Since that moment, Fifer had been given a chance to work things out with Alex. And to see him change and become more like his old self—at least that’s what everyone said had happened. Thisbe found it hard to believe, but she felt terrible for thinking that way. Tears sprang to her eyes. Her feelings about Alex’s death were so complicated. She wouldn’t dare say it out loud, but the truth was that she didn’t actually like him very much, and never had. But how could she express that now that he was dead and everyone was saying such nice things about him? She tried to remember the good bits of their relationship, but there hadn’t been all that many. Guilt pounded through her veins. This wasn’t how grief was supposed to feel. Was it?

Florence gave Thisbe a sympathetic smile. “I’ll get the vest.”

“Thanks.” Feeling numb, Thisbe put the sweater down and smoothed the wrinkles. “I’ll come back another time, I think. Maybe when Sky is ready—she hasn’t been up here yet. Or Aaron.”

“Yes. And perhaps Fifer would want to come too?”

“Right. Fifer too. Of course.”

Thisbe turned sharply and let out a ragged breath before her conflicted feelings could build up and overwhelm her. Suddenly, getting her component vest didn’t seem very exciting anymore. “I’m going to wait outside.”

“I’ll be right there,” said Florence. She ducked through the doorway to Alex’s closet and grabbed the vest she’d hung there shortly after she’d given Fifer hers. Then she followed Thisbe out and closed the door. She handed the vest to her. “Are you okay?”

Thisbe wasn’t sure how to answer. If Sky had asked her that question, Thisbe would say no. And Sky would understand, because she wasn’t okay either. But anyone else?

“Yeah, of course,” said Thisbe with a weak smile, taking the vest and slipping it on. “I’m good.”

Frieda Stubbs Strikes Again

Florence and Thisbe returned to the lawn to find Aaron, Thatcher, Ibrahim, and Clementi in deep conversation about various spells that could potentially stop the Revinir in her tracks. Thatcher was the only one of the smaller group who’d actually fought the dragon-woman, so the others had given him the final say on whether he thought the ideas would work until Thisbe and Samheed and Lani returned.

“Have you gotten anywhere?” Florence asked as she and Thisbe took their seats.

“Not really.” Aaron flashed Thisbe an impressed grin and nodded at her vest. “The challenge is immense. We talked about a spell to remove dragon scales so that our spells might penetrate better, but we only have Drock to practice on. And, well, you know Drock.”