Balm by Viola Grace Page B

his mouth when the second wave struck her and carried her under.
    Quinn slumped back in the embrace of the fluffy robe and looked up at Iskanu with tired eyes. “Please, take your turn, I need another nap after that.”
    He laughed and slid free of her. “I came with you the first time.”
    She snorted and gladly let him spoon around her as he held her for her nap. The air smelled of sex, her body gleamed pink and his was shining with sweat. All in all, it was a good result for something that she didn’t need to move for.
    “Sleep, love. I will guard you until you wake.”
    She smiled and enjoyed the feeling of being wrapped in his arms. It was total security for her. He would be with her as long as he could be, and if he ever died in duty, she would follow him. There was no doubt in her mind that she did not want to live if he was gone.
    She had done it once and never again.

Chapter Eleven
    Finding time to get away from Iskanu for this private project was harder than she thought. Finally, Quinn had to resort to asking Kali to send him on a standard observation.
    “Is this the moment you were referring to?” Kali was watching the mirror with her.
    In the mirror, a harried young woman was looking from side to side with a small boy at her side. Another woman stepped forward, her hair covered by a hood and her hands folded tightly to her waist.
    A bag of coin was exchanged and the child was sold and taken, just like that.
    Quinn nodded. “So, it was me. How do I get him into the Alliance?”
    “Watch more, and it will make sense.”
    The woman took the child in her arms and they disappeared. The image spun and they ended up standing near the iconic Citadel structure.
    The woman spoke to the organizers, handed them the documents and another pouch of coin, she knelt next to the boy, pressed a kiss to his cheek and disappeared.
    Quinn whistled. “Can I do this?”
    “You have to. It is an immutable point in time now. You brought him to the Citadel education centre, and he joined the Enforcers. You did what you had to do to bring your mate to you.”
    “It still feels really weird.”
    “I know. Do you want to do it?”
    Quinn nodded. “I will. Let me go order the clothing.”
    Making the arrangements to purchase a Selna boy was difficult, but after Quinn had the connection to Iskira, the woman was relieved at the option for her brother.
    Iskira and Quinn met first at a public café.
    “Are you sure my brother will be safe?” Iskira looked into Quinn’s hood, but she was in full Hooded One garb.
    “I am sure that he will make it to adulthood and have his choice for the rest of his life. He will not be forced to mate over and over again.” Quinn inclined her head.
    Iskira blinked, “You know about that? It is a closely guarded secret.”
    “I heard it from another escaped Selna male. He warned me that it was the destiny for many young men, and Iskanu is of an age to slip away before anyone locks him away as a stud.”
    “Come with me now. Do you have the money?”
    “I do. Do you have the paperwork?”
    “I do.” Iskira led her back through the shops and to a tiny, pokey house on the edge of the city. It must take everything she had to keep body and soul together.
    Quinn waited at the spot that she had seen in the mirror. It was out of the way of prying eyes but allowed her to brace for Iskira having a change of heart.
    Iskanu was small, two-thirds the height of his sister. “Are you the woman taking me?”
    “I am taking you to a Citadel training centre where your psychic talent can be put to practical use.”
    Iskira stopped in place. “You know about that?”
    “I do. I also know you have been using him to thieve. That is fine. I do not care. I simply want to get him out of here before he becomes trapped. Will you help me?”
    Iskira nodded and handed Quinn a roll of paper.
    Quinn flicked it open and read it. It was indeed title to Iskanu.
    Quinn removed the payment pouch and handed it over.
    Iskira had