Mikael was surprised to see Sienna sitting out on a veranda when he left the library, twenty minutes after Celeste and Calden had stormed off. He joined her quietly. She scooted over, making room for him on the marble bench. Mikael settled his wings over the back of it.

"I'm sorry," Sienna sighed. "I was going to come back soon and help you a while longer."

"Don't worry about it. Calden and Celeste already left."

"I know. I heard them go. What happened?"

"Calden called her out on her behavior." Mikael recalled what he could remember of the argument and briefly explained it to Sienna.

"It's true," Sienna said cautiously when he'd finished. "Ever since her sister died, Celeste has been flighty and detached. But it's not like she purposely tries to do things like that. Part of it is a coping mechanism and the other part is just who she is."

Mikael nodded. "I'm sure they'll apologize to each other, and you, later. And I'm sorry I brought up Morai in front of them."

"It's all right. You couldn't have known it would spiral into this." Sienna propped her elbows up on her knees and rested her chin in her palms. Her wings were extended and slack over the back of the bench.

"You know, you don't have to be ashamed or embarrassed if there is something else going on between you two," Mikael said hesitantly. "You don't have to hide things from us."

Sienna pursed her lips. "I know. And it's not you guys I want to hide this from. Truthfully..." she began working her hands together. Mikael waited in silence until she continued. "I've never met Morai, but I've seen her a few times and I know she's seen me. I don't know why, but I can't keep my eyes off her when she's around."

"Why haven't you introduced yourself?"

"Because then I would have to make a choice. One that I'm not sure I'm ready for. I'd have to choose if I want to be her friend...or something more." Sienna glanced at him, her green eyes swimming with anxiety. "I've never openly expressed my interest in females, but...they do catch my eye more than males."

"You're good at hiding it."

Sienna looked away. "I have to be. I don't want to hide it. Not from any of you, or from myself, but..." She swallowed hard. "You know how my family is. We aren't close. We hardly spend time together. But I know that if I make this choice, I'll lose whatever affection my parents have for me completely. They're my family. I don't want to lose them."

"It would be hard, but isn't it harder to deny yourself?" Mikael asked. Sienna didn't reply. "You'll have to make a choice someday. Your true family will love and support you, no matter what you decide."

Sienna gave him a small smile. "Thanks."

He nudged her with an elbow. "Come on. I could use a drink and maybe a flight."

"It's been a long time since I've seen you try to fly while drunk," Sienna laughed. "We should race."

"It's been just as long since you challenged me to a race. I was starting to think you no longer see me as good competition."

"Maybe you're not."

"I'm going to prove you wrong." Mikael stood, offering Sienna a hand. She took it and followed him back into the Palace, her smile looking a little brighter than before.

◦═══✦═══◦

She was back on Ramiel. Nameless. Faceless. Just an echo of someone who had once been. But an echo that could still feel. An echo whose heart broke as her mate fell to his death, wings bound in ashwood chains. An echo who screamed and wept and cried his name.

Footsteps crunched behind her. She knew who she would see when she turned around. She knew what he would say. What he would do. She knew, and she turned anyway.

Her surroundings shifted. She was no longer on the snow covered mountain ridge. She was in a dark cavern, lit by a few smoldering sconces. Chains and manacles hung from the rough stone walls. Some were clamped around thick pillars that had once been separate rock formations, now fused together.

She stared at her surroundings, confusion weighing heavily on her mind. She blinked, and there was someone hanging from the chains. Someone she had seen before. A male with pale skin, white hair, and soft blue eyes. Empty eyes. Eyes that stared at nothing as he rested his head against the wall.

She knelt beside him, passing a hand over his face. He didn't respond. She turned, hearing chains clink again. There was another familiar face there. A female, this time. She had dark brown skin, white hair, and brilliant blue eyes.

More and more people filled the chains. Some she recognized. Others, she didn't. There was the High Lady of Autumn, her sea green eyes uplifted as she whispered silent prayers. There was her gentle aunt, curled up against a wall, golden brown hair shrouding her face as tears ran down her cheeks.

She turned again and saw her cousin's mate, her friend. Her round face was now gaunt and dirt streaked. Dried blood was caked around her hairline, mixing with her auburn tresses. She had her eyes closed, but tears dripped beneath her eyelashes. Her hand rested atop a round stomach.

She reached toward her friend and touched her hand. At once, the female's skin became abnormally pale. Her veins blackened and strained against her flesh. Her eyes and cheeks grew hollow. Her hair turned white and fell out in clumps. Her round stomach became flat and there was blood between her legs.

All around her, the same thing was happening to the other prisoners. They clawed at their faces, screaming as their bodies shriveled into empty corpses. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a female. Tall and pale, with dark hair and a glittering smile. Devastatingly beautiful. She saw the female's black eyes. Saw the cruel delight shining in them. The female met her gaze. She screamed as her own body was overcome by the dark magic. As she became the living dead.

◦═══✦═══◦

Estelle lurched awake screaming, a cold sweat running down her spine. She dug her fingers into her hair and doubled over, screaming even louder. She saw their faces again and again. Wynter. Cresseida. Evren. Elain. Venelia. Her own.

