Exton

Erik taps on the door and enters. Alise watches, her attention divided between Tomas in Stars arms and Tara on Stoneys lap. When she glances back at the couple she sees Erik, his face a mask of steel, trying to choke back whatever emotion he was feeling and Star was weeping. Big silent tears dripping off her face.

“Mon Dieu! What is it? Whats wrong?” Then her attention turns to Erik, “What did you say to her to make her cry?”

Erik understood that Alise was protective of Star and wasnt offended. Star started to sob, “Its Cassie. She is... gone... to walk with the Goddess....”

Alises face was blank trying to register just what it was that had happened. “What do you mean? She cant walk with the Goddess unless she is... oh... oh no...” Alise starts to cry, “What went wrong? Rowan has told me that not so many women die in childbirth anymore...”

When Erik explains what happened there is shocked silence in the room. Stoney opened his connection with his sibs, so that Erik didnt have to keep repeating the gruesome story.

Alise takes Tomas from Star who is in Eriks arms instantly. Alise moves to Stoney and he wraps his arms around her and his family. His mind seeks hers, and they comfort each other and the babies.

Chiot, elle a su. Elle a su de façon ou d'autre que le moment exact Cassie est mort.*

Stoney nods, Je sais. Ce doit être. Mais elle est si jeune pour ceci.**

Erik is holding Star close, waiting for her to stop crying. He looks to Stoney, knowing he will let his family know, “When Rowan gets here she wants us all to gather downstairs, I think for a prayer and to let Keon know that we are all here to help as we can.”


*She knew. Somehow she knew the exact moment Cassie died.

**I know. That has to be it. But she is so young for this.