"Is it done?" Narcissa asked as the last of the heavy golden light sank into the objects of their attention and disappeared.

"Yes," her companion replied. "It's too late for second thoughts."

"I wasn't having any," the blonde woman protested. At a doubtful glance from the woman with her, she confessed. "All right, yes. But you're right; it's too late for second thoughts."

Looking down at the infants, she couldn't help but voice her doubts, however. "I don't believe our husbands will thank us for this, though."

"With any luck, they'll never find out," was the reply. The redhead looked closely at her friend. "It's the best protection we can give them, Cissy. No matter who wins, our sons will have connexions with the opposite camp."

"I know," Narcissa fretted, "but a soul bond?"

"I know," her friend said compassionately, "but a life bond was too risky, and a heart bond would have forced them into a relationship they might not be suited for."

Narcissa looked up at her friend and gave her a tremulous smile. "I know, but I can't help but worry. The war, you know."

Her friend's demeanor softened. "I know. But are you all right with this, now?"

"Yes."

"Good, then. . . . Obliviate."

'I'm sorry, Cissy,' Lily thought, 'but the fewer who know about this, the better.'