Kieran frowned, giving her a worried look. “Is it worse?”

Wren gritted her teeth and breathed through the pain. I frowned, hating to see her in any pain.

“It’s fine.” She hissed. “Just a bit sore. Can we visit the children and the others?”

I scowled, not wanting to let her out of the hut until she was healed and back to normal. I pushed back against those thoughts, knowing it was just archaic draken instincts. Wren made her eyes large and pleading.

I sighed. “Your scent is still off, but I can’t pin it on anything specific.” My eyes flicked in irritation at her tattoo, wanting nothing more than to throttle Thad for what he’d put her through. There was no reason to deny her request, especially if I went with her. I gathered Wren into my arms and jumped over the balcony, my wings unfurling and catching the strong breeze that filtered through the trees. I expected Wren to put up a fight at being fussed over so badly, but she only ducked her head and held onto me tighter.

I’d murder Thad.

I glided easily over to the western side of the island where the children had been given to the remaining witches. The island was in a bit of chaos with our new visitors, but Ronan was organizing most of it. As I flew with Wren, I explained how there was room for the new witches and children with most witches fighting near Cantrada. Vela was of the opinion that the children would help some of the prisoners recover, and to respect their privacy no one was allowed into their village who wasn’t a witch. Some of the witches were horrifically traumatized and unable to come outside of their huts at all. Others had to have round the clock care; their futures were still uncertain.

I banked my wings and landed on the outskirts of the witch’s village, setting Wren down gently in the grass. Across the distance, we could easily observe witches walking with the babies, who quickly flourished with plenty of food and care. Wren leaned in, tension on her face as she looked them over. Some of the children showed immediate signs of water, fire, or earth affinity, but others weren’t clear.

“Meruse took one look at Severn’s daughter and claimed her for her own. She will be terrorizing Dorea for centuries to come.”

Wren smiled softly, and I felt like I’d won a long-fought battle. Vela came up to greet us, though her face was lined with worry.

“What is it?” I asked, not wanting to deal with any problems in front of Wren.

She sighed. “There are many issues left unresolved. We must keep the children separate from the rescued witches. A few have not responded well to seeing them.”

I nodded, seeing the sense in that. “How are they?”

Vela raised an eyebrow at Wren.

“The children are as any ordinary witchling or male child would be. We do not have much experience with males, but they seem to have similar needs so far.” Her lips curled into a slight smile, and I smirked. “A few witches have refused to foster. There are certainly prejudices to overcome, but the children are already thriving under our care. It will be revitalizing running after little ones again!” She laughed, but then her brow furrowed. “The rescued witches are another matter. We believe some will be able to recover, though live a quiet life. Others seem . . . too damaged. We will not give up hope on them, but the road will be long and difficult.”