“There’s no need to mention it,” said Rohan. “Whether or not to help you was never a question in my mind. After what you did for us, it’s the least we could do. And we’re getting an excellent education in exchange. Like Maiven said, we needed to train before taking on the Revinir, and we can do that from a ghost dragon’s back or anywhere else.”

“You really are the best thing I’ve ever known,” said Thisbe.

Rohan smiled and his eyes misted. “You don’t know the half of it, pria.”

“You are my pria,” said Thisbe. She had an idea of what the word meant. She knew it was a term of endearment that Rohan had called her several times. The thought of her using it for someone felt bold. But Rohan was very dear to her, and that’s exactly what she wanted to express.

Rohan chuckled. “That is not the right word to use for a boy,” he said, his eyes dancing.

“What?” exclaimed Thisbe. “Why not? That’s silly. There shouldn’t be different words when the feeling is the same.”

“You have words like that in your language.”

Thisbe frowned. “Well, I’ll change them, then.”

Rohan tapped his lips. “Then call me pria, too,” he declared. “I’m pleased to hear you say it. And I agree,” he added. “I’d never thought about that before, but you’re right. We shall change the language one word at a time.”

“Yes!” said Thisbe. “Prias all around!” She leaned her shoulder comfortably against his, like they’d done so many times, and they paged through books under the light of a highlighter component.

Nearby, Fifer rested against Simber’s side, reading as well, but she’d been listening to their conversation. Occasionally she threw glances at Thisbe, who looked very comfortable with Rohan. It was strange to see her twin so close with someone Fifer barely knew, and it reminded her of how much the twins had grown apart since their separation. And Thisbe had just called Rohan the best thing she knew, which meant Fifer had been put upon a shelf—not a surprise at this point. But would they ever be close again, like they’d been before going to the land of the dragons? Or, because of everything, had Fifer somehow lost out on that… to Rohan?

Thisbe and Rohan’s clear physical affection for each other didn’t bother Fifer, really—she was merely curious about it. It definitely didn’t make her wish for someone to get cozy with. Simber was plenty cozy enough, and his stone side cooled her off when she got hot. He acted as more of a piece of furniture than someone to cuddle with, which was just fine, but emotionally, Simber was always there for her. She remembered the talk they’d had in the forest outside of Grimere after Alex’s death, when Simber had told her that he believed in her. That had been the beginning of a strong bond that only grew over time. Fifer didn’t need anybody else in her life if she had a companion like that.