Wings of Starlight

by Allison Saft

“Well, that didn’t go entirely as planned.” She startled a laugh out of him. It was a nice sound, made sweeter for how rare it was. “No, it certainly didn’t.” “But we’ll find a way,” she said. “Next time will be better.” “Next time,” he echoed, as solemn as a promise. “I’ll need to get my coat repaired first.” She plucked at a loose thread on her sleeve. “I’m not sure how long it will take. It took a few days for her to make it the first time.” “I don’t mind,” he said. “I’ll wait for you.” Clarion frowned as he fixed his gaze straight ahead. There was something terribly vulnerable on his face. Loneliness. How could he not be? He spent his time poring over unreadable books or standing at the border or patrolling a prison he could not guard. He was so duty bound—and forever bound to fail. “I could come visit you,” she said—and immediately wished she could rephrase. It sounded far too eager to her own ears. She cleared her throat and added, “If you’re going to be there waiting anyway. We can strategize on what our next steps are.” Matching her feigned nonchalance, he replied, “As you wish.” She gave him a look that said, As I wish? Apparently unable to maintain the façade, he relented. “I would like that.” She did not mistake the faint pink burning on the tips of his ears. “Well, then,” she said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” His lips curled into a soft smile. “Tomorrow.” A strange lightness—a sort of giddiness—filled her up inside. Even though they soared high above the Winter Wo...