The sun and moon exchange places for several cycles. Kiora relishes the idea of residing with her matra. After all, the more time spent together means more time learning about unfamiliar tales. The lone soldier delights in the repetition of hearing about 'The Girl and the Phoenix.' She cannot help but focus on the final passage- 'love always makes right.' Those words fill the young Daemik with a sense of hope.

Kiora walks upstairs in a happy state of mind. From the staircase, she ...