Quinn glanced down. “But I’m almost to the top.”

Adalyn—Selene was sure that’s who the girl was—clasped her hands even tighter. “Please, Quinn.”

Selene studied her for a moment. Long flowing blond hair with a slight curl to it, bright blue eyes, and a gown of white that made her appear almost ethereal. The youngest Luceras was just as pretty when she was a child as she was now as a young woman. Once again, Selene felt that slow burn inside her chest, but then crushed it. That feeling had no place here.

Quinn shook his head with a smile. “Fine, fine, I’m coming down.”

“Then are you declaring me the winner?” Elric grinned.

“No, I’m simply doing what the lady asked of me.”

Adalyn blushed but continued to look up.

The two boys scrambled down almost as fast as they had climbed the old oak tree. A bell rang in the distance, bringing moans from the two boys. “I was hoping to explore the glen in the gardens before dinner,” Elric said with a pout.

Tyrn sniffed as he led the small party along the road past the city square. On either side were narrow two-story buildings with shutters of every color. A few of the windows were open and curtains fluttered through the openings. “You’re lucky you were able to leave the castle grounds,” he said. “You’re supposed to be practicing with Paladin Emeran and improving your polearm.”

“Father said it is good to build relations with House Maris.” Elric winked at Quinn.

“By climbing trees?”

“It was all good fun,” Damien chimed in. “But now it’s time to remember who we are.”

“Yes.” Adalyn bobbed her head and stole a glance at Quinn, who didn’t seem to notice.

The five young people made their way along the street toward the open gate ahead that led into the castle grounds. Beyond it stood an elegant building of white with the banner of House Luceras fluttering in the wind.

Selene watched them leave from her perch along the oak tree, her heart twisting. Was this really what Damien’s childhood had been like? Laughter and camaraderie?

Her own memories filled her mind as the young people passed the castle gates. Memories of training, Amara’s jealousy, Mother’s constant reminders of the importance of House Ravenwood, and the overwhelming weight of her destiny. The only happy times she could remember were in the castle garden with Petur and times spent talking with Father, sipping tea and reading in his study. And even some of those memories were now bitter ever since she had dreamwalked inside Petur’s mind.

She closed her eyes and breathed slowly, her wings folded against her body. She wasn’t here to stoke the fires of jealousy; she was here to help Damien. And she could already tell this memory had soothed his mind. It was a happy memory. One of Quinn.

Again, her throat tightened. Damien and his brother had been close, whereas she and Amara were anything but. She shook her head and spread out her wings. Up into the bright blue sky she rose, drifting along the wind current and searching for another memory to soothe Damien’s mind.