Sagan came in next with Korac. The glowing married couple was a stark contrast to the obelisk who'd left a moment ago. For them, I could smile easily. Even facing Korac's signature smirk.

"Hello, you two."

A hug from Sagan was always welcome, especially while she's holding little Echo. She asked, "Would you like to hold her?"

This was a treat I rarely delighted in. Working all the time kept me from my god parent duties. I scooped the infant from her mother, admiring the mixture of Aegis and Lyriki qualities. Pitch-black skin with white feathers. Hard diamonds for eyes. Cute little smile.

Okay, I cooed.

Korac gave a single chuckle at the sound. "Everyone succumbs to the cuteness in the end."

Elden, my mind filled with so many questions about Echo. Like had she expressed any signs of the Siren's Gale yet? What was that like? Could she form a raging fireball because she wanted her bottle immediately? It left me snickering. "Oh, I'm so happy you're here with us, baby Echo."

She whistled at me, and I took it as a compliment. I'm sure she said I'm super cool in baby talk.

"Oh, I'm sure." Your smirk belies your humor.

I looked between the couple, saying, "The two of you see me more than anyone else here. My door is always open. How can I help you?"

Sagan glanced at Korac before saying, "Well, you know I don't need anything from you, except maybe an extension on my vacation request for my actual honeymoon." She swatted me playfully.

It hurt.

Korac, who'd leaned on the couch, nodded his agreement.

"Of course. I really am sorry for the timing," I lied.

Sagan narrowed her eyes at me, unconvinced. Still, she said, "Well, that's all I had. I'll leave you two alone before we return to the main Verse. Thanks for the session." She reached her arms out, and I was sad to let Echo go, but the beautiful smile on Sagan's face as she took her daughter lit the room.

It was worth it.

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Your voice is soft as you admit, "I want to meet Echo. And Pax. I'm missing so much..."

Come home, Rayne.

"Not yet, Superman. Get back to you alone with Korac. I wish I had some popcorn." Your giggle is slightly menacing.

Alone.

Without hesitation, Korac said, "You're lying. You're not sorry."

I didn't acknowledge the accusation, and instead, changed the subject. "You were right."

That startled Korac a bit, which I enjoyed entirely too much.

I said, "About Razor and Nox. Your brother would certainly enjoy us fighting, where Nox would detest it. But I think I stand by my earlier decision: neither of them deserve an Iona. We grant honors to those who died for us to get here, and while, technically, both Nox and Razor fit the bill, they caused too much pain along the way. My Verse has taught me that much."

I was thinking about Bethany and Pehton, the Children of Gait, the humans of Earth, Nikki—So many people. Victims of Razor and Nox.

Rayne, how do you feel about it? We're nearly at the end of my Verse. Surely you can answer now.

You're contemplative, as you say, "I think for a public institution, your final reasoning is sound. Like you said, you already honor Nox by distributing his Verse as required education—I'm sure he would never expect even that much. So... yes." You give a little nod. "You're being fair."

Korac seemed to agree. "All right. But who gets the next distinction?"

"Can I make a suggestion?" Tameka called from around the corner. We couldn't even see her.

Sagan snickered at the door, too.

Korac clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, folding his arms to complain. "Eavesdropping is so childish."

"Come on in, since you're listening, anyway. You may as well contribute." I couldn't stop from grinning.

Tameka looked so abashed, but Sagan knew no shame.

My lover, the mother of my son, suggested, "The ten million Icari."

Both Korac and I exchanged a glance before I said, "Which specifically?"

Sagan elaborated, "The ten million who sacrificed their nacres for Rayne's Sphere, formerly Nox's Sphere, on Earth."

"Without them, we could never have evacuated Cinder," Tameka finished.

Korac nodded, getting it. "Yes. I second or third this opinion."

Anonymous Icari willing to do anything for their people—The Icarean Prerogative. "Elden would be proud," I said, beaming at Tameka.

Tameka added, "And if this debate ever resurfaces, there are plenty of people who died for the side of good before the Shadow should honor any sacrifices with potentially ambiguous or non-righteous motives."

Korac's brows went up, and he let his eyes fill with respect.

I simply kept beaming at my girl.

I am so lucky.

"Damn straight."