Page 25

“I’m originally from Avillon.”

His copper eyes brighten. “I’ve always wanted to visit. I’ve never been to the sea.”

“It’s beautiful, but I needed a change of scenery.” My gaze drops to the rug spread across Micah’s floor. “I like it here, though. It’s quiet. Peaceful.”

Micah smiles faintly. “I’ve always liked that about Thistle Grove.”

“You were born here?”

“Lived here my whole life.” He takes a small sip of tea, his gaze drifting toward the window. “We lived in a little farmhouse across town. My dad was away a lot when I was growing up, always traveling for work. He knew I had big dreams, and veterinary school isn’t cheap. But he paid for everything and always made sure I had everything I needed.”

“He sounds like a good man.”

“He is.” Micah’s smile softens. “We’re close. Always have been.”

“Is it just the two of you?”

Micah nods. “Yes. My mother passed away when I was twelve during the plague.” His expression dims. “All three of us got sick, but only my father and I recovered.”

My stomach drops.

I remember when the plague swept through Avillon. It only infected humans, leaving magical creatures untouched. The mortality rate was devastating—nearly a third of those infected didn’t survive.

Thankfully, my giant genes kept me safe. Other kids in the orphanage weren’t as lucky.

“I’m very sorry,” I say quietly.

Micah gives me a small nod. “Thank you.” His fingers tighten around his cup before relaxing again. “She would be very proud of me, if she were still alive.” His smile returns, soft and wistful. “She loved animals.”

“Have you always wanted to be a veterinarian?”

“Yes.” The answer comes easily. “Mom used to raise unicorns, so I grew up with a herd of ’em.”

For a moment, I can almost picture him as a boy, running through a pasture filled with unicorns. The vision makes my chest feel warm.

“Sounds like quite the childhood.”

“It was.” His smile lingers before he gives a small shake of his head. “Sorry. I’m rambling about myself.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

His expression softens as he tilts his head. “How about you? What made you want to become a blacksmith?”

I roll my lips between my teeth. “Necessity.” I shift against the sofa, the cushions creaking beneath my weight. “There weren’t many options for someone like me.”

“Someone like you?”

“A giant.” I pause. “An orphan giant, no less.”

The words come out sharper than I’d intended. I set my cup on the table before I crush the delicate thing in my hand.

Micah bites the inside of his cheek. “What was it like?”

“Growing up in an orphanage?”

He nods.

I let out a slow breath, my gaze drifting toward the wall. I focus on a knot in the wood rather than looking at him. “It was… isolating.” I swallow. “My mother left me on the doorstep when I was only a few days old. I never knew who my father was.” My fingers curl against my knee. “Nobody wanted to adopt a half-giant. Not the humans, and not the giants. I wasn’t…” I pause, searching for the words. “I wasn’t good enough for either of them.”