The Brothers released Aurie and freedom so uplifted her that she engaged in cheerful banter with the others as if no time had passed, as if nothing had changed. My irritation with her was like a hot ember hidden beneath the grey ash of a burnt log. I wondered how she could have even considered choosing them over me. Given how much else I had to do like preparing us for the journey ahead, I tried to ignore the smoldering coal in my heart. 

Ursel, having recovered from her Shadow wound, along wi...