For so long, there was a lullaby Hal's mother used to sing to her and Thea at night. And for so long, Hal's memory had come to forget the words, remembering only the melody, the soft cadence of her mother's voice and how it could easily soothe her to sleep. For the first time, she heard her mother's voice sing that lullaby again, just as soft and warm as she remembered. Hal felt a moment's peace come over her before she began to realize that this was no dream.

Hal felt fingers on her forehead, pushing her hair back from her face. In her confusion, she frowned and muttered, "Mama?"

But suddenly the touch was gone, and Hal fought against her drowsiness as she began to wake up. Clearing her mind, she opened her heavy eyes, the lids thick from the tears. When she realized that it was not, in fact, her mother, sitting on the edge of her bed, Hal shot up in fright, scampering back towards the wall.

"You do not have to fear me," the woman said, her voice heavy with emotion and age. "I will not hurt you."

It took Hal's eyes a moment to adjust in the dim lighting of the room, but when they did, she couldn't find her voice to speak. She felt like she was seeing a ghost. Like when she had seen Olwenyo, had proper memories of him. Or Thea. But this felt impossible.

Hal warily raised a hand, unsure if perhaps she was still asleep. The woman did not move as Hal gingerly touched her chin. The flesh under her fingers was warm and soft, like leather. Hal felt tears pooling in her eyes as she moved her hand to cup the woman's cheeks. "Aunt Zola?"

The woman did not answer. Instead, she rushed forward and embraced Hal so tightly that Hal almost couldn't move. The woman was sobbing openly and loudly, squeezing as if terrified Hal would suddenly vanish. Her lower lip began to tremble, her body registering that such an embrace was real. Her aunt was alive. Her cousin was alive.

Her village, broken and decimated, had still survived.

Hal was no longer the last. Hal was no longer alone.

It was all she had ever wanted, short of the events of that day never happening at all. The burden of thinking she must carry every tradition, and failing to do so, was gone. Those who would have memories of her childhood, of her family, were still alive. It was a rare gift. The second chance she had given up hope of having.

In response, Hal soon learned that she had not yet run out of tears to cry. She joined her aunt — her aunt! — in weeping, hugging her around the waist. Hal felt like a child. Only this time, it was that childlike hope returning once again. Her sole reason for being here was quickly forgotten. All she could think about was this moment right now.

It seemed like they cried into each other's arms for hours. When they stopped, they still held on to one another, too afraid to be the first to let go. Zola stroked her hair, her touch so tender Hal almost fell back asleep. Sniffling, Hal then realized she didn't actually know what to say. Her earlier relief gave way to sudden shyness. This woman was her aunt. Her kin. But after so long, there was so much Hal didn't know. So much Hal wanted to ask but was too afraid to do so.

However, Zola didn't seem to feel the same because she whispered, "You look just like your mama when she was your age. Did you know that?"

Hal pressed her fingers into the woman's back. No, she hadn't known that. Because her mother's face had become blurred. But she was too ashamed to say that. As if sensing her hesitation, Zola finally pulled them apart, but kept her hands on Hal's shoulders. Her smile was small, sad, and didn't quite reach her eyes. But it was sincere, and Hal felt some of her nerves fade.

"My sweet girl," Zola continued, stroking Hal's face. "After all this time…you're a woman now." A few more tears broke free. "Oh, but you are so beautiful. So beautiful, just like your mother. And you look so strong, and healthy. I'm so sorry. For everything. I should've gone back to look for you. But in all the chaos, we were so desperate to escape…I'll never forgive myself for leaving you behind. You must've been so frightened."

Hal shook her head, taking the woman's hand in hers. "I was at first, but a lovely village eventually found me and took me in. I was in good hands. I promise."

Zola sniffed, nodding her head. She wiped her cheek on her shoulder, clearing her throat. "You must have so many questions."

"Too many to count," Hal admitted.

Zola chuckled. "Of course, of course. I was heating up your food while you slept. Even if it's a little bit, try and eat something. Wait here, I'll fetch it for you."

Hal watched from her cot as her aunt kneeled before the fire, using an iron poker to reignite the dwindling flames that had gone down. At first, they didn't speak, Hal simply staring, memorizing the changes in Zola's physical features. The grey hair, the wrinkles, the exhaustion in her movements. And yet she still stood tall, squared her shoulders with pride. She was still beautiful, even in age.

