Sara was crying.

  Her son was laughing so much; his dimples were as deep as ever, eyes sparkling. Si was happy, and seeing him like this—she didn’t manage.

  She burst into tears and had to hide behind the chair for a few long minutes so that reporters wouldn’t take pictures of her crying.

  Sara was patted on her arm.

  It was her husband who patted her. He was sitting on the chair, unable to move—but he could watch. He was very sick but happy that he could see it.

  The official part was already finished.

  They decided on a ceremony that shared customs. Luna was very neutral; she took most of the details that Sara suggested and added her own as well, from her father’s side. The food was the only matter that Luna cared about. It had to be a combination of both places, with diverse flavors. Her son, Sara smirked, was in love with the menu as much as he was with his now officially wedded wife. Taj added small things from when he was getting married.

  This wedding was a combination of many people, points of view, and beliefs.

  It looked promising.

  The official part didn’t last long. Si didn’t intend to bother his father—he was breathing his last breaths.

  Sara knew it would soon end, and her heart ached.

  She stopped to hide behind his chair.

  He was laughing at her. He was laughing because of her behavior and her cries. She loved him so much, and he loved her so much. Both were happy to see their son’s wedding and to receive his and his wife’s bows. They also received a tree plant; it was a custom from Unio. Luna gave it to them as a gift.

  They needed to pretend that Luna was from the respected Shadows’ family. It was not known that she was Clar. The best choice would be the Yibo family, but… Sara smirked. Their skin colors didn’t match. She glanced at Gabi.

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  The Yibo family was very masculine; most of the children were sons. When Gabi was born, everyone was surprised.

  They would share their surname with Luna gladly, not only to help her, but to annoy Unio. Their hate toward Unio, and before UU, and in the long gone past—the City. Their revenge was never fulfilled. Half of their family had been killed back then, and it was said that a very talented child had been kidnapped.

  This family was honest and bold; Sara and her husband seriously considered transferring the power to them. Si knew about the idea and commented that it could be—in the future.

  Sara shivered, as if she awoke from her thoughts. Why did she have these thoughts?

  She shook her head. Somehow, she glanced at Gabi again; she resembled someone, a face Sara had recently seen.

  The surname for Luna—they found another Shadows family, and it was settled. Soon it wouldn’t be important.

  The fact that Luna was Clar was never to be shared. Sara talked to Arct, formerly Domini. He admitted he knew that Luna was dual. But only this, which meant that Unio was not aware. They didn’t even care to connect the dots.

  Si said it was better this way. Sara agreed.

  … Luna had only Taj; her whole family was gone on both sides. Her friend, the one who was involved in the Unio scandal some time ago, was allowed to visit.

  Sara glanced at him. White hair, very unusual, like Luna’s. Though Luna was constantly changing her hair color, and this boy, Sara was told, it was his feature. They looked like siblings, but Sara knew they weren’t.

  She sighed again. This Avery was handsome; it made a commotion among Shadows’ girls. He acted like he was not interested, which was convenient. He was Crystaler, not to pair with Shadows. Not to repeat the mistake Luna’s mother made.

  Mona, how unfortunate. She left her daughter alone.

  Suddenly, Sara had a thought.

  “Mei? Mei?” she called quietly, looking for her daughter in the crowd. “Here you are, Mei. Would you kindly arrange some dancing lessons for you and Luna? And talk to Taj, so he could teach you both. I have my reasons; please do it, thank you.”

  She laughed, seeing her daughter surprised.

  Mei liked to dance, and Luna also liked to dance. They could dance together and invite Taj. They all then would connect better. Two of her daughters and Elder.

  Sara glanced at her son.

  Si was talking to Lukai. They laughed together. Sara spotted that Arct was observing them too. They exchanged looks and nodded at the same time.

  Everything looked promising.

  Sara started crying again; she couldn’t manage it. She was standing behind the chair where her beloved husband was sitting and laughing at them, and soon they heard Si laughing louder. He was with his wife, and they were eating the wedding sweets. Si shouted that Luna was his sweetie. Taj laughed hard and shouted something like… chubby cookie?

  Sara smiled, still crying. Could anyone be happier?