Thallia had forgotten there was anyone else to hear.
The song moved toward its end, but neither of them stepped away. Leon lowered his head until his forehead rested lightly against hers, and Thallia closed her eyes.
For several quiet seconds, they stayed that way. No kiss. The absence of one made the moment more intimate.
When Thallia opened her eyes, Leon was still watching her.
She spoke quietly. “This doesn't feel like the Red Coyote.”
Leon didn't look away. “No, it doesn't.”
Thallia searched his eyes. “What changed?”
Leon could have given her a dozen answers.
He didn't need any of them.
“We did.”
The final notes faded, but the significance of the dance did not.
Conversation returned gradually to The Crossing. Glances traveled between tables. A few heads inclined toward one