After a few minutes, Hal took the bowl of reheated soup her aunt passed her. "Careful, it's hot."

Hal thanked her quietly, setting the bowl down in her lap and staring at its thin contents. But it did smell good at least. "Did you know?" Hal asked suddenly. "About the soldier…what I did to him?"

Her aunt paused, her face expressionless. Then went back to poking at the fire, which no longer needed her attention. Hal had a feeling she needed the distraction.

"I did. Your mother told me everything when she brought you back to the hut. She was so scared you were dying; you wouldn't wake for so long. She never meant for you to see what you did."

"Do you blame me then? For what happened?"

"No," Zola said without having to think about it. "Never. Nor did it even cross my mind to."

When Hal didn't respond, she looked over at her with narrowed eyes. "Oh love, please don't tell me you've spent all this time blaming yourself?"

"How could I not? Everything escalated because of what I did, even if I did not mean to."

"You were a child. A child under insurmountable stress and taking on a great responsibility of protecting her mother. That soldier had crossed far too many lines by that point. Any adult should have stepped forward sooner and put a stop to his behavior. But we didn't. And you and your mother paid the consequences of our inaction. We all did. So, if you want to point fingers, point them at us."

Hal didn't immediately respond, staring at the wall with a distant expression. She felt both empty and overwhelmed, and she didn't have the one person here that she needed to desperately quiet her thoughts.

Her fingers gripped the side of the cot.

"Did Thea not tell you I was alive?" Hal asked.

Zola's eyes were downcast. "No. I presume she did not mention us to you either."

"No."

More silence, but this one did not last nearly as long before Zola asked, "I met that dragon rider of yours."

"Murtagh? Is he all right?"

"Aye, he's fine. Worried sick about you. Is it true? The two of you are married?"

Hal felt her face grow hot, unable to discern the tone in Zola's voice. She didn't seem pleased, but her demeanor was otherwise calm.

"Aye. A few months now."

"And he treats you well? Truly?"

Hal found herself smiling, touched by her aunt's concern, even if the woman was trying to hide it. "Very well. I know his past is heavy, and he knows it too. But he is a good man, and a wonderful husband."

"I'm sure it seems that way," Zola said dismissively.

"Do you not believe people can change for the better? Do you not think good people are capable of bad things? Or vice versa?"

"I know all I care to. I do not trust the outside or its inhabitants. Not anymore."

"Then do you not trust me?" Zola didn't respond, but her silence was answer enough. "If you do not trust me, then why am I here?"

"I want to trust you, Halen. You are amongst your people now. This is where you belong—"

"Aunt Zola, you don't even belong here. This place is awful. It's dangerous."

"Only because you did not know to hide your magic. We learned the hard way as well that our magic draws evil out. Why do you think we wear these ridiculous furs? Why do you think we hide so deep within these mountains?"

Hal inhaled sharply in understanding, recalling the animal skins and heads they had worn. She had merely assumed it was for warmth and hunting, but apparently it served an even greater purpose than she had not considered. Just like how Thorn was confused by the scent, so were other potential predators that lived in these forsaken lands. "The Ra'zac always talked of how I smelled like Thea. I assumed they meant because we were kin. But that wasn't it, was it? We literally give off a different scent or something because of our magic."

"I don't know who or what a Ra'zac is, but yes. You are correct. There were nearly two hundred of us who made the weary journey this far north. We lost people on the way, people to illness. But the monsters that came down on us…after what we endured on Uden, there are many people who have not stepped foot outside these caves since we claimed them as our own."

Hal wavered unsteadily. Thirteen years trapped inside these walls? She would have gone mad after thirty days. But more importantly…

"How can you not know of the Ra'zac? Thea's been working with them all this time. Did she not tell you?"

"Tell us what? She comes and goes as she pleases but we've never inquired as to what she's doing. She often returns with food and supplies for us. We don't question where she gets them from since they're often desperately needed."

Hal felt herself deflate with distress. There was a lot Hal needed to address, and she didn't know where to start. "You don't know why I'm actually here, do you?"

"Why does it matter? You are here now."

