Page 38 of In Your Light

“Nonsense,” Sawyer said. “If we all chip in and get it done, you’ll be all set before dinner tonight.”

Just then, they all heard the front door open, followed by heavy footfalls, and Ciaran appeared in the doorway. He was smiling, looking at Sawyer. “What are you all doing?”

“We’re getting Fyn’s place liveable,” Sawyer replied.

Ciaran’s eyes met Fyn’s and he gave a nod. “Welcome.”

“Thank you,” Fyn said. He was nervous, given Ciaran was the leader. Fyn’s place in Tenebrae ultimately rested on Ciaran’s approval, so hearing him say that Fyn was welcome was such a relief.

Sawyer gave Fyn another pat on the arm. Then he went to Ciaran, leaned in, and kissed him. “You’re dripping water all over the floor. Just as well this place needs to be cleaned. You’re on mop duty.”

Fyn hadn’t really noticed that Ciaran was dripping wet. Fyn was too busy noticing how he was only wearing bright-coloured swimming trunks and had tattoos of red tentacles up his arm. He might have been staring.

“Don’t worry, Fyn,” Sawyer said. “You’ll get used to them being barely dressed and dripping wet most of the time.”

Fyn hid his embarrassment with a laugh. “Right.”

Then Sawyer clapped his hands at Fray and Tobin. “Let’s get to work. Get everyone on it.”

Fray made a face at Ciaran. “Just so you know, it’s only funny when he’s bossing you around.”

Ciaran laughed, and they jostled each other out the door, with Tobin joining in as they disappeared outside. When Fyn turned around, he found Sawyer smiling at him.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said.

“Same,” Fyn said.

“Be prepared for a lot of laughs, mostly from loud and unruly cephamorphs,” Sawyer said.

Fyn couldn’t stop smiling, his heart swelling.

“Now, let’s check out the bedroom and bathroom situation, and then we’ll get the fire cleaned out first,” he said. “Because you’re warm-blooded like me, unlike those loud and unruly cephamorphs, you’re gonna need some heat in here.” He looked Fyn up and down. “And probably a coat. Maybe a beanie. And some socks and shoes, perhaps.”

Fyn lifted his foot—his very dirty foot. “Oh.”

Sawyer laughed. “You’re gonna fit in here just fine. I think I’m the only one around here who wears shoes.”

Fyn really liked Sawyer. He was older, maybe thirty-something human years, and he had the palest blue eyes Fyn had ever seen. He had been nothing but kind and generous to Fyn.

“Do you...” Fyn wasn’t sure how to ask this, but now that he’d started, he had to finish. “Do you know what I am?”

“You’re faun, yes? One of Cern’s family.”

Fyn gave a nod. “And you don’t mind?”

Sawyer shook his head. “Not at all. In fact, just between you and me, I think it’s so freaking cool. There are so many other creatures and beings and species that humans aren’t aware of, and I feel kind of honoured to be part of this world. Does that sound weird? I hope not.”

“Not at all. I understand. I’m excited to be here, to live with the ocean folk and a human! It’s a whole new world to me too.”

Just then, they heard more footsteps and Aurin’s voice. “Boys, slow down. You can’t just run inside!”

Then two little black furry blurs raced past them and through the house. Aurin came chasing after them and stopped. He was in human form, and he looked a little flushed but very happy.

“Oh, hello,” he said, panting. “I’m sorry. Nyx and Llyr, please come here. Remember your manners!”

The two little kittens came racing back, and Aurin scooped them up. “These two little rascals,” he said, cuddling them.

And oh, Fyn couldn’t believe his eyes. They were gorgeous and precious, and⁠—