Chapter 32: The Twins

Lula and Phon Kennecott arrive in a wash of blue fire as Femke and Syd talk in the corner. I hover outside the door where Sage is being held. Syd won't let me inside and it's probably for the best, but I just want to be with him and try to heal him myself if I can. A gasp of relief escapes me at the sight of the healer twins, and Miriam who appears behind them.

Syd's mother hugs me, kisses my cheek, her warm magic cradling me as though I am a child. Charlotte, her mind whispers in mine. We'll help him, darling. Don't despair.

I cling to her, missing my own mother so much in that moment I am grateful for Miriam's kindness and strength. Lula waits for Miriam to release me before hugging me herself, her tall brother bending to press his cheek to the top of my head as one hand rubs my back.

"Thank you," I whisper to them, at once cursing the emotional rollercoaster that is my life and welcoming the love and kindness that comes with expressing myself to them.