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"Okay," he said, badly in need of a distraction hi Tellto sleep," she said

"Well, it's really different, depending on who you are," said Gregor

"Then tell me about one of your days," said Luxa

So, he did He told her about the last day he'd been up there, since it was freshest in his mind He told her about hoas Saturday, so there was no school, and how he'd helped Mrs Corht Lizzie the puzzle book and then had taken Boots sledding He didn't dwell on the lack of food or his dad's illness, since talking about those things oing on around them, anyway He concentrated on the nicer parts of the day

Luxa would ask a question here or there, usually if he used an unfamiliar word, but htfully for a few minutes Then she said, "I wish I could see the snow"

"You should cohed "No, really, you should come up for a day Or a few hours, at least It's pretty cool, where I live IBut New York City is so else"

"You do not think Overlanders would find e?" asked Luxa

It was a problem That translucent skin, those violet eyes"We'll put you in long sleeves and a hat and sunglasses," Gregor said "You won't look any stranger than about half the people who live there" Suddenly he felt alo out when it's kind of dark, so the sun won't blind you I ot a slice of pizza, that'd be like nothing you've ever seen!"

They were both happy for aso where she pushed at her crown "Of course, the council would never pero"

"Oh, yeah, and that's the kind of thing that would stop you," said Gregor

She gave hirin and was about to anshen Howard let out a moan

"Pandora?" he said Howard sat up so quickly, he had to grab hold of Temp to steady himself His eyes darted around and landed on the three bats huddled together He looked upward as ifjust overhead But of course, she wasn't "Pandora?" he said His hand touched his bruised jaw, and he turned to Mareth

"You could not save her, Howard None of us could," Mareth said gently

Gregor could al down on Howard, crushing hian to sob It was heartbreaking to watch

Boots went over and patted him on the back of the neck "Okay You okay You okay, baby," she said soothingly This hat they said to her when she was upset Her sweetness only seemed to make Howard cry harder Boots looked over at her brother "Ge-go, he cry"

Gregor knew she wanted him to help To make it better But he didn't have a clue what to do Then so unexpected happened

Luxa stood up, her face paler than usual She went to her cousin, sat beside hi her forehead into his shoulder, she said, "She will fly with you always You know this She will fly with you always"

Howard buried his face in her lap She leaned her cheek against the top of his head And it was a long ti