Broken Antler Fen My eclipsed sun

Despite the stalwart presence of Wraen beside her, her mother's words filled Lilitu with fear. Not just whatever had happened. . .but Ibis's mention of going to help. The enormity of half her family missing had really settled upon the girl in recent days, and she felt a not-so-crazy twinge of fear that if Ibis left, she would not return, either.

Don't go, Lilitu blurted, then amended, I mean. . .do you have to go? Um. If you have to go, I want to go with you. Please. 

Mama would not vanish—not on her watch. She glanced at her aunt, pleading. She couldn't bear the thought of being cooped up here while Ibis went off God knows where. And if they said no, she'd follow anyway.