Mia smiled sadly. "It's okay. Everything's for the best. You just can't see it yet."

Wind brushed the vines.

"I was given rules," Mia murmured. "Can't touch. Can't interfere. Balance, they said. Maybe it's because I'd ruin everything if I could."

Elowyn sniffed, eyes fixed on the sky.

Mia's voice cracked. "I let her die in my hands. Mama. Maybe it had to happen. I'm glad I don't have to tell you yet."

Elowyn pressed the flower to her chest, whispering something too ...