Aaron studied Sky’s expression, then looked at his sister. After a moment, he nodded. “I see what you’re saying. I . . . I’m afraid I hadn’t noticed.”

“You’ve been overwhelmed. But she’s intuitive and has a lot of good ideas. She was a really great leader after Alex died—I’m sure you remember Simber saying so. And I think she has a lot more to give than what we’re asking of her right now, which is frustrating her. A challenge might be just the thing to snap her out of this funk, or whatever it is.”

“Yes, of course,” said Aaron. His expression turned weary. “I’m afraid we’ve all brushed her away lately. I’m still trying to get used to thinking of my sisters as contemporaries rather than wards.”

“It’s understandable,” said Sky. “Something to work on.” She got up and dusted the sand off her pants. “If it’s okay, I’ll see if she’ll join me, and we’ll be off straightaway.”

“I think that’s a great plan.”

“Excellent.” With a nod, Sky walked to Fifer. “Could I have a word with you?” she asked.

Fifer’s eyes were dull from lack of sleep and general annoyance at everything that was happening. She narrowed her gaze suspiciously. “Are you mad at me or something?”

Sky laughed. “No, of course not. I have a mission for you, if you’re interested. I think you’re just the person for this very intriguing job. Will you join me on an adventure in the deepest, darkest caves of Warbler Island?”

Fifer stared at Sky as if she’d just given her a new lease on life. “You bet I will,” she said. “Whatever we’re looking for, I’m all in.”

Catching Up

Thisbe and Rohan found one another once more in the tunnel between their rooms. Both were tired from a long day and from not getting enough sleep the night before. And despite the setback with Dev throwing out the ancestor broth, they were motivated to keep moving. There was something about this plan to overthrow the Revinir that gave them hope against all odds. Maybe it was because they’d both separately gone into this with a plot to trick the Revinir into thinking they were under her spell. They were so in sync. It had to be a good sign that they were doing this right.

Thisbe handed Rohan the remaining ancestor broth vial. “Will you drink this?” she asked. “I want you to be stronger in case the Revinir somehow makes you take the dragon-bone broth.” She paused, then turned to face him, looking puzzled. “Wait a minute. Did the soldiers give you a vial to drink today?”