You were crying out in your sleep, Lenore said. I came to see you, but you were… like this.

Just a dream, Nerra said, sitting up.

Obviously a bad one, Lenore said.

Nerra wanted to tell her about the dragon. Her sister was kind, and good, and probably one of the closest things to a friend she had. Yet instinctively, Nerra knew that it was a secret she shouldnt talk about. Dragons were… well, impossible, but more than that. They were large and dangerous, and if Lenore mentioned hers to anyone, wouldnt it be in danger?

I dont remember it, Nerra lied, hating that she had to. But my dreams dont matter. I guess that in the middle of your wedding preparations, you didnt just come to see me.

I do want to see how you are, Lenore said. Ive barely seen you in days.

Of course she did. Her sister had always been there when she was younger, trying to look after her. It was just that they had lived such different lives.

Youve been busy, Nerra said. Thats normal, when youre so close to being married. And Ive been…

How have you been? Lenore asked, looking concerned. Youve been stuck in your room a lot.

Afraid I wont be able to make the wedding? Nerra asked. She wasnt sure she liked the idea of so many people around her; people who were noisy, and often cruel; people might see all that was wrong with her.

Id like you to be there, Lenore said. Id like you to be by my side. Erin is… well, no one knows where she is, even though Father has men looking. One of my sisters should be there. I know youre sick sometimes, but

Not sometimes, Nerra corrected her. All the time.

I know, Lenore said. But youve been living with the scale mark for a long time now.

The sudden urge to be honest gripped Nerra. She couldnt tell Lenore about the dragon, but at least she could tell her about this. She would understand then; it would show her why Nerra couldnt be around people, couldnt be a part of her wedding.

Its not that simple, Nerra said. She rolled up her sleeve to show the dark, spreading lines beneath. She heard her sisters intake of breath. Its getting worse.

Thats… Lenore stared at her arms. I thought it was under control.

Something like this, you cant control, Nerra said. Im dying, Lenore.

Or worse, but she couldnt talk about the worse things.

Lenore threw her arms around Nerra. Oh, Nerra, Im so sorry. I didnt know.

No one can know, Nerra reminded her.

Does Father know about this? Lenore asked. Ill talk to him. Ill talk to Master Grey, force them to work harder to find a cure.

Dont, Nerra said. Theres nothing to be done, Lenore.