“But late yesterday he got free of his bonds and got his hands on me and told Pan he would kill me if we didn’t let him go.” She spoke more quickly now, wanting to get through it. “Pan stalled him long enough that I slipped his hold and used my knife.”

She stopped, shaking her head. “So now we’re starting over on how to prove that Phryne didn’t kill her father.”

The Orullians stared at her. “Your resilience and determination are admirable,” Tenerife said finally. “But I sometimes wonder about your common sense.”

“I don’t think it bears dwelling on,” Tasha said to him, making a dismissive gesture. “Little sister doesn’t need to hear this.”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Prue looked from one to the other. “I put myself in a position where all this could happen. What kind of common sense does that show? I’ve never killed anyone before this whole business started, and I hope never to kill anyone again. I’m not made for that. Last night I was so upset with myself that I was blaming Panterra for things that weren’t his fault. I was so angry I wasn’t able to think about anything else. Now I just wish I could find a way to make things right.”

“Prue,” Panterra said softly.

Tasha held up one hand, silencing him. “Well, little sister, I can tell you this much. I would rather have things all wrong and you alive than the other way around. Choices are hard to come by when your life is in danger. I don’t care how this turned out or what you had to do. It is enough that you are here with us.”

“He’s right.” Tenerife reached out and took her hands in his. “He sees the truth of it. How you reacted and what you were forced to do is terrible enough without trying to assign blame for your choices. Let it go, Prue Liss. We love you, and we don’t want you shouldering burdens that aren’t yours to bear.”

Then he took her in his arms and held her, and for just a moment Panterra Qu was startled to see something in the Elf’s eyes and face that told him Prue meant a great deal more to him than anything he had revealed before.

“Thank you,” Prue whispered, lifting her head away and kissing his cheek. “You really are my brothers, both Tasha and you.”

“Always were,” Tenerife added, coloring slightly.

“Wait, now. We haven’t been told everything yet.” Tasha gestured at Panterra. “You carry the staff that belongs to Sider Ament. How did that come about?”