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But a woman appeared at the top of the staircase, and as she descended, the word “ synonyht have been more correct And not in a metaphoric sense, either, because this wo robe thrown over a silk shift, was literally floating down the stairs, her body suspended a few inches in the air

If you had told awked at her, I would have believed you She was a deeply attractive older woht accurately be described as a mother I’d like to – um, follow on social media

In one hand she held a glass of so clear and brown She watchedtheir searing contact over the rilass They reminded me of Bastion’s, flecked with the same brutal, unshakeable confidence Her hair was the sa and I were to find out, that wasn’t where their similarities ended

“Mother,” Bastion said, his tone flat, but soft enough to be respectful, though not enough to be affectionate It’s strange how le word, if you pay attention

“Sebastion,” the woman said There was fondness there, to be sure, but it was hidden behind a thin sheet of ice “You’ve brought guests”

Mrs Brandt said the word in a way that suggested elco with their expensive silverware

“You didn’t have to rand entrance,” Bastion said

Mrs Brandt held her hand to her chest, feigning surprise “Oh, was it grand?” She turned tolilt in her voice “Was I being grand, gentlemen?”

I shook rinned, and drawled “Oh, yeah Grand’s one way of putting it”

The corner of Mrs Brandt’s lips lifted in a grin That was a wink she gave Sterling It ht in the face to see hoas reacting, but out of the corner ofred

The foyer was silent again The single, perfect sphere of ice in Mrs Brandt’s drink clinked as she took another sip She held the glass at waist level as she floated lower, her feet finally touching the ground The ice clinked again

“You haven’t introduced me to your friends, Bastion”

He scoffed “I’d hardly call them friends But whatever This is“This one’s Sterling That’s all you need to know about him”

Sterling grinned again, s Luella bowed her head and returned a smile of her own

“And this one’s Dustin We used to work together at the Lorica”