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It was hard to keep from smiling at the pride he radiated when he spoke that last sentence.

“I just can’t believe you’re serious.”

“Because she isn’t,” Nix said. “You’re not going, Véa.”

I waved him off, asking Heylel, “How does it work, mil?”

“It’s simple, really. A little drink, a few words, and… Poof. You’re air.”

“As air, will I be able to touch Venark and Hana to show them their memories?” I sat on the tabletop beside him. “Or will I have to become a person first?”

“The latter. Like I said, it’s a perfect spell. Youbecomewind.”

“So we’ll need to become people again to pass on the message.”

“Aye. Which can be done easily. Dismissing the spell is only words, which yes, I can do in that form.”

“I don’t know why you two are still talking about this.” Nix crossed his arms, blue eyes narrowed at me. “You’re not going.”

“Are you going to tie me up to keep me here then?”

“If you make me, do gràs.”

It was a threat, but it sounded more like a seductive invitation. “Just as soon as I get home, mi lim.”

Stella chuckled. “She’ll be fine, Nix. They both will. He’s my son. I helped him craft that spell. I wouldn’t endorse this if I believed they were at risk.”

“Coming from the woman who willingly married my brother,” Nix said.

“You’re all mean to me for the fun of it,” Lux muttered in the corner.

“It is quite fun.” Stella gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder as she walked our way, sweeping her long auburn curls into a knot at the back of her head. “But if you’re so worried about it, I can go.”

“No, you can’t,” I said. “It has to be me or Nix. We have more memories with both of them than anyone else. I would prefer Nix stay with the children since he’s our last necromancer. I think you can agree with that much, mi lim.”

Nix growled his annoyance, glowering at me. “I’ll be very angry with you if you die, Véa.”

“We won’t die,” Heylel said. “I’m telling you, it’s a pe—”

“Perfect spell,” Nix said. “I heard you the first thousand times you said it.”

Heylel frowned.

Nix saw it, slumping his shoulders. His tone softened to the same soft timbre he dropped it to with our children when he’d accidentally hurt their feelings. “I’m sorry, esiasch. I know it’s a good spell. I’m just worried about what could happen in the moments when it’s inactive.”

“We’ll move quickly.” I stood, walked to him, and looped my arms around his neck. “We’ll do what needs done, we’ll come home, and I’ll have my brother and your sister with me. Alright? Please?”

A deep sigh. “One of these days, Iamgoing to tie you up to keep you from nearly killing yourself.”

Smiling, I craned onto my tiptoes for a kiss. “You can try.”

* * *

Breathtaking.

This cage was breathtaking.

Foliage of rich green peppered with flowers of a million vibrant hues started at the moss coated soil and stretched high into the trees overhead. The heat was luxurious, reddening my pale skin from the few moments I’d stood here so far.