Zola looked so eager that Hal wished it was that easy. But she could not pretend away what Thea had done. Quietly, she began to detail the events of a year ago. Starting from the just a few months before she met Murtagh and Thorn, all the way through to when Thea forced Hal to become a Shade using the souls of their deceased villagers. She spoke of Denu, how Thea ruthlessly killed him. But when she got to siege of Ilirea, Zola promptly stood up and said, "Enough. I've heard enough."

"Aunt Zola, Thea is dangerous. She has murdered a countless number of innocent people. She had disrupted magic throughout all of Alagaësia. I can't let her actions go unpunished."

"Why should I care about Alagaësia and its inhabitants. They didn't care about us. We owe them nothing."

"Do not place blame that lies solely with Galbatorix and his soldiers on the innocent. It's not right, and you know it. I had to care for the families that were left behind. My goddaughter lost her mother. I lost my caretaker. Children were orphaned and traumatized —"

"Then they know what it is we endured that night. Good riddance."

Hal stared, horrified at the twisted look on Zola's face. "You can't mean that."

"I damn well can, and I damn well do. Even if Thea has done what you accuse her of —"

"You think I would lie about this?!"

"Well, she is also the sole reason we have made it as long as we have!" Zola snapped back. "Do you honestly think we could've survived out here without her. The journey alone nearly killed us all off. We were too afraid to stay where we thought Galbatorix could reach us. We were terrified he would hunt us down and finish us off. We forced ourselves to march for months to reach this place. And we were lucky. Lucky to find shelter that protected us from the elements and the predators. We thought the worst was behind us." She shook her head. "We endured everything, from illness to starvation. When Thea was old enough, she was the only one capable of controlling her magic. She helped us maintain the vegetation that otherwise would not have consistently bloomed. She even figured out how to put up the wards that provide further security from the creatures you so carelessly called forth. Everything she has done, she has done for the survival and wellbeing of our people. Of what is left, of our people. We would have perished long ago if not for her."

"And what of what she's done to me?" Hal whispered, terrified to hear the response. "Does that not matter because I am an outsider, even if not by blood?"

Zola sighed. "I didn't say that."

"Then what are you saying? Because from where I am sitting, my sister appeared out of nowhere and put her foot through the chest of the man who found me starved, dehydrated, and dying on the shores of Illium and took me in. Were you not grateful to him moments ago for my survival and wellbeing? My sister sent the Ra'zac to two villages on my island, including mine, and a major city, ensuring that innocent people would endure the same trauma we have all faced for the past thirteen years. And now, after chasing her to the farthest reaches of the land, I find my aunt by her side as though nothing about her demeanor or appearance is amiss."

To her credit, the woman didn't even flinch at the subtle accusation. She glanced up at Hal. "I truly am sorry for what you have endured. It is not a life I would have wished for you —"

"But it was still my life!" Hal got to her feet, shaking with uncontrolled rage. "It was mine! I waited for you to find me for years and you didn't, so I had to move on. I had to because the guilt was eating me alive and I couldn't bear it —"

Hal choked on her words and had to look away, putting her hands on her hips as she paced to try and relieve some of her energy and emotions. She stopped, staring at the ground, unable to even look at the woman who, last she spoke of, was with Murtagh, under a full moon. But she never fathomed that this was the conversation she'd be having after all this time. Hal watched her aunt for a moment, realizing the vast chasm that lay between them. How odd it felt to be strangers with her own kin.

She glanced over at her aunt. "Does it even bother you? All that Thea has done supposedly for your sake? The blood she has spilled that is irrevocably tied to the Sani people. History will not remember her kindly. Is that the legacy she deserved to have? The legacy of our parents who sacrificed their lives —"

"Don't you dare use my sister against me! I lost everything —"

