Page 6 of Dark Shaman: Love Found (The Children Of The Gods #99)
"That's what Andrew said. Apparently, Tim's more likely to draw unflattering caricatures of people than say anything nice about them." Hildegard glanced at the unconscious man with something approaching fondness. "Though he was probably delirious from the venom."
"Perhaps. Or perhaps the venom simply lowered his usual defenses.
" Annani touched Tim's hand gently. His transformation was progressing well, the changes systemic and thorough.
"His gift is remarkable. To capture not just physical appearance but the essence of a person through verbal description alone borders on the miraculous. "
"Andrew mentioned the portraits Tim created." Hildegard leaned against the bed. "He said they were incredible."
"To me, they are priceless treasures. He gave me my sister's face and the face of my beloved as I saw him and as others saw him as well. Such gifts are immeasurable."
Hildegard was quiet for a moment. "Is that why you're visiting Tim?"
Perceptive. Annani appreciated directness, even from those who might be considered presumptuous for asking. "I wanted to check on Tim's progress, but you're right that I have other concerns."
"Anything I can help with? "
"Not unless you can explain why my sister missed our scheduled call today." The words slipped out before Annani could stop them, worry overriding her usual discretion.
Not everyone was aware of her communications with her sister, but Hildegard was one of those who knew.
The nurse's expression shifted to understanding. "I'm sorry. That must be frightening, not knowing the why of it."
"She has missed a call only once before. Navuh surprised her with an unexpected visit. I keep telling myself that is what occurred today, but worry doesn't listen to logic."
Hildegard nodded. "I understand perfectly.
Every time a patient takes longer than expected to wake from transition, logic and the docs tell me that they're fine.
But I still check their vitals obsessively and jump at every small change.
" Hildegard gestured to Tim. "I can monitor him, adjust his fluids, and keep him comfortable.
But ultimately, his transformation will proceed at its own pace.
Just like your sister's situation—you can maintain communication, treasure your calls, but you can't control Navuh's actions or protect her from across the ocean. "
It was presumptuous, but it was also accurate, and Annani appreciated the nurse's straightforward approach. "You would have made an excellent philosopher."
Hildegard laughed. "Too much time in my own head during long shifts. It's an occupational hazard." She picked up the discarded book. "Would you like me to continue reading? Sometimes a distraction helps with worry. "
"Thank you, but no. I should take my leave and stop by to visit with my son." Annani took a final look at Tim. "Take good care of him, Hildegard. He's more fragile than he pretends to be."
"Aren't we all?" Hildegard murmured, but Annani was already heading out the door.
The walk from the clinic to the office building was short, and as she climbed the stairs to the second floor, Shai walked out of his office to greet her.
"Kian is expecting you, Clan Mother." He led her to Kian's door. "You can go right in."
"Thank you." She cast him a smile.
Kian stood as she entered, coming around his desk to greet her. "Mother. Shai said you wanted to see me. Is something wrong? Usually, you just call."
"I need..." She paused, suddenly uncertain. What did she need? There was nothing Kian could do about Areana's missed call, no action he could take. "I needed not to be alone with my worry."
Understanding softened his expression. "Areana? Kalugal told me that she didn't call you today."
"It is Wednesday, and she missed her weekly call." The words came out carrying all the fear she had been trying to suppress.
Kian guided her to one of the chairs in front of his desk and sat on the other. "When was the last time she missed a call? "
"Months ago. When Navuh surprised her with a visit." Annani twisted her hands in her lap. "I have told myself that is what happened today. He changed his schedule, caught her off guard. She will call tomorrow when she can."
"That seems like the most logical explanation."
"Logic and emotion rarely coexist peacefully." She forced her hands to stillness.
"Could there be a technical problem?"
She shook her head. "William says it is unlikely, even though it is monsoon season over there.
He suggested that Areana did not want to come out in the rain, but she has done so plenty of times before.
It rains often on the island, and she just takes an umbrella with her.
" She met Kian's concerned gaze. "I know there is nothing to be done, and I know that worrying serves no purpose, but knowing and feeling are two different things. "
"You're allowed to worry about your sister," Kian said gently. "I'd say that it's only human, but you are pure goddess with no human genes in you. And yet you show more humanity than most. You are pure love."
