Can I take you to dinner this week?
I’m not sure.
Is that a yes or a no?
It’s an I don’t know.
Are you opento persuasion?
Like what kind?
I turned to Oban.“What kind of pose would you do to make Faelan feel bad for me and go out with me?”
Oban tilted his head and thought about it before rolling on his back and holding his paws in the air.
“That’s perfect, mate. You’re an excellent wingman.” I snapped the photo and sent it.
Oban misses you.
I’m happy to go on a date with Oban then.
Unfortunately, we’re a package deal.
Hmmm.
I gotta run, my dinner’s almost ready. Night, night, Faelan.
I clickedoff and deliberately ignored the next text, knowing she was probably annoyed thatI hadn’t answered her about the flowers. A little mystery was good in life, though, and I hoped it would keep her intrigued enough to consider a date with me. But I pondered Oban’s words for a moment.
“She pulled me back. She’s more powerful than you think.”
If Oban was right, I’d need to keep a careful eye on her.
“All right, lad. One perfectly seared salmon coming your way.”
CHAPTER TEN
Faelan
The rock hit me right beneath the eye, splitting my skin, and causing a trickle of blood to roll down my cheek.
“Witch! Dirty witch!”
“At least I’m not a bloody eejit!” I bent to pick up a good-sized rock when my arm was seized and I whirled around, gaping at my mum.
“He’s not worth it, Faelan.” Eriska dragged me past the cottages where families stood on their doorsteps, their faces drawn. Eriska waved her fist at them. “Shame on you. Shame on you all.”
People drew back inside, ducking their heads as we passed, their whispers following us. Once we were outside town, and back at our car, Eriska pulled me into the back seat and wiped my face. Immediately, I felt the pain beneath my eye lessen as she used hermagick to heal the cut.
“I’m not a dirty witch, am I, Eriska?”
“No, Faelan. My sweet, powerful child. You’re charmed is what you are.”
“Cursed,” I mumbled, wiping my nose with the back of my hand.
“No, you listen to me, Faelan of the flowers. Don’t listen to what anyone says. Ever. You’re charmed. Kissed by the fairies, you are. It’s a gift what we have, and that’s the truth of it. My wee lucky charm.”
She’d kissed me on the nose, we’d packed, and then left town within the hour.
