*Lila*

“Mother, are you really crying?”

I was straightening the ceremonial gown I was wearing when my brother, Kael, spoke. I turned to look over at our mother, who was busy helping my other brother, Kreol, with his tie.

Mother just smiled, but I could see that her eyes were wet as well. She swiped at her cheek before patting Kael’s fondly. “You will understand one day when you have hatchlings of your own, and they grow up to be fine young ...