Usually, anyway.

He stood and held out his hand for her. “Want to practice later?”

Her green eyes sparkled with excitement. “Yeah!”

Caro and Sethios tried to work with her every day on her persuasive talents. The others either didn’t need fostering or weren’t active yet. Thank the Fates for that because training a child how to properly use compulsion wasn’t easy.

“Did he notice anything?” Caro asked as they began walking toward their car.

“Yes, but I handled it.” By suggesting rather forcefully that his daughter was just adorable and hard to refuse. The older man had agreed with a bemused smile, none the wiser.

“Good. We need…” Her voice trailed off at the sight of her son leaning against their car in angelic form. His red wings protruded proudly from his back as he observed the trio with his trademark stoicism. Except a hint of pain lurked in his gaze as he eyed his mother.

Caro glanced around the parking lot before whispering, “Be back in a moment.” She misted into her ethereal form to join her son while Astasiya glanced around in alarm.

“Gah!” His daughter stomped her foot in frustration. “Mom always cheats at hide-and-seek! She didn’t even say we were playing.”

He chuckled. “She’s just gone off to talk to an old friend.” They had collectively agreed not to introduce Astasiya to Gabriel until a later point in her life. She had enough questions about her heritage, and the Seraphim would only increase her confusion. Fortunately, she wouldn’t be able to see him or any others of her kind until she grew into her own misting abilities.

“An angel friend?” Astasiya whispered loudly.

“Yes.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I’m sure she’ll be back in…” His voice trailed off as a shock of pain traveled through the bond, hitting him directly in the chest.

“Mom!” Astasiya called out, obviously having felt it too. She tried to run toward the car, having clearly sensed where Caro had misted to, but Sethios held her back while catching his angel’s gaze. Abject horror colored her expression as Gabriel disappeared.

He lifted Astasiya into his arms and walked swiftly to Caro. “What is it?”

“Seven years,” she whispered, her skin pale as she took her corporeal form. “It’s time.”

Astasiya held out her hands for Caro, requiring her touch after sensing her mother’s pain.

“I’m okay, little angel,” Caro assured. “I’m okay.”

“Mom hurts,” Astasiya whispered. “Bad hurt.”

“I know, baby. But I’m okay.” She pulled their daughter into her arms and held her tight, her eyes closing. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Momma,” she whispered.

“I’ll give you the world if I can, my precious one. Always and forever.”

“I just want you, Momma.”

“I know, baby. I know.” Such heartbreak underlined her voice.

Seven years.

It’s time…

Sethios’s stomach tightened at the resolve playing through his bond with Caro. They decided together after hearing the full prophecy of this day that they would see it through. For Astasiya.