"Uh, no, it...it was something she was born with." Rhazii realised what Julan was doing and recoiled a step, "Hey! What are you doing? Don't...ugh." Rhazii reaffirmed his hold of Julan's shoulder and took a few more steps down the hall. It only caught more attention from Aurana and Jatinha, so he lowered his voice. "Julan! Lay off!" Rhazii whispered anxiously through grit teeth. "I said I'd tell you more later. Don't get me into trouble here, okay?"

[hr]
"Together," Lunise repeated. She did not reflect Meesei's lighthearted turn. "I agree. In so far as it is what I [i]want.[/i] I want it, my heart bursts for it. Even if it is just for your lifetime. And I trust you. I do not know why, but I trust you with what I could not trust with anyone." Her breathing shallowed. "Though...if anyone knew, we could both be ruined. We have to decide if we can keep this a secret. If we know we cannot...this would be the least painful time to end it."

Lunise avoided Meesei's eyes. Subtle tensions were clear over her body, indicating her usually well-hidden fear.