Page 56 of Dark Princess Ascending

"But I'm like a parasite, sucking the life energy from others."

Kian chuckled and shook his head. "That's a bit dramatic, don't you think?"

"I do not want to hear you referring to yourself as a parasite." Annani's voice was firm. "You are channeling energy to where it is needed most. That is not parasitic—it is symbiotic. Think of how useful such an ability could be in a crisis."

Morelle blinked in surprise. It was almost exactly what Brandon had said.

Kian lifted his hand. "Nevertheless, we should work on helping you control your power. Amanda will probably know what to do."

"I'm going to tell her tomorrow," Morelle said. "But I wanted you all to know first. Especially you." She walked over to Annani, crouched in front of her, and took hold of her sister's hands. "I've been so afraid of what you'd think of me."

"Never be afraid to tell me anything." Annani gave her hands a light squeeze. "You are my sister. I love you, and nothing will change that. Come, give me a hug."

As Morelle sat beside Annani and the two of them embraced, the sound of small feet pattering across the floor drew their attention. Allegra had wiggled down from Syssi's lap and now stood in front of them, arms raised in a clear demand to be included in the hug.

Morelle laughed and scooped her up,sandwiching the little girl between herself and her sister. The simple acceptance of a child—who didn't care about powers or abilities, who just wanted to be part of the love being shared—was perhaps the most healing of all.

33

BRANDON

Brandon leaned against the doorframe of his and Morelle's bathroom, watching as she sank deeper into the bubble bath with a contented sigh. The tension that had been evident in her shoulders all evening seemed to melt away in the warm water.

As her phone buzzed with an incoming message, he handed it to her, but she shook her head. "Tell me what it says. My hands are covered in soap bubbles."

"It's from Ell-rom. Rob's transitioning, and Ell-rom and Jasmine are heading to the clinic to sit with Margo and the others. They'll be home late."

"That's wonderful news." Morelle smiled, trailing her fingers through the foam. "I hope the transition goes smoothly for Rob."

"From what I hear, the faster it starts, the better the chances of a smooth transition." Brandonsettled onto the edge of the tub. "And his started very quickly."

Morelle nodded, then let out another deep sigh. "I still can't believe how well everyone took my news. I was so terrified of their reactions, especially Annani's. But they were all so accepting."

"Of course, they were." Brandon extended his hand to gently sweep a cluster of bubbles from her forehead. "They love you. And your ability isn't nearly as frightening as you'd built it up to be in your mind."

"I'm not sure you are right about that." She caught his hand and pressed a kiss to his palm. "But thank you for helping me shrink the big monster into a little one."

"Your ability could never be monstrous," he said softly. "You're one of the most compassionate people I know. The only reason your ability even manifested was because you needed it to save a child."

"True." She smiled up at him, her blue eyes sparkling. "There's one more secret I need to tell you, and then there will be no more secrets between us."

"What's that?"

"It's about Ell-rom's power?—"

"Stop." Brandon held up a hand. "As much as I appreciate you wanting to share everything with me, Kian doesn't want the council to know about that yet. And I don't want to put myself in aposition where I'm defying him. I can wait to learn that particular secret," he assured her. "When Kian decides it's time, I'll hear it along with everyone else."

To his relief, Morelle didn't seem hurt by his interruption. If anything, her smile grew warmer. "You're a good man, Brandon. Loyal. I value that a great deal."

"I aim to please." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

Morelle's eyes took on a mischievous glint as she gestured at the spacious tub. "Well, if you really aim to please, you should get undressed and join me. There's plenty of room for two in this huge tub."

Brandon didn't need to be asked twice. He stood and began unbuttoning his shirt, watching as Morelle's eyes followed his movements with clear appreciation. The heat in her gaze sent warmth spreading through his body that had nothing to do with the steamy air.

"You know," he said as he shrugged off his shirt, "I never actually used this tub before you moved in. I always preferred quick showers."

"What a waste of a perfectly good bathtub." Morelle shifted to make room for him. "Though I suppose that means we get to break it in together."