Manon scooped up both swords, sheathing Wind-Cleaver across her back, and stalked toward where Glennis and Bronwen stood, monitoring her every breath. Wordlessly, Manon handed Bronwen her sword, nodding in thanks. Then she removed the crown of stars and extended it toward Glennis. “This belongs to you,” she said, her voice low. The Crochans murmured, shifting. Glennis took the crown, and the stars dimmed. A small smile graced the crone’s face. “No,” she said, “it does not.” Manon didn’t move as Glennis lifted the crown and set it again on Manon’s head. Then the ancient witch knelt in the snow.
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