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They were so close now.

Zuleekawas so close.

Kiva refused to let fear take hold. Instead, she said, “Tipp and Galdric can’t go on like this. They need to rest or they’re going to faint before we reach the city.”

“We’re so close, though,” Cresta said, echoing Kiva’s thoughts, her jaw clenching.

Kiva nodded and stood, walking directly over to Caldon. In a quiet voice, she said to him, and only him, “I need to get to Vallenia. I need to get that ring and use the Hand to give Jaren back his magic. And then I need to face my sister. This needs toend.”

“Why are you telling me what I already know?” Caldon asked, his eyes narrowing.

“Because I need you to stay here with Tipp and Galdric.” He immediately started to protest, so she quickly continued, “Jaren needs to be with me so I can use the Hand on him. And you know Naari won’t leave his side. As for Cresta” — they both looked at the redhead, who had already remounted her horse and was ready to leave with or without them — “she’s itching for a fight. She’s not going to listen if I ask her to look after them.”

Caldon crossed his arms. “And why do you thinkI’lllisten?”

“Because you might not feel much for Galdric aside from respect, but you love Tipp like a brother,” Kiva said, looking toward the exhausted young boy, his face smeared with travel dust, his hair like a red bird’s nest. “I need you to get him safely to the city and make sure he’s protected. Both your sword and your magic can ensure that.” She locked eyes with Caldon and whispered, “Please, Cal. I know I’m asking a lot.”

“At the risk of sounding arrogant, I’m one of the best fighters in the kingdom,” Caldon pointed out.

“I know — you trained me,” Kiva said softly.

“And you’re putting me on babysitting duty,” he said flatly.

Kiva chewed her lip and looked down at the leafy ground.

“Compromise,” he bit out. “I’ll wait until they can move, then I’ll get them to the city and stash them somewhere safe — but then I’m coming to you. I don’t care what you say, you’re going to need me. And even if you don’t, there’s no way in hell I’m going to let you face your sister on your own. We’re in this together, Sunshine. You and me. Got it?”

Tears blurred Kiva’s eyes, and she lunged forward to embrace Caldon, whispering in his ear, “Thank you.”

“Gods, why do you always cry when you’re hugging me?” he muttered, patting her on the back. “We really have to work on that.”

She eased away from him, smiling through her tears. “We will. I promise. But for now —”

“You need to go,” he finished for her on a sigh. She knew he didn’t like her plan —at all— but the fact that he was willing to listen, to protect Tipp, meant everything to her.

“I love you for this,” she told him solemnly.

“You love me for a lot of reasons,” Caldon said smugly. But then he turned serious. “No goodbyes. I’ll see you soon.”

She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Soon,” she agreed.

And then she strode over to Tipp and Galdric to say, “You’re both staying here with Caldon to rest for a bit, and then you’ll meet us in Vallenia.”

Tipp shook his head blearily, but Kiva placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, moving in close to explain, “You know what I have to do, and I can’t do that if I’m worried about you. Please, Tipp — I need to know you’re safe. And I also need to know you’re not going to tumble off yourpony and break your neck. So wait with Caldon, just until you can stand without falling, and we’ll be back together before you know it. All right?”

She could see he wanted to argue, but she held his eyes until he — reluctantly — nodded.

“B-Be careful,” he said, his voice cracking with exhaustion.

“I will,” she whispered, pulling him into her arms, then easing him down onto the ground. To Galdric, Kiva said, “Is there anything else I need to know about the Hand? Do I just put the rings on and send my magic through them?”

“As long as they already have Vallentis magic, that should be all you need to do,” Galdric confirmed, his voice so weak it was barely audible.

Kiva squeezed his arm. “Thank you for pushing yourself so hard for us,” she said, with feeling. “Now rest, and let Caldon take care of you. Healer’s orders.”

“Wait — Kiva —” he called as she began walking away. She turned and caught his soulful brown eyes as he said, “With your sister, don’t let her strike first. Don’t forget what she’s capable of. Don’t hesitate.”

Nerves returned to Kiva’s stomach — but determination steeled her spine. “I won’t.”