2.4

TRIGGER WARNING: INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR WITH A MINOR

He relaxed his grip. “I know, but if she is, we mustn’t let it get out. That could ruin our standing and cause her problems.”

“We would have to keep this secret for a decade. Do you think we can?”

He shrugged his shoulders, then kissed her hand. “I don’t know, but we need to get the elder here tonight.” He turned to Lina. “Have we ever checked her for the mark?”

Lina thought about it. “I don’t remember. We had help the first few years, so I never bathed her and then she was old enough to do it herself. What if she has it?”

Melius shook his head. “You call the elder over and we’ll get confirmation. He’ll have to bring someone with him since she’s a girl.”

Lina nodded her head. She looked past her husband to their daughter, studiously doing her assignments. The black hair faded to the background against the golden streak in her hair. “Yeah, I call them. You go help Kat.”

He started to walk away but stopped. “Whatever happens, w