We push past, knowing there isn’t much we can do for them now, and emerge outside in the courtyard, where we find Gabriel, Mael, and Hylene already doling out orders.

“Look for survivors!” Mael shouts to a line of soldiers.

A row of palace healers wearing long robes with crosses on their chests stand at the ready.

“I can help,” I say, holding up my hand. “With the injured.”

Gabriel turns to scan me from head to toe as if doubting my claim.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I say. “I can help heal the survivors.”

He rolls his eyes. “Well, I guess you can’t inflict any more damage.”

“Oh, well, thank you for that ringing endorsement,” I snap. Our eyes meet momentarily before we both break into grins despite everything.

“I kind of missed you, Final Tribute,” he says. “But don’t let that go to your head. I’m under a lot of stress, and I’d miss a diseased ferret right now.”

I press a hand to my forehead and pretend to swoon. “You always know just the right thing to say to me, Gabriel.”

“Can you really help?” he asks, his expression turning serious now.

I nod. I think I can. I’m pretty sure. I was able to use my healing magic on Nadir without blowing anything up, and I think I can do it again. I hope. These people need me, and I have to try.

“I can help too,” Tristan says, coming up next to me. “A little.”

I look at him and then take his hand, squeezing it.

Gabriel turns to us both, his mouth opening and then closing.

“I literally don’t understand anything anymore,” he says, and then, with that cryptic statement, he turns on his heel and starts shouting orders. When he’s several feet away, he turns to look at me and my brother. “Well? Are you two coming? We need to set up a temporary infirmary.”

As Gabriel walks away, I turn to Nadir and take his hand. “What are you planning to do?” I ask.

“I’ll help search for survivors,” he says. “I can help shift some of the heavier rubble with my magic.”

Then he pulls me in and wraps his arms around me tight. I know what he’s thinking—we almost lost each other not that long ago, and everything around us is falling apart. We just need to hold on to each other a little bit tighter while the storm rages around us.

I kiss him, and then I turn around to follow Gabriel. He’s walking away, Tristan falling in line beside me.

Behind us walk the other healers, everyone’s posture straight with purpose. We all file into a room near the palace gates that’s clearly used for medical purposes. A few small white beds line up against the far wall, and an array of silver metal cabinets stand against another.