"Once we get your talisman back," Khalida told him, "it'll be easier, I promise." She hoped that was sooner rather than later. "Nothing will hate you."
When Issac asked her his question - which was probably retorical but who could tell? - Khalida softly said, "I don't hear them, eaziz." The term of endearment was one she used only on the children she'd taken under her wing. It came so much more easily to her tongue than the English version of 'dear one'. ""