"Sometimes I think love is the cruelest gift the Fates can give us. It makes us vulnerable, giving our enemies a weapon to use against us. If I did not love Areana, her silence would not have the power to undo me like this."
"And if you didn't love her, the weekly calls wouldn't bring you such joy," Kian countered. "The vulnerability is the price we pay for connection. For joy. "
Philosophical discussions with her pragmatic son. How strange life could be. "You are starting to sound like Syssi."
"Her wisdom rubs off occasionally." He smiled, then grew serious again. "Is there anything I can do?"
She shook her head. "No. I simply needed to share the burden with someone who understands. The Odus are wonderful, but they cannot truly comprehend the weight of missing someone you love."
He took her hand. "You can always come to me. I might not be the best at providing emotional support, but I will always be there for you."
Annani was touched, and as tears prickled the back of her eyes, she decided it was better to change the subject than start shedding tears in front of Kian. As wonderful as her son was, he would not know what to do with that. "I visited Tim. The transformation is remarkable."
Kian accepted the change of subject gracefully. "Bridget says it's one of the most dramatic she's seen. The growth is unprecedented."
"Hildegard seems quite devoted to his care."
Kian's expression turned speculative. "It's unexpected. They seem like oil and water—both prickly, both quick with cutting remarks."
"Perhaps that is precisely why they match so well. Neither has to pretend to be softer than they are." Annani thought of the way Hildegard had looked at Tim, the gentle way she had read to him. "The heart makes curious choices. "
"That it does." Kian paused. "I know it doesn't help, but I believe Areana is safe. She's survived five thousand years of Navuh. She knows how to navigate his moods and how to keep herself protected. One missed call doesn't mean disaster."
"You are right. It does not help." Annani smiled to take the sting from the words. "I appreciate the attempt, though."
A knock at the door interrupted them. Shai entered. "I apologize for the interruption, but Kalugal is here. He says he needs to talk to you urgently."
Annani's heart leaped. Perhaps he'd heard from Areana after all. She stood quickly, Kian rising with her.
"Send him in," Kian instructed.
Kalugal entered with an energy that filled the room. His expression was animated, but Annani could see immediately that it was not about his mother. The disappointment was crushing, though she tried not to let it show.
"Aunt Annani." He dipped his head. "I didn't expect to find you here."
"I was restless after your mother missed her call."
His face fell. "Still no word?"
"Nothing. But you said you had urgent business?"
Kalugal glanced between them. "It can wait."
"No." Annani straightened her spine. "You said it was urgent. What is it? "
"Project Titan," he said to Kian. "My team found three more potential island sites and identified two additional engineers who would be perfect for the team. But we can discuss this later?—"
"Project Titan?" Annani interrupted. "What is this?"
Kian and Kalugal exchanged looks. "A military initiative we're developing," Kian said.
"Tell me about it." She needed the distraction, needed something to focus on besides her fears for Areana.
As they outlined the plan—exoskeletons for human soldiers, a private island for training, and stolen engineers to develop the technology—Annani found her mind engaging. It was ambitious, risky, and exactly the kind of bold action they needed to counter Navuh's growing power.
"Bringing so many humans into our operations, even peripherally, increases our exposure risk exponentially," she said when they were done.
"We've thought of that," Kalugal assured her. "Compartmentalized information, need-to-know basis. The human soldiers won't know about immortals. They'll think they're training for a private military organization."
"Until they face Navuh's enhanced soldiers and realize they're fighting something that is not human," Annani pointed out.
"It can be explained," Kian said. "Drugs. And we won't even be lying. We just won't mention that the monsters were strong even before the chemical enhancement. "
As they continued discussing details, refinements, and potential obstacles, it helped having something concrete to focus on. But underneath, the worry remained—a constant ache that would not ease until she heard Areana's voice again.
When the discussion wound down, Annani rose to leave. "Thank you for the distraction. It was helpful."
"Mother." Kian stood to escort her out. "Areana's strong. She'll be fine."
"Strength doesn't make us invulnerable," she said. "Sometimes it just means we break more quietly."