I embraced them all—I, who had once been a damaged, brooding boy reluctant to be touched. I took them into my heart and held them there. And through it all, I felt the lingering echo of the presence of Blessed Elua and his Companions—a promise of hope, a promise of healing, a promise of happiness. And always, I felt Sidonie’s presence, as sure and unfailing as sunlight, her heart bound to mine by a golden cord.
