She was a goddess of balance, and humans needed that most of all. She’d tried everything she could to escape her cell but it hadn’t worked. Takin... on her crone form gained no sympathy in a world where there was no disease, death, or pain, and her young maiden form was seductive but paled in comparison to the plentiful fertility goddesses traipsing around. Her cell was escape-proof and guarded well. Morrigan had enough of a connection to send aides to Keelin, in dreams, or through ravens, her. I wrap my arms around his neck and find his lips with mine. I pucker ever so slightly and take in his lower lip in before gently sucking on it. I open my mouth to invite him in some more and press against his face. He responds, inhaling deeply, by tickling me with his tongue. I pull away and look into his eyes. They are soft. They are calm. They are peaceful. He is looking straight at me for who I am. He is not drunk on lust. He is not in a hurry to go further. He has no intention other than. I had to go home to check on him, but it was too much Traveling. I passed out from drain shock.”“You just came all the way from ... it’s called Matihar, right?”“Yes, just outside Sanvara City.”“But your brother’s all right?” Ellerie’s eyes searched her face. “He must be, if you’re here?”Leena smiled. “He’s fine. I told him about you all. He wants to meet Sarette—I may have mentioned that she could fly.”Corec chuckled. “I’m glad everything’s all right. But what did you mean about your Seeking. Older than me.Kevin’s admonitions came back to me, suddenly seeming a bit less crazy.Checking you out. Like a piece of meat...“Oh?” I managed, my voice small and breathy.He nodded and leaned towards me, reaching out and taking hold of my chin. Something had changed in his eyes. A fire had been kindled there--maybe it had always been burning, and I just hadn’t noticed it. It twinkled and sparked. Hot, blue embers.His hand slid down over the flat of my stomach, rough, sandpaper fingers against.