"I'm afraid the reason we're here is most urgent," Lyden said though his throat had gone dry.
"Varun's murder," Gaia stated with a small frown. "The strain of supporting this world is becoming worse."
"Lysa and Angela are trying their best," Becky said in defense of the other Pillars.
"I didn't say they weren't," Gaia rebuked Becky. "They were the best choice we had at the time, but it may take centuries before they're strong enough to pull their full weight."
"Is it that, or because they're not a First?" Lyden said, stepping between Gaia and Becky. They were in the Orange Bubble when Gloria told them about the Firsts. It was a gamble bringing that up with Gaia, but he needed to know. By the look on the Pillar of Earth's face, she hadn't known that they knew.
Gaia regarded them for a long moment before she spoke. "How do you know that term?"