She was shaking. Sweating. Crying. Her stomach churned at the thought of Venelia's round stomach, and the blood between her legs. She didn't want to think of what that meant. What the dream had meant. Estelle rolled out of bed and ran to the bathroom.

She hovered near the toilet, clutching it for support. Her stomach rolled again, but she didn't throw up. Estelle sobbed harder, her breath coming in short panicked gasps. The shadows squeezed her arms, brushed across her cheeks, and whispered comforting words in her ears.

Estelle drew her knees up to her chest, folding her wings around herself. Where was Mikael? Why hadn't he woken up? Why wasn't he with her? Where was... He was in the Dawn Court. She was not.

She wrapped her arms around herself tightly and the shadows followed suit, mimicking the feeling of a strong embrace. Answer the Prince of Sunrises, the shadows urged. He is awake. He sensed your panic. You have blocked him from your mind, but he is calling to you.

Estelle found the Mating Bond and gave it a sharp tug, lowering the barrier she'd subconsciously placed over it. Shit, Batsy! Mikael exclaimed, his own panic flooding the Bond. Are you all right? What happened? Why did you block me out?

I... Estelle gulped down her sobs, trying to form a response. I don't know. I didn't realize I'd done it.

What happened? He repeated. Are you all right? I'm going to have Father winnow me there.

No, Estelle interrupted. No, you don't have to come. I'm fine.

No, you're not! I can feel your panic. Your terror. I saw glimpses of your dream before you blocked me out. You're not fucking fine, Estelle. Don't lie to yourself, or to me.

Estelle buried her face in her hands, shame heating her cheeks as more tears fell. I don't need you to come. She forced her voice to sound calm in her mind. I'm all right.

I don't believe you. What are you doing right now? Show me.

She couldn't show him what she was doing. She was sitting beside the toilet, face covered by her hands and her wings hiding her from view. She was shaking like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze. She was sweating enough that her clothes were drenched. She was still crying.

I'm coming, Mikael said firmly.

No. I don't need you. It was a lie. Estelle knew it was a lie but she said it anyway. She ignored the pleas the shadows whispered to her.

Frustration accompanied Mikael's feelings of panic and bewilderment. Estelle, your dream was bad enough that it reached me. Your fear reached me even though you were asleep. And then you shut me out and I couldn't feel anything from you. I've never been so terrified before. I didn't know if you were awake, still dreaming, hurting yourself, or worse.

Estelle didn't reply. Please. His voice was choked with emotion. Please let me come. I need to see that you're all right.

Are my words not enough?

No. Right now, no.

Estelle stood on trembling legs and entered her closet. She shucked off her sweaty clothes and replaced them with the jumpsuit she wore beneath her leathers. She didn't bother with shoes. Estelle flung open her balcony doors and leaped over the railing, catching herself with her wings.

Estelle? Mikael called. She didn't respond. She flew past the wards that were set around the townhouse. Estelle summoned the shadows and felt their relief as she told them where to take her.

Estelle, please, Mikael pleaded again, just as the shadows dropped her into the air beyond the Palace.

She flew to their balcony and landed, tucking her wings close to her back. Mikael was running towards her a heartbeat later. She opened the glass doors and he swept her off her feet, hugging her tightly.

"I'm all right," Estelle whispered, threading her fingers through the soft ends of his hair. She hid her face in his neck, breathing in his soothing scent, morning dew and crisp mountain air.

Mikael held her close, his heart thundering in his chest. He kissed her temple and pressed his cheek against her hair, breathing a sigh of relief. Estelle swallowed hard, squeezing Mikael tighter. She was realizing just how much she had missed him.

Stars, she missed him. She wanted to give up her entire plan and just come home. She would figure out some other way to get rid of the dreams. Or she would take Mikael back to the Night Court with her. She wouldn't leave him. She couldn't...

Estelle cupped his face in her hands, pulling him down for a deep kiss. She broke off abruptly and felt Mikael's immediate disappointment and confusion. "You've seen that I'm all right." She unwrapped his arms from her waist.

"Let me come with you." Mikael reached for her. She backed away. "Estelle?"

"I'm doing this on my own," she said. "That's not changing because of one bad dream." Mikael stared at her, his brown eyes full of concern. His wings slumped down with his shoulders. Estelle drew in a deep breath and spread her wings.

She took off, but Mikael grabbed her by the wrist. Estelle whirled and he lifted a hand to her cheek, bringing his lips up to hers. She sensed his longing, his need. She shared it. Estelle let Mikael kiss her until they were both breathless.

When he drew back, his fingers moved from her wrist to her hand. "I will let you go this time," Mikael said. "But if anything like this happens again, I will come to you and you will not stop me." Estelle nodded. "I love you." He lowered his head and kissed her fingers, running his thumb over her knuckles.

Estelle smoothed hair from his face. The urge to stay was almost overwhelming. "I love you," she echoed. Estelle pulled her hand from Mikael's and let the shadows carry her back to the Night Court.