“I’m so proud of you,” I say, and we hug before we pull apart. “I confess the Alluvion Coral said something to me that made me wonder, but I didn’t want to say anything, just in case.”

We stare at the roses lying at our feet.

“I’m not sure how useful that is,” Willow says, her nose scrunching.

“It’s beautiful,” I say, “Absolutely perfect.” I step back to let Amya hug her again.

“How do you feel?” Amya asks, framing my sister’s face in her hands.

“I’m . . . I never really cared that much that I was the only one without it, but . . .” Her face splits into a smile. “I have to say it does feel really good.”

“What do you think this means in terms of Heart magic?” Amya asks. “Is it possible Lor isn’t the only one who can bring it back?”

She winces, realizing what she’s just said. If Willow could become the next Primary, then I could take my place in the sky, lost to all of them.

“Sorry,” she says, shaking her head. “I didn’t mean . . .”

“Coral and Amara told Lor it wasn’t possible,” Nadir says.

“Lor is the Primary,” Willow says firmly, her tone brooking no argument. “This has always been her place. Even if I could, we are not losing her.”

My gaze meets Nadir’s.

Even if Willow could take my place in Heart, I still have to kill Zerra before she gets to me.

“You’ll need to learn how to use it,” Amya tells Willow. “I’m sure there’s more you’ll be able to do.”

“That makes two of us,” I reply. “Though you’re probably a natural like Tristan.”

I look at my brother. I see the happiness in his eyes for Willow, but I also remember the angry words he shouted only minutes ago. As Amya and Willow chatter away, I take his hand and hold it.

“Me too,” I say. “Everything you said.”

I catch Nadir watching the two of us, his expression contemplative.

“You’re so much better at rising above it, Lor.”

I snort. “Are you serious? I’m a raging ball of chaos.”

Tristan laughs. “You are, but . . . you persevere.”

“Tristan, don’t sell yourself short. You practically raised me. I am the way I am because of you. It wasn’t fair that you had to, but I owe so much to you.”

Everyone has fallen silent during my little speech. When we see everyone staring at us, the tips of my ears go pink.

“What?” I ask, “What are you all looking at? Can’t a sister get a little sentimental?”

“Come on,” Nadir says, approaching us and wrapping an arm around me. “If you’re ready to go, we should get some sleep before tomorrow.”