The first thing Kalian became aware of was the awful crick in his neck. He lifted his head with a grunt, cocking it from side to side to ease the pain. Then, he peered over his shoulder. Kalian froze, tears welling up in his eyes. The familiar weight of his wings rested on his back, and warmth radiated from them.

    A few tears dripped down his cheeks as he looked about the room, searching for Moira. There was no sign of her. Kalian struggled to sit up and managed without too much difficulty. He lifted a hand to his chest, rubbing his sternum as if he could feel the bond that now lay behind it.

    Kalian knit his brows. Maybe I can, he thought.

    He reached for the tether with a mental hand and was surprised when he could actually feel it. It was strong and warm, gleaming with light. He could sense Moira at the other end of it. Kalian tugged on the bond, a smile playing at his lips.

    I'm awake, he called. Where are you?

    Explaining to Samson and Bellamy why I now have wings.

    Kalian's smile faltered. Are you doing all right? I know it can't be easy for you.

    Moira didn't answer and Kalian finally withdrew his mental presence. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood cautiously. He straightened, letting his wings balance him out as they had before. Kalian gave a delighted laugh and stretched one wing, then the other. A knock on the door interrupted him. It creaked open, revealing Sybella.

    "Don't be too hasty," she warned. "You need to give your muscles a chance to strengthen again. They've grown used to not having wings to support."

    Kalian raised and lowered his wings a few times while Sybella monitored the movements. "I know a few stretches that can help rebuild my muscles," he explained. "Yara was adamant on learning to fly as soon as possible, so she always conned me into helping her stretch her wings."

    "She would've been a strong flyer. Maybe even as strong as Calandra was."

    Kalian's heart twisted, but the pain wasn't as bitter as it had once been. It was a sweet sorrow. A sorrow that he wanted, because it reminded him of them, and he didn't want to forget. "Well, I might not have gotten to teach Yara to fly, but I imagine I'll get to teach Moira." His mouth curled sideways. "How is she doing?"

    "She's all right. She woke up a few hours ago and has been practicing her balance ever since. When your two friends arrived, she went down to speak with them."

    "Has anyone been causing trouble for her?"

    Sybella shook her head. "They wouldn't dare to. Gabriel has been keeping an eye on her, and you know he'll defend what's yours. He always has."

    Kalian gave a slow nod. "I'm going to go downstairs with them." He started towards the door, then paused as Sybella spoke again.

    "There was a Witch who delivered a message for you," she said, her voice quiet and hesitant. "She lived in the settlement the Ironblades sacked. I haven't heard from her since then, and I was wondering if you knew what happened to her."

    Kalian swallowed hard. "She's dead. She attacked me, but I convinced her to run. After that, I lost track of her until..." The memory was very fuzzy. He must've seen her after his panic set in, but he'd been lucid enough to recognize her. "I saw her body when we left the settlement." Sybella lowered her head with a sigh. "Who was she?"

    "My niece." Sybella wiped a hand across her cheeks and lifted her head. "She was pregnant with some Faerie's child. He was killed in a different Ironblade attack, I believe. Rather than remain here, Eloise chose to join a coven of Witches who were going to make a settlement of their own."

    Kalian's memories flashed back to the burning house and the cradle inside it. That was going to be her home, he realized.

    Sybella rested a hand on his shoulder. "It's not your fault, Kalian. I was just hoping you might know. Thank you for telling me." She breezed out of the room, leaving Kalian to staunch his rising guilt. When he felt like he had himself under control, he too left the room and headed down the stairs.

    Voices drifted from a set of open doors just down the hall. Kalian paused outside and peered into the room, not letting himself be seen. He was looking into a library, where Samson, Bellamy, Gabriel, and Moira were speaking. Kalian's gaze circled back to Moira and his breath caught.

    Her wings and ears weren't the only changes that had taken place, although they were the most noticeable. Moira's proud features were somehow illuminated, giving her the devastating and ethereal beauty that only a Faerie could possess. Her almond skin was dusted with gold and there was a brighter shine within her onyx eyes. Her dark curls were sleek and glossy, and she'd tucked them behind her now pointed ears.

    Kalian's gaze shifted to her wings. They were even more beautiful than Queen Iyan's or Asena's. They were the deepest shade of ebony, but a layer of silver gossamer coated them. Her wings gave off the effect of a starry sky on a clear night. Kalian's lips parted, but no sound emerged. He closed his mouth again, simply bracing himself against the door.

    Moira looked up and her eyes locked with his. The other three men followed her gaze to the door. Instantly, Samson and Bellamy were on their feet. "Kal!" Bellamy exclaimed.

    "Are you all right?" Samson asked.

