Page 12

A long diplomatic trip would keep her away from the capital and out of the public eye. Even if he did not send her to the colonies to kill her, it was still a good way to kill her influence.

Annani took a deep breath, refocusing on the present and the joyous occasion of welcoming seventeen new members into her community. Kyra's extended family represented a significant and valuable addition to the genetic pool.

When she heard the doorbell, Annani lifted her hand and pushed her hair behind her ears to expose the translating earpieces. The children and their mothers would all be wearing them, and Annani wanted them to see that she had them on as well.

The sliding door opened, and Ogidu stepped out first. "Your guests have arrived, Clan Mother."

She rose to welcome Kyra, her sisters, and their children.

The youngest ones looked scared, while the older ones seemed nervous, but all were excited.

"Good morning," Annani said, extending her arms in greeting.

Kyra stepped forward first, a bright smile on her face and none of the weariness that darkened her sisters' expressions. "Thank you for inviting us, Clan Mother."

"The pleasure is all mine." Annani embraced Kyra and then stepped back to look over the assembled family. "We have met briefly during the welcome party, but I have been looking forward to getting to know each of you in person."

"Let me introduce my sisters." Kyra motioned for the eldest to come forward. "This is Soraya, mother to Arezoo, Donya, and Laleh."

Soraya's features were remarkably similar to Kyra's. She looked older, and time had started etching fine lines around her eyes, but she was still a beautiful woman, and she carried herself with dignity.

"It is an honor to meet you face to face, Clan Mother." Soraya dipped her head respectfully but did not extend her hand.

Annani offered both of hers instead. "My skin might be glowing, but I assure you it is not radioactive."

That was what most contemporary humans suspected when they first saw her. In days past, people had thought she was an angel or a goddess, which was closer to the truth.

Soraya hesitated for a split second before placing her hands in Annani's. When nothing happened, she let out a breath and relaxed her shoulders.

Annani smiled. "Would you like to introduce your daughters to me?"

A flash of emotion crossed the woman's face. "They are my greatest treasures." She turned around and motioned for the girls to step forward. "This is Arezoo, my eldest. She is nineteen."

The girl curtsied, which was adorable. "It is an honor to meet you, Clan Mother."

Evidently, it was a line they had all prepared. Hopefully, they would have more to say once they loosened up.

Next were the younger girls, then Rana and her daughter, the grieving widow Yasmin and her five children, and Parisa and her four boys.

Rana's daughter Azadeh stood quietly beside her cousins, her intelligent eyes taking in everything with careful observation. Annani sensed a deep thinker in this one.

Rohan, Yasmin's younger boy, stared openly at Annani's glowing skin. "Are you made of light?"

Yasmin looked mortified. "Rohan! That's not?—"

"It is quite all right," Annani laughed, kneeling to the six-year-old's level. "I am not made of light, but the glow is part of me. Would you like to touch my hand?"

The boy hesitated, looking up at his mother for permission. When Yasmin nodded, he reached out tentatively, then quickly pulled his hand back as soon as his fingers brushed Annani's skin.

"You're not hot!" he exclaimed with surprise.

"Of course not." Annani patted his shoulder and then turned to the others. "Please, everyone, make yourselves comfortable." She gestured toward the terrace seating. "The younger children can sit on the blanket. Ogidu has prepared refreshments."

Little Cyra clung to her mother's skirt, but she eyed the chocolate chip cookies with unmistakable longing.

"Those are for you," Annani told her. "Ogidu made plenty of them so do not be shy."

The child looked surprised to be addressed directly, then glanced up at her mother for permission.