"SO DID I!" Hal screamed. "WE ALL DID!" Before her aunt could speak again, she pressed forward in a quieter but no less tense tone. "I can't imagine the hardships you faced just getting here, and in all the long nights that followed. I can't, and I'm sorry that it happened. But I was ten and I was alone, having witnessed the same horrors you did but with no means of processing them. I had no one to talk to about what happened, let alone tell me that what happened wasn't my fault for twelve years. I had convinced myself that I did not deserve peace. Did not deserve happiness. And the things, the people, that would have brought me such satisfaction I kept at arm's length. I was stagnant, suppressing fears and lies about myself I hadn't even realized were permeating throughout my mind. But I knew what my mother sacrificed for me to get to the age I am now. To reach a point in my life where I could find someone to tell me that what I did wasn't my fault. To be able to sleep without waking up from nightmares. You took that from my sister and my sister turned around and took it from me. She was still just a child and yet you tell me that she was the sole provider for our people? What have you all been doing this entire time? Do you think because you decided to never leave this cave, you are somehow absolved of acknowledging the truth? You may have lost your sister, Aunt Zola, but I lost mine too. Twice."

Her aunt rose to her feet, guilt warring in her eyes. But her face was otherwise impassive.

"I refuse to believe that you are so far gone that you cannot see what Thea has become. I'm not asking you to forget. She took on more than I realized, and I'm so grateful that she kept you alive and safe long enough for me to find you again. But she has committed too many offenses to be ignored. I came here because I have to rectify that. I have to…"

Hal didn't know how to finish that, but clearly her intention was clear because Zola looked up, fire in her eyes. "You have to what, Halen? Are you here to kill your sister?"

Swallowing nervously, Hal answered, "I'd rather it be me than someone else she has offended. She has made many enemies in a short amount of time. None of whom will let her live."

The look of disgust and fear on her aunt's face made Hal immediately regret her honesty. She looked at Hal as Nasuada did last they spoke: like she was a monster. And Hal felt small under such a withering gaze despite standing in her convictions.

Zola went to the door, clearly no longer interested in entertaining this conversation. But before she left, she turned back to Hal. "I know it seems hard to believe, but this place is our home. We've made it work. And we will continue to make it work, so long as we need to. Do not interfere further on such matters. You've been welcomed as one of us; but, should you prove a threat, you will learn quickly how we deal with such matters."

Her words were punctuated by the slam of the door, sharp and final. Hal couldn't even tell if she was upset or surprised. While she knew that she had just had a conversation — albeit, a rather tense one — with her aunt, she might as well have been talking with a complete stranger. She didn't know what hurt more: that she felt this way, or that she wasn't even surprised that she did. And why should she think anything else? At this rate, she knew Murtagh a year and was confident she knew him better than her own kin. It would be foolish to believe that they could just pretend the painful years and memories away, but reality had struck swiftly and cruelly before Hal could truly savor the joy of seeing her aunt again.

Dropping back down on the cot, Hal's thoughts were in too much of a disarray to do anything more than just sit there and question everything she'd ever thought she'd known. But she knew she would not be guilt-tripped into regretting her feelings. She reached into her hair, seeking the comb Murtagh had given her and found it gone. She patted her head down desperately, and was about to search her pockets when she remembered that she had changed outfits.

Tears sprung back up in her eyes. She had already lost it. The one item of Denu she had. She leaned forward, clasping her hands together as though in prayer. If it wasn't for Thea, she would not think twice about being so sentimental over a comb. If not for Thea, Hal could've had Denu instead of something to remember him by. And no matter what hardships her sister may have faced or the fact that she was trying to protect the Sani, Hal would never forgive Thea for the attacks on Illium. She would never forgive Thea for putting her foot through the only person Hal had loved before Murtagh, especially when Hal had not even been able to love herself.

Hal came here to do one thing, and one thing only. Thea had made her choice. This was Hal making hers.

…

"Where do you think you're going?!"

Hal froze mid-step, grimacing at having been caught so easily. She turned around to find Morro standing a few steps away, her expression apprehensive although the hands on her hips struck an accusatory statement all their own.

"I'm trying to find my friends. Or a way out so I can find my husband." She gave her cousin a quick once-over. "I don't suppose you wish to help me in such endeavors?"

"Thea and mama said you are not to leave your room."

"I thought not," Hal mumbled to herself. In a louder voice, she said, "Well, if Thea and Aunt Zola wish to stop me, they are welcome to find me and do so themselves."

Hal turned to continue on her way, but Morro blurted, "Is it true then? You are married to the traitor?"

Clenching her jaw tightly to prevent the first words she thought of from coming out her mouth, Hal took a deep breathe before slowly turning back towards the young girl. Forcing calm into her voice, she said, "I take it you've spoken with your mother about me."

