“And he’s not the only one. Clementi and Samheed would be too. And it’s not like Frieda would have given you time to work on it. Fifer—she tried to kill you! Multiple times! You acted in self-defense, and your quick moves and bravery make you a hero. You saved the lives of people who were unfairly trapped by that dictator and her followers.”

They reached the balcony and stopped at the railing. Sky’s words acted like a salve to the critical voice in Fifer’s head. “She did try to kill me,” Fifer admitted. “Four times, I think it was.”

“Let me ask you something,” said Sky. “If you could have killed the Revinir as she attacked Alex, and you knew it would save him, would you have done it?”

“Of course!” said Fifer, indignant. “I’d do anything to save Alex! I’d do anything now to bring him back!”

“And do you feel that same fierce love for Aaron?”

Fifer stared. “Yes,” she whispered. “Probably more. If I’m being honest.” Aaron had always been there for Fifer, while her good relationship with Alex had just begun when his life was taken away.

“Please, Fifer,” said Sky. “Just think about how life would be today if Aaron were dead. If Clementi and Samheed were dead. Imagine that for a moment. And then think about if one of Frieda’s lethal spells had hit you. Killed you.” Sky was quiet for a long moment as tears came to her eyes. “Think about Thisbe. Think about me! And Lani. Henry and Thatcher. Think about Seth. And Dev. And everyone here who has ever crossed paths with and had their lives made better by you or one of the others.”

Fifer closed her eyes as tears dripped down. Her heart ached as she thought about finding Aaron and the others dead instead of alive. She could hardly bear it.

“Fifer,” Sky went on more forcefully now, “Frieda Stubbs was just as much an enemy of Artimé as the Revinir is. And you have delivered this land from her.” She sniffed, then added, “I want you to wear that robe with more pride than any other head mage has ever worn it, for you have done more to earn it than anyone who came before you. Do you understand me? Are you listening?”

Fifer opened her eyes. She lifted her chin, and though it quivered, she kept it high. “I am listening,” she said. What Sky had told her made Fifer see everything differently. It eased her biggest worries. And while she imagined that voice would never go away, Sky’s words had just cut it down to a whisper. “Thank you.”

Sky wiped her eyes and smiled. “If you ever again feel like you’re doubting your actions and your right to be in this position of leadership, come talk to me. And I’ll set you straight as many times as I need to, until you can let go of that awful voice in your head and see your bravery for what it is—true dedication, selflessness, and heroism.”