Later that evening, Gem stood on the cliffs overlooking the lake. Far below, Nali’s ship could be seen. Every once in a while, the Thunderbirds would raise their wings and the crackle and pop of the electricity they emitted could be heard along with the explosions of fireworks high in the sky.
Her people were celebrating being alive and safe. The sound of laughter and the squeals of young children running through the gardens warmed her heart a little. Yet, everything felt different. She felt different.
“The occasion is far too joyous to be so sad, my Lady,” Ashure said from behind her.
Gem sighed and looked at Ashure with a raised eyebrow. “Are you leaving?” she asked.
Ashure nodded. “Yes. My ship has arrived,” he explained.
She looked at him in surprise. “Surely there is nothing so p
