

“Yes. He spoke at length with Avor and myself. Our little granddaughter has removed eighty percent of shadow mages from the area. She can generate the red mist, and this entire property is rigged to defend her. She has taken control of the soil beneath our feet.”

“Because she had to.”

“Because her family left her. Laurel was gone, her parents were gone, Aspen was here to protect her and was the first thing that was attacked. Her protector was now wounded, and protection for the house and grounds was up to her, so she pulled herself together.”

“She’s been alone. Alone isn’t good for us.” She burrowed against her husband.

“I will never leave you alone, my love.”

“I know. I am hoping that Rowan is lucky in the same way.”

“Renyet is focused on her. It will be a matter of time. So what do you want to do in this world?”

“Did you see the building on the drive? It is going to be a daycare centre and an afterschool drop-in for children. Rowan built it and added it to the blueprints for the property.”

He chuckled. “I know you love the little ones. You are going to renew your certification?”

“I already have the study materials. What about you?”

“I will check my credentials and see what my options are. I am thinking a small family practice.”

She smiled and held her husband. “Thank you for staying with me.”

“I could never leave you, Eleanor, and if I had gotten to the hospital in time, you would not have left me.”