He shakes his head, quick and panicked. “I’d not do such a thing.”
He looks so genuinely thrown, so utterly confused, it throws me off-balance too.
Either he’s telling the truth, or he’s a really talented liar.
“So then, what?” I press. “How do you know me? Or are you saying this whole thing was just an accident?”
Relief floods his face. “Aye, yes. Precisely that. ’Twas an accident.”
I gape. That’s…convenient.
But there’s something about his expression—uncertainty creeping in, mirroring my own—that makes me hesitate.
He looks just as lost as I feel.
And for a moment, just a breath, it’s like we’re in this together.
I shake my head hard, rejecting the thought. That’s some victim-thinking right there.
“How could showing up in my room be an accident?” I demand.
His gaze pleads with mine. “You must believe me. Imean you no harm. When I saw you as I did, I was as amazed as you.”
For a long moment, we simply stare.
And somehow, against all logic, my body trusts him before I do. My chest loosens. I release a deep, shuddering exhale.
“Okay, I’m listening.” A beat. “I’m not saying I believe you,” I add quickly, “but you have a lot of explaining to do…” I lift my voice at the end—a question as I realize I still don’t know his name.
But he understands.
The corner of his lip quirks in a shy, almost hesitant half-smile. “Callum.”
His name feels old. Strong.
I keep my expression stern. “I’m Rose.”
Something flickers in his eyes.
“Now, Callum.” I cross my arms. “I have to know. Was it, like, some high-tech hologram thing? How did you appear in my room like that?”
He exhales slowly. “’Tis magic. More magic than I’ve the knowing of.”
I let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. “Magic.”
“Aye.”
“Right.” I smirk. “And I thought ghosts were preposterous.”
But Callum doesn’t laugh. He just watches me, somber and still.
A shiver races up my arms.
“Seriously, though. Did you use a projector?” But that wouldn’t explain how he could see me. Is there a hidden camera in my room?
Panic surges again as my gaze snags on his weird, old-fashioned outfit. “Were youwatchingme?” I snap. “And why are you dressed like that?”
His smile fades. “Aye, I have much to explain. But first, Rose…” His voice softens. “You’re certain you’re well? You’re safe?”
