9. Annani

9

ANNANI

T he house was filled with the delicious aromas of the lunch Okidu had prepared, mingling with the scent of fresh flowers that adorned the centerpiece of the long dining table.

It was a perfect day for a family lunch, and Annani felt a swell of contentment as she looked around at her children and grandchildren, especially her newest grandson who was cradled in her arms.

She marveled at the perfection of his tiny features. The baby's warmth and weight stirred a mix of joy and longing that she had become accustomed to over the millennia. There was no other feeling like this, except perhaps for holding her own babies.

Annani glanced at Amanda, her youngest, and smiled. Her baby girl had always been such a joy and spirited, loving, and funny. But then, a disaster had stolen her joy, and for a while, it had seemed like her bright and cheerful daughter had allowed darkness to consume her. But somehow, she had pulled herself out of that abyss and had learned to love again.

Annani shifted her gaze back to the infant in her arms, the chatter and laughter of her family fading into a pleasant background hum. "Such a big name for such a sweet little boy," she murmured. "Evander Tellesious sounds like a general or a king."

"He might be someday," Dalhu said. "But I hope for his parents' sake that he chooses creative endeavors instead." He wrapped his arm around Amanda's shoulders. "After all, his Aunt Amanda is an artist."

"I'm not an artist." Amanda cast him an amused look. "I'm a scientist."

"You are, but you are also very visual, and you have an amazing eye for fashion. If you hadn't gone into neuroscience to search for Dormants, you would have probably pursued a career in fashion."

She laughed. "I don't think so. Being a compulsive shopper does not make me a designer. I just have a good eye for what's trending and looks good on me."

"What about the parties?" Syssi asked. "You are great at that too, especially the decorations."

Amanda waved a dismissive hand. "I'm good at everything I do. Let's leave it at that." She leaned over her nephew and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "And you, my sweet little nephew, can be good at anything you choose to do. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do."

"Well said." Alena leaned over Evander's other side and kissed the top of his head. "He is such a good baby. Look how calm he is with everyone talking around him."

Across the table, Syssi smiled. "That's because he's used to our voices. He participated in many family dinners throughout your pregnancy."

"Our family is growing," Annani said. "And my heart swells with gratitude to the Fates for making it happen." She smoothed a finger over Evander's soft cheek. "We have waited so long, and finally, our prayers have been answered. I even gained a new brother and sister."

"How are Ell-rom and Morelle?" Alena turned to Kian. "Any updates on their progress?"

"Morelle is still unconscious, but Bridget is confident she will wake up soon. I know it feels like we revived them a long time ago, but it has only been eleven days, so there is no reason to start panicking. As for Ell-rom, I'm happy to report that he has moved out of the clinic and is staying with Jasmine at the penthouse, which is also remarkable given the terrible state he was in when we found him."

"That's wonderful news," Alena said. "How is he adjusting?"

Kian took a sip of his water. "Surprisingly well, and we have Jasmine to thank for it. She is with him twenty-four seven, providing him with emotional support, encouragement, and I even dare say love."

"The healing power of love is tremendous." Annani handed Evander back to his mother. "I should do something nice for her to reward her for taking such good care of my brother."

"You already did," Kian said. "You welcomed her into the clan even before she attempted transition. In addition, I have promised her a job in Perfect Match once Ell-rom is restored to health."

Annani frowned. "Jasmine does not need to work for a living. We will provide for her and Ell-rom's every need."

"People like to feel useful, Mother." Alena cradled her son to her chest. "Both Ell-rom and Jasmine will need to be assigned tasks so they don't feel useless."

"Well, if you put it that way." Annani leaned back with a wine glass in hand. "But what can Ell-rom do? He does not remember his life on Anumati and his education there."

Amanda leaned forward. "When can we meet him? I'm dying to get to know our new uncle."

Alena nodded. "I would like to meet him as well and to visit Morelle. I want to welcome them both to the family." She looked at Syssi. "You've met him. What's your impression?"

Syssi smiled. "He is soft-spoken, eloquent, humble, kind—everything you would expect from an acolyte who had dedicated his life to service of the Mother of All Life. He seems as dangerous as a lamb."

Alena turned to look at her brother. "Did you get the same impression?"

"Yes, but with reservations," Kian said. "First, the Mother of All Life is not a benevolent deity who teaches love and compassion. She's ruthless and rewards bravery in battle. Also, we shouldn't forget that Ell-rom hasn't recovered his memories yet, and it's possible that the lamb is not as innocent as he seems, but on the other hand, he is not faking his mellow personality, that much I'm sure of."

"So, can we see him?" Alena asked again.

Kian nodded. "I'll see if I can arrange something for tomorrow. Since he is staying in the penthouse now, we can fit everyone in."

"If possible, I'd like to meet him as well," Toven said.

Annani leaned toward her cousin and smiled. "Of course, Toven. You and Mia are more than welcome." She shifted her gaze to Kian. "I can send my Odus ahead of time to prepare the meal and organize the space. I am sure Aru and his teammates and their partners have plans for tomorrow, and I do not wish to burden them."

The truth was that Annani hoped they had plans because she wanted to have this first family gathering just for the family.

"I can check with them." Kian glanced at her. "We have two penthouses at our disposal, so I can arrange for the event to be just for our close circle."

Her son knew her so well. "That would be lovely. As much as I like and appreciate all of them, I would prefer it to be a family affair. Besides, they all got to meet Ell-rom already. I cannot wait to introduce him to all of you."

As the others began to discuss the timing for the gathering and whether it was better to make it a lunch or a dinner, Annani noticed a silent exchange between Syssi and Amanda. It was brief, just a glance really, but Annani had lived long enough to recognize a silent communication.

A feeling of unease settled in her stomach as she realized what it likely pertained to.

Syssi had promised to summon a vision about Khiann once the pod was found, which happened over two weeks ago. She could have summoned the vision on any of those days but was probably just as reluctant as Annani, and for the same reason.

Part of her desperately wanted to know whether Khiann had survived, and another part was terrified of having her hopes crushed.

Annani was pulled from her thoughts by a soft cooing sound. She looked down to see E.T. gazing up at her with wide, curious eyes from his mother's arms. She smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Well, hello there, little one," she reached for him.

Alena handed him over without a moment's hesitation. "He loves you. I wonder if it's your voice."

Annani gently bounced the baby in her arms. "It must be. It is certainly not my ample bosom." She was rather small-chested, proportionate to her petite frame, and she had no problem with that.

The only part of her body she disliked was her tiny child-like feet.

"It could be the power you are emanating," Orion said. "I wonder if babies get addicted to it."

"They do not." Annani kept smiling at Evander. "He feels my love for him. That is why he loves me in return. He knows that he is safe in my arms."

As she continued to coo at her grandson, Annani found her worry about Syssi's potential vision beginning to ebb. The baby's warmth in her arms, the laughter and chatter of her family around her—it all served to soothe her nerves.

From the ashes of her old life and the pit of despair over losing everyone she loved, Annani had created a wonderful family that continued to grow and flourish. It would have been so much better with Khiann by her side, but she should not be greedy. She had been denied the pleasure of spending her life with her beloved, but the Fates had blessed her in other ways, and it should be enough.