Soraya reached him next, one hand landing against his chest before her eyes travelled immediately toward his ponytail and then his face and the arresting gold in his eyes. Concern lasted approximately long enough to satisfy morality before fascination took over.
"I was freaking out," she admitted, touching one dark strand near his shoulder with open interest, "but I'm considerably more interested in this ponytail and whatever happened to your eyes. They're so gorgeous."
Victoria, standing several steps away, folded her arms and gave Soraya an unimpressed look. "Of course you are. Everyone else worries about whether he's injured, possessed or dying, and you notice the pretty parts."
Soraya slowly looked toward her.
Then she smiled. "Yet here I am doing what you can't."
Before Victoria understood precisely which insult had been selected, Soraya caught Phei's collar and kissed him. Phei's eyes widened in delighted understanding.
