Page 30 of Veil of Web and Ruin

Outside, both Jack and Corem are pacing up and down the alley. As much as I’d like to think it’s because they’re looking out for Tella, I’m aware that it’s also the best way to make sure they don’t freeze to death.

‘Thank you so much. Now head home,’ I tell them both. ‘It’s fine. I can keep an eye on Kay now.’

Neither of them put up any form of objection, but Corem’s the only one who bids me good night. Though it should probably be good morning by now.

I’ve no idea what the time is.

As they both head their respective ways, Ruben moves closer to me.

‘Let me stay here tonight?’ he says. ‘Sleep on the floor, just so I can make sure you and Kay are all right?’

‘You don’t need to do that,’ I tell him. ‘I can barricade us from the inside. Tella won’t be able to get at us once I’m in there. Promise.’

Rather than replying, Ruben bites down on the inside of his cheek before reaching out and taking my hand.

‘Please, Rosey. I would feel better knowing I was here with you.’

‘And how would I explain that to Kay? You, asleep on our floor?’

He shrugs slightly and then lets out a sigh. ‘I don’t know, just maybe tell her you liked my company even more than you expected.’

Another laugh leaves my lungs, but it stops almost as quickly as it started.

‘It would complicate things, Ruben. I can’t do complicated.’

‘I know. Me neither. I just want to make sure you’re safe.’

‘Don’t worry. If he comes for me again, I’ll be ready.’ And then, primarily because I need this conversation to be over, I momentarily ignore my broken ribs and reach up to kiss him on the cheek. As I clench against the pain, his hands are back on me.

For a second, I think he’s going to try again. Insist that it’s best if he comes in, keeps me warm, and makes sure we’re both okay. And even before he’s spoken, I feel my resolve wavering. Like, I might just say yes if he does. After all, would one night of pretending really be that bad?

But instead, he leans down and kisses me gently on top of the head. ‘I’ll see you in the morning, Rosey,’ he says. ‘Make sure you lock up well.’

‘I will,’ I promise. ‘I will.’

Inside our home, Kay’s kept the fire burning. Her white hair is splayed out around her as she breathes softly in and out. I should take pride in how peacefully she sleeps. After all, if she knew of the things I saw tonight, did tonight, I doubt she would ever sleep again.

Rather than climbing into bed and risking oversleeping, I take a seat on the floor and replay the night over and over again. Dinah’s disappointment. Provik’s death. Kay’s safety. That’s the one that matters. Kay’s safety. I know it’s secure for now, but things change. The only way she’ll ever truly be safe is if I can get our magic back, but a Retterheld is the only way that can happen, and who even knows if one will happen in my lifetime, let alone soon enough to help us.

‘Did you have a good time?’ My sister’s voice pulls me from the unending, cyclical thoughts I was trapped in.

‘You’re awake.’ I jolt upwards only for pain to spasm through my ribs.

‘I am.’ She yawns as she rubs her eyes. ‘And you were out very late with Ruben. So did you have fun?’

A bitter scoff catches in my throat. ‘Um, I’m not sure I’d say that.’

Her face falls, and I realise her perception of my night was very different from what actually happened.

I shake my head, forcing a smile back onto my face. ‘No, it was fun. And I’ve got news. Good news.’

‘Yeah?’

‘You’ve got a job.’

‘What?’ She rolls over, eyes wide and suddenly bereft of any hint of sleepiness. ‘Are you serious?’

‘Deadly.’