Zephyr stared at her for a long moment, hesitated, then took a step closer, leaning to peer closer at her chest. “So, that’s skyfire then? Inside you?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. It’s the soul of a skyfire storm I took in the wildlands.” Aurora kept her chin up, and hoped none of the residual anguish from that experience showed on her face. She might be telling her secrets, but that did not mean she wanted to show all her vulnerabilities. “For another hunter, it would have produced a Stormheart. But for me, because I carry the power of a spirit witch, things … happened differently.”

“And do you carry other storms too?”

Aurora heard Kiran shift behind her, and somehow knew he was moving closer. She could feel the nearness of him the way moisture collected in the air after it rained. “Not in the same way,” Aurora answered. “But I can call any storm I wish with the use of a Stormheart.”

“Interesting,” Zephyr muttered. “So, if we needed a particular kind of storm magic, you could call that storm and control it long enough for one of your hunter friends to collect significant supplies?”

Aurora considered the idea. “The storm would draw attention, of course. But if we could get outside of the city, into the wildlands, then yes. Yes, I could get you whatever you needed, provided we had a Stormheart for me to use for the summoning.”

“Good. Then fasten yourself up, and let’s get you and your mother hidden away before it’s time to open. I don’t want you taken away before we have the chance to make use of your skills.”

Relief rushed through Aurora, followed closely by the exhaustion that had been gnawing at her since she had used her magic in the palace. Zephyr led them up two sets of stairs, Kiran following behind again with her mother. She showed them up into a loft area that overlooked both the first and second floors, and placed them in a room connected to her office with a soft bed covered in silken sheets and thick, warm blankets. Aurora saw her mother settled, then seated herself on a plush sofa nearby, sinking immediately into the cushions with a barely contained groan.

“I could use some help getting things ready downstairs if any of you are willing,” Zephyr said.

Ransom volunteered. Bait and Sly made plans to return to the inn to fill in Duke, who would no doubt be worrying about their long absence. As the group began to filter out, Zephyr stopped at the door, wrapping her knuckles softly on the frame.

“If you need anything, send Kiran down. You just stay out of sight, Princess.”