It was hard to sleep, but I managed, though when a soft knock and a touch of power came at dawn I was already awake, thinking. I welcomed my visitor as Ameline entered, closing my door softly behind her. The new light of morning caught her pale blue eyes as she crossed to me, a few pink sparkles from the chandelier overhead glinting on her jet black hair as she climbed into the bed beside me and snuggled me against her, cheek pressed to mine.

I hugged her fiercely, sad and yet ...