Checking Out Belizna

[Zhenya]

Emily’s sister was a sweet girl. They settled comfortably in the back of the car, and Rachel began talking almost immediately. It was a long journey out of the city, so it wasn’t unfortunate. Zhenya enjoyed the effervescence, pleased her mood seemed buoyant, though she understood it may or may not last. Despite Rachel being perhaps only a handful of years younger, Zhenya felt an almost maternal urge to see her safe. When Emily had explained that a man had been responsible for her trauma, it had drawn Zhenya’s features very still. Men like that were hunted in certain circles, and Zhenya’s protective instincts were no joke – there was a reason she had inherited the family business over her true blooded siblings. But Emily had assured her the assistance was unnecessary. She said no more, but Zhenya read between the lines, and did not ask what had been done, or by whom. All she said was that she knew a very good lawyer, if Emily ever had a need.

“It was the same for me with Auri,” she said, patting Rachel’s leg. “Like trying to hold water in my hands. It came back though, so I do not think she has anything to worry about in that regard. I will mention it to her when we see each other next.”

Rachel’s revelations about her new gift made her smile, though she had known already. It was one of the things Zhenya was looking forward to exploring today, if Rachel was happy to try it. Likely it was just a matter of practice and not a symptom of her unusual manner of discovering she could channel, but Zhenya did not know another woman whose experience had been so calm at the outset.

“She did tell me. In fact I thought perhaps we could try some little experiments later – if you are willing, of course. I had a rather recalcitrant teacher myself, but I promise I shall not be nearly so onerous.” She smiled. Soren had indeed been intractable, but it was in such a way that Zhenya had been compelled to prove him wrong. Her affinity had always been natural, something she had never truly realised before she spoke to other women of their experiences with the gift.