I separate only a hairsbreadth from her lips and ask in a low voice, "Are you ready to go home?"

"I'm ready," she whispers back, opening her eyes and staring straight into mine. The deep velvety grey depths catch and hold me.

I release her face and slip my hand down her body, reaching for her hand. I take it into mine and give her a reassuring squeeze before turning back to her sister. Skye is watching us intently, her eyes bright. Her lips are curved in a small, ...