Their sleep was as deep as ever and nothing she did came close to rousing them. But before she set off to follow Michael’s instructions, she was determined to make sure they were as comfortable as possible. She knelt at Rathina’s head, smoothing her hair back off her face, gazing fondly at her. “I’m going to try and rescue Edric,” she whispered. “If it all works out the way I hope, I promise we’ll be back as soon as possible.” She paused. “If not, I hope you wake up and find your way home without me. Connor will help, I’m sure. You can keep each other company, huh?” She leaned forward and kissed her sister’s forehead. She knelt briefly at Connor’s side, straightening his clothes a little. “You make sure you look after Rathina, hear me?” she said, her voice cracking. “She could use some of that love you’ve got bubbling away inside you.” She stood up. “A place where twilight rules,” she murmured to herself, settling her crystal sword at her hip. She took a deep breath.
