Lorraine's POV
Varya stirred first.
Her head was still resting on Felix's shoulder, his arm instinctively tightening around her when she moved, as though afraid she might slip away if he loosened his hold even a little.
Her lashes fluttered.
Then she groaned softly.
"I could hear all that," she said hoarsely, her voice rough but unmistakably Varya. "Even from my subconsciousness." She let out a weak, humorless breath. "And all I can say is.… this is fucked up."
Felix froze.
Then he looked down at her like she'd just risen from the dead. "You're.... you're awake?" His voice cracked embarrassingly, relief and panic tangling together.
"Unfortunately," Varya muttered. She shifted slightly, wincing, but didn't pull away from him. "And before anyone asks, yes, I heard everything." Her gaze drifted toward Kieran and Liandrin. "So technically you guys are related, Liandrin is your aunt."
No one said anything at first.
Kaelani let out a sharp laugh that sounded hysterical.
