SIAN FELT A LITTLE OUT of sorts. Loi had beaten her to standing during flight, and now Cat could talk to Loushka. It hardly seemed fair, she thought, letting out a quiet sigh.

NESHA HEARD AND CREPT CLOSER to Sian, brushing his beak against her. She seemed happy at the attention, stroking and combing his mane with her fingers.

'You should teach her free-falling tomorrow.'

Daron, in the midst of unpacking, looked up in surprise. 'What?'

'Sian. You ...