"It's not a happy ending!" she wept, as Elena stared at her, dumbfounded. "It will never be a happy ending! How can I possibly have a happy ending when I am going to have to spend the rest of my life without the creature I love?" Elena blinked at her, as did virtually everyone else in the courtyard. "You did say 'creature,' am I correct?" Elena asked cautiously. "And you do mean-" But she had already run across the courtyard and flung herself at Peri's neck, wrapping both arms around it. "I mean I am in love with Periapt," she cried, sobbing. "And I don't care who knows it! He's clever, he's wise, he's kind and gentle, he's noble-" And to her shock and amazement, Peri let out a bellow that sounded positively heartbroken. "I will never love anyone but you!" he cried. "I swear, I will never take a mate if it can't be you, and I don't care if they exile me from the clan forever for that. Let them exile me!" He shook his head violently as he looked down at her. "If only you could be a dragon, or make me human!" he cried, curving his neck around her and holding her close. Andie wept on, consumed with despair. "I will never, ever, ever find someone I love as much as you."