I noticed he didn't attach a trait to the last one but I was too excited by the new information to care.
"Do you know where they live?" I demanded.
"I only know one. Nautilus lives by the coast."
That matched up with what the gossipy coyote shifter Tai said. I was giddy with excitement. My wish was becoming tangible. Soon it would be within my grasp.
"Bear, what's up?" Ashe asked.
I couldn't tell him the whole truth so I gave him a half-baked answer. "I'm seeking a spirit. I need their help."
Ashe and Starry exchanged a glance. From the looks on their faces, they didn't seem to think it was a good idea.
"I don't know if they'd help you," Ashe said slowly, like he was trying to let me down easy. "From what I've heard, they seem pretty fickle. I'm not sure messing with them on purpose is a good idea."
A flicker of irritation made me huff. "It's not up for debate. I have to do this."
But Ashe held my gaze. "If you'd tell us why, we could help you. Maybe you don't need a spirit at all?"
Ashe didn't understand. Nobody did. I doubted even Starry comprehended the depth of my yearning. She seemed satisfied with her condition, but I wasn't. I'd never be able to find a mate while I was broken.
I signed firmly. "Only a spirit can help me."
Starry frowned, biting her lip, but didn't comment.
Ashe narrowed his eyes like he wanted to argue with me, then sighed. "Fine. But I'm coming with you."
"You can't. Your injuries—"
He cut me off. "Are healed enough. I took a walk by myself today and nothing bad happened, remember?"
His wounds were slightly agitated but a layer of healing poultice and a night's rest would fix him up. In all honesty, his injuries were mostly healed by this point. He was fine to make a journey.
I tried not to let it show that I was secretly ecstatic Ashe chose to come with me, even if he had no idea why I had to make this journey. I imagined the smile on his face when I made my wish and the spirit finally granted me the power of speech. The thought of it made my heart swell.
"Deal."
Ashe smiled. "It's settled, then. Tomorrow we'll head out to find this spirit of yours."
* * *
Being plaguedby my usual nightmares ruined my sleep and I woke up late the following morning. A voice from outside drifted into the hollow. Ashe's voice. He was talking to someone who wasn't speaking back. Starry.
I got up and silently padded closer to the entrance. I didn't see them but their voices floated down from above. They must've been on the roof of the hollow.
"Ugh, I hate waking up this early," Ashe mumbled. "What did you want to—huh? What do you mean?"
My da's old scolding echoed in my head.Bad boy. Don't eavesdrop.
This time, it really did feel like I was doing something wrong, but I was too curious to stop.
"What?" Ashe asked in a lower voice. "But then, this is all pointless."
My heart dropped. What was pointless?
"No, I can't do that," Ashe said firmly. "I already promised."
Silence. Starry must be responding.
