Page 98 of Alien Burn

Dhomhes made a protesting sound beside her.

Tivek's face broke into delight.

“Yes. I think she'd appreciate that.”

“Enough,” Dhomhes said. “Both of you. I can see exactly how this alliance will end.”

“You were the one who sat down,” Sereya reminded him.

“So I was.”

The way he looked at her made the small space between their shoulders feel suddenly insufficient.

She remembered his hand on her back outside the housing office. How close she'd stood. How the weight of her own fear had eased enough for her to notice the warmth of him through his clothes.

This was different. She wasn't shaking. She didn't need someone to hold her upright.

She wanted him close because he was Dhomhes, and she liked his terrible injured dignity when his brother teased him, and the small care he took over answers that mattered.

The wanting felt more dangerous now that she could name reasons for it.

Across the garden, the family attendant straightened. Tivek looked up at once.

His mother had appeared in the office doorway, speaking to the clerk beside her. Sheira's posture was composed, but the set of her shoulders brought Dhomhes and Tivek off the bench.

Dhomhes had already stepped forward.

Sheira saw him and lifted a hand before he could ask.

“Finished for today.”

“Did they—” Tivek began.

“Accept the attestation? Yes. Decide they have no further questions? We shall see.”

His face fell.

She caught his chin briefly between her fingers, making him look at her.

“Your part is done. Don't carry their questions home.”

He nodded, although Sereya suspected the instruction would prove difficult to obey.

Sheira turned to Dhomhes.

“They have promised a written response about the additional requirement.”

“I'll watch for it.”

“So will I.”

Something passed between them that made Sereya like her immediately.

Then Dhomhes turned back.

“Sheira, this is Sereya.”

Sereya stood, her empty hand suddenly very noticeable.