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“You did enough. What you did saved us, and you saved Thane.” Valeen pulled back and gently patted Katana’s cheek. “You are remarkable, Katana. And Synick will no longer be a problem.”

“Whatwedid, Val.” With a smile, Katana wiped the moisture from her cheeks. “Synick was there at the castle, and he persuaded Talon to pull the sword. I tried to stop her, but Thane needed me and I… I left. I left. I let the wall fall. I’m so sorry.”

“You did the right thing. Is Tif alright?”

“She hid and Synick couldn’t get into the room. I’m sure once Talon pulled Lightbringer free, he left. They must both be safe.” With eyes wide with wonder, Katana peeked over her shoulder. “I saw your House of Night flag. How?”

She scanned the horizon for the gods and goddesses that came to their rescue. “I don’t really know. I thought they were gone… but I saw Hel’s mother and Thane’s—well,War’sfather.” She found them in the distance rounding up those who surrendered. Hel started helping Thane lift and push bodies, weapons, and armor. “What are they doing?”

Katana frowned. “He’s trying to find… Fennan.”

“Oh.” The pit in her stomach sank. Just as she said that, Piper and Leif came up beside them.

Panting and swiping her brow, Piper asked, “Where’s Fennan? He was with Thane.”

She doesn’t know…Valeen’s heart was crushed a little more.

“They’re looking for him,” Katana said quickly and gave Valeen a sorrowful glance.

“Did he get knocked down by the blast?” Leif asked and immediately ran toward Thane to help. They must have had their back to him when he was stabbed through the chest. Piper stared at Valeen, searching her face.

Sorrow welled up in Valeen, gripping her throat. She pursed her lips and couldn’t find her voice.

“Valeen, is he alright?” She took a step forward and grabbed hold of the collar of Valeen’s armor. Her arm was trembling and her chin quivered. “Tell me he’s alright.” She glanced at Katana. “You didn’t hurt him in the blast, did you?”

Katana quickly shook her head. “No.”

Letting out a slow breath, Valeen said, “He didn’t survive the battle, Piper.”

Piper jerked her hand back as if Valeen had hit her. “No.” She shoved her fingers into her hair and gripped it. “No. He’s alive. I know he is.”

Ronan put a hand on her shoulder, and she slapped it away. Her armor clanked with each step as she ran toward where Thane, Hel, and Leif were now gathered. Valeen caught up just as Piper pushed Leif and Thane aside and dropped to her knees. The horrified scream that rent the air sliced right into Valeen’s heart.

“Wake up! Please, wake up!” She started shaking Fennan’s lifeless body, and it took both Leif and Thane to pull her away. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I didn’t mean what I said. I want you in my life.”

Thane held her from behind while Leif took her flailing arms. “He’s gone, Piper,” Thane said, softly. “He’s gone. You have to let him go.”

“No, he has to come back. Come back to us,please! We need you—Ineed you.”

“Piper, he knows you loved him.” Leif’s face twisted in sorrow.

She sagged in Thane’s hold and gasped for air through her sobs. Valeen had to look away and found Hel. Even he was somber. There was a glimmer in his eye as he watched Piper.

Fennan’s face merely looked like he was asleep. He must have been underneath others during the blast and been spared the burn. But the sword he’d been stabbed with still protruded from his chest.

The captain of the Ravens would long be remembered for his bravery, not only today but in many battles. Already others in Raven black were gathering, whispering Fennan’s name. He died protecting his High King.

Ronan took Piper from Thane. She curled her arms around his neck, and he lifted her into his arms. “Come on, let’s get youback to the castle.” His dragon wings materialized. “Will you find Dax’s body and make sure my father takes him? Dragons do not burn so his body will need to be taken north to be buried along with everyone else.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Thane said.

With a frown, he nodded his thanks and carried Piper away.

A pair of elves brought over a stretcher. Thane and Leif put his body onto it. With a gentle hand, Thane pulled the sword from Fennan’s body. This was the second close childhood friend Thane had lost to battle. But he didn’t cry or scream, he placed a hand on Fennan’s chest. “I will miss you, my friend. You are the bravest elf I know. You have been with me since we were boys, my best friend. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but you helped save Palenor, and I am proud of you. I always will be. I will never forget you.”

Leif bent over and kissed his forehead. “You were a hero today, Fen. You saved my life and your king’s. Already my life is worse without you in it. Go in peace, friend.”

A rainbow appeared in the sky above Castle Dredwich. It arched beautifully across the Valley of the Sun as the pair of Ravens carried their captain back toward home. The sun shined brightly off the golden rooftops, lighting up the city. Every elf in their path dropped to a knee and bowed their head as he was carried away. It was a beautiful display of how much they respected and loved him.