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“You know what?” D.C. said, reaching for Jordan’s hand and in doing so, helping Saefii save face in front of those watching. “I do feel like dancing.”

“Sounds good to me,” agreed Declan, and he gripped Kaiden’s shoulder with one hand and used the other to guide Bear forward as well, following after D.C. who was all but dragging Jordan into the masses.

Kaiden looked back at Alex and she waved him on, telling him without words that she’d catch up. He cocked his headand hesitated before realising she must have her reasons, so he continued with their friends, his expression saying he was there if she needed.

More than ever she appreciated that they weren’t at risk of becoming one ofthosecouples—the ones who had to do everything together and couldn’t survive unless they were by each other’s sides. Alex was much too independent for that kind of relationship, and she knew Kaiden was as well. She was especially grateful right now, since the reason she wasn’t joining her friends was because a familiar face had appeared at the edge of her peripheral vision; a face that gave a swift hailing gesture, calling discretely for her attention—but also signalling for her to come alone.

“I think I’m going to grab some refreshments first,” Alex fibbed to the empress. And, when Saefii hummed her agreement before turning to one of her approaching subjects, Alex snuck away into the darkness of the night.

Twenty

Weaving through the crowd and further alongthe shore, Alex soon ventured deep enough into the shadows that not even the city lights reflecting off the water revealed much by way of detail. But once she reached her destination, while she could note little around where they stood, she could still make out Raife’s handsome features, along with the equally stunning face of the woman beside him.

“Alex, there’s someone here who wants to meet you,” Raife said, gesturing to the woman. “But away from the crowds. She hoped to avoid prying eyes.”

Her interest snared, Alex looked at the female Tia Auran, taking in her dark skin and moon-white hair and wondering why she’d gone to the effort of singling her out for an introduction.

The woman offered a small smile, the motion lighting up her already radiant face. “I am Aes Orsa. First Oracle of Vardaesia.”

Alex stilled at the name. “Aes…?”

Understanding, Aes Orsa quietly answered, “Aes Daega was my baby sister.”

Her…babysister?

Alex couldn’t keep her eyes from wandering over the woman’s physique as she stammered out, “You, uh, look really good for your age.”

Lady Mystique had beenold. As in,old-old. She’d been wrinkled and weathered by time. And yet, her sister, whosupposedly topped her in years, appeared as youthful as any young woman. She was the picture of vitality. In fact…

Casting her gaze over Raife and then back to the celebrating Tia Aurans dancing along the lake’s edge, Alex realised that she had yet to see anyone in Vardaesia aged beyond their thirties. But she also hadn’t seen anyone much younger than their twenties, either. While curious, she figured now wasn’t the time to question it, especially when Aes Orsa huffed out a quiet, understanding laugh.

“This world keeps our bodies preserved in a manner yours does not afford to our race,” she said. “My sister would have looked much different to me at the time of her passing.”

That was certainly true. Not only that, but Lady Mystique had looked just as ancient when Alex had met her thousands of years in the past as well. Just how long had it taken for that kind of ageing to show? How oldhadLady Mystique been?

Having no idea how to respond, Alex decided to keep her reply light. “I’m guessing she would have envied your skin-care routine. I’d be keen for some tips myself, if you feel like sharing.”

Another laugh, this time heartier. “Unfortunately, only Tia Aurans inhabiting this world can enjoy the luxury of eternal rejuvenation,” Aes Orsa said, but with a smile. “One of the benefits of our particular immortal heritage.”

Right timing or not, Alex couldn’t keep from asking, “If that’s what’s keeping everyone here from ageing, where are all those who haven’t yet reached whatever age is considered maturity?” At Aes Orsa’s puzzled look, Alex clarified, “Where are your children?”

Comprehension dawned for the woman and she shared an unreadable glance with Raife, who answered, if slowly, “There are no children in Tia Auras.”

Alex couldn’t keep from raising her eyebrows. “You have to come from somewhere. I struggle to believe you’re birthed fully grown.”

She shuddered at the very idea.

“I should clarify,” Raife said, his voice quiet, almost like he feared it would carry. “What I meant was, there are no childrennow. And there haven’t been for many, many ages.”

Dumbstruck, Alex said, “You can’t have kids?”

“Long ago, we could,” he said. “But not since the fallout fromNesana Karn—the Immortal Wars.”

Reading Alex’s bewilderment, Aes Orsa explained, also quietly, “Children of our race are conceived only from the coupling of one of us joining with a Meyarin.”

Alex jerked as she began to understand.

“It takes both a Meyarin and a Tia Auran to create a child, with our side of the gene pool being dominant enough to ensure the child is Tia Auran,” Aes Orsa continued. “Amongst only ourselves, however, we are unable to reproduce. So ever since banishing the Meyarins after theNesana Karn…”