Page 76 of In Your Light

“His eyes are closed,” Fyn said. “But he’s not asleep, I don’t think.” Fyn wasn’t sure, but there had been a change, no matter how small it was, and Fyn had to believe that was a good sign.

Kellan went to Hadeom and felt his pulse again, lifted his eyelids, and did whatever it was that doctors did. “Hmm,” he said, frowning, before getting to his feet. Then he looked at Fyn. “And how are you, Fyn? Did you get any sleep?”

“Some,” he answered. “Ciaran and Sawyer thought the mattress was a good idea.” He looked at Ciaran then. “Thanks again for that.”

Sawyer patted Fyn on the arm. “You’re welcome.” Then he looked to the door. “Salem and Aurin are here. They want to see him. Is that okay?”

Fyn wasn’t exactly sure why they were asking for permission. “Of course.”

Salem went to the door and opened it. Aurin came in first, holding Salem’s hand. Salem seemed surprised to see Hadeom like this. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again.

Aurin spoke instead. “What’s wrong with him?”

Kellan answered. “I’m not exactly sure, but I’m guessing this is a trauma response.”

Salem shot him a look. “Trauma? He has trauma?” Like that was a joke.

Kellan nodded. “His mind has shut down to protect itself.”

Just then, there was a thumping of little shoes on the porch, and the door opened. Nyx and Llyr ran inside in toddler-human form, then quickly clung to Aurin’s and Salem’s legs. Fray followed them inside, holding Ukko, and Tobin had Áine. “I’m sorry. They outnumber us.”

“It’s okay,” Aurin said with a laugh.

“Pappa?” Nyx said, pointing at Hadeom. “What’s wrong with him? Is he sleeping, Pappa?”

Salem nodded. “Yes, darling. He’s sleeping.”

But then Áine walked through them, too quick for Salem to reach for her. She walked around the mattress, and Kellan put his hand on her tiny shoulder, but she didn’t take her eyes off Hadeom.

“He’s not sleeping,” she said. She studied him for a moment longer, then went closer. Kellan stayed close, but Fyn didn’t think for one second that Hadeom would ever hurt her.

She sat on the side of the mattress, watching Hadeom. “He’s in the dark place,” she said.

Fyn knelt beside her. “You can see him?”

“It’s very cold there and dark and bad. He can’t find his way back.”

Fyn looked up at the men watching. Aurin had his hand to his mouth, his eyes teary. Salem was gripping Aurin’s other arm, his eyes wide. Ciaran and Sawyer were just as stunned.

“How can you see this?” Kellan asked.

Fyn hadn’t thought to ask how she could see it, only believed that she could.

She touched her forehead. “Is right there,” she said, like it was obvious. Then she looked at Fyn, her gorgeous odd-coloured eyes bright and serious. “His shadows can’t help him. He’s very sad, but he likes the music you played.”

“My flute?” Fyn couldn’t believe it.

She nodded seriously, her gaze falling back to Hadeom. “He’s looking for you. He’s looking for the music. He chose you.”

Fyn’s heart banged hard against his ribs, and tears burned his eyes.

“Sweetheart,” Salem said. “Come over here. Quickly, please.”

“No, Pappa,” she said. “I can see him. He can’t see me, but his shadows can.” Then she waved her little hand, and Salem rushed over and picked her up.

“No, darling, no,” he said, frantic.

But then she squirmed, and all of a sudden, Salem was juggling his hold on her until all he was holding was her jacket. Her boots and a small golden-black cat with odd-coloured eyes fell to the floor. She landed on her feet, of course, and quickly jumped onto the mattress. She climbed over Hadeom, plonked herself down in a spot closest to the fire, and curled up into a small purring ball.