And deep within the heart of that explosion, my sword consumed the energy that was my father, sucking him dry until there was nothing but dust and memory left.
And those remnants she burned.
My father was dead. Gone.
I had my revenge, but I felt no better for it. I just felt… empty.
As empty as Ilianna's life would be without Mirri…
Oh god, Mirri.
I didn't think, I just reacted. In an instant I was in Aedh form and streaking across the city. The fierce energy that was the Brindle's protective field reared up in front of me but just as abruptly gave way. I raced unimpeded through the shadowed halls, not changing shape until I neared the chamber where Ilianna, Kiandra, and Zaira had been attempting to free Mirri from my father's noose. I hit the doors at a run, and with enough force to slam them back against the walls. The crash reverberated through the silent halls and, in the room, three figures spun.
Three, not four.
A sob tore at my throat. I stumbled, tried to catch my balance, and failed. I hit the stone floor hard enough to shred my jeans and skin my knees, but I didn't care.
My gaze met Ilianna's. There was nothing there. No anger, no grief. No pain. Nothing other than surprise.
I swallowed hard, and somehow managed to say, "Mirri? Is she —?"
Zaira said, "What the hell —" about the same time as Azriel appeared behind me and said, "Risa, there is no need —"
"Ilianna!" I cut them both off, my voice rising to a near shout as I added, "Is Mirri okay?"
She didn't answer, just stepped to one side. And there, sitting on the floor, looking shocked and a little worse for wear, was Mirri.
She waved a hand as my gaze met hers, but didn't actually speak. Though there was no sign of the energy collar around her neck, her throat was red-raw and decidedly painful-looking.