Nyctimene opened her eyes. They were a rich, living gold and so bright they almost seemed to be lit from within. Athena couldn't tear her gaze away. She looked into them and felt as if she were falling. Nyctimene gazed back. The two of them stayed locked together and Athena was overwhelmed by a strange, diffuse joy. Then Nyctimene spoke.

The sound she made was a sort of rasping chirrup. But the thought was crystal clear I see you. Athena held her breath. She was too moved to ...