Page 46 of The Searching Songbird

“I didn't say I couldn't do it at all, Shendri. I'm fairly certain I can recall my previous form, which was far less conspicuous.”

What are we waiting for then? Let's do it!

Lily slid the windowpane up and closed her eyes, focusing on the ball of light that was forming within her chest. A second later, the light flared out, filling the room as a small, red bird appeared, fluttering its wings as it hovered before her. A wave of nostalgia rolled over her, pulling her lips up in a smile despite the havoc that had been wrought upon her emotions the last few hours.

“My sweet, little Suzu. I missed you like this.”

The little bird fluttered over to the windowsill. “And you'll have to continue missing me like this after we're done here. I much prefer being a phoenix to this...this... chickadee.”

“Alright, alright. I hear you. Now, let's not lose him.”

“I'm on it.” The bird disappeared out the window. “There's just one problem, Shendri.”

And what's that?

“We have no idea when he's actually meeting with Bade, if that's even who he's actually meeting. It might be awhile, and the strain of holding our connection may be too much.”

I can hold out.

“Sure, but for how long...”

As long as I need to.

“… take care, Shendri.”

And you take care not to lose him. This is important, Suzu. I have to know. I... I just have to.

Lily sank down onto the floor beside the open window, leaning her back against the wall as she took a slow breath in. There has to be a reason for them being together. She parted her lips as she blew the air out as slowly as she'd breathed it in. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Deep and even. Relax the shoulders.

He wouldn't betray me.

Her breath stuttered as the sudden thought wormed its way into her brain. What if he had? What if he was in line with the long-forgotten villain? What if –

Breathe now. Worry later.

There would be time enough to stress over what Draven was or wasn't doing after she observed his meeting. For now, all that mattered was staying conscious long enough to witness it.

“He's entered a building called The Burrow. I'll have to find a way to slip in unnoticed...”

Suzu's voice, fainter than usual due to the distance between them, echoed through her mind as she slipped further into her meditated state. Several long minutes passed in silence before she heard it again.

“I'm in, and I've got eyes on Draven. So far he's just sitting by himself in the corner, reading the paper. Bade is nowhere in sight.”

More time passed without further updates. Sweat began to bead on Lily's forehead as the initial strain of holding the connection set in, but she ignored it, focusing instead on keeping her breath steady.

“Nothing yet, Shendri... how are you faring? Should we stop?”

No. No, I'm fine. I can hold it. As long as we need.

“We've never gone longer than this before... I'm not sure what will happen if you overexert yourself.”

It doesn't matter. Just, keep waiting. Please.

“If you're sure...”

I'm sure.

An hour later, Lily was anything but sure, as she lay sprawled on the floor, her clothes soaked in sweat as painful spasms racked her body. Tears ran down her cheeks as she finally admitted to herself she was at the limit of her ability and with nothing to show for it.