Kiera's Home

Zanan hesitated before speaking. "I will need you to return tomorrow. Your genetic makeup is different enough that I will need to research this."

"You're scaring me, doc," she said, trying to read his features. "Can you give me a hint? Anything?"

"I would rather discuss this with the dhjan tomorrow after I-"

"I'm not leaving until you tell me, and you certainly aren't telling him anything you won't tell me!"

He appeared taken aback again as she trampled over Anshan decorum. Still, he said nothing.

"The dhjan sent me here alone today to talk to you. If I have to interfere with his plans to bring him tomorrow, because you wouldn't tell me something …" She shrugged.

"Very well, nishani," he relented. "You are not with child, because you cannot carry a child."

It was Kiera's turn to be startled into silence.

"I must confirm what the exam tells me," he added. "It does not seem possible. No nishani in the history of our people has been barren. The dhjan bloodline has never been broken."

Barren. Like Anshan. Kiera struggled with the words, uncertain how to take them. Part of her felt relieved that she wouldn't be pressured into having kids before she was ready. And then she realized what he was saying. Anshan needed an heir. Her chest tightened so quickly, she could barely breathe.

No nishani in the history of our people has been barren.

"I see," she managed.

"But …" His frown grew deeper, almost haggard. "This is not the worst. Your cell regeneration is slowing too quickly."

"I don't understand that."

"It means … I think … that you're dying."

Kiera didn't move or speak, not sure she heard him right.

"I hope to have different news, but I think it likely I will not," Zanan said. "Return tomorrow. I will research these readings to be certain."

She stood in silence, willing him to tell her it was a horrible joke or that the machine made a mistake. When his features grew grimmer, she backed away.

"Thank you. I can return tomorrow." She left quickly without another word, unable to digest what he'd just told her. Stepping into the sunlight, she stood frozen for a moment.

You're dying.

Had she really heard those words? It didn't seem possible. How much valuable medical information could a tanning booth give him, anyway?

What would A'Ran do when he found out he'd have no son? That the bloodline ended with him?

He'll send me back. She shook her head to clear the thought away. It was the least of her concerns, but it lingered. Death was probably preferable to being barren in a society like this one. A'Ran's sense of duty to his people trumped everything. Would it trump his love for her, too?