Wings of Starlight (Wings of Pixie Hollow)

by Allison Saft

Autumn is all about reflection and slowing down. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned not to worry about things before they happen.”

Hyacinths sprung from the earth all around them in shades of white and vibrant pink and soft purple. They gave off a damp, green scent, as ethereal as spring itself. “Spring is all about renewal,” Iris said serenely. “When things seem impossibly dark, bulb flowers are sparks of hope. It takes time for things to bloom. You just have to be patient and nurturing.”

“Especially on the Mainland, summer is a season of opposites—a time where you want to do nothing and do everything. Humans are equally likely to spend an entire day lying in the grass as to stay up all night dancing beneath the stars. The heat has that effect on them.” How she wished she had such luxury. “I see.” “What I mean to say, I suppose, is that summer encourages us to savor our time, in whichever way we choose to.”

If she had learned anything these past few weeks, it was that each season was essential. Milori had not shared with her Winter’s wisdom the way the other ministers had, but he hadn’t needed to. She’d seen it for herself firsthand. Winter taught endurance—how to hold on to hope, even in the longest, darkest nights.