KIRA

On the seventh day Emre met Noa.

I had told them later today four days running and each time the day had produced something that made later not arrive, and on the seventh day I decided that later was now and sent Lyra to get Emre.

They came in with Mira, which had become the natural arrangement, the two of them moving through the palace as a unit in the way that units formed without anyone deciding they should.

Emre stopped inside the door.

Looked at Noa.

Noa looked back.

The ...