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Even if she couldn’t convince herself it wasn’t true.

“I have never regretted choosing you. If I had to do it again, I would always choose you. You’re my sister. You were the youngestmember of our colony. The most vulnerable. I would save you over and over and over again.”

She drew in a shaky breath. “I know I’ve only ever caused you grief, Dryston. I know I’ve never been anything but a failure and a let down.” The words flowed out of her mouth like an avalanche, and she didn’t know how to stop them or the errant tears that came down her cheeks. Goddess, she was becoming even more of a mess than she’d been before. “I know I’m a huge disappointment to you. And I want to do better, I—” she swallowed the sob that formed in her throat. To be a disappointment to others was one thing. But siblings knew you too well. They saw all the dark imperfections, every blemish. And if they didn’t love you, if they didn’t approve, then who could? “I—”

Dryston gripped her hand so tight it hurt, and she halted her words. His eyes swam with tears. “I have never been disappointed in you. I am so proud of who you’ve become. Your strength and kindness, your honor and humor and joy. You never give up, you don’t wallow, you bring joy and light into other’s lives. I am so, so proud of you, Enid.

“I’ve only ever been disappointed in myself. I’ve seen your pain all these years and I’ve had no clue how to ease it. My frustration hasnever been with you, only myself. How could I replace our parents? Still, I tried. And I failed you at every turn.”

“You didn’t,” Enid protested. “You didn’t, Dryston. And you’ve never needed to replace them. Only to still be my brother. All I’ve ever needed was my brother.”

She placed her other hand over his and they sat there for a long time, silent, both letting their words sink in.

“Where’s Enid?” Avenay’s breathy voice sounded outside the door.

“In the room,” someone said, her words cut off as running feet came to the doorway.

Avenay—her beautiful mate—stood there. She wore a cream tunic and pants tucked into boots, her dark curls pulled into a low bun, a few escaping here and there. Her face glowed, both metaphorically and physically.

“By the Mother!” she exclaimed, then her face screwed up. “I hate that saying now.” She shook her head and rushed forward, looking down at Dryston. “You’re awake. How do you feel?”

He smiled. “Like I died and came back to life.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re alive, even if it hurts now.”

Enid laced her fingers through Avenay’s, tugging her onto her lap, Avenay giving an alarmed yelp before settling against Enid.

“Why were you so excitedly looking for me?” Enid asked.

Avenay’s face broke into a smile as beautiful as the dawn breaking over the horizon and Enid’s breath abandoned her. “The healing fountain—it still works. It can still heal Seraphina.”

Enid stood, pulling Avenay against her and twirling around. Avenay yelped again but settled against her neck with a breathy laugh that made Enid’s skin tingle. She set her on her feet and kissed her.

“We have to get it to her now.”

She glanced at Dryston, her brow furrowed.

He waved his hand. “Go.”

She walked over, squeezing his hand, then grabbed Avenay’s, ready to take the cure to her sister.

Chapter 40: Avenay

After weeks of little to no flying, it felt amazing for Avenay to have the wind at her back, ruffling in her wings. It felt even more amazing to have her best friend on one side of her, and Enid on the other.

She could see the spires of Lesern palace in the distance, peeking above the clouds. They had flown through the day and night, only stopping a few times to eat and rest their wings. She felt sore all over, her body aching with each movement, but they hadn’t wanted to waste a minute more. She had to get to Seraphina.

They landed on a roof in her old neighborhood, other seraphs stopping to stare and talk. She didn’t know if it was because she had returned from her crazy adventure or if it was because Enid was with her.

Probably both.

They wandered the streets, sights and sounds greeting them, but Avenay barely saw or heard anything. She wound through the residences, dining halls, and taverns, finally arriving in front of her house. She rushed forward, flinging the door open and running up the stairs.

Seraphina’s door stood open, the sight making her break into a sprint. Her sister sat in bed, a book in her lap, staring out the window. The sun hit the blues and blacks of her braids in brilliant colors and Avenay almost sobbed at the sight.

Seraphina turned, her face splitting into a smile. Avenay ran, settling carefully on the bed next to her. Seraphina brought weak hands up to her face, and Avenay’s heart shattered when she saw the state she was in. So much worse than when she left. Her skin was ashen, her lips dry and bleeding. Yellow found the whites of her eyes, mingling with cracks of red. Her hands shook, both so thin, just like the rest of her body.

“You’re back, you’re really back,” Seraphina said, her voice weak.