“That won’t be a problem. I can’t move anyway. This dress is like wearing a tourniquet.”

“You tied the belt wrong. I’ve worn that style of dress before in the Realms. I could show you the right way.”

“No need. It’s a stupid dress.”

Aria laughed. “It’s not stupid. You look amazing in it. Like Athena.”

“Yeah?” Liv yawned again and closed her eyes. “I thought Roar would like it. All right. Show me how to tie the stupid dress tomorrow.”

Soon, as promised, Liv snored. It wasn’t loud. Just a soft purr that wove with the sound of the wind, lulling Aria to sleep.

27

PEREGRINE

What’s she doing up there?” Perry asked.

He stopped in the clearing and looked to the roof of his house. Kirra’s hair caught his eye like a red flag flapping in the breeze. The sound of hammers pounding carried down to him.

He’d spent the morning at the cavern with Marron, going over plans to grade the bluff that led to the cove. If they could create a switchback path, they’d be able to bring carts and horses down the slope. It would be far better than steps, so it was worth a try, but they’d need more help.

“You don’t know about this?” Reef said, beside him.

“No. I don’t.” Perry climbed the ladder to the roof. Kirra stood a dozen paces away, watching two of her men, Forest and Lark, rip up roof tiles. As he walked over, Perry’s anger built with every step. He felt more protective over this space than he did about his house. This was his perch.

Kirra turned to face him, smiling. She rested her hands on her hips and tipped her head to the side.

“Good morning,” she said. “I saw the crack in the ceiling last night. I thought we’d take care of it.”

She’d spoken louder than necessary, letting her voice carry. Her men looked over, sizing him up. They’d pulled off a section of stone tiles, exposing the battens beneath. Perry knew a dozen Auds in the clearing had heard her as well. It was no mystery what the tribe would think. Everyone knew that gap was above his loft.

He drew a breath, forcing down his rage. She was changing something that didn’t need to be changed. He’d watched the Aether through that gap for as long as he could remember, but he couldn’t stop the work now. The sliver that had been a few inches wide had grown to a hole more than a foot across, exposing the inner beams. Through it, he could see the blankets in his loft below.

“Bear told me about a few other things we could take care of while we’re here,” Kirra said.

“Take a walk with me, Kirra,” he said.