The redhead nodded at the Bonded’s observation, smiling wryly. It was easy for her to say that, after all they were just words. But she, too, was more emotional than she’d like to admit. How else did Vita get her to agree to leave behind the world she’d called her home?

“That’s true.” She turned to Shiraz again. “Thank you. I... I actually needed this. You’re a good friend.” She smiled sheepishly. “Not just to Paris. To me, too.”