"And cousin Thea. They both do not say it in as many words, but they fear you've lost your way as Sani. That the servant of Galbatorix has filled your head with nothing but lies and deceit."

"I see," Hal responded tightly. "And did your cousin Thea tell you why I was here?" Morro shook her head. "I did not think so."

However, as Hal moved to continue on her own, Morro called out again. "But there is nothing Thea could have done that is worse than what Galbatorix did to our people. How could you marry one of his servants?"

It was the blatant disgust in Morro's tone, as clear-cut as her mother's when she had practically said the same thing. Hal dug her nails into her palm. Morro was a child. Regardless of her age, Hal could not so crudely confront her cousin as she did Aunt Zola and Thea, even if Morro was hardly showing her the same benefit. All she was doing was throwing back what she had heard. Hal had once herself made such immature remarks, it would be foolish to be defensive, even if she fully planned on talking to her aunt later about this conversation.

"Morro, I know you don't know me. And that travesty is one of Galbatorix's many sins committed against our people. But I will start off by telling you this: my husband was around the age of twelve when the attack took place. And unless you're going to suggest that Galbatorix was the type to take orders from children —"

"But he —!"

"Let me ask you this, Morro: what all do you know of the outside world besides what you hear from Thea and your mother?"

"I know all that I need to know."

"If that is true then why confront me at all? Do you think I lack the critical thinking my sister and my aunt possess? Do you believe, as they seem to, that I'm so stupid and incapable of taking care of myself that I allowed a magic user — who, mind you, cannot currently use magic at all — to corrupt me, take advantage of me and…marry me?"

The girl didn't relent, much to Hal's chagrin. "He still served that bastard king. He still has blood on his hand."

"So does Thea. And no," Hal intercepted quickly, seeing the retort in Morro's eyes, "I can assure you, they did not deserve it. And do not think to argue with me on that point. There are many things I will tolerate for however long you all choose to hold me. But Thea killed someone I loved out of nothing more than spite and cowardice, and she made sure I watched while it happened. I cannot fault you for the regard in which you hold your cousin, Morro, nor do I have the bandwidth to care, if I'm being honest. However, any mercy, any patience, I once had for my sister has gone. This business is between me and her. Do not let your mother have you making the mistake of assuming that this has anything to do with you."

Morro's lower lip trembled, hesitation, and perhaps fear, stymied her response. Only then did Hal realize she had started to cry, tears of anger and frustration magnifying the bitterness in her voice.

"Thea's not like that," Morro muttered weakly. "Everything she does is for a good reason. Mama wouldn't follow her otherwise. You don't know her —"

"No, I don't. She's not exactly someone I want to know either. And I think it's safe to say she feels the same way about me."

A heavy silence sat between them. Hal sighed, somewhat regretful for snapping at her cousin. Everything about this situation was all wrong.

"Your friends are okay."

Hal's gaze shot up. "How do you know that?"

"Because mama complains about the extra mouths to feed. I don't know where they are — she won't let me anywhere near them. I don't know anything else."

Hal felt one of the knots in her chest dare to loosen with relief at the news. Catching Morro's shy gaze, she offered a small smile. "Thank you. Truly."

Morro seemed unsure of herself, her teeth tugging on her lip with anxiety. "So why did you marry that man? How can someone serve Galbatorix and still be a good person?"

"Morro, it's complicated —"

"Don't talk to me like I'm a child!" Despite the way her voice got louder, there was a desperation underlying it. "Everyone treats me and everyone else my age like we're still infants. They won't tell us anything about the world we lost. And now suddenly you've appeared and there are whispers you traveled with elves and a dragon. You've seen what's out there and you know what it's like and you…"

Hal felt the defenses between them start to come down as she took a small step forward. "And I what?"

Morro's eyes began to shine with unshed tears, but she quickly wiped them on the back of her hand before continuing. "All my life, I've lived in these walls. All my life, I was told that we would perish if we left the confines of these caves. But if that's true, then how can you be here? They say your husband is a bad man but they praise the fact that you're alive. So, if you are Sani, how can you be married to someone they said was a traitor? Someone is lying to me, but I don't think you would. And I want the truth. I want to know why I have lived my life behind these walls and if there's truly a world out there worth leaving them for."

