So she had to win. She had to. Because after she returned from the Old Place where the challenge would occur, she had no intention of leaving Tir Alainn.

Selena felt Rhyann shift, pause, then roll over to face her.

“Can’t sleep?” Rhyann asked sleepily.

“No,” Selena replied. “Too many thoughts, too many feelings.”

“Mmm. You always think too much.”

“Did you notice how excited Ella and Mildred were about me standing with the Fae for this gathering?”

“You’re one of their own. Why shouldn’t they be pleased?”

“The way they fussed over the dress to make sure all the creases and wrinkles were out of it, you would think I was preparing for my wedding.”

“Oh,” Rhyann said, yawning, “they wouldn’t have fussed over you half as much if you were just getting married. Hundreds of women get married every year. But there’s only one Lady of the Moon at any time.”

“Thank you for being so comforting.”

“Welcome,” Rhyann mumbled.

“Rhyann?”

“Erf?”

“What if I lose?” Selena made a noise that sounded terrifyingly like a laugh changing into a whimper. “Mother’s mercy, what if I win?”

“You get to be the Lady of the Moon.”

“I’ll be expected to give orders to people I know almost nothing about.”

“That shouldn’t bother you. You’re always bossy.”

Selena just sighed. Nothing would be gained by pointing out that Rhyann could be equally bossy.

When she thought her sister had fallen back asleep, Selena whispered, “I’m afraid I’ll change.”

Rhyann stirred. Propped herself up on one elbow. “The moon waxes and wanes. The tides ebb and flow. The seasons turn, each in their own time. Ever changing, never changing. Of course you’ll change. The dance of life spirals, remember? Even when you return to a point, you’re not in the same place. The dance would have changed you, whether you’d come here or stayed home.” She leaned over and kissed Selena’s forehead before laying back down. “Don’t worry. If you start to act too much like them, I’ll still be nearby to help you remember who you are.”

Selena smiled in the dark, Rhyann’s sleepy reassurance giving her more comfort than anything else could have.

“Good night, little sister,” she said softly, feeling love swell inside her.

“Good night, mouse breath.”

Chapter 8

new moon

Aiden sat in the shade of one of the Clan’s courtyards and plucked idle notes on the harp, letting his mind wander just as idly, drifting on the sound. He looked up when a boot quietly scuffed the paving stones.

“Are you working on a new song?” Taihg asked. The Clan’s bard looked ready to retreat if the Bard wanted privacy—and also looked hopeful that he could sit in the courtyard and listen to a song come into being.