Sanria ascended the stairs, leaving Maya and Colin behind. She would send Thasmudyan to Maya as soon as he arrived back at the cavern. First, she would talk to her daughter. She opened Leandra's door, her eyes locking on her daughter's. "Why did you guys have to tell her I was pregnant?"
"I didn't. Your father did," Sanria said and closed the door behind her.
"It's not fair," Leandra began, and Sanria felt the anger leave her limbs. She sat heavily in the rocking chair and stared into the room. "Mama?"
"Yes, Leandra?"
"Aren't you going to say something?"
"No. I don't believe I am."
There was nothing to say. There was nowhere left to go. It was her reality. "I'm sorry, Mama," Leandra whispered.
"You should never be sorry for uncovering the truth, Leandra. No matter how bad it may hurt."
"I was really mad at you but... I'm not mad anymore."
"Thank you, Leandra," Sanria said, her chest weighted.
"I... hope you're not mad at Papa."
Sanria sighed deeply and looked at Leandra. How could this child know that her words gouged Sanria's heart. Leandra had done everything to get Sanria back with Colin. How could she have assumed that it would stop? Somehow, the girl had found the key, and twisted it. Sanria closed her eyes and looked away. It was her reality, and she knew that this was merely the moment when life had decided to force her hand. She got up and walked over to Leandra, patting her affectionately on the shoulder. "I love you, Leandra."
Sanria walked from the room, down the hall, to the Observatory and sat in the chair. All hope for the end of this situation was gone. She knew Colin wouldn't want Thasmudyan around, and that meant Colin would not get healed. She knew that within hours, Colin would push her again to recommit him, and what would she say? There was no where left for her to go and knowing what Colin had in him, she couldn't go even if she wanted to. She slid down in the chair, feeling small, and stared out over the realms as they changed color with the setting sun. There were no other options. Not anymore.
