Fae’s jaw firmed, but I couldn’t tell if that was from determination or fear, and I needed to convince them to feel the latter. “It’s never stopped. I see it on the road from time to time, whenever I pause anywhere for a day or two too many, but it never shows up this fast. I’ve been here less than a day. It’s too risky.”
“You can’t just live your life on the road forever.”
“It’s what works.”
“Barely.” Fae swallowed and spoke with cultivated assertiveness. “I’d really like to have my brother at my wedding.”
I didn’t think after so long away that my family would hold much power over my heart. It had been nine years, and they were all but strangers to me. But there was something about family, and something about Shearwater, that never failed to jab my tenderest bruises.
We’d been a normal family, once, but after I’d nearly died in the strid, things changed. Nightmares of a shadowy figure with dripping antlers haunted my sleep. Eventually, it followed me into the daylight, too.
Everyone assured me it was normal after a traumatic experience, and with time and healing, the nightmares would go away. I wasn’t convinced theywerenightmares.
Until that nightmare killed my twin sister … Then they believed me.
“It’s not a good idea,” I said.
“You won’t even try?”
“After what happened to Laurelie? No.”
Fae looked undeterred. They took a measured sip of their tea—making it last, so I couldn’t kick them out when they’d finished—and leveled me with their best big-sibling expression.
“There’s a new healer in town.”
“No healer can fix what’s wrong with me. We tried.”
“He’s not your usual healer. His abilities are … particular. Strange. He got them quite suddenly after moving to Shearwater, and I always wondered if he could help you.”
“Uncle Marlowe tried.”
They raised their voice. “Nine years ago, and he didn’t try hard enough!”
Lunaris turned the radio on, playing an acoustic song I hadn’t heard since our childhood.
Fae cracked a wistful smile. “Lunaris agrees with me. Won’t you try?”
“Fae—”
“Forme.”
I leaned back and picked at my cuticles. Eventually, I had to meet their eyes, though I knew my resolve would crumble.
“Fine.”
Fae’s expression brightened, but only a little. “Good! Great. I’ll make you an appointment with the healer.”
“If it doesn’t work, Ihaveto go.”
“Camilla will be so happy you said yes.”
“If that thing comes after you—”
“There’s a fitting at Witches and Stitches for the groomsmen and bridesmaids in a few days. You’ll be in my wedding party, won’t you?”
“Fae.”
“I hear you!” They set their mug down a bit too aggressively, making the ceramic rattle.
