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Take care, Mirage.

Riv shut off his node and laid back on the cold rock beneath him.

Gazing up at the star and nebula-filled sky, he searched its unfamiliar scape for answers.

He’d never been so unsettled, so roiled with feeling. He needed to find a way back to Élisa and their love, but how?

His pain rolled through his body and carried in the wind, whipping down the hill to the velds below.

There is always a way.

Riv’s body locked, and he sat up with care, his eyes snapping to the darkness around him.

His meta-sight confirmed no one was lurking close by.

Instead, someone had just spoken into his soul, and it wasn’t Mirage.

What the fokk?

It’s me, Father.

Riv sat still, frozen to the boulder. His mind whirled until he chanced a thought.Killen?

None else.

How?Riv shot out.

His son gave a soft chuckle.I speak through the hawkstone into your soul, and neural node.

Riv was floored.You called me -.

I named you what you are to me—my Father.

Tears clouded Riv’s eyes.How did -

Killen’s soul voice came through deep and resonant.I’ve known for some time now.

How?

I told you the hawkstone sees almost everything. It cuts through to the hearts and souls of men.

A long silence fell between them.

Riv was the first to break it.And you’re OK with me, with having a Father, once absent, thrust into your life?

Killen paused for a beat. Your estrangement from us was Mother’s decision, and she did it for a good cause. I cannot blame her or you. I’ve also been aware of you for some time. Having you here with us was something I was looking forward to.

Riv heaved a deep breath.Does she know? Who I am, that I am Riv, not Ribau?

Nada. But she suspects. It’s hard to keep the truth away from a pure-of-heart Katánian.

The Rider jolted.Can we keep it that way? For now.

Of course. Unless, of course, she comes to the realization herself.

Sante.

So you approve? Of us reuniting?Riv asked, holding his breath.