The Astronomer's Warning

Master Aldric was already old when the second star faded, and he looked older now, as though the sky were taking years from him along with its light.

"It is not a natural passing," he told the council, his voice thin but steady. "Stars do not simply leave. Something is calling them home, or swallowing them. I cannot yet say which."

Wren listened from the gallery, her father's lantern hanging from her fist. It was the only thing he had left her. She had not lit it since the funeral. She was afraid that if she did, she would see his shadow walking ahead of her, and she would have to follow, and she would never come back.