At some point, I must have passed out on my stool, my face smooshed against the bed.
I raise my head. The window is open and the vines have crept in. The moonflowers’ glow is fading with the dawn. The dark blossoms’ heads droop, their petals floating to the floor. They’re withering before my eyes.
Something glitters in the candlelight—a flash of jewels gleaming amid the bedclothes an inch from my fingertips. I frown and am just reaching for it when Ma’s hand settles over mine.
She turns her head and her lips part. “Rose?
“Ma?”
She squints at me. Her eyes are clear. “Is that you? I dreamed—”
“It’s me,” I manage, my throat tight. “I’m here.” I squeeze her hand lightly. “How are you feeling?”
A smile touches her lips. “I’m better.”
An earthenware cup of water floats past me and towards her. I help her take a sip. She drinks it all greedily, and reaches for the mug of steaming, sweet tea that Rogue brings next.
“Help me up,” she says, her voice sounding stronger. I rush to prop pillows behind her. “Been in this bed too long,” she mutters—and that’s when I know she’ll be okay.
Overwhelmed with exhaustion and relief, I burst into great, gulping sobs.
“Rose?” Ma sounds alarmed. “Child, are you all right? Did you sleep here all night?”
“Yes.” I dash at my cheeks. “I’m okay, I just thought—”
“Would take more than a little fever to kill me.”
“Oh my god…” I drag in a shuddering breath, “I was so afraid you would die. It was the curse—”
“What is that?” Ma is frowning at the rumpled quilt. She tugs the blanket and something heavy and shiny tumbles out. A crown.
My crown.
“Ulf’s breath.” Ma snatches her hand back. “How did that get here?”
I pluck it from the bed. The brilliant, red-black jewels wink at me. “Rogue must have packed it with my satchel…”
“Hello?” someone calls up the stairs. Leelah.
“We’re up here!” I call. “Ma’s awake.”
“Thank Ulf.” Leelah opens the door and stands aside as Rogue sweeps past her, bringing a platter with more mugs of tea, and plates of sweet cakes. Her jaw drops and she points at the floating tray.
“It’s all right, it’s just thewhisps,” I say, once again staring at the crown in my hand. “The king’s wind servants I told you about yesterday.”
“Right. Thank you.” Leelah accepts the mug of tea Rogue brings to her, and gives a little curtsey. “I just came to tell you. The news is all over the kingdom. The curse is gone. The Red Death has passed. Everyone has recovered—the villagers are dancing in the streets.”
“Are you sure?” Things are happening so fast, my head is spinning.
“It’s a miracle,” Leelah says.
“It is indeed.” Ma straightens, reaching for a sweet cake. Something catches the light at the base of her throat.
Leelah gasps and points to Ma.
“What is it?” Ma pats her front. Her shawl has fallen open to reveal her neck and upper chest. Right there, just below her collarbone, is a huge, silver handprint—an Alpha-sized handprint. But not just any Alpha. I’d recognize the size of that paw anywhere.
“He was here,” I whisper. I clutch the crown to my chest.
