A tall man stepped forward from the group. Harrison Styx looked to be in his early sixties, with dark hair gone silver at the temples and a stillness that seemed unusual among so many people eager to get to work. His dark eyes moved past Thallia toward the little greenhouse.
Beside him stood a woman perhaps ten years younger in appearance, though there was something ageless about the warmth of her face. Persia Styx wore her dark hair loosely over one shoulder, and a small cluster of wildflowers was embroidered along the hem of her blouse.
Leon made the introductions. “Thallia, Harrison and Persia Styx.”
Harrison offered his hand. “It's good to finally meet you.”
The instant Thallia touched him, her heart slammed hard against her ribs.
Warmth surged through her palm and raced up her ar
