He took a small vial from his pocket and handed it to Hauk. “I was able to pull a few favors and get that. It’s stronger than Prinum and will completely heal Sumi for her fight tomorrow.”

Impressive, but Hauk could tell by Syn’s tone it wasn’t quite as simple as it sounded. “What is it?”

“Experimental, which is why I’m asking before I say anything to Sumi and have you beat my ass for it. Right now, it’s Compound X943. It’s the latest in medical nanotech from Gouran. There’s only been very limited human trials so far, so we don’t know what, if any, side effects it might have.”

Hauk bit his lip. “What do you think?”

“I wouldn’t have sent for it if I thought it would hurt her in any way. But there’s always an unknown risk factor and I don’t want to make that call without letting both of you know the gamble.”

That was why he was so devoted to Syn. While the Rit could be a pain, he was always honest with his friends. “If it were Shahara?”

“I injected her with worse than that to get her pregnant.”

Now there was something Hauk hadn’t known. “Really?”

Syn nodded. “Believe me, I didn’t want to. But she was so desperate for a baby, and no one, not even the questionable agencies, would let us adopt. It was my last resort, and is why Devyn will remain her only child.”

Hauk still wasn’t sure. On the one hand, he wanted Sumi to have every advantage against Dariana. On the other…

If this went wrong, he’d never forgive himself.

But in the end, it wasn’t his decision to make. While her life meant more to him than anything else in the universe, it was still her life and not his. He would never substitute his reasoning over hers. “Let’s go ask her what she wants to do.”

He led Syn back upstairs where the women and Maris and Ture were still in Kalea’s room. As soon as he opened the door, he froze at the sight of mother and daughter in matching tunics and leggings, while they were placing the same exact outfit on Kalea’s doll.

Now that was adorable and hilarious.

And rather frightening.

Sumi looked up at him with a bright smile that wrenched his gut. She kissed Kalea’s cheek and handed her off to his grandmother before she excused herself.

Hauk glanced over to the other clerks who’d come with clothes for Sumi. He’d forgotten about them. But luckily, they were packing to leave. “Sorry to disturb you.”

She scoffed. “Baby, you never disturb me. I welcome your presence anytime.” She gave him a quick kiss that made him ache for an empty house and open schedule. “What do you need?”