Bellica Agate
Ha' Ilik's lips on hers instantly calmed Agate; her breathing slowed, her heart settled into a normal beat and the screaming in her head stopped.
She responded to the kiss, feeling a surge of longing. Before she could so much as name her own feelings, the kiss ended. Agate's eyes opened, catching the look of sadness just as Ha' Ilik's tried to hide it.
Somewhere, Agate found her voice. "To the end?"
Ha' Ilik nodded. "And beyond."
Agate swallowed, and turned to Thadea, who yet stood stock still with her hand outstretched, the Jade Star reposing on it. Her face was unreadable.
Steeling herself, Agate reached out to take the Star. The air buzzed and sang the closer her approach, and the Star nearly leapt into her palm. It sent out a pleasant vibration against her skin that
