Several of the Endlans exchanged glances. They knew deep down that what they’d done to scores of innocent children was wrong, and they’d justified it by telling themselves it was for their own good.

“The Forest has already killed several of us tonight,” someone shouted from the crowd. “Even if Leelo is right, it’s not worth the cost.”

“The Forest protects us,” a woman cried. “Without it, we’ll be slaughtered.”

“You won’t,” Jaren shouted. “The outsiders aren’t what you imagine them to be. My family is kind and loving.” He glanced at Leelo, as though he were seeking some kind of confirmation.

She nodded.

“They took me in,” he continued. “They found me by the lake. They must have known what I was, but they brought me into their home and raised me as one of their own.” His voice broke, and Leelo squeezed his hand tighter.

“Just leave,” an old woman said. “Let those of us who wish to stay remain. Take the boat and be gone. The Forest will forgive the rest of us.”

Leelo had lost some of the islanders who’d been helping her amid the chaos, but she turned to Rosalie and Gant. “I’m sorry. I failed to destroy the Forest, and now all I’ve brought is destruction to our people.”

Rosalie stepped forward. “You tried, Leelo. You were the only one who would visit us after our entire community shunned us. You brought Isola back to us. You’re a good person. You should go, now. While you still can.”

“But what about you? Mama said the boat can only make the trip once.”

“We’ll be all right,” Rosalie said. “We can’t leave without Isola.”

Leelo looked up into the trees. The flames were spreading, though the rain seemed to be preventing the fire from growing into a conflagration. “The Forest...”

“Go,” Rosalie insisted.

Jaren squeezed Leelo’s hand, and she nodded. The mob parted, allowing them to pass, reforming behind them as they walked.

When they reached the shore, Leelo was relieved to see the boat was still there. But the storm wasn’t just affecting the Forest. The surface of the lake churned with foam, and large waves crashed on the rocks, bigger than any she’d ever seen. She glanced back at the mob, who stood with their weapons brandished. The crossing would be perilous, but they didn’t have any other choice.

“Get in,” Leelo shouted to Fiona above the wind. “Jaren and I will push the boat into the water.”

Jaren stepped forward, prepared to help Fiona into the boat. But to Leelo’s horror, she stepped away from them.

“Mama? What are you doing?”

Fiona was shaking her head, her eyes wide and shining. “I’m sorry, my darling. I can’t.”

Leelo wanted to scream in frustration. “What are you talking about? Of course you can. They want you to leave,” she said, nodding toward the mob.