Hal who had been moving closer towards her cousin, came to a halt at this last statement, and truly studied her young cousin. Morro was smaller than she should have been. Sani women were strong, a given growing up on the islands. The physical labor alone gave them strong legs and arms. This close, however, Hal could see that the girl was nothing but sharp lines and edges caused by malnutrition. This close, however, Hal could also see the fire in her eyes. The same fire that Hal had felt in her own constitution once upon a time. A fire that made her impulsive and short-tempered, but also curious and eager to see a world she had almost missed out on.

She might not have arrived at the mainland as she had hoped, and there were certainly many experiences she would rather forget. But she had seen the Spine and had climbed the mountains that rested there. She had seen and felt the magic of Du Weldenvarden, the sprawling cities and the humblest of villages. Hal wanted to go home to Illium, it's true. But that did not mean she was done with all Alagaësia proper had to offer. She wanted more for herself. She wanted more for her people, and children like Morro.

"It was magic and violence," Hal stated. "That's what made Murtagh, my husband, serve Galbatorix. And when his dragon, Thorn, hatched for him, he was tortured as well for Murtagh's compliance. Galbatorix used dark magic to bind them to his will. They did things they aren't proud of, it's true. But they have and continue to make amends."

"And that's good enough?"

"Perhaps not for some, and I can't force their hand. But Murtagh is sweet and he's sensitive, even if he does not look it or want people to know. He loves fiercely and he protects me with honor. It is because he chose to lead a life where he would regain the trust of those he once hurt that I happily married him. Well, it's one of the reasons anyway." Hal took a deep breath. "In his own way, Murtagh was a victim of Galbatorix just as we were. But he has chosen to fight back and make his own path. I willingly, chose to remain beside him as he did just that.

"Oh, Morro, I do not think your mother or anyone lied to you, at least not willingly. They can only tell you what they know, and what they know is hindered by our past. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to grow up here. But if the gods had not been on our side that day, you and I would not be here at all. I have been given a chance to live the life my mother fought and died for me to have. It may not be the same, but Aunt Zola fought for this life for you as well. You have lived your life behind these walls so that you and the rest of the Sani would be safe from Galbatorix. Survival is ugly, but it is necessary. And you've done that, Morro. Now, you can take that first step into living however you want to. You just have to be bold enough to do it."

Morro snorted. "We will never leave these mountains. The so-called life you speak of is like trying to catch and hold the air itself."

Hal smiled. "That is because you view life too simply, cousin. Our hands may not be able to hold air, but our lungs do. Our skin can feel it when it blows, and it grows hot and cold as the temperature does. So, if that is possible, then so is the future you desire. Your life is out there, Morro. You just have to be open to experiencing it in ways that may not have been what you expected."

"Is that not frightening? The not knowing?"

"It can be. But you would not be alone. Thea and I don't agree on much of anything, but we will both give everything we have to protect the Sani."

At this, Morror's expression went slack with disbelief. "You…you would? Even after everything we've done?"

"I know trust will take time, but it does not change the fact that you all are my precious family. And I protect my family."

Morro nodded, looking pleased in a way that made her look even younger than her years. Then, looking eager, she said, "If you leave, can I come with you?"

"Absolutely not!"

Morro was the only one who jumped, Hal's gaze already settling into a cool, unbothered look as Zola appeared. Her eyes were narrowed but blazing with rage. When she reached them, she said, "Morro, leave us."

"But, mama —"

"Now!"

Morro fell silent, but her eyes glanced nervously at Hal who gave her a small nod of encouragement. Huffing, Morro spun on her heel and disappeared. Only when she was out of sight did Zola turn to Hal. "I would appreciate it if you did not fill her head with ideas. Under no circumstance is she to leave these walls, which have kept her safe her entire life."

"I was perfectly safe on Illium until Thea showed up so I cannot call your argument compelling. But if you must know, I didn't offer anything, she was asking. And I can't say I blame her. Heavens know what sort of stories you fill her head with."

"Are you implying something?"

