He’d been born early. Mom wasn’t even sure he would survive-that’s what she told him later. As a baby he was tiny and furless, floppy skinned, and so weak he could barely cling to her fur.

Before his mother could hold him back, he flunged himself into the air and plunged towards a growing patch of flame. He battered it with spreaded wings, again and again, until it sputtered out.

This was the third night they’d spent with Goth and Throbb, and they were still navigating by the cathedral star. He wondered how long it would be before they caught up with all the other Silverwings.

Crouched in his hiding place, he could see Throbb turning slowly, seeking him out with beams with sound. The Brightwings head fell from his jaws and rolled to one side, so I could see the face.

“Waterfall” Marina said. I’ve seen one before. “What do we do now?” Shade had never seen such a thing. Roaring water falling straight down through the air.

With Marina at his side, he went to Ariel. They swirled around one another in amazement and glee before roosting on a ledge. I pushed my face into her warm, fragrant fur. Her wings enfolded me.