I sat at the table, facing Raethnn and her people, with Zinnia on one side and Ram on the other. He seemed as fully recovered as I was, though I worried he might push himself too far, too soon. Sassafras perched in my lap, tail thrashing, while I filled everyone in on what I learned.
I was just finishing when Theridialis entered, leaning heavily on Bakari. My chair legs scraped the floor as I stood, Sass leaping to the table top, and rushed forward, my magic supporting the scientist. He sat heavily in a chair, smiling gently up at me, one hand touching my cheek in thanks.
"Thank you, dear," he said. "I'm fine, really. Just need a bit of rest." His face hardened. "But that can wait."
Shuffling feet, a nervous throat clearing and Portlish arrived, surrounded by Daeva. I was so tired sudde
