Chandni watched her son go, blurred through her tears, his form shimmering, fluid. He’s not coming back.

She swayed under the weight of emotion. Duty dictated that she go after him and drag him back, but she couldn’t move. Satyendra was making a bid to live. In his typical way he was being selfish and thoughtless, thinking nothing of the house or any greater concerns.

And yet she could not move.

Bad enough that she had denied her own heart for so long. Would she now deny his as well?

I remember when everything was so clear. It was the Wild that did this to me. Being with the road-born. And with Varg. Seeing the exile, Fiya, and learning that things are not quite as the Story-singers tell them.

I love my lord and I want him back. But is that enough to justify Satyendra’s murder? He is not the child I wished to raise, but how can I blame him, given the burden he has always been under?

The Wild didn’t just get to me, they got to him too. Neither of us quite fit any more. Perhaps Lord Rochant’s soul will purge my son, or perhaps it will find Satyendra’s flesh unworthy.

She steadied her breathing, dried her eyes, and summoned Pik. The boy arrived shortly afterwards, a worried expression on his face. He bowed to her.

‘Report.’

‘Satyendra is on the move, Honoured Mother.’

‘I know.’

‘What should I do?’

An excellent question. ‘Go to him and …’

There was an awkward pause.

‘Yes, Honoured Mother?’

‘And help him.’

Pik gasped.

‘Do this and I’ll see that your place here is assured. No more difficult tasks. No more deception. You and your descendants will have a place here, forever. I swear it on the Blood of the Sapphire Everlasting.’

‘But …’

She could see him wrestling with his conscience.

‘This is for the good of the house. Lord Rochant cannot come into a vessel that isn’t ready.’

‘But the High Lord says—’

‘When Satyendra is ready, I’m sure he’ll do what is right. Remember, Lord Rochant came from the road-born. Perhaps my son needs to spend time with them in order to do as his High Lord asks. But you don’t need to worry about that. Satyendra is my burden to bear.

‘Now, go to his side. Give him whatever he needs to leave, and I will see you richy rewarded.’

Pik saluted. ‘Yes, Honoured Mother Chandni.’

‘Make sure he isn’t seen. And please, make sure he has food and something warm to fend off the night.’

‘Yes, Honoured Mother. I won’t fail you.’

There. It is done. Let Satyendra follow his heart, and let it lead him to a happier place.

Sa-at woke with a start. He was in a tree, a safe tree, and Crowflies was with him. I am among friends.