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And as the monstrous tree, along with its creator, went up in flames, collapsing inward in a shower of sparks and ash, a single birdsong rang through the dead forest. Everything turned into a pile of embers within seconds.

The moans of the trapped souls rose, then fractured into something almost like wind.

Within the smouldering remains, something moved. At first, it looked like a charred branch shifting in the collapse.

Then a blackened hand pushed through the ash.

A soot-covered face emerged from the wreckage. The figure clawed its way out, struggled forward, coughing, crawling through embers that should have seared flesh. Blue eyes opened—bright and terrified.

"Eira," Fae breathed.

Fae lurched forward, ignoring the heat, the smoke, the sting of her own burns. She reached the girl just as she stumbled free of the ruins and collapsed to her knees.

Eira was naked, no more than skin and bones now, her skin smudged with ash and sap. Her ribs showed sharply beneath blackened flesh.

Fae ripped her cloak from her shoulders and wrapped it around the child's trembling body, pulling her close.

Eira clung to her, sobbing.

"Bowen," she whispered over and over. "Bowen... Bowen..."

Her voice broke each time. Then, her body went limp.

Fae caught her as she fainted. Blaidd was there instantly.

The vines that had bound him lay shrivelled and smoking. He moved carefully, lifting Eira from Fae's arms and wrapping her more securely before cradling her against his chest.

His face was grim as he looked down at the exhausted child.

Behind them, footsteps crunched on wet leaves.

Ruri.

The pungent smell of fuel clung to her clothes. Black streaks marked her sleeves where she had primed the arrows. Her crossbow hung loose in her hand.

Sulien rushed toward her.

"Ruri—"

He stopped abruptly as she shoved him aside with a rough forearm and an unimpressed raised eyebrow.

He backed up, clearly itching to get closer.

Ruri walked straight to Fae, cupped her chin, and turned her face slightly to inspect the burns and cuts there.

Her fingers were cool and steady. She studied the wounds silently before releasing her.

"It will heal," she said simply.

"You should have stayed—" Sulien stopped mid-sentence when she fixed him with a long stare.

He closed his mouth abruptly. She did save all of their lives.

Ruri turned and began walking away without another word. Sulien hesitated only a heartbeat before hurrying to catch up.

Kenji followed at a slower pace, an amused grin tugging at his mouth as he observed the drama unfolding.

The rain had softened to a drizzle.