Yes, you do.
Lovely. Her Soulfinding abilities didn’t seem to be rusty after the long hiatus, he thought dryly.
I heard that, she said.
You were supposed to.
Uh-huh. Go on. We’ll be fine.
He padded down the stairs soundlessly, but Valek made a little noise before reaching the kitchen. He didn’t want to scare his mother. She turned her head as he entered. Fear flashed as she stiffened, but then she relaxed her grip on the cup she held.
Valek ignored her reaction. “Did the baby wake you?” he asked, knowing full well Olya was here before Liana had cried.
“Not at all. I...couldn’t sleep.”
Valek didn’t need to read his mother’s thoughts to know it was his presence in her house that was keeping her awake.
“Does Liana need something?” she asked.
“No, but I do.”
She stared at him for a moment. “What do you need?”
He knelt next to her and took her free hand in both of his. “I need to thank you.”
“You’re always welcome to come visit us anytime.”
“Not for your hospitality, although that’s appreciated. I’m thanking you for saving my life that awful day. I never did.” He drew in a breath. “Thank you.”
She put her cup down and rested her free hand on his shoulder, still marked with the scars from her fingernails. “You’re welcome.”
* * * * *