Liam's phone rang beneath Arik's hand.
The vibration changed from the endless pulse of incoming notifications to a sharp, insistent call that filled the private reception room.
Liam looked at the screen.
Mother.
He answered before he had time to think.
"Mom?"
Enia made a sound that stopped him from saying anything else.
Relief came through first.
"Oh, thank the gods."
Her voice broke around the words.
Liam straightened on the sofa.
Arik's hand remained over his, warm against the back of his fingers.
"I'm fine."
"I can hear that."
Another shaky breath.
Then, from somewhere near Enia, Mirelle said, "Ask him whether Arik is alive too."
"I am getting there."
"You have been getting there for eight months."
Liam closed his eyes.
Of course his aunt was with her.
Enia returned her attention to him.
"Liam Sienna, do you have any idea what you have done to me?"
There it was.
The lecture.
Liam leaned back against the sofa and accepted his fate.
"The Gate closed."
