---
He whispered half-dream to Fenna. "When dust settles— our guild. (Emberkind.) Training novices, protecting wild beasts."
She hummed approval. "And… What about our wedding?"
Heat flushed his cheeks in the dark. "Let's not talk about that. You know I like you. But first we must get stronger. Then we will be together."
Her thumb traced his jaw. "I already found my sky." She pressed a gentle kiss to his collarbone, breath warm. Aurora stirred, chirped— then dozed again.
Zephyr's eyelids finally sagged. "Tomorrow we win."
"Tomorrow," Fenna echoed.
The house creaked softly; city lamplighters shouted last calls; fog rolled low through alleys. In the Flintfeather courtyard, Star lifted his head at distant thunder— perhaps an omen, perhaps forge carts. He yawned smoke, watched a meteor streak across zenith, then settled once more, tail curling around the courtyard gate.
