The pack on Kaye's back was heavy and hurt her injured wing after walking so long. Her face was tear-stained and puffy, and her entire mental state had been shattered by Pike. By the time they reached the cliff she was too tired to even try flying. She looked at Timin, who nodded, ready for whatever punishment the Faye held, and whistled as she dropped her bag by her feet.

Bryant dropped to the ground next to her. “Kaye?" It came out as a breath before he saw Timin. Then his body straightened and hardened. "What are you doing here?"

"He brought me," Kaye said before Timin could speak. "To keep me safe."

"Safe from what?" Bryant turned toward Timin and glared. "I told you what would happen if you came back, Tarrin."

"Bryant, please." Tears filled her eyes again. She didn't have the energy to stop him if he tried to attack Timin. He looked at her, briefly, and Timin finally spoke.

"Kaye was attacked and can't stay in Gaerlom—it's no longer safe. I brought her here to make sure no one followed."

Bryant looked at her, brows pulling together in concern. "But you cannot stay here. The Lady…”

"Aleda told me to come. She said She would send me a sign and…" Kaye swallowed her tears. "I can't think of why else Pike would have been in Gaerlom, unless the Mother sent him."

Bryant pressed his hands to his eyes, then rubbed his face. "For the Mother, Kaye. I do not know if the Lady will let you stay."

"I can't stay in Gaerlom," she said softly, "and I can't get through the pass home. I tried and Aleda sent an avalanche to stop me. I have nowhere else to go."

Bryant looked from her to Timin and back again. "I suppose it would not hurt to ask."

"Thank you," Kaye breathed, but before Bryant could go anywhere the Lady was on the ground next to them, and they all took a step back. Bryant bowed, wings straight out in salute.

"No need to ask," she said and smiled at Timin. "Thank you for bringing our daughter safely back to us. Go now—no one has followed you."

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He looked at Kaye desperately and then bowed. "Keep her safe."

Kaye threw her arms around his neck. She hugged him tight and whispered, "I will miss you. Thank you for everything."

He nodded before releasing her and taking a step back. "Awena protect you, Kaye Odion of Fie Eoin."

She put her hand on his forehead. "Aleda bless you, Timin Breen of Gaerlom."

He bowed to them all once more and began the long walk home alone. Kaye pressed her hand to her mouth as she watched him go. He wasn't yet out of sight when the Lady spoke again.

"Kaye Odion, I welcome you back on the condition that you do not return to Gaerlom again."

Kaye nodded and faced them. "I won't," she said, voice hoarse.

"Bryant, if you could take her up to Celeste please."

He bowed again as the Lady flew away, then turned to Kaye. All of the anger drained from his face and he held out his arms. “What happened?”

She shook her head and walked into his arms, burying her face into his chest. He smoothed her hair until her tears dried and then looked in her eyes. “Kaye?”

“Take me to Celeste and I’ll tell you both.”

“Of course.” He placed her bag between his wings, then picked her up and flew her to Celeste’s cave.

“Oh my,” Celeste said and covered her mouth with a hand as they arrived. "What happened to you?"

"I need you to look at my wing." Kaye took off her cloak and sat before the fire like she used to when she first started coming to Celeste’s cave. "It was torn. I think I can still use it, but I haven't tried." Her voice was hollow to her own ears.

Celeste began to unwrap the cloth Abigail put around it. "How did it tear?"

Kaye took a deep breath. "A group of nomads came to Gaerlom last night, and there was an Aledan warrior with them. He knows about my wings. He did it."

"An Aledan?" Bryant crossed his arms. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "I grew up with him. He said they kicked him out of Fie Eoin because he attacked my sister."

Celeste gasped. "Is she okay?"

"He didn't say, but I would know if she was dead." Kaye sighed and closed her eyes as Celeste began to apply a cool salve to the cut wing. The pain diminished to a dull ache.

"But why did he attack you?" Bryant asked.

Kaye picked at the hem of her salt-stained dress. "Because I told him he wasn't Eoin's chosen. It was childish—I should have known better."

"He should never have attacked you, or your sister," Celeste said as she re-bandaged the wing. "Did anyone try to stop him?"

"Timin tried, but Pike would have ripped my wing off. I was lucky no one else was around."

Celeste brought her a cup of tea. "For the pain, and because you do not look like you slept much last night."

Kaye sniffed the sweet smell of willow, peppermint and lavender. "Thank you." She drank it quickly, cold as it was, and sat on the bed. Her muscles began to relax after the harrowing day and she fell asleep under the watchful eyes of Bryant and Celeste.