Chapter24: This Has to Work

Maerilee As soon as River and I step into my mother’s chamber, I’m struck by how still it is. My father stands near the bed, his hand resting gently on my mother’s arm, while my three siblings, Jimmen, Orindan, and Carmelina, are gathered around the room, their faces pale and drawn with worry. The weight of the situation hangs in the air, thick and suffocating. My mother, once so vibrant, now looks so small, so fragile, lying there motionless. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I have to be strong. For her. For all of them. “I’m going to try something,” I say, my voice trembling slightly, but I force confidence into it. “I’m going to erect a barrier to keep you safe while we figure out how to save her.” My family watches me closely, their eyes filled with hope and fear. I can feel their expectation pressing down on me, and for a moment, the weight of it makes me falter. But I shake it off. I have to do this. I can’t fail. I focus on the magic within me, on the connection I’