Ramsgate looks smaller as we leave it. The river and the distraction at the city gave us a lead, but the humans will take to their horses and have the dogs sniff us out soon. Hopefully, the river gave us some cover, but we can’t rely on it.

We need faster transportation, but without wings, we’re stuck going at what feels like a snail’s pace. It feels good to be among faces I know, but the physical toll of staying so active is already hitting me. The only good thing Ellian did was give me breakfast. I keep a hand on the waterskin with the cure, as if letting go would make it disappear.

Once we have put some distance between us and the city, Io asks for a full explanation. I recount all of it the best I can, from Ellian’s story to the secret patch of the cure that Isla showed me. I leave out the joy in her eyes when she practiced her Leonodai with me. There is a part of Isla—a large part—that needs more than Ellian is ever going to be able to offer.

“Isla knows she’s Leonodai,” I say. “And eventually, she’ll be found out by more humans than just Marchess. I wish I could have taken her with us.”

“You didn’t know what Ellian would do,” Ox offers kindly. “She’ll find her way home someday.”

“I hope so.” Isla deserves to know the history of her namesake and of all her people. Maybe someday, I will meet her again.

The day stretches on and on. We have enough water from the river, but food is scarce. Jai shares the rest of his rations, and I hold the tiny pieces of dried berries on my tongue as long as I can. I keep pace near Callen, not wanting to be far from him ever again. Is it possible for love to be realized in a single, horrible moment? Is it real?

I glance at my best friend, and I know. Yes, yes, it is.

When we next speak alone, I want it to be right. And Ox … I didn’t imagine those feelings. I don’t know how I’m going to say what I have to. Something about the past days has made it all clear, and when it came down to it—my being scared, alone, and captured by the humans—it wasn’t Ox’s arms I wanted around me. It was Callen’s.

Still, this isn’t the time for painfully honest conversations, however necessary. Nothing is as important as getting to Prince Tabrol.