SEVEN
The sun reminded Anahita of her sister, Maram, the way it wanted to worm its way into her good graces, and Anahita was having none of it. Every bit of her hurt, and the sun would only blind her if she opened her eyes, anyway. Not to mention the gentle warmth she felt now would turn into a raging blaze that seemed to set the very sand on fire. Yet it was as relentless as Maram when she wanted Anahita awake, for she was one who always got her way. No one could resist her for long.
But Anahita would hold out as long as possible, for they had played this game for as long as she could remember.
An impatient clacking sound got the better of her – Vega did not click her beak lightly.
Finally, Anahita opened her eyes.
Vega flapped her wings, as if to gesture toward her haul. Two fat
