Dragoncrest Cliffs sharing tree shade with a butterfly

Rosalyn could see the joy in Sobo as Erzulie acquiesced and it warmed her. She was not fond of men, true, but she had always been soft when it came to their sons. A mother's love could introduce a surprising range of hypocrisies.

Their legacy would lead. She could rest. Even if she wasn't fully able to follow the conversation, that knowledge brought her a surprising relief. It was deeper now, and more genuine, than it had been when Chacal stepped up in her place. She was tired in ways she hadn't been then.

Erzulie's words still came as a surprise, when she realized they aimed at her. Her wife did not need to step down to be at her side, and to be the reason for it...

Rosalyn didn't respond at first. She studied Erzulie and felt the familiar brush of shame. She forgot Sobo was there. Don't. Suddenly, she was angry, and her teeth flashed. They had always stood together, but she would not let Erzulie turn her into a burden. She couldn't bear it. Not for me.