Solomon’s shock was evident as Vihar barreled into him, but he hugged her tightly all the same as he registered her presence. It was easy enough to piece together exactly why he was so surprised; his call earlier had been a clear challenge, and Vihar had automatically assumed that challenge had been for Rougaru. It was the only thing that made sense.

As the surprise wore off, and Solomon began to explain why he was here, Vi did not miss the slightly strained tone, as though it was her fault both her parents were worried. Anger flared briefly in her belly, made slightly worse by her pregnancy hormones. She was about to make a sharp retort when Solomon continued on, and told her that he had been under the impression she was here by choice.

Stunned, Vihar took a half step back, pulling away from her father. “When I thought about leaving, he told me I could be useful to him as a… a bargaining chip, or something,” she said in outrage. “I assumed that was a threat.” Furious, Vihar’s ears flattened into her mahogany mane, green eyes flashing with venomous anger. “I sent Hyperion off the islands with Mom after that, which sucked, but at least he couldn’t use my own kid as another bargaining chip. Or whatever he said. I thought about escaping, but I heard… some stuff, about things going on around here, and I thought I might have a chance to maybe act or something. Maybe I could do something if I stayed, you know, instead of running away.”

After the initial choking anger, the words spilled out of Vihar without stopping. Deep down, she felt guilty for making her parents worry, and her anger over Solomon’s tone was quickly vanishing. I could have left, she thought. I could have at least come let them know I was okay, but I didn’t.

“I’m… sorry,” she said quietly, her fire fizzling abruptly out. Suddenly she was a child again, and she moved forward to bury her face into her father’s chest. “It’s probably too late for me to go home just yet. I’m gonna have this baby, like, tonight. And swimming is hard. But I want to come home. Anyway, Rougaru’s gone. He disappeared a little while ago. I don’t even think Annubis knew I was pregnant when they left.” Not realizing this might be a bombshell for Solomon, Vihar added this information casually, assuming he had already figured out that Rougaru was not here. “I claimed Paradise, but… I don’t think I actually want it.”