Fifer didn’t know what to say. “I don’t think there’s a rule about how to grieve, Thisbe,” she said gently. “I just remember something Florence told me once, that all feelings are valid, no matter what they are. Whether they seem appropriate or not, you have a right to feel them. Knowing that has made it easier for me.”

Thisbe wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “That’s good advice,” she said. “I’m struggling through it. It’ll be manageable, I think. Eventually.”

Fifer took Thisbe’s hand, and they walked together like they’d done so many times as children. But this time, a spark of energy pulsed between them. Thisbe’s confession had made Fifer feel closer than ever to her. It was such a relief to have her sister confide in her again.

Soon they reached the jungle and continued along the sea to the lagoon. After a while Fifer asked, “What’s it like holding hands with Rohan?”

Thisbe kept her gaze on the sand. “It’s… nice. Warm. He was there when Sky and I found Alex’s grave. He’s been really… I don’t know. I feel like he’s a part of my soul that had been missing my whole life. We’re so connected. So close. I can’t really imagine life without him.”

The words stung Fifer in a way she hadn’t expected. She tried to swallow the jealousy she felt. Did Thisbe mean that she was closer with Rohan than with her? And if so, why did that bother Fifer so much after all the healing they’d worked hard to do?

Thisbe glanced at Fifer and saw her expression. She hastened to explain. “When I was all alone in the catacombs, Rohan and I went through so much together. You know? Our lives will never be the same after what we experienced. Maybe a little like how you and Alex bonded. Or you and Seth when you were searching for me. Or… Dev, even.” She grimaced.

“I never wanted to kiss any of them,” Fifer blurted out. She glanced sideways. “You kiss him on the lips, right? What is that like?”

“Yes, a few times.” Thisbe could feel the heat rising to her face as she remembered her first awkward kiss with Rohan when they were sitting together in the tunnel between their crypts. “It’s softer than you’d expect. It’s… nice. I like it.”

Fifer didn’t even like hugging all that much, and she couldn’t imagine kissing anyone. It didn’t sound nice at all. “So what about Dev? Do you like him?”

“I… not like that, but yes. Don’t you?”

“Sure, but, well, you know—it’s Dev. He’s not exactly trustworthy.”

Thisbe nodded, but she realized that her impression of Dev had changed slightly over time. “He’s gotten easier to be friends with,” she said. “And now I just feel so bad for the way we left him. He’s the one reason why I think we need to go back to Grimere sooner rather than later. I have to find him.”

Fifer stiffened. “Remember, you can’t let those feelings get in the way of your plan to be prepared. Don’t go back too soon just because of Dev.”