"Greetings. I am Akia Ziyan. Your presence is requested, Sir Terrence."
The group glanced aside.
A tall, heavily built man in pristine white and gold robes stood a few paces away, one hand already extended toward Terrence. His posture was straight, his expression calm, and despite the urgency behind his words, there was no hostility in his demeanor.
Terrence nodded once.
"I'll be back, girls."
He stepped toward them and pulled all three into his arms at once, locking them against him.
"Try not to start a war while I'm gone."
"It'll be hard not to miss you.." Eiselle murmured against his chest, her voice soft enough that only he could hear it.
Treasure squeezed his hand before reluctantly letting go.
Paris rose onto her toes and pecked his cheek, quick and warm.
Terrence smiled.
Then he turned and followed Akia.
Once they were far enough away that the other people could not hear them, Terrence glanced over.
"You're taking me to Genesis."
Akia didn't deny it.
