Blackfeather Woods deciphered the clockwork

She hated to go back here—but she must. 

Sakhmet still was nowhere to be seen, which means she could only be one place. . .right? She must have gone back into the familiar forest, the haunted paths she knew so well. Maegi prayed with each breath she would find her daughter here,

and for once lately, her prayers were answered.

Sakhmet! Maegi called to the ruddy shadow, limping toward her with breathless gasps. She thrust herself forward, hoping to take the girl into her embrace, to feel the warm, young pelt against her and know that she was safe. That she was here.

Were you here all along, tala? she whispered, pulling back to stare desperately into Sakhmet's pale gaze. She continued to press her daughter for answers, even as they made their way back to the meadow.