Waymakers (Champions of the Crystal Book 9)

Chapter 8: Waiting

Despite the worry thrumming through her, Sabrina managed to fall asleep after all. She woke some time later to find Lily sprawled beside her. Their female tortoiseshell cat, Trixie, was curled up on Lily's pillow, the only safe place to be near the restless sleeper, but the male brown tabby, Bennie, was tucked up against Sabrina's stomach, his chin resting on the baby, purring softly. She reached down to pet him, grateful they had decided to bring the cats to help keep Lily and her cousins occupied. He purred more loudly, and she could feel the vibration.

Shariara silently opened the door, then smiled when she saw Sabrina was awake. "I hope I do not intrude," she said quietly.

"Not at all. How was Giandrah?"

"It was...amazing. Nothing like I imagined," Shariara said. "Seuréa remained with the First Chair to do something in the Crystal, so Captain Merion kindly escorted me here and then went back to Seuréa. The Ruschar children are with their grandparents for the afternoon."

"Thanks for the update," Sabrina said. She could feel that Ford was thinking fast, so that meant he and the others were probably still in Praxatillus Control. "I hope you haven't been bored."

"I enjoyed talking to Dr. Grayson," Shariara replied. "But I am glad you are awake." She came closer, looking at Bennie. "What is that noise he is making?"

"It's called purring. Cats do it when they are happy, or to comfort themselves if they are scared or hurt," Sabrina replied. "Would you like to pet him? He's very friendly. Here. Like this."

Shariara hesitated, then put out a hand and gently stroked the cat's back. Then she smiled again. "It tickles." After a moment, she stifled a laugh. "The baby likes it. She's very happy right now."

Sabrina smiled back. "Oh, I wish I could feel her like you do."

"You can, if you want. I can connect you."

"Would you? I'd like that."

"I'm happy to. I don't get to do it often." Shariara closed her eyes. "She's easy to sense. She doesn't really think yet; she mostly feels. It might be a little disorienting for you at first. Just relax and let me touch your mind; I'll do the rest."

Sabrina took a deep breath and lowered the barrier she kept around her mind unless she wanted to communicate with Ford. After a moment, she felt Shariara's mind, calm and orderly. A few seconds after that, she felt a different presence, less distinct but definitely there. It felt like a giggle, effervescent and happy. She felt an almost unbearable burst of love at this first communication with her new daughter.

The connection lasted only a few seconds, and then Sabrina opened her eyes to find Shariara beaming down at her. "Oh," Sabrina said. "I so wish I could do that. It's...magical."

The girl shook her head. "It's not magic. It's just the Crystal." She looked down at Bennie and petted him again. "But this...it's a kind of magic, what he's doing. Just a little vibration, and he makes her feel happy and strong."

"Yes, he's pretty amazing," Sabrina agreed, scratching under his chin. "Would you like a cat of your own, Ara? We could get you one."

"Could I? Would a cat like living on Allyria?"

"I'm sure they'd love it. It's so quiet and peaceful there. You would need your foster parents' permission, though," Sabrina said.

"Oh, they would love a cat like this one," Shariara assured her. "We have a pet indlebar. He's smaller than this, but he's very loud when he wants fed. I think he would be okay with a cat."

"You can ask next time you call," Sabrina said. "Meanwhile you can spend as much time with Bennie and Trixie as you want. Or Seuréa's Snowball, once we go back to Bathir."