Like recognized likeness. What should have been a surprise hardly seemed a surprise at all. Rather, it seemed a confirmation of a realization Tallis hadn’t even noticed she’d come to. Without restraint or hesitation, Tallis’s fingers went to the mark. She traced it as an explosive grin filled her face. Tallis looked back at Acacia and nodded—bright-eyed, softened as she started to unlace the front of her corset as if Acacia were her lover.

Tallis continued on, not appreciating that her behavior might rightfully be interpreted as an advance. Once her corset had slipped free and fallen to either side, Tallis loosened the bodice of her dress, cupping her breast as she revealed the same scorpion brand curled along her ribs.

She beamed at Acacia, tears of joy welling up in her eyes.

“I’ve waited so long…” There were more words, but Tallis couldn’t quite find them.

And Tallis hugged her back. She held her so tight as if someone might come and try to take Acacia from her. Tears streamed down her cheeks, one following another and another until Acacia’s shoulder was damp with them. When she released her, Tallis took Acacia’s face in her hands, marveling at her, smiling brightly through her tears.

“Just—just me. And Cezar—” Tallis could hardly get the words out, cheeks hurting from the width of her smile, “He’s—he’s mine, my—my twin.” She laughed, still crying, stroking Acacia’s cheeks with her thumbs. “But we’ll find them. Together, we’ll find them.”

Tallis took her hand, squeezing it, still wondering whether this was a dream that might end at any moment…but what a beautiful dream it was. She gathered herself and brushed the tears from her cheeks as her mind spun with plans as to what came next.

“We have a ranch two days carriage ride from here,” Tallis said, her air of no-nonsense practicality surfacing, “With the Eldouir returned, this is our moment to strike. To send a message that they might see.”

Tallis’s speech gathered with speed and excitement, her eyes sparkling with stars.

Tallis grinned.

“All in good time.” Tallis had some ideas but wanted to muse on them a time more before she spoke too hastily. She leaned forward and kissed Acacia on the cheek as if testing whether she was still real.

“I'll leave for the reach soon and make ready for your arrival. If you can make the necessary arrangements to be away from Loren for a time, then we will welcome you. Though I'll let you surprise Cezar.”

She winked, and smiled even wider to think of Cezar, learning of her discovery.