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Three older nuns were kneeling in front of a crucifix Their guardian angels stood over theil Candles flickered around the room Kope sat in the third roith his head lowered I stepped into the room and was immediately overwhelmed with emotion so pure, so peaceful, I had to bite back tears After the previous night, it was hard to believe there was a crevice of the earth untainted by the Dukes’ hatred

Zania joined me, and I motionedforward and sliding into the pew next to him I sat on the end beside her and she took my hand I peeked back at Kaidan and Blake, who stood respectfully in the hall, leaning against the wall They wouldn’t come in

"I have never prayed," Zania whispered to me "Will you teachcapable of wielding the Sword of Righteousness, I still felt inadequate

"I justtalk," I explained in a whisper "How about I do the talking and you can listen Okay?"

She nodded, looking just as nervous as I felt But when I bowed my head and she followed suit, we inclined toward each other and together we became lost in the peace of the moment By the end her face et and I instinctively wiped her tears with the back of ers

"Thank you," she whispered "You have done so lad you’re here with us"

I hugged her and she gave lanced down to see her other hand holding Kope’s I didn’t knoho’d initiated the contact, but it ainst an unsure sh it would not be easy for Zania, she would make it She would be okay And so would Kopano

We said our good-byes and took Kope to the airport I hugged hi shoulders I was thankful to see he and Kai share a ful look when they shook hands No setic passed between the a car to drive himself back to Santa Barbara that day I felt bad that he had to do that, but he was as laid-back as always, pleased about picking out a convertible He liftedme of Jay until he lickedme back on my feet Leave it to Blake

Kaidan thuue to yourself"

The two of theo

I didn’t let go of Kaidan’s hand the whole way to his apartrier, but e got to his place ent straight to the couch, snuggling while aited my father There would be ti it would be until we could touch again? I had a horrible fear Dad was going to pull soain stunt I tried to ument Kaidan and I would have to take extreme care, now ainst me this very e, cleansing the earth of all Neph But we had Dad, and he had connections, so I refused to lose hope