    "I'm fine," he murmured, entering the library. Moira was already moving towards him. Kalian caught her into a tight embrace, paying no mind to the others around them. He was careful not to jar her wings though, and she was quick to do the same. "You look beautiful," he whispered in her ear. Moira just hugged him tighter.

☽◦༻◦☽◦༺◦☽

    Moira drew back after several minutes and guided Kalian over to one of the low-backed sofas. They sat down and the others arranged themselves around the two of them. "Where are King Arius, Queen Iyan, Esen, and Asena?" Kalian asked.

    "Iyan and Arius are seeing to temporary housing for Faeries whose homes were destroyed," Gabriel explained. "Asena is taking care of the children who lost their parents, and Esen is overseeing the cleaning operations."

    "What are you supposed to be doing?" Kalian arched a brow.

    Gabriel smiled, glancing at Moira. "I was told you had a proposition for me."

    Moira's face heated as Kalian's gaze shifted to her. "Were you?"

    "So, care to tell me what this proposition was?" Gabriel prompted.

    Kalian laced his fingers with Moira's and gave her an encouraging nod. "We've decided to track down every Ironblade unit we can find and dissuade them from continuing their campaign," Moira began. "They won't disband just because Dagen is dead, but if they lose support, they won't wish to continue their efforts."

    "I believe many of the units will listen to reason, but we might have to get crafty with others." Moira sighed and Kalian tightened his hand around hers. "There are others like me, who will choose to ignore the facts even when they are set before them."

    "You saw reason eventually," Samson pointed out.

    "Yes, but first it cost Kalian his wings. I think very few Faeries will be willing to pay that price just to disband one Ironblade unit."

    "There are other ways to get through to people," Gabriel said. "And your idea is a good one. The Ironblades will be disarrayed for a few weeks while they wait to see who takes Dagen's place. Now is a good time to enact your plan."

    "I was hoping to as soon as possible," Moira agreed. "But as for Kalian's proposition..." It was her turn to give him a prompting look.

    "I thought this might be something you wanted to be a part of," Kalian said, meeting Gabriel's gaze. "You'd be welcome to join us, anyway."

    "What about us?" Bellamy interrupted.

    "You as well." There was a hint of laughter in Kalian's voice.

    "I'll have to speak with Arius and Iyan first, but I doubt they'll have any objections," Gabriel replied. "And as long as you don't mind if Esen and Asena tag along..."

    "I had already resigned myself to that."

    Gabriel grinned. "I'll speak with them as soon as I can then, but we won't be able to join you until things are taken care of here."

    "That's all right. We have some business to attend to while we're here." Kalian faced Bellamy and a smile crossed Moira's lips as she realized what he was referring to. "Would you happen to know a..."

    "Lavinia," Bellamy said quickly. "Lavinia Rame."

    "Her?" Kalian looked back at Gabriel.

    "Who is she?"

    "My sister," Bellamy answered. "She was kidnapped just before the Soleone War and never returned."

    Moira leaned against Kalian, her thoughts drifting to her own parents and fiance. How had Bellamy clung to the hope that his sister was still alive after all these years? What would her life have been like if she'd done the same? Moira's gaze flickered to Kalian's face. He was watching Bellamy intently.

    If I did have that hope, I wouldn't be here now, Moira thought. Despite all that I've done and been through, I wouldn't trade Kalian for anything.

    Gabriel stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know any Lavinia Rame, but I have heard of a Human woman named Lavinia who lives in Tower Dawn. She's married to a Day Faerie, Enoch Valentin. I've met Enoch a few times before, but not her."

    "Do you know their exact address or how to contact them?" Bellamy's eyes were wide and lit with hopeful excitement.

    "You could write a letter and have Sybella deliver it." Gabriel gestured to a table behind them.

    Bellamy leaped to his feet and Samson joined him. As soon as Bellamy finished his letter, the two of them left the library, likely in search of Sybella. With a murmured farewell, Gabriel hurried after them. Kalian and Moira remained seated in the library.

    "I hope he isn't disappointed by this," Moira said.

    "Me too." Kalian leaned down, brushing his lips over hers. "Are you disappointed by any of this?"

    "No." Moira held his gaze, letting him see the truthful light in her eyes. "I'm only disappointed in my own failings and that it took this long to defeat Dagen."

    "With any luck, it won't take nearly as long to defeat the Ironblades."

    "Even if it does, even if it takes longer, I'll be glad to work towards that goal with you." Moira draped her arms around Kalian's neck, resting her forehead against his. "I'm tired of fighting for vengeance. Now, I'll fight for peace."

    "I will do the same." Kalian kissed her once more and Moira let her eyes drift shut.

    Resolve washed over her, sweeping away the last bitter kernel of anger that hid within her heart. No longer would the two of them fight alone, for dark and bloody reasons. Now, they would fight together. They would fight to make sure no one else suffered the way they had. They would fight to bring order. They would fight to bring peace.