Page 59 of From the Edge

“I am sorry.” Mell sat down and put her head in her hands. “I opened the door. I am so sorry.” She started sobbing, and Rowan let her feel it for a while before she stepped forward and stroked her hair. Mell’s arms came around her waist, and the sobbing continued.

She contacted Norecayet when Mell and she had discussed the particulars. There was horror that was in her friend’s soul, and Rowan had lived in it so long; she really wanted to put it aside.

Mell held her hand and said, “Why did you help me?”

“Because we are friends, and we have always been friends. Just because you had a colossally stupid day that shook both of our lives doesn’t mean I can hate you forever. I don’t hate you, but it has been exhausting. I am still running life support for my grandparents, and it is my last duty to those around me.”

Regis’s voice said, “Avor is going to take it over. He told your grandfather to remain hidden and seek out power, and he did. You are obviously proof of it.”

Rowan rocked her namesake. “Well, I do what I can. Is Avor here?”

“Yes. He is following the link to your grandparents. He’s going to wake them up, dragon style.”

“What does that mean?”

“He’s going to transform into a dragon and broadcast enough energy to wake them up.”

“Oh. They already have it. The moment Aspen was out, I used the remainder to power them up. Grandma should look more like me than I do right about now.”

Mell was still holding onto her and sniffling.

Rowan smiled. “Mellwyn, get some water, have some tea; there is a fresh pile of muffins under that cover behind you. Get yourself together because little dude is hungry. You have four minutes.”

Regis grinned. “Four minutes?”

“I am slowing time around the baby to save my ears.”

Regis asked, “You can do that?”

“I didn’t ask permission. I am doing it.”

Mell blinked. “What?”

“This is why you didn’t give birth invisible. Now water and muffin. Go.”

Mell nodded, grabbed a muffin, and then poured herself some water. She ate quickly and drank more water.

She looked better when Rowan looked at her and said, “You ready for him now?”

“Yes. Is he hungry or dirty?”

“Hungry.” She handed him over.

Mell took him and loosened her shirt, then the little face scrunched, and then the wail started. She got him into position, and the wailing stopped.

Norecayet bolted into the room, and Rowan grinned. “Nice trick.”

Mell smiled briefly. “I asked him to let us chat, but he’s tuned to little Rowan’s cry.”

Regis laughed. “Suddenly, I am almost grateful that Avor missed Ira’s first few months. That would have been terrifying.”

Mell chuckled. “He’s also tuned to my voice, so that is why he blundered into the new palace grounds.”

He nodded. “I just found out that I thought I was split for months, and it was close to two years.”

Rowan whipped around and walked to the sink, filling the coffee maker and kettle.

Regis asked, “Rowan, was that you?”