Year

BI Airport, a sea of reporters

let in the country, cameras poised, micropho

i L

r the annual "Mana Dance Competition"-the industry's most prestigious event. Her

oth palms against the glass window, her nose nearly tou

ond the journalists, she spotted influencers and independent bloggers-all of them angling for t

ive for hours, their audiences holding

as landed. We expect her to walk through th

n history. The winner will have the opportunity to become her personal protégé, so the competition promises to be fi

asked at last? While we wait, let me walk you

finally. She reached down and took her daughter

downstairs and heade

trousers stood waiting. Her face broke into

woman of the hour." She pulled Cynthia in

ll surprised her sometimes-and hugged her olde

e pulled back with a grin. "And I'm not the only one. There are

finger to her lips. "I was hoping to

t through the middle of that crowd in broad daylight, and no one would

s to the little girl. "And look at y

k. The last time they had seen each other was over six mo

right?" Cynthi

rfect-now that you're here." Her voice softened. "You have no id

She cupped Maude's face in her tiny hands.

loe to her other hip and nodded toward the parking area. "But first,

chaos of the main arrivals hall. The afternoon air was cris

a ripple of commotion swept

urned ins

w group had emerged from the terminal-four

hia

them in

porter called out. "Have you come

ely thrilled that Cici Lane is returning to our city. It would be our honor to greet her in person. She is, without questio

beside his queen. "Having Cici Lane here is an honor for our entire city," he added smoothly.

he edge of the crowd,

drifted t

ened; Harry's shoulders had broadened. They stood on either side of Aureli

. Three years, and they've b

s and gently pulled her away from the scene. "We need to go, or dinner's goi

on the crowd, on the cameras, on the family th

huddle, Kane's at

re moving through the flow of travelers. Tall. Slender. Dres

ked cars with quiet purpose. But there was something about the way

ili

low, instinctive

or anything that might explain the sudden a

ng. No recognizable

left his lips befo

gh his thoughts. Her hand touche

in the black coat had di

is head. "

sighed and glanced around the arrivals hall. "Where is Cici Lane?

ulled it from his pocket

left the airport. Sh

He turned to Aurelia.

"Gone? How? We've bee

esture that looked comforting but felt automatic. "Don't worry.

first. Wanted to make an impression before anyone else could. S

going to ta

he still wi