Rosario was trekking through the forest with Caius, mainly carrying the squirrels and rabbits Caius had managed to snag.

"So listen, Caius." He stopped. "I need to tell you something."

For the past few days, Rosario had been contemplating what he'd done, and how awful he felt about it. The guilt was crushing, and it took a toll on him both physically and mentally. After just three weeks, he had lost so much weight that he was almost half the size he was before. He hadn't slept for more than four hours every night, and he was exhausted. He woke up in cold sweats, had panic attacks at random, and his nightmares were worse than any he'd ever had.

Caius had been there for him all along, forcing him to eat, getting a sleeping draught for him, and just generally being amazing. Rosario couldn't bear another minute of Caius not knowing what he'd done.

"Ro, are you alright?" Caius set down his bow, helping Rosario to sit down.

Rosario shook with heavy tears. "I... I did something awful, Caius. And I want to tell you, even though I know you'll hate me for it."

"I could never hate you." Caius cocked his head to the side, taking Rosario's hand.

"Yes, you could. And you will." Rosario took a deep breath, gearing himself for what he had to say, and for Caius's reaction. "I... I'm a-"

A large gust of wind drowned out Rosario's words, followed by a heavy thud.

"Zephrine!" Caius dropped everything and ran in the direction of where he believed his sister was.

Rosario followed, trying hard to keep up.

"You did fine, Seyr." Xavier was stroking a white dragon's snout. "And we will get your wing patched up, and it'll stay intact." He carried a big black bundle close to his chest, breaking down as he saw Caius's face drop.

"What happened?" Caius stared at the cloth in despair.

"It was Fulke. Rosario, you were right." Xavier nodded to Rosario, who realized the cloth was actually Zephrine, unconscious.

"What did he do to her?" Caius was strangely calm, calmer than he should have been in this situation.

"I don't know, but if we don't get her to Rhys quickly, she won't make it."

"Let me take her!" Caius held out his arms.

"It happened on my watch, Caius. It's my fault, I'll fix it." Xavier shook his head, holding Zephrine closer.

"She's my sister! That tops any other argument you've got!"

"I'm sorry, I can't let you do that." Xavier bolted into the castle, Caius at his heels, Rosario dogging behind.

Xavier nearly broke down the door with his furious knocking. As Rhys opened, furious at first, then relieved, then shocked, Rosario left the scene. He couldn't bear to see any more of the damage he'd caused. With a heavy sigh, he sat at the foot of the steps.

Maybe he would wait to tell Caius about how this was all his fault until he knew if Zephrine was okay.