A lone figure sat in the darkened room. The battle was won. The army was returning victorious. But there was no joy in her heart. Somewhere to the north, her daughter lay, dying. Tylan sat in Ann’s room grieving. In the past, each time Ann had disappeared there had been hope she was still alive, that she might return. Each time, she had. This time was different. Pt’this would bring her body home after she had passed. The court, the nobles, could come pay their respects then. It wasn’t going to happen while the girl breathed. Tylan would see to that. But, that meant she couldn’t be with her daughter either so she sat in Ann’s room day and night waiting for news, listening for dragon’s wings, watching for the daughter who would never return. The room was cold this night, unusually cold for this time of year. Tylan took a blanket from Ann’s bed and wrapped up in it. Surprisingly, the servants hadn’t washed it yet. It smelled like Ann. The room seemed colder. She turned to the fireplace. Could it be? Was that frost? There was frost growing on the fireplace. Within seconds the fireplace Ann had enchanted to light whenever she was near was frozen over, encased in ice. Tylan collapsed on the bed, sure Ann was gone. *** Then Ann found the magic. She reached out and drained her fireplace of the spell she used to light it. It wasn’t enough to wake her, but it gave her the foundation she needed. She searched for more magic. She could use anyone’s this time. She found it in two sources and brought them to her. She felt a wave of pain as she did. She ignored it. It would be the last time she felt that pain. Finally, she was strong enough. She opened the exit and went through. *** Andy sat next to Ann’s bed, his head down on the bed. He didn’t cry because he was out of tears. He had given Pt’this Ann’s message, and Pt’this had translated. She was ready to die. She didn’t want Andy to pine over her any longer. Pt’this had said he’d take care of it. Andy had asked Pt’this to wait just a little longer. He had accepted the inevitable and said his goodbyes, but he wouldn’t leave her side until she was gone. A hand touched his shoulder. He didn’t move. He was tired of Pt’this and Sapphire constantly checking on him. “Andy,” a voice whispered. He looked up. Ann, eyes barely open, smiled weakly at him. “I love you.”