Thailyn had been spending as much time as he could with Pisha, telling her everything he could think of about her son and what had happened while she’d been in a coma and passing messages from the others. Finally, he came with good news. “Your brother was arrested. The only relatives available are Ruzi and Sinta. Both want you healed.” “Why was he arrested?” Pisha asked. “He attacked Drepal.” “That monster is in Erilu?” She looked horrified. “That monster is my daughter,” Thailyn said more crossly than he’d meant to. He reminded himself to watch his temper. “Your daughter?” “She’s Ann’s twin sister. The immortal that killed their mother took her and gave her to Lyra. Lyra captured her and turned her into that monster. She was only a child when she was made to do all those terrible things. She’s changed. She doesn’t kill or hurt people anymore. Emeton pardoned her and when they learned why, the other kingdoms’ rulers did too. “The elders weren’t happy to see her, but they were aware she was coming. And there were witnesses to the attack. She may have said things he didn’t like, but nothing that came close to warranting an attack. “He’s lucky she didn’t kill him.” “She doesn’t do that anymore, not without Emeton’s permission. She might’ve caused him some serious injury, but then I’d just have to heal him. This way, her little brother’s mom is the one I’ll heal.” “Her little brother. Drepal is my son’s sister.” “Before you condemn her, meet her. Get to know the woman she’s become. She isn’t the Monster of the North anymore. And when it comes to family, she thinks like a dragon. Her dad adopted a boy. That boy’s mom is family too. So are all of the mom’s relatives.” “Ruzi, me, Sinta, Vaila, Shunati, Vor, and Deyama?” Pisha listed, following the trail of relations. “And Jerta. There’s also Ruzi’s half-sister, Vonnie, and her parents, Rejenn and Cesni, and her brother Merban. She’s very protective of family.” “She and Ann together killed Lyra, Nor’than, and one of the immortals that tried to take over the palace to protect their family.” “You care a great deal for her. I’ll give her a chance.” “There’s one thing, she and Ann are white dragons. They don’t like to be called White Wyrms. My brother, Tercala, doesn’t mind as much but we just don’t mention it.” “Will you be the one to heal me? I know Shunati is probably busy, but Jerta should be strong enough.” “I’m healing you now. I have been. It’s going to take several days. I spoke with Jerta, but he couldn’t get away. We’ve moved you to Green Glen. Once you’re healed and strong enough, we’ll take you to Sen-gan. You’re not going to be banished or marked for death, but you’re not exactly welcome here either.” “Why are they being so lenient?” “I told them what you said about Ruzi’s dad being abusive. They made some assumptions and ran with them.” “You lied.” “I worded things the right way. The life of my son’s mother is at stake. I’m sorry if I stepped out of place.” “It’s okay.” She smiled. Thailyn found himself admiring that smile. He pushed the thought away. “Cesni also testified that he’d done something similar to her. Because of the uniqueness of the scars, they believe it was the same person. “I won’t be able to heal those scars now. They take quite an effort. Lamdi would be a better one to do it.” “That’s okay.” “I’m not sure about your hip if I’ll get that fully repaired either.” “All I want is to see Ruzi.” “You will. I need to go for today. I’ll see you tomorrow.”