There was no benefit for us at all.

Unless . . .

We could misdirect them.

But that depended on whether they knew we knew they were observing us. What a mess.

“How was your meeting with the empress?” Ilina asked.

“Productive.” I weighed my words carefully. “We came to an arrangement that benefits both the Fallen Isles and the Algotti Empire. First, Empress Apolla has committed ten ships to our cause, all as big as the skimmer den, but equipped with only half the skimmers. They’ll have more space for living quarters, but still allow for search and rescue. She’s also generously agreed to stock them with food and other supplies.”

Everyone’s shoulders dropped as a small measure of tension left them. It wasn’t enough—it wouldn’t save everyone—but this would help a few more people find safety.

“The ships are scheduled to depart in three days. I need to stay here, as I’ve sworn to help defend against Paorah’s noorestones, and I assume Hristo will insist on staying, too—”

“Yes.”

“But anyone who wants to help with rescue efforts in the Fallen Isles is free to go.”

They just nodded, putting that option away for later. I doubted anyone would go—maybe Chenda and Gerel—but they needed to know I wouldn’t be upset.

“What is Empress Apolla getting out of this?” Chenda’s tone was neutral, but there was real worry in her eyes. “Are we taking over the agreement High Magistrate Paorah made?”

“I don’t know all of the details of the agreement they made, but I told her I could offer something he could not.”

“What is that?” Hristo frowned.

“In addition to helping stop any noorestone attacks, I can heal the dragons Paorah sent here.”

“Mira.” Ilina’s expression twisted. “Those dragons belong in the Fallen Isles.”

“I know.” And there was no harm in Apolla hearing that, because she knew, too. “But we must be realistic about what’s happening in the Fallen Isles. Even if she were willing to void her entire agreement with Paorah and return the dragons to us, what would they go home to?”

Ilina slumped a little. “You think they have a better chance of survival here.”

“I think neither of us can guess where all the other Fallen Isles dragons are going. We can’t promise safety for these. If Her Eminence follows our advice tomorrow, and I’m able to heal them once the giant noorestones get here, then perhaps they’ll be able to live out their full lives.”

No one looked comforted.

“We may end up here, too.” I hated to remind them that being stranded in the empire was a real possibility. “The people of the Fallen Isles may have nowhere else to go. When the Great Abandonment is complete, we can’t just live on ships. We’ll have to go somewhere.”

It was such a sobering thought. And it was also the truth. The eclipse was real, the bones of the first dragon were real, and it seemed I would lose my humanity to the effort of keeping the Fallen Gods from leaving. But just because I asked didn’t mean they would oblige.