*Maerilee*

There’s no time to think, no time to question or wonder if this is right or fair. No matter what happens after, we have to act now. We rush through the halls with Mother at the front guiding us, our footsteps echoing against the stone as if the castle itself is awake and holding its breath.

I can feel my Four are at my side.

River is like a storm held tight in a bottle, broody and dangerous. Brook’s quiet strength pulses at my back, steady and sure. Permiton moves with the purpose of an ancient wisdom. Akin is unbelievably alive again, raw and radiant.

I think of Seraphira’s...