Leela’s heart somersaulted in her chest. “But I thought the birthing houses were sacred and forbidden by anyone save the High Priestess to enter now that the birthing season has begun.”

“They are sacred indeed, but it is the duty of other purple mothers who have borne daughters before to provide those blessed to bear a child with nourishment and support,” her purple mother said.

Leela saw what might be her best opportunity.

“Might I accompany you there?” she asked in what she hoped was an innocent tone.

Her green mother’s face lit up, and Leela knew it was because she had not shown interest in much of anything recently.

“That is not allowed,” her purple mother said. “I’m sorry, darling.”

“I know,” Leela said, and made a show of looking crestfallen. “I was just hoping to see how Plenna is doing. Now that I have lost Sera”—her tongue tripped over the name—“I was hoping to find solace in my other friends. It would be such a blessing to see Plenna happy.” She sighed, hating the lie but knowing it was her best chance to see Kandra.

“Come now, Ilianne,” her green mother said, “let her walk with you to the forest at least. Leela would not disturb anyone, nor would she ever threaten the sanctity of the birthing houses.”

Her purple mother hesitated and a moment passed between her two mothers where Leela felt like they were having a silent conversation.

“All right,” her purple mother said at last. “I cannot argue with you both. We will not stay long, though. And you will have to wait outside the sacred circle. I shall ask after Plenna for you.”

Leela’s spirits soared—she could not believe her luck. “I swear I will do as you ask. Oh, thank you, Purple Mother!”

Her mothers exchanged a pleased glance and Leela knew they were happy to see her returning to her old self, not the raw angry girl she’d been in the days after Sera’s sacrifice. And she was happy they were happy, even as she hated being untruthful to them.

Though she was not hungry at all, she forced herself to eat some toast with pine nuts and blackberry jam, then changed into a fresh dress and waited while her purple mother poured the stew she’d made into a ceramic bowl, covering it with a length of cheesecloth.

“Are you ready?” she asked. Leela nodded and kissed her green mother on the cheek.

“It is so good to see you becoming yourself again,” her green mother said, smoothing back her hair. Leela hid her guilt beneath a smile.