And then he stepped inside and closed them both in. As he kicked off his shoes, he threw the lock.
For privacy.
SIXTY-ONE
On the Far Side, Payne sat on the edge of the reflecting pool and stared down at her own face in the still water.
She recognized well the black hair and the diamond eyes and the strong features.
Was all too aware of who had sired and birthed her.
Could recite the days of her history thus far.
And yet, she felt as though she had not a clue as to who she truly was. In many ways, more than she took comfort in adding up, she was naught but this echo on the surface of the pool, an image that lacked depth and substance . . . and would leave nothing of permanence in her wake when she departed.
As Layla came up from behind her, she met the female's eyes in the mirror of the water.
Later, she would consider that Layla's smile was what changed everything. Even though of course, 'twas more than that . . . but her sister's radiant expression was what ultimately cast her upon the winds of change, the subtle push that had her tumbling off the cliff.
That smile was real.
"Greetings, my sister," Layla said. "I have been searching for you."
"And alas you have found me." Payne forced herself to turn about and stare up at the Chosen. "Please. Sit and join me. I infer from your good cheer that your time with the male continues apace."
Layla lowered herself for but a moment, and then her kinetic joy had her up on her feet again. "Oh, yes, indeed. Indeed, yes. He is to call me anon this day and I shall go to him again. Oh, dearest sister, you cannot imagine . . . what it is like to be held within a circle of fire and yet emerge unscathed and o'erjoyed. 'Tis a miracle. A blessing."
Payne turned back to the water and watched as her own brows tightened. "May I ask you something intrusive."
"Of course, my sister." Layla came over and settled once more on the pool's white marble edge. "Anything."
"Are you thinking of mating him? Not just mating with him--but becoming his shellan?"
"Well, yes. Of course I am. But I am waiting to find the right time to broach it."
"What shall you do . . . if he says no?" When Layla's face froze, as if she had never considered such a thing, Payne felt as though she had crushed a rosebud in her palm. "Oh, damn me... I don't mean to upset you. I just--"
"No, no." Layla took a bracing breath. "I am well aware of the construction of your heart and you have not a cruel chamber within it. Which in truth is why I feel as though I may speak with such candor to you."
"Please forget I asked."
Now Layla stared into the pool. "I . . . we have yet to actually have relations."
Payne's brows popped. Verily, if just the precursor to the actual event was eliciting such elation, the act itself must be incredible.
At least for a female like the one before her.
Layla brought her arms around herself, no doubt because she was remembering the feel of another, stronger set. "I have wanted to, but he holds back. I hope . . . I believe it is because he wishes to mate me properly first, in ceremony."
Payne felt the awful weight of premonition. "Beware, sister. You are a gentle soul."
Layla got to her feet, her smile now saddened. "Yes, I am. But I would rather my heart be broken than unopened and I know that one must ask if one is to receive."
The female was so certain and steadfast that in the shadow of her courage, Payne felt small. Small and weak.
Just who was she? A reflection? Or a reality?
Abruptly, she stood up. "Will you permit me my leave?"
Layla seemed surprised and bowed low. "But of course. And please, I mean no offense by my ramblings--"
On impulse, Payne embraced the other Chosen. "You have given none. Worry not. And best of luck with your male. Verily, he would be blessed to have you."
Before anything more could be said, Payne walked off, moving quickly past the dorm and surmounting with ever gathering speed the hill that led up to the Primale Temple. Going beyond that sacred bedding place, which was never used anymore, she entered her mother's marble courtyard and strode down the colonnade.
The modestly sized door that marked the Scribe Virgin's private quarters was not what one would expect to herald such a devine space. But then when the whole world was yours, you had nothing to prove, did you.
Payne did not knock. Given what she was about to do, the inappropriateness of bursting in uninvited was going to be so far down her list of sins, it was barely going to count as one.
"Mother," she demanded as she stepped into the empty white room.
There was a long wait before she was answered and the voice that came to her was disembodied. "Yes, daughter."