Ambrosine picked up the conversation as if there had not been any interruption. “There are stories of riches, of course, wealth beyond measure that await those who find a Lost Island, but those are dull. In the Byrne family, however, we know of an inexplicable power that resides there. Some say it is the power of time—past, present, and future accessible all at once. Or else the gift of immortality. Or perhaps the ability to compel those you wish to obey you. No one knows for sure.” She looked to Sera, as if hoping she might affirm or contradict these tales.

“On Adereen they say the Lost Islands can allow you to speak to those who are dead,” Bellamy piped up, then looked like she immediately regretted it.

“Why would you bring up such a sad topic over dinner?” Ambrosine snapped. “And in front of our honored guest? My sincerest apologies, Sera. Bellamy is not from a particularly noble family. Her manners can be atrocious at times.”

“It’s all right,” Sera said. She wasn’t offended in the slightest and tried to express that to Bellamy with her eyes, but the woman would not meet her gaze.

“My daughter-in-law is a little out of sorts, I’m afraid. She and my son have been trying to have a child for years. She miscarried again recently, her sixth.”

“Seventh.” Bellamy barely whispered the word and yet Sera felt her own heart crack with the pain of it.

Ambrosine sighed and finished her wine as the main course of spinach and mushroom pie was set before them. “I admit we’ve all been a little worried, haven’t we, Bellamy? But now, Leo, you are back, and Agnes too. All the Byrnes back where they ought to be. What a relief. I’m sure Alethea would have wanted you to see her home, to meet her family, to . . . to spend time connecting with your Byrne heritage.” She paused. “Family is everything, isn’t it?”

Bellamy looked close to tears. Ambrosine’s remarks felt like needles, small but sharp.

“Now,” Ambrosine said, cutting into her pie. “Sera, do tell me some about your City. Leo was frustratingly vague earlier.”

Sera flashed him a grateful look and he gave a small shrug as if to say, of course. She told simple details, of the seresheep meadows and the stargem mines, the gold-tipped temple of Mother Sun and the great rush of the Estuary. She did not mention her magic or the sacrifice that caused her to come to the planet in the first place. By the time dessert was served, Sera felt exhausted.

“My goodness, look at the time,” Ambrosine said, taking her last bite of raspberry sponge. “You both must be more than ready for bed.”

As if on cue, Leo let out a wide yawn. “Sorry,” he said. “We haven’t slept well the past few days.”