Chương 33: Decisive Indecision

"I appreciate the fact that you are looking out for me. I know you only want what is best for me, but I know my husband. He will come around. I am sure of it," Sheera said respectfully.

"Thai… she belongs here, with me and Rowan. We were meant to be her parents." Sheera stood up and began pacing the floor with Thai in her arms.

"I know what it sounds like. I know I sound like I have lost all touch with reality. Trust me, this is the clearest I have ever been in my entire life," Sheera continued, her voice getting softer as Thai's eyes began to flutter closed.

"But what if…" Illianna began.

"If nothing, Mom. There is nothing you can say that is going to change my mind," Sheera interrupted.

"Rowan just needs to recover from the shock, he will come around, you'll see." Seraphina sighed, knowing there was no arguing with Sheera when she was this determined. Celestia stepped forward, her shimmering wings catching the light and casting a soft glow across the room.

"Are you sure, Sheera?" Celestia asked gently.

"We don't know much about Thai or what you will face by taking her." Seraphina shot the young fairy a warning glance.

"What Celestia means is there will certainly be…" she paused, collecting her thoughts.

"Challenges, to put it mildly," she said.

"Sheera, she is not an ordinary infant."

"Yeah, she has already shown us that in spades." Celestia interjected. Seraphina cast the young fairy a you're-not-helping glare, before continuing.

"We simply do not know what she is," she paused, sighing.

"Or quite frankly what she will become capable of. The only thing we know for certain is that her existence needs to be a carefully guarded secret. At least until we can figure it out to some degree." This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Sheera sat gently on the sofa. She looked down at Thai, now sound asleep. The love in her eyes pulled at Seraphina's heart.

"Auntie, she belongs here with me. Don't ask me how I know this, but I do. I can feel it in my very soul. I understand she is unique and has a purpose beyond our current understanding." She paused, taking a seat.

"Until we discover what that purpose is, she needs to be loved and cared for. Not just because she is special, but because she is a child." Illianna moved to sit beside her daughter, caressing Thai's cheek.

"Seraphina, she's right. Regardless of her heritage or potential powers, she is still an infant who needs to be loved for who she is, not for what she might or might not do someday." She brushed some stray hairs from Sheera's face before looking at Seraphina.

"Sheera is not alone in this. I will help her. Rowan will come around." Illianna smiled at Sheera.

"I know you don't know him all that well, but he really is a good guy Seph. I couldn't ask for a better mate for Sheera. He is kind, supportive, and considerate. This is just so much to wrap one's head around, he just needs a little more time to process."

"Well, if he doesn't change his mind, and change it soon, we may have to make other arrangements for Thai's interim care. I can't in good conscience leave her to bond with you and you with her, to have to take her away later on. Do you understand that, Sheera?" Seraphina said flatly.

"Please don't take that the wrong way. I want more than anything for you and Rowan to have the family you always wanted, but Thai is not a maybe, she is an all or nothing. Once I walk out that door, she is yours, for better or worse."

"Auntie, I fully understand. I would never want to do anything to hurt this precious baby. If I have to give her up to ensure her safety and well-being, I will do it no questions asked. All I ask is that you give me a little time to talk to Rowan once he has processed the situation a little better." Sheera stood up and walked to Seraphina and kissed her on the cheek.

"Auntie, I promise that if Rowan is not on board by the time we leave that bedroom, I will hand her over."

"Okay, Sheera." Seraphina said reluctantly as Sheera made her way down the hall toward the bedroom.