was the refuge she needed. We’ve never been apart, and we might have continued as one. But then you happened.”
“The day I fell into the river?”
Lupe laughed. “Long before that. It’s her fault that I became friends with Hana. She liked your mother and your sisters, but you were always her favorite. The beautiful boy with the sweet soul and the sturdy build and the steadfast heart.”
Mikoto knew he was blushing. Wouldn’t anyone? Priska watched him closely, arms folded, and when their eyes met, she smirked. But not unkindly.
“She wanted me to wait for you.”
His attention jumped back to Lupe.
“But that wouldn’t have been fair. To either of you.” Lupe didn’t shy away from the hopes she must have known he harbored. “And you would have come between us.”
Mikoto wasn’t sure what she meant. “Is that not what I am about to do?”
Lupe quirked a brow. “Are you?”
“If I woo the wind to my side, she would be leaving yours.” Mikoto glanced self-consciously at Priska. “If that is what she wants, of course.”
Another derisive snort from Priska’s direction. “Are you addled, boy? Why do you think we risked the voyage?”
“Heir to Wardenclave, now headman, with a line to secure. Glint will have you contracted by this solstice and wed by the next. But we had to try.” Lupe gestured broadly between him and the seemingly empty air. “This summer was her last chance to win her first love.”
THIRTY-NINE
Breeding Pairs
Lilya and Kyrie tried not to rush through their breakfast. That would be rude to Uncle. But Waaseyaa noticed their efforts and smiled. “You are not half so excited as Zisa was when Sinder suggested he go along.”
As planned, Sinder would go to Glint’s home in order to give his official opinion about Rifflet. Lilya had special permission to skip her morning courses in order to bring the little wind dragon, with Timur for an escort. But Zisa’s inclusion had sparked off a chain reaction of joy.
He didn’t often go from home. Indeed, he couldn’t range far or be seen. So the trip to the Starmark home atop the hill was a rare treat. One that had his treetops swaying in anticipation.
“Keep an eye on my brother for me.” Hoisting Gregor onto his hip, Waaseyaa added, “We will be here when you return from your adventures.”
Lilya agreed and hurried out the door, only to stop on the front step. She looked uncertainly at Kyrie. Here they were again, going separate ways.
“Should we ask again?” she mumbled.
He took her hands into his and trilled soothingly. “I do want to meet Ever’s grandsire, but I also want to learn more about brushwork sigils from Scribe Yevlu. I will also be here when you return from your adventures.”
She pulled him into a fierce hug, and Rifflet gabbled a protest.
Kyrie replied with a fair imitation of the little one’s tootle-peep.
Rifflet still grumbled, which was cute enough to make Lilya laugh.
Relaxing into her embrace, Kyrie promised, “All will be well.”
Since he was so smart about everything, Lilya chose to believe him.
“Ready?” called Timur, who hadn’t strayed far from Sinder’s side since his injury.
Lilya was used to thinking of her brother as a big, strong battler. In all her childhood memories, he was running, climbing, sparring, and winning. This past winter, she’d had to rethink him a little. It had been strange at first, seeing him as a father.
This summer, she was learning even more about Timur. When other campers found out she was his sister, they were jealous. Because Timur was a favorite teacher. And now, he was acting like Mum in healer mode. All while managing to keep on being himself.
She couldn’t help wondering if she’d ever have as many sides. Or be half as good at any of them.
Zisa was waiting on the bottom step. Timur offered his hands to help the Amaranthine to his feet. Zisa accepted the help, only to spring too high, wrapping his arms around Timur’s neck. But it was pretty clear that Timur had expected it.
They all had. Because Zisa was uncomplicated. He always wanted a hug, from all of them.
For her part, Lilya didn’t mind a bit. Zisa was always so happy, and he smelled nice.
Timur gathered Zisa up, cradling him to his chest as if he weighed no more than Gregor. “Are you asking to be carried?”
“Would you?” Zisa asked, clearly taken with the idea.
“Would it please you?” countered Timur.
“Immensely!”
So Timur strutted ahead, trailing flower petals.
Lilya fell in step beside Sinder and asked, “How are you feeling today?”
“Much