His eyes dart to the side, and I see Dorian coming to join us. My friend looks back at me with a grimace. “I didn’t do what you asked. I didn’t make sure Dorian stayed asleep. Instead, I…I did the opposite.”
“I can attest to that,” Dorian says.
I frown, looking back at Podaxis.
He takes a step back, eyes averted. “I didn’t mean for him to die, Maisie. Only for him to—I don’t know—convince you to take your mother’s bargain. I had no idea he’d kiss you. Either way, I went against your wishes.”
My stomach sinks. I admit, I’m disappointed he didn’t respect my need to make my own choice regarding Nimue’s bargain. He brought Dorian into this after I asked him not to. His actions got the man I love killed.
But, in the strangest turn of fate, they also led to us both being able to live.
He shifts from foot to foot again. “Can you ever forgive me? Someday?”
“You’re already forgiven. I just want to know one thing. What made you decide to shift?”
Another grimace. “Well, you see…Dorian was deeply asleep. I tried pinching, jabbing. He only swatted me away. That’s when I realized hands might be useful. To be entirely honest, I’ve been practicing shifting now and then, but never for too long. I was…too afraid to let anyone see me. This time, though, it felt a bit urgent so I…” His eyes dart to Dorian again, expression apologetic.
“So he punched me in the gut with his fist.”
My eyes go wide as they lock on Dorian. Only now do I notice a mild red mark at the center of his stomach.
He laughs. “You’re strong for someone who has rarely used hands.”
Podaxis shrinks down, shoulders bunched up. “Sorry.”
Dorian shrugs. “I’m not. It allowed me to save her.”
“And me to save you,” I add. “Sort of.”
“How did you save me, anyhow?” he asks, brows lowered. “How am I alive?”
I sigh. “It’s…a complicated story, but I’ll tell you.” I open my mouth to begin explaining the Twelfth Court, my ability to travel there, and Nimue’s mysterious powers over life and death, when Podaxis speaks.
“So, neither of you are mad at me?”
Dorian and I say, “No,” in unison.
“Great. Because there’s something I should do at the theater. Perhaps if I get there early enough…” He frowns down at his legs.
I extend an arm and hesitantly ask, “Do you want to shift back? I can…carry you.”
He considers my offer for a moment, then stands tall. “No. I’m going to walk there on my own feet.”
“We’ll join you,” I say. “Although I daresay we’ll look quite the spectacle.” I glance between me and Dorian. I’m dressed in nothing but a shirt and sealskin cloak, while Dorian wears only trousers. Thankfully the shirt is long enough to cover past my hips. Besides, it’s barely after sunrise. Hardly anyone is awake this early in the city of Lumenas.
“Does your theater have anything I can wear for a shirt?” Dorian asks. “I should return to the church and tell Father Viktor I’ve secured my final choice for the contest.” He grins at me, sending my heart aflutter.
“Right,” Podaxis says, clapping his hands. “I’m in a bit of a rush, so can we go?”
* * *
As soon aswe step inside the theater, I understand the source of Podaxis’ urgency. Nadia comes rushing out from backstage. She’s dressed in a silk robe, her dark hair coming loose from her curling pins. Her eyes lock on me and she brandishes her forefinger. “Why are you people always running off and making me worry? Have you seen Podaxis? I’ve been looking for him everywhere. He left me some scribbled note that sort of looked like it saidgoodbye, and—”
“I’m sorry, Nadia.” Podaxis steps forward, brows knitted together.
Nadia freezes in place, eyes wide. She assesses him from head to toe, much the way I did when I first saw him in this form.
“I’m so sorry,” he says again. “I shouldn’t have done that. I was…afraid. And other things were happening, and I…”
