“Seriously?” Riley stared at it. “I’m allowed to take it?”
“It is yours.”
“She was our sister,” Luna said. “We will mourn what she might have been.”
“And grieve for what she chose to be,” Celene added. “And cherish what has come home. For Aegle, the radiant, the Fire Star.”
“For Aegle, the radiant, the Water Star.” Luna turned with her sister.
“For Aegle, the radiant, the Ice Star.” Arianrhod lifted her hand with the other goddesses. In them the stars whirled and pulsed.
And flew, streaking into the sky, leaving their trail of light on their journey to the moon. The people of Glass roared as the stars settled, a perfect curve, to shine.
“And there they will ever be, for all the worlds to see, to wonder, to hope.” Once more Aegle held out her hands. “Safe journeys, Guardians of Glass. The door will always be open for you.”
“Go in joy.” Celene crossed her hands over her heart.
“In love.” Luna laid a hand on hers.
“In peace.” Arianrhod tapped a fist on hers.
And Riley found herself standing with the others by the seawall of Bran’s home.
“Wow,” Sawyer managed. “That just happened.”
Laughing, still wearing the ball gown, Annika turned cartwheels over the lawn.
“Home again.” Bran drew Sasha close.
“And all’s well.”
“I have a magick sword.”
Doyle glanced down at Riley. “You’re going to need training.”
“Yeah, yeah, but I’ve got a magick sword.” She drew it, lifted it toward the sky. “And look.”
The sword glinted as it pointed to the three stars under the moon. “There they are. We did that. And what do you think astronomers are going to have to say about it?”
“Only you,” Doyle said with a shake of his head. Then he cupped her face, looked into the eyes he loved. “Only you.”
“I call for a moment. Gather up, team.” Sawyer managed to grab Annika.
“A major moment.” Riley clasped Doyle’s hand, slid an arm around Sasha’s waist. Waited while the others moved in close, joined.
So the guardians could stand, above the sea, under the Stars of Fortune.
United.