Wilding Springs felt like a foreign land when we returned. I only went back because Mom wanted me to, longing to linger with Mabel and Gabriel, to talk further with the Stronghold, though it was Henry's discomfort that finally convinced me to retreat.

We can talk whenever you need me, Mabel sent when I passed through the veil on Mom's heels, my brother remaining behind, his power embracing me a moment before letting me go. He had no idea how hard it was not to sample the ...