old friends.” His hands formed a plea for secrecy, but he went on without waiting for a response. “Childhood friends. Perhaps a little like you and Miss Lilya, since we are rarely far from one another.”
“The star?”
Hisoka inclined his head.
This was new information. And interesting enough to loosen Kyrie’s tongue. “Does anyone know?”
A small headshake. “Not even your father.”
“Is your star the reason you know so much?”
“Novi is certainly part of it.” Hisoka ran a hand over the top of his head. “However, I cannot deny that I have always been … inquisitive.”
Kyrie was impressed. And confused. “Why tell me?”
“Is it truly telling if the secret has already stepped out of hiding?” Gentling his tone, he added, “Argent intended to reveal your secret at midwinter.”
Ginkgo had said as much. That Kyrie was old enough to know. That Dad had wanted the responsibility. “Then why are you here?” Instead of Dad. Instead of Mom. Instead of Ginkgo.
“Because it was needful.” Hisoka delighted Zisa by taking the tree’s hand. “I am always where I need to be.”
Not exactly what he’d been asking, but also very interesting. How was that even possible? Finally, Kyrie said, “That must be nice.”
“Not always.” Hisoka confessed, “Sometimes there are places I would prefer to go, even though doing so might not be for the best.”
“So you did not want to be here?” Kyrie kept back the rest of his thought. With me.
Flared eyebrows shot up. “Not so. I am glad to be here. And I know that because I am here, this is the most important place I can be right now. Perhaps it would be better to say that there are times when I wish I could be in more than one place at once.”
Increasingly intrigued, Kyrie asked, “You needed to talk to me?”
“Certainly. But not solely. I am rarely in one place for one reason. For instance, we are here—at least in part—because the stars have gathered to sing.”
Perhaps hearing stars was a little bit like hearing the wind. Kyrie whispered to Zisa, “I do not hear anything. Do you?”
“Tonight,” said the tree. “There will be a chorus tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because Glint Starmark is much-loved.” Zisa stroked Kyrie’s hair. “Because a promise is kept. Because a son is given.”
A son? Before Kyrie could ask for particulars, Hisoka-sensei interrupted.
“Kyrie, I made a promise to Ever Starmark. He would not let me leave Keishi until I swore a solemn oath to find you.”
“Oh. Is that why you are here?”
“Did I not mention I have many reasons for being where I am? I am sure I did.”
Kyrie missed Ever. So much. “He is my best friend.”
“Something he made abundantly clear.” From an unassuming pouch at his waist, Hisoka withdrew a phone. Tapping lightly upon its screen, he passed it to Kyrie. It was already making the soft tones of an attempted connection. The name of the call’s intended recipient made Kyrie’s heart leap into his throat—Laud Starmark.
Laud lived with Ever and Quen at Kikusawa Shrine in Keishi. But it wasn’t Uncle Laud who answered the call.
“Kyrie? Is it you, Kyrie?”
“I am here.”
“Sensei’s good! And fast! I knew he’d do his best. Is Lilya there, too?”
“She is … nearby.” Kyrie could tell she was below, but he wasn’t sure which of the buildings she was in. Looking into the tree’s sparkling eyes, he said, “I am with Zisa.”
Leaning closer, the tree cooed, “Hello.”
“I know that name from Da. Hi! Umm … so you’ll both have to tell Lilya later, but I gotta tell you now! I’m an uncle!”
“Is that so?” Hugging the phone to his ear, Kyrie closed his eyes, greedy for every inflection of Ever’s voice.
“For almost whole day now! Nobody knows. Da will call for a press conference in the morning. Everybody’s been waiting and wondering and guessing.”
“You most of all.”
“Yes!”
There was sound of movement and a low murmur. Kyrie immediately recognized the muffled voice as Eloquence’s. Ever said, “Hang on. Here’s Brother.”
“Congratulations, Quen,” Kyrie said shyly.
“Many thanks, Kyrie. I’m still reeling from the events of the day.” He sounded like he was smiling all the way from the depths of his soul. “Your call is a welcome surprise, but I’m amazed that Hisoka-sensei reached you so quickly. He must have foregone all the usual means of transportation.”
Kyrie glanced at the cat, who offered a small shrug. “How is Kimiko?” he asked.
“Her happiness doubles mine. She is getting some well-deserved rest while we take turns holding the baby. Ever is prying her from Laud now.”
“A girl?”
“Did Ever not say?”