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CHAPTER XXIX

“Niamh is coming to fetch her,” Lir said, sensing the Seelie queen’s approach.

“The time is nigh,” Peitho said, pushing the owls aside to wrap Aisling in a tight embrace. She kissed her on each cheek, cupping her face between her hands. “Be strong, terra .”

Terra . Rún for sister.

“Be brave, Ash,” Gilrel said, tying her braids to finish.

Aisling couldn’t open her eyes, her body limp with exhaustion.

“Rest and regain strength, Aisling,” Fionn said, kissing her coolly on the cheek.

“Be patient, mo Lúra ,” Galad said, pressing a kiss to Aisling’s knuckles in knightly devotion.

“Be wise,” Filverel said with a somber nod of his head, arms crossed as he stood over her bed.

Where am I ? Aisling asked again and again. Her mind lost in darkness.

Aisling bit her tongue until it bled—physical pain a distraction from the tears that pricked her shut eyes.

But Lir’s voice held her steady even in the dark.

“Be merciless, ellwyn ,” he said.

The last moon of the storm season.

The words repeated in her mind.