21. Kian

Kian hopped into the cabin of the newly acquired helicopter. Its much more luxurious than I expected.

Its not just about the fancy leather seats, Edgar said. Its also about the performance and safety. Compared to the one we have in the village, this one provides a remarkably smooth and quiet ride thanks to the advanced technological innovations.

As Edgar continued to list all the marvelous avionic features, Kian understood only a fraction of what he was talking about, but the pilot was so excited that he felt bad about stopping him and pretended to listen with interest.

When he was finally done, Kian thanked him and stepped out of the craft. All that had interested him was that the copter could transport up to twelve passengers, had an average cruising speed of approximately 138 knots, could travel a maximum range of 475 nautical miles with standard fuel tanks, and had a maximum endurance of about four hours and thirty minutes, ensuring that it could stay airborne for extended periods when needed. It could also reach a maximum flight altitude of 20,000 feet. Those were impressive specs that made it a valuable asset, and it had certainly cost accordingly.

The truth was that the clan needed to upgrade its fleet, and Kian had no intention of leaving the helicopter with the ship. It was coming home with them.

He should call Aru to invite him to see the helicopter and use the opportunity to tell him about Syssi joining them for tonights session with the queen. Except, it didnt look like Edgar would be leaving his new baby anytime soon, and the conversation Kian needed to have with Aru had to be private.

Instead, Kian headed back to his cabin and sent the god a text message, asking Aru to join him.

When the doorbell rang a short while later, Kian opened the door and motioned for Aru to enter. Thank you for coming on such short notice.

Aru looked worried. I knew you wouldnt ask me to come if it wasnt important. I assume that this is not a social meeting. He glanced around the cabin. Otherwise, you would have invited me together with my mate, and yours would be here.

Syssi took Allegra to see her grandparents, so we have the place to ourselves. Kian motioned to the couch. Please, take a seat. Can I offer you a drink?

Sure. Ill have whatever you are having.

Kian walked over to the bar and pulled out his best bottle of whiskey. I have a confession to make, and I hope you wont be too upset about it. He poured two shots, joined Aru in the living room, and handed him one. Syssi knows about your telepathic communication with Aria.

The temperature in the cabin dropped by at least ten degrees. You vowed not to tell anyone. Arus tone was frosty. My own mate doesnt know.

Kian raised a hand, signaling for him to calm down. Syssi didnt hear it from me or anyone else. She saw Aria in a vision, and she recognized her as your twin sister. She says that you look a lot alike. When she confronted me about it, lying to her would have been futile and would have only upset her, so I confirmed her guess.

Who else knows? Aru asked.

Just Syssi and my mother, Kian assured him. You know that Syssi is a seer. You must have assumed that sooner or later, she would see your sister.

Kian watched as Aru processed the information, his initial anger giving way to reluctant acceptance.

I was afraid of that, but I hoped that she wouldnt get a vision about me and my sister. Aru rubbed a hand over his face. Aria and I have guarded this secret throughout our lives, and the only reason we were discovered was that the Supreme Oracle saw us in one of her visions. Since then, we have lived in fear that other seers will discover us. The Supreme promised to somehow hide us from other seers, but apparently, she wasnt successful. If Syssi saw us, others could as well.

Syssi knew you, and she knew that you were communicating with someone on Anumati. When she saw Aria with the queen and the Oracle, it was clear to her that she was the one you were communicating with. Others dont have the same knowledge.

Aru let out a breath. I hope you are right. I fear for my sister.

I bet you do. Kian cast him a sympathetic look. I would be worried too, but not because Syssi is privy to the information. You have nothing to fear on her account.

I hope so. Aru finished the whiskey in his glass and put it down on the table. So, this is it? You wanted to tell me that she knows?

Kian shook his head. When I told Syssi about the meeting tonight, asking her advice about the best way to excuse our absence from the celebration, she had a few good suggestions. She offered to come along and transcribe what was being said. She pointed out that the information the queen would share with my mother was too important to entrust to memory. It should be written down.

I hadnt thought of that, but I agree with your mate. I hoped to conduct the meeting in Anumatian, which would have made it easier for Aria and me, but it might not have been possible anyway because your mother is not fluent in it.

Shes not. Kian regarded Aru, noting the furrows on his forehead. Perhaps you should tell Gabi about Aria. Keeping a secret from your mate is not healthy for the relationship. It would also make your departure less suspicious if you leave with Gabi. People would just assume that you wanted to continue celebrating in private.

He was such a hypocrite, giving advice to Aru about keeping secrets from his mate when he was doing it himself. Only in his case, he was doing it to protect Syssi more than his mother.

Aru shook his head. I cant. I will tell Gabi that I need to do something in secret and ask her to cover for me. She will back me up.

Of course. Syssi and I will claim that Allegra is fussy. I will also ask for the wedding ceremony to be scheduled earlier. If we start at eight oclock in the evening instead of ten at night, by the time we need to leave the party will start dwindling, and it will look less suspicious.

Aru smiled for the first time since arriving at Kians cabin. Thats the best idea youve had so far.