Andrew hated hearing the harsh words come out of his mouth, but the truth was often harsh. A lesson he’d learned not so long ago over the same man. Andrew said, “I think Lucas knows exactly what’s taking place, and it may technically be natural—so he’s technically not lying—but I think something is still affecting it.”

Xelan squeezed Andrew’s shoulder, saying, “I know this is hard. Thank you for coming to us.”

He nodded.

Lamassau dipped his bag of chips into his mouth and munched some more, as he asked, “So what do you think it is?”

Xelan and Tumu exchanged a glance before the Tritan said, “It can only be one thing…”

“The Eternal Bind,” Xelan finished.

Lam nearly choked as he said, “But that’s a myth, isn’t it?”

Andrew patted the choking Tritan’s back before saying, “We kinda specialize in myths and legends around here.”

Xelan conceded the point with a tilted nod. “I guess we do. Now we’ll need to find out who it is.”

“It’s a pair the universe always brings together. The ultimate power couple. So clearly, it’s Lam and I.”

Lamassau grinned at Tumu with crumbs scattered across his lipless mouth, and the Primary beamed down at his lover.

Andrew could see it, but wasn’t entirely sold. He said, “Celindria told Chris she believed Nox and her were it.”

“Another.” T.a.o. Seamswalked beside them and spoke in the language of her gentle insanity. “Fear without Nox. Fear without Hope. Forever in fear of another.”

Andrew tried interpreting it. It made sense Celindria lived in a state of imbalance without Nox. The crazed woman had made it clear she’d expected him to resurrect and not Xelan. Maybe this had put her in a state of hopelessness, but then why fear this other? If not Nox, Celindria must be paired with someone else. But who?

Xelan took T.a.o.’s hand and squeezed it gently. She rewarded him with a soft smile. “Father.”

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“I know. You’re helping, I promise.”

Lamassau crunched on another handful of chips and talked with his mouth full. “Sounds like Celindria has another partner.”

Tumu frowned, saying, “No, I don’t think so. Why would she ‘fear’ her partner? She likely fears another pairing.”

T.a.o. nodded emphatically. “The kind one and the repentant one. They are Eternal.”

Andrew guessed, “Sagan and Korac?”

Xelan said, “At the very least, I can—” At Tumu’s glare, Xelan amended, “Or someone else can ask Korac to upcycle his father about the Eternal Bind. Maybe he has another explanation for the Probabilities shrinking, but I doubt it.”

Tumu ruffled Andrew’s hair, saying, “Thanks for the heads up, Goldilocks.”

Wow. Throwback. “You haven’t called me that since before we all had nacres.”

The Primary shrugged. “It seems like a good time to trudge up old endearments.”

Lamassau muttered, “It better be all you trudge up.”

“Secrets.”

They all turned and looked at T.a.o. “So many.” Meeting Tumu’s voids, she said—almost warned, “Soon.”

He nodded as if he understood her meaning.

Andrew was long used to this kind of clandestine talk and not understanding a bit of it. With an exasperated sigh, he said, “I’m heading back to the zeppelin. It’s Lucas’ turn to cook.”

“Aren’t you afraid he’ll poison you?” Lamassau sounded completely serious.

Xelan raised a curious brow, and Tumu also waited for Andrew’s answer.

“Whatever Lucas is hiding… It doesn’t matter. He loves me, and I know he means it. That’s enough.”

Tumu nodded approvingly.

“Xelan?” Tameka asked as she walked into the gym, holding Pax’s hand. The kid looked recently scolded, as if she’d caught him eavesdropping. She took one look at their faces and said, “I know there’s a good reason you’re working right now, but it’s dinner time, and I veto all assignments until we’re finished.”

Andrew went over and stole a quick hug from Tameka and Pax, squeezing them extra tight. “You guys have a good night!”

T.a.o. curtsied before taking him through a conduit which led outside of the zeppelin tethered to Nikki’s Iona.

He smiled, saying, “Thanks again, T.a.o.”

With a strange smile, she assured, “One waits, Goldilocks,” before disappearing.

“She’s right. I do.” Lucas sounded so self-assured and warm. A dangerous combination.

Andrew faced his calculating lover and confessed, “I went to Xelan with your half-assed reasoning.”

Arms folded, leaning in the doorway, Lucas laughed. “And what did he say?”

“He and Tumu think it’s the Eternal Bind. Now, I don’t suppose you’ll share what you know of it?” Andrew possessed no illusions as he passed the other man into their home, heading straight for the kitchen.

Lucas was smiling as he assured, “It is technically a natural occurrence.”

A little frustrated, Andrew chuffed. “Why couldn’t you just say it was the Eternal Bind from the beginning?” He made up his plate of Yun specialties.

Lucas joined him, and they both sat at the table as he said, “Then we risk you and the Shadow trying to stop it.”

Andrew big blinked. Twice. “This is a good thing?” His incredulity came out harsher than he’d intended. The urge to sweep his lover’s attention gnawed at him.

As if he understood, Lucas leaned over and kissed Andrew’s temple before saying, “This is everything. Let nature run its course, and it will soon be over.”

Andrew had only one important question. “Will we survive?”

“This time, I hope so.”