“Are they all okay?” I ask.
Leon frowns, and my stomach drops.
“More or less,” he says.
“What doesthatmean?”
“Follow me.”
We leave the square, turning down the alleyway we hid in yesterday. The Holmses are there, clutching tight to each other, and the fae are gathered behind them. Stratton and Hyllus are holding a body between them. I let out a cry of alarm when I see it’s Eryx.
“Is he?—?”
“Just unconscious,” Leon assures me. The fae shift, and I see Eryx’s leg has been bound with a makeshift bandage, already streaked scarlet with blood. “I’ve pulled him pretty deep into some peaceful dreams to help him sleep through the pain until we can get him to a healer.”
I nod, relieved, then feel a small hand on my shoulder.
“Hey you” Tira says. Now we finally have a moment when we’re not dodging swords or spells, we pull each other into a hug so tight we’re both struggling for air at the end of it.
“I can’t believe you came back for me,” Tira says, grinning. “I was certain finding out you were a princess would make you too stuck-up to talk to me anymore.”
I laugh. I’m a bit delirious, but nothing makes me happier than to have her teasing me again.
“Well, I did consider not bothering,” I say. “But then I figured if you agreed to call me Your Majestic Loveliness I could find the time to swing by.”
“And your magic?” she asks excitedly. “That’s new.”
My smile slips from my face. “Yes,” I say cautiously, wondering how honest I should be. I don’t think Tira would choose the Temple over me, but a lifetime of teachings can be hard to shake.
“It’s celestial, isn’t it?”
I spin round to face Hale, surprised by his question.
“Yes,” I say. “How did you know?”
“I’ve seen it once before. When I was a boy.” He shakes his head. “It never made sense to me, what they say about it. If the gods are so powerful, how could a human steal from them?”
“Thank you,” I say, humbled by the acceptance Hale is offering me. The rest of his family relaxes too, and I’m warmed by their belief in me. “I wish you could explain that to the Temple,” I say. “We think that bearer, Sophos, has gotten away alive, and he saw me use my magic.”
Tira goes pale.
“Do you think he’ll be back?” Kit asks, looking between Leon and me.
“Your village being chosen for a purge wasn’t a coincidence,” Leon says. “But whatever trap they were laying for Ana failed. They might drop the whole idea now. Enough people have already died that they can claim punishment has been meted out. Other than saving face, what do they have to gain by returning?”
“But that bearer saw me kill the cleric,” Tira says. “The Temple knows I killed one of their own.”
Una’s face crumples. “Then you’re not safe here.”
“It might not be safe for any of us, Mom,” Tira replies, going to hold her. “You fought to protect me, and he saw that too.”
“But I’mthe one who actually freed you and attacked him,” I say. “That’s what he’ll remember. There were a lot of people helping their families and neighbors in the fight. I doubt Sophos could keep track of all of them. It’s not like he lives here—he doesn’t know any of you.”
Alastor clears his throat. “It’s possible that once the dust settles, the Temple’s attention will be focused elsewhere. But you’re right, Tira, that the bearer is unlikely to forget you or your crime.”
Una releases a quiet sob, and Tira hugs her tighter.
“It’ll be okay, Mom. We’ll think of something.”
