Even after Annani’s thorough descriptions, the sanctuary was more beautiful than Wonder could’ve imagined. It was a slice of paradise hidden in the icy wilderness of Alaska, the dome enclosing it ensuring that it was always pleasantly warm inside.

“Since the dome is covered in ice and snow, the sunlight is artificial too,” Annani explained. “That and the enclosed air filtration system are the only complaints I have. They still need some work. Can you feel the difference in the air quality?”

Anandur took in a deep breath. “It smells fine to me. After living in Los Angeles and breathing in smog, this smells fresh.”

“But it does not smell authentic.”

He took another sniff. “Yeah, you’re right. But it’s very subtle.”

“Come.” Alena threaded her arm through his. “I’ll take you to our Guardian chief. He’s expecting you. Quite eagerly, I might add. It seems your reputation precedes you.”

He shrugged. “I’m so old that most of the guys have served with me at one time or another. They know first-hand what I can do.”

Wonder left Annani’s side to give Anandur a quick peck on his cheek. “I’ll see you in the evening.”

Her stomach churned uncomfortably at having to separate from him even for several hours. Tomorrow was going to be even worse. She’d have to spend an entire workday without him. How did the other couples manage?

“You will get used to that,” Annani said as if guessing her thoughts. “It is most difficult in the beginning.”

“Am I so obvious?”

The goddess laughed. “You looked at Anandur’s retreating back with such sorrow that it was not hard to guess what was going through your mind.” She continued walking. “The Odus are preparing your suite of rooms. You’ll have your own living room and bedroom. No cooking facilities, though. In the sanctuary, we take our meals together in the dining hall.”

“That’s nice.”

“I think so too. It brings us together as a community. Naturally, you can keep snacks and drinks in your suite. There is a bar with a refrigerator and cabinets to store non-perishables.”

As they reached Annani’s personal quarters, one of her Odus rushed to open the double doors for them.

“Your place is very pretty,” Wonder said. It looked nothing like Annani’s mated quarters in the palace, but that was to be expected. Fabrics and furniture designs had changed a lot over five thousand years.

“Yes, I think so too. I also have a reception room for conducting official meetings. This is my private area.” The goddess glided toward a huge fish tank, pulled out a food container and sprinkled some over the top. A flurry of activity started as the little fish rushed to grab the tiny food flakes.

“Do you like fish?”

“I like their beautiful colors, and I find it relaxing to watch them swim around.”

“How do you entertain yourself? Do you spend a lot of time with Alena?”

Annani motioned for Wonder to follow her and sat down on a comfortable-looking couch. The thing was covered with plush down-filled cushions in several colors. “Come sit with me, Gulan.”

She’d been meaning to tell the goddess to call her Wonder, but it had never seemed like a good time for it until now. She joined Annani on the couch. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather you call me Wonder. I like it better than Gulan.”

“What is wrong with your given name?”

Wonder lifted one of the smaller cushions and put it in her lap. “I’m no longer that girl. When I woke up from stasis, I didn’t know who I was, or where I came from. It was as if I were born right there in that underground cavern. I had to learn everything from scratch, and that included learning about myself.”

She stopped, trying to find the right words to articulate the way she felt. To her credit, Annani waited patiently for her to continue.

“I adopted the name Wonder, which I later discovered was the title of a fictional comic character, and I kind of grew into it. The way I feel about myself, the way I think about myself now is very different from how I felt as Gulan. I like myself as Wonder much better.”

Annani took Wonder’s large hand and cupped it between her delicate ones.

“You always had it in you. I remember thinking that I should rile you more often because you found your voice only when you got angry. I think that in time, you would have grown into the person you are now even without losing your memory and starting over. We are who we are. We do not really change much.”

Wonder arched a brow. “Really? Do you still pull pranks and cause mischief?”

Annani laughed. “Of course. Maybe not as often as I used to, but I would have perished from boredom if I had to act stately and refined at all times.”

“It’s a drag, I suppose.”

“You have no idea. I am the Clan Mother. I have to act like a queen.”

“Your mother trained you well for that role.”

The smile melted off Annani’s beautiful face. “She did. I remember resenting her for insisting I always look regal. I wish I could go back in time and give her a hug and tell her that I love her and appreciate all that she did for me. I was such a spoiled, ungrateful brat.” A tear slid down Annani’s cheek. “I do not think I cried as much since grieving for Lilen.”

“Who’s Lilen?”

“My son. He was killed in battle.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I am too. It happened a long time ago, but the pain never goes away.”

Poor Annani. She’d suffered so much sorrow throughout her life. It was a miracle she managed to keep such a positive attitude. The goddess was so brave.

“I bring back painful memories that make you sad. Maybe it’s not such a great idea for me to serve as your companion again.”

Annani waved a dismissive hand. “That is ridiculous. I just found you, and I am not letting you go. There is nothing wrong with having a good cry now and then. If I wanted to laugh all of the time, I would have hired a clown as my companion.”

“Funny that you would say that. You might have one right here under your nose. Anandur loves to make people laugh.”

“Then you are very fortunate to have snagged him. He reminds me a lot of Esag. Esag loved to clown around too.”

Wonder huffed. “I don’t want to speak ill of the dead, but Esag wasn’t half the man Anandur is. The resemblance is only superficial.”

The smile returning to the goddess’s face prompted Wonder to continue. “Anandur is a real man who is willing and able to stand by my side no matter what. He loves me and is dedicated to making me happy. Esag only thought of himself and what would make him happy.”