Sanctuary would be safe, thanks to Feather. But I was the one who should have paid that price.
Maybe it wasn’t too late. She was still there. If I paid a penance, offered some part of me to the gate, perhaps I could tear her free and we could find a solution. One that wouldn’t endin her unmaking and Mikhail’s death… and my own grief for the girl I’d failed. And loved.
But what could I offer, short of my life? Protectors had no real possessions. No treasure, no gold, nothing to give away. There was one traditional penance, however, that was recorded in our ancient histories. One steep price that had been accepted as restitution on three separate occasions, when a member of Sanctuary had grievously wounded another, both physically and spiritually.
I shuddered, knowing what I had to do, before anyone could stop me. Before it was too late.
The right thing is almost always the scary thing, Feather had said. If that was true, then my only way forward was to face my fear, suffer the pain. Make a true sacrifice, redeem myself, and bring Feather back.
Bring Tili back.
Something brushed against my knuckle, and I opened my eyes to see a silver feather, gleaming like pure starlight on the floor next to me. One of hers, somehow left behind.
I wrapped my fingers around it and tucked it into my robe pocket. Then, I picked up the Celestial sword I’d carried to protect the gate, set it to the base of my wing, and began making the first cut.
Epilogue
ATOM GIRL
The world was made of ice and fire, darkness and a light so intense it seared… not my eyes. I didn’t have eyes now. I was atoms.
A rush of something pressed close.Stop, I thought.You’ll shake my atoms apart.
Atoms?
Yes, atoms.
Who are you?The presence came closer, and an image of a sea monster brushing by the side of a tiny ship appeared in my thoughts. Not that I should have thoughts. I was atoms, right?
I’m Atom Girl,I answered.I think I’m a superhero.
I think you’re a silly, reckless soul,a familiar voice said. The tone was full of anger, but also wonder.It’s you. Here.
Rumple?
Yes, Little Sacrifice?
Great Sacrifice, I corrected, only slightly offended. A shock of pain bounced between all my parts. It felt like I was watery pudding, and he was stirring me with a blade.Stop mixing up my atoms. It hurts.
I’m trying to heal you.He sang for a while, one of my favorite songs, while my atoms squished around uncomfortably.What have you done, little one? Why are you here?
I guessed your name,I replied, my atoms not wanting to tell him all that had happened in Sanctuary.Had to come and tell you. Remember what you said you’d give me if I guessed it?
A wash of desire and despair.
And what do you think my name is?His voice was rough.
Seraphiel, silly.
