“The truth is best,” the Watcher said. “It is their reality now.”
The Matriarch’s hands curled into fists. “Their caregivers will think they are dead.”
I heard Breana inhale sharply. The Watcher’s expression revealed her sympathy. “I am sorry, Eriana. But I think that is best for now.”
The Dragona’s mouth twisted. “What of the servants? Did they escape?”
“Havoc stated that most got out,” Cara told her. “He couldn’t swear that all made it, though. The fire spread very fast.”
The Matriarch rubbed her temple. “We were down to a skeleton staff. Most were called away to help with the party at the palace.” She straightened. “Not an accident, I take it.”
It was a statement, not a question, and Cara merely nodded.
“Taran would never do this.” Her words were filled with anguish, as well as doubt.
The Watcher raised a hand, as though she wanted to touch the Dragona, but at the last second, she held back.
“It was Victor.” The name was snarled from Breana’s lips. “The Fire Drake was there. He burned the lake resort down.”
“It was built to withstand Dragon fire,” Eriana said sadly. “No one thought it would ever face anything stronger.”
“No one thought it would ever have to, either.” Cara straightened. “All the Drakes were supposed to be wiped out over a thousand years ago. But the Fire Drakes are infused with the power of a Fire Elemental. There is nothing that they cannot burn.”
“That one wasn’t working alone,” the Matriarch stated. “And although I am alive, whoever is responsible has achieved what they wanted to. As long as the Empire thinks I’m dead, they can do as they please.” She swallowed and met Cara’s eyes.
“If you officially survive this—they will only try again,” Cara said. “You know that. And it’s not just you. You can’t protect them all.”
Eriana’s eyes bled pain. “I know,” she husked.
Now Cara did reach for her, and took her hand. “There will come a time,” she said. “Right now, you must protect the future.”
The Matriarch’s eyes rose to mine. Then past me to the hilt of the sword I wore. And she nodded. “I know,” she repeated. And raised her chin. “We are the future. And I will protect it. With my life.”
As my mother moved in to hug me, my entire reality jolted for just an instant. As if something was glimpsed, far too rapidly for me to process. And then it was gone.
But I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed. She pulled back to search my eyes, and then patted me on the arm.
“Be safe, Michelangelo,” she said, and moved past us to descend the stairs.
Both Cara and Breana watched me closely. Were they wondering if any memories had broken free? Or were they worried I would break if they did?
I ignored the looks, and instead, asked, “So what now?”
The Watcher clapped her hands together. “Now, you eat.” She slipped past me and began to climb.
My thoughts dipped and swirled like a flock of restless birds. To distract myself, I peered through every break in the exterior trunks. Dawn’s first rays illuminated the lush life existing not just beyond, but along with, the trees forming the structure. We were far above the jungle floor, and all I glimpsed were leaves and small flying creatures flitting through them.
We emerged onto a landing that extended past the trunks to form a walkway. It led us to another treehouse, where we descended to the kitchen.
It was bustling with the rest of our teammates. Among them was a Watcher who was about Cara’s height, but a little stouter.
“I take it everyone has met Mandy?” Cara asked.
Heads nodded all around.
Dani pulled a plate of steaming meatrolls out of the microwave. My eyes traced the wiring disappearing into the trunks. Solar power?
She offered the tray to Ash, who leaned against the counter. When he shook his head, she picked one up and held it to his lips.
