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She extended her hands in welcome. "Thank you for coming on such short notice." She motioned at the couch and armchairs. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."

"It's an honor to be invited to your home again, Clan Mother." Kyra dipped her head before taking a seat on one of the armchairs.

"Yes," Fenella agreed. "It's a great honor." Her gaze darted around the room. "You have a beautiful place."

"Thank you," Annani said. "It is not much different than all the other residences in this section of the village. I just added a few personal touches here and there."

Fenella seemed to be searching the walls for something. "I was told that you had a portrait of Khiann commissioned from a forensic artist. Is there a chance you can show it to us?"

The portrait hung in Annani's bedroom, and she did not like inviting anyone in there, but she had stored a copy in the gallery of photographs on her phone.

"Of course." Annani settled on the sofa and pulled out the device. "Do you want me to send you the picture?"

"That would be great. Maybe it will help us in some way." Fenella looked at Kyra and Jasmine. "The three of us should have it."

Annani nodded. "I should have thought of that. I am sending it to you all."

When their phones pinged with the incoming message, all three women immediately looked at their screens, and a moment later, a chorus of oohs and ahhhs ensued.

"He's beautiful," Jasmine breathed.

Fenella and Kyra nodded in agreement.

"Yes, he is." Annani's throat constricted. She turned toward Fenella and forced a smile. "I want to congratulate you upon the discovery of your remarkable talent."

Fenella shifted uncomfortably. "Thank you, Clan Mother, but I'm not sureremarkableis the word I'd use. The words 'invasive' and 'disorienting' come to mind."

"Psychometry can be overwhelming," Annani acknowledged. "Objects carry so much history, so many impressions. Learning to filter what you allow yourself to receive is a skill that comes with practice."

"So I'm told," Fenella said. "Though I'm not convinced it's a skill worth developing. Touching Kyra's pendant was like having someone force-feed me a decade of memories in seconds."

"I understand," Annani said. "But it might be the key to finding my Khiann."

Fenella's expression softened. "I'm more than willing to try. I just don't want to get anyone's hopes up."

Ogidu walked in with the tea tray, offering it first to Annani, then to each of the guests in turn.

"Try the cucumber sandwiches," Annani encouraged. "They are simple but delightful."

"They're delicious." Jasmine took a small sandwich. "I've always loved the ritual of tea, whether it was in the morning or in the afternoon."

"Tea and little sandwiches are very pleasant," Kyra agreed, her gaze focused intently on Annani. "But I suspect we're not here for just that."

Annani smiled. "I like your directness, Kyra, and you are quite right. I have asked you here because of Fenella's psychometric ability and what Amanda told me about the three of you working together." She set her teacup down. "When you touch objects, Fenella, you perceive their history, the moments and memories they have witnessed."

"In vivid, overwhelming detail," Fenella confirmed. "At least that's what happened with Kyra's pendant."

"The pendant has been with Kyra through many intense experiences," Annani said. "It is not surprising that it carries powerful impressions."

"Amanda said I should practice with simpler objects." Fenella put her teacup down on the coffee table. "Things with less dramatic histories."

"A sensible approach," Annani agreed. "But time is not a luxury we have in abundance. Not when it comes to finding my Khiann."

The three women exchanged glances, and Annani could sense their unspoken communication—the subtle bond of shared blood asserting itself.

"Do you have something of his?" Jasmine asked.

"I do." Annani reached for the velvet box on the side table. "This is a necklace Khiann gave me shortly after our wedding." She opened the box, revealing the exquisite gold piece nestled against dark fabric.