BEFORE WE EVEN SPOKE

oon sun cast a soft gold light through the sheer curtains, painting everything

ooking up from her tablet. She tapped the screen onc

barley tea slowl

look amused.

her chair, folding her arms. "Should I bring him

did when trying not to snap. "His name is Takashi Mor

g to go to Kyo

vious from y

he never did. Her power came from stillness and vocabulary tw

ushing her tea aside. "I need someo

our sister and you could have access to something

ked. "Bette

r gaze now. "

on resolve. That well

abruptly. "I'

awa

work harder, I'll wake up one

Noelle, I'm not asking for mi

rt looks diff

Meet Takashi. Try the session

didn't

wn, she knew sh

pulled over her head, earbuds in even though she wasn't playing music. Elaine had alr

house, something stirred in

ping stones. The noren cu

al

eart

as his

cked up her sketch without saying a word a

eps fa

otice. "Come on