They entered the foyer, then made their way up a flight of stairs to an apartment situated on the top floor. Dakota rapped on the door and waited. They heard footsteps and, after a moment, Martha Stiles opened the door. Her eyes widened when she recognized them, one hand clutching her chest as if she was having trouble breathing.

Dakota glanced past her and into the apartment beyond. It looked small and tidy and colourfully decorated. Several bright and glittering Tears of Saint Jar charms hung from the hallway ceiling.

Mind if we come in? asked Dakota, stepping over the threshold before the woman could even form a reply.

They waited in the lounge as Stiles fetched Evie for them. Whenever she had thought about this moment, or what it would feel like, Dakota had imagined feelings of happiness or of joy tinged with sorrow. Instead, she felt like a weary traveller at the end of a long journey, wanting nothing more than to conclude her business here and be on her way.

She could see how nervous Stiles was as she led the tiny girl through into the room where she and Bash waited. Stiles took a seat on a couch, and Evie blinked wide grey eyes at them before burying her face against Stiless knee in a sudden fit of shyness. Her hair was thin and pale, and curled around her ears.

Dakota could see how deeply attached Stiles had become to Gabrielles daughter. She could see that she feared they had come to take Evie away.

Ive read some official reports about that attack on the outpost, said Dakota. You and Evie here were the only survivors am I right?

It wasnt easy, said Stiles, helping Evie to climb up onto the couch beside her, where she babbled to herself in little-girl words. I was stuck there for more than ten days before a rescue team finally turned up. I told them Evie belonged to one of the staff, and that was enough for them. Her eyes drifted towards Bash, and she shook her head. The last time I saw you, you were a vegetable, completely unresponsive. And now here you are. Her eyes narrowed. It is you, isnt it? She leaned forward slightly and peered intently into his face. I havent made a mistake?

You havent, Bash smiled wryly. I could tell you how I recovered, but you wouldnt believe me not in a million years.

They waited in silence as Stiles took time to gather her thoughts further.