"You do not have to like Murtagh Morzansson," Hal replied, her tone sharp. "You don't know him, so that's to be expected. However, he is my husband, and I am still Sani. If you cannot respect my marriage, at least have the courtesy to not badmouth him to my cousin. I was there that night too and have just as much reason to be wary of anyone who served Galbatorix as any other Sani here. But I spent a year getting to know him, including the knowledge that Galbatorix enslaved Murtagh and his dragon with magic. Murtagh has worked tirelessly to atone for his own sins, none of which had anything to do with us. So, I am asking you nicely, and I am asking you once: do not spread lies about Murtagh to our people. If you question his character, then you are doubting my judgement, which I can assure you, is perfectly sound."

Zola seemed conflicted, her brows pinched as she listened to Hal's speech carefully. "Enslaved, you say? And you know this to be true?"

"I do." She offered no further explanation.

Zola inhaled sharply, seemingly in deep thought as she looked away for a moment. Finally, she said, "You speak with more reason than most adults I know. I admire that in you."

Hal sighed. "But?"

However, her aunt shook her head. "No, no 'buts.' I was out of line, and you respectfully corrected me. You're right: I don't know this young man, but he made the conscious decision to marry my niece. So out of respect for you, I will refrain from making further judgement until I have a chance to evaluate him properly. Until then, I will keep my…opinions, to myself."

Exhaling with relief, Hal nodded. "Thank you."

There was a tense pause, one where neither woman looked at the other. Hal stared at the random hallway she had found herself walking down before Morro had stopped her, hoping to find Baldor and Eldrin or a way out to find the rest of their group.

"You were looking for your friends, weren't you?"

Hal turned back to Zola and nodded. "I just want to see them for myself, let them know I'm okay. Same with the others. Had you all not accosted us, we would not have known you were here. Yet we were cruelly separated. One travels with his brother, who has been left out in the cold, and both have sworn themselves to my protection. You fear those who are only here because they are trying to keep me alive. They will not harm the Sani, on that I can promise you. You killed one of our own while we were defenseless and unaware; the least you could do is offer shelter and food to the rest."

"You speak as if we have an abundance of resources to offer."

"My companions are not Sani. Perhaps if you consider asking nicely, they will offer to help hunt additional resources. We do have a dragon after all, and he does not eat light. Or did you forget how long the trek is between here and the mainland to think we simply held in our hunger."

"Don't be smart with me, child. Heavens, you're as bad as your mother."

Hal snorted, catching her aunt's gaze. Something about the comparison then made them both smile, and Hal's chest tightened with longing and joy. She recalled nothing of her mother's wit, but kept this thought to herself.

Hal could see Zola's mind thinking, carefully considering their options. She seemed tempted by the idea, and Hal added, "They cannot stay long. They will have to return to the mainland eventually, so they will not be a drain on resources forever. They can help stock up for now and be out of your way in a matter of weeks, maybe even days."

"And what of you? Will you go with them and leave the rest of us to fend for ourselves?"

Hal stiffened. She hadn't considered such a thing. "You know I cannot stay."

"I must have been mistaken then when I overheard you tell Morro that we were still family —"

"Don't." Zola's mouth snapped shut, the expression of hurt in Hal's eyes causing the woman to regret her callousness. "Don't say that. Not to me. You are my family, you will always be my family. But I moved on. I had to. Murtagh is my family now, as is Thorn. I have people waiting for me, including a goddaughter and now cousins through marriage. I cannot and will not forsake them."

A flicker of irritation passed over Zola's face before vanishing just as quickly. "I do not have the final say. I will talk with the others and see if they are comfortable letting your friends in. But I will tell you this now," — Zola squared her shoulders and looked on at Hal with an expression that made her throat tighten — "so long as you choose to stay, you will always have a place here. However, I will also protect what remains of our people. I cannot have you traipsing in and out of our lives while you shuffle back-and-forth between your 'new' life and this one. When your friends leave, if you go with them, you cannot come back."

Hal felt her breath catch in her chest.

"I do not say this out of spite or to be cruel," Zola added, her expression softening with sadness. "But to come in and out increases our risk of exposure. Not to mention that you cannot ask our people to watch you constantly leave, unsure if you'll ever return. They have endured enough, Halen. Do not add to their suffering for your own selfish gains. Once you've made up your mind, that's it. There can be no going back."