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"When would you be able to attempt another vision?"

"After Allegra's birthday party," Syssi said. "I'm so preoccupied with the preparations that I won't be able to focus solely on Khiann. I need a clear head and proper preparation if I'm going to get this right this time. In the meantime, Amanda can test Fenella, and maybe the results will give us additional clues."

"So, after the birthday bash?" Annani asked.

Syssi nodded. "I will probably need a couple of days to calm down, meditate, and bring myself to a receptive state."

"I appreciate the effort you are putting into this. I wish I could lend you my powers somehow."

"Maybe you can," Syssi murmured, an idea occurring to her. "We haven't tried this yet, but what if Morelle can siphon the power from you and channel it into me?"

"That is an interesting thought," Annani said. "She channeled the energy she siphoned from me and from Kian into inanimate objects, but maybe she can channel it into people. The problem of doing so is that it might be dangerous. As much as I want to find my Khiann, I do not want to lose you while trying."

"Right." Syssi rubbed her temple. "There must be a safe way to test this. I just can't think of any."

The Clan Mother leaned toward her. "There is. The same way that we are testing Ell-rom's ability."

"On humans?"

Annani shrugged. "We have Doomers in the dungeon. Morelle can test her ability on them."

Syssi was surprised that the goddess was so callous with the lives of those Doomers, but Annani had changed her outlook recently. Her optimism had taken a nosedive after the slaughter the Doomers had ordered in Mexico, and recent global events had only made it worse. The world was not heading in the direction of peace and prosperity. It was galloping in the other direction.

"Morelle is not as soft-hearted as Ell-rom," Annani continued. "She would have no qualms about testing her powers on those monsters."

Syssi wasn't sure of that, but she didn't want to contradict the Clan Mother. Annani probably knew her sister better than she did.

"You should ask her," she said. "See what her opinion is on that. After all, it's her power, and she knows more about it than we do."

"I shall call her later," Annani said. "Now, I need your advice on what to get my son and granddaughter for their birthdays." She chuckled. "Not celebrating birthdays in the clan was a practical decision. It made things simple."

Syssi leaned back in the chair, glad that the conversation had shifted to lighter topics. "Allegra is easy. Just get her the frilliest dress you can find, and she will be ecstatic. Kian is a little harder to please."

She blushed when she thought about the private gift she'd gotten him. It was a gift that kept on giving—many nights of exquisite pleasure.

Annani regarded her with a knowing smile. "I will not ask what passed through your mind right now. I have a feeling that it is very naughty."

Syssi covered her flaming cheeks with her hands. "It's unfair that you can read me so easily."

Annani laughed. "Anyone can read every thought that passes through your mind. You are like an open book. But try to concentrate for a moment and give me an idea for a gift."

"Cufflinks?" Syssi tried. "A rare whiskey bottle, perhaps?"

29

FENELLA

Fenella perched on a bar stool next to the counter watching Din, who moved with the confidence of someone who knew his way around a kitchen. He'd donned an apron to protect his clothes from splatters, a sensible burgundy one that somehow made him look even more attractive. He'd also rolled up his sleeves to reveal muscular forearms dusted with dark hair.

There was something unexpectedly sexy about a man preparing a meal for the woman he wanted to impress.

She preferred it to him inviting her to a fancy restaurant, a show, or a concert. Those were nice, but the only effort they required was spending money, and Fenella appreciated sweat equity much more.

Sipping the glass of red wine he'd poured for her, she savored the rich flavor while she observed him seasoning the thick ribeye steaks with salt and pepper. His movements were practiced, indicating that he had done that countless times before.

"Where did you learn to cook?" She swirled the wine in her glass.

Din glanced up with a smile that lifted the corners of his eyes. "Everyone knows how to cook a steak. That hardly makes me a chef."