Evenlight: Meratis Trilogy, #3

Chapter One

Detective Pete Driscoll poured a cup of coffee into his white I ♥ New York mug. He grimaced as the grounds floated to the top, half of his daily reminder that he needed to invest in a new coffee maker. The other half offered a bitter burnt flavour as the dark sludge passed over his taste buds.

He sat down at his small kitchen table and flipped open the newspaper. Nothing interesting.

Looks like it’s going to be a slow day, Fred, he said to the fat grey cat sitting on the table next to his paper. We may need to paint the apartment after all.

Fred yawned.

But before Pete could resign himself to choosing the shade of trim, his phone rang. He smiled. Maybe today wouldn’t be so slow after all.

***

Jeff Powell lay in bed and held his breath as his girlfriend read over his morning’s pages—new characters for a new life. He scrutinised her face, thirsting for every minute reaction. Unfortunately, either Cassie Murphy had turned pro at stoicism or his lack of imagination made it impossible to interpret the subtle changes. He had no idea what she was thinking. With uncomfortable anticipation, he waited until her gaze rose from the page to meet his.

Then he saw it—the faint trace of sympathy in those night-sky blue eyes—and his stomach dropped.

It’s still crap, isn’t it, he said, braced for the worst.

Little bit, Cassie replied, the kindness in her voice not doing anything to lessen the discouraging blow. She looped her fingers through his, set the pages on the desk next to the bed, and rolled onto her side to face him. But I do notice improvement from last month.

Jeff forced out a breath of frustration and wound the fingers of his free hand through Cassie’s waist-length hair, freed from its usual ponytail to allow for more comfortable lounging on a Sunday afternoon.

Every day for the last three months he had forced himself to write something. A few sentences, a full paragraph, anything to exercise his brain and get his creative muscles working again. Some days he thought he noticed some change, a mental twitch as his muse returned. Then he’d read the sample again later and accept that wishful thinking did not equal imagination. Not even his once inflated ego could believe it did.

In as disheartened a tone as he could manage, he said, You’re only saying that so I don’t jump out the window.

Cassie smiled and propped herself up on her elbow to stare down at him. I hope you have more to live for than your words now.

Her fingertips traced a pattern around the green and black amulet he never took off, down his chest, over his stomach, and Jeff felt the blood in his veins sing in response. Before she got too far, she splayed her palm over his belly.

I wouldn’t lie, Jeff. Not about this. It’s better. It’s far from great, and far from where you were, but more than the single sentences you’ve been writing since we got home. Imagination is only half the magic behind your books. Having lost it, your skill and experience need time to adjust and compensate, like losing sight in one eye. You’ll get back there. I have faith in you.

She bent her head to brush her lips against his, and Jeff relished the warmth that spread through him, damping down the darkness of his depression.

He’d given up a lot and fought hard for moments like these, but he found he had to remind himself it was worth it. Which made him feel like an ass. Which never failed to douse the heat Cassie spurred as it slammed against the cold wall of guilt.

He told himself this struggle would be temporary, that being with Cassie was better than talking to the fictional voices in his head. That he only felt so discouraged because of the loss of his imagination. The sensation of having his creativity, all his characters, worlds, and dialogues torn from his brain was still fresh. It had been less than a year ago, even if it felt like decades because of everything that had happened since.

Twice Jeff and Cassie had found themselves caught up in the whirlwind of the Meratis incantation, a world-jumping spell that landed them in Andvell, the fictional setting of Jeff’s bestselling fantasy novels. The first time summoned by his unimpressed characters to sort out some plot inconsistencies—most of which hadn’t been his fault—and the second time caught up in the plans of the sorcerer Raul, who had been living the high life in Montreal for six months without Jeff’s knowledge. Considering how hard Jeff had tried to put his first adventure behind him, it had been a rude awakening to come home one day to find Jayden Feldall and Brady Reed waiting for him in his apartment, but again he’d done what he could to help his other-worldly friends. They’d defeated Raul, for good this time, and life had returned to normal.

Except for Jeff’s lack of imagination. The Sisters, a walking riddle in the form of three witches, had made it clear that if they were to return what they’d taken, it would be in exchange for what he’d traded for in the first place. Cassie. Or more accurately, her safety.

As half-empty as he felt, and sometimes borderline crazy with all the words bottled up and no idea how to release them, he wasn’t willing to risk her.

You could always use the Sisters’ gift, you know, she said, interrupting his brooding.

Jeff raised his eyebrows and she laughed, and tapped the end of his nose with her fingertip. I didn’t read your mind. It’s not difficult to guess where your thoughts go when you get all quiet. I’m just trying to guide you back. Point you in the obvious direction.

Jeff reached up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear and rested his palm against her cheek. Obvious, maybe. But not anything I want to consider. Not if there’s the smallest risk they would take you away from me. Cassie opened her mouth to argue, and he pressed his fingers against her lips. And you know it’s possible. They said themselves that to trade for my imagination would be to trade you. My vote is we stay safe and warm in bed. Like you said, it’s only been three months. Who knows what will happen in another three.

Cassie shrugged her shoulder to trap Jeff’s hand in place against her cheek. The Sisters’ way would be faster.

Twisting his head towards the desk, Jeff’s gaze fell on the glass orb currently in use as a paperweight on a stack of failed writing attempts. Within the glass, green, blue, and yellow swirls seemed to dance in the reflection of the sun. Innocent looking, a fancy bauble, but as with everything associated with those witches, appearances were deceiving. That little glass ball was his key to return to Andvell. Back into the novel he had thought existed only in his head. And who knew what would greet him if he went back this time.

Fastest way into trouble would be my guess, he said. I wouldn’t trust that gift as far as I could—well, I guess I could throw it pretty far. It’s not that big.

Cassie smirked and hooked her finger under his chin to pull him towards her and kissed him again. I’m just saying it’s an option. She paused and glanced over her shoulder, her blue eyes scanning Jeff’s bachelor apartment before looking back at him. If things are going to stay the way they are, maybe now would be a good time to discuss some habitational changes?

The change in subject came hard and fast, and Jeff swung from feeling discouraged and lost to trapped and flustered. Cassie had tried to start this conversation many times before and he’d always found a way to avoid it. Stuck in bed, he didn’t know how to react or what to do.

I’m not saying we have to decide this week, she said, sounding amused at something she saw in his expression. I’m just trying to open the door for discussion. You’re the one who asked me to move in.

Jeff tried not to get defensive. She was right, after all. A month ago, he’d made the suggestion, but at the time his words had been literal. He wanted her to move. Into his bachelor apartment. Never mind that on further reflection, it made no sense at all for her to leave her townhouse for his one room.

It could be good for you, she continued. Maybe the change in scenery will prompt some new ideas.

But, I— Jeff’s brain couldn’t get out more words than that. He looked around his one room, his home for over half a decade. He knew every nook and cranny, every scratch in the paint. He’d written most of his books at the same desk, looking out over the same street, across from the same coffee shop.

Cassie nudged his shoulder. New place. New start. More than one closet.

Jeff entwined his fingers around hers. I don’t need clothes. I’ll throw them all out and you can have the closets.

She laughed. No, but I appreciate the sacrifice you’re willing to make. She sighed. Honestly, in spite of being impractical and somewhat immature of you, I’m almost tempted to take you up on your offer. Anything to get away from the disaster zone that is my current abode.

Jeff let go of Cassie’s hand to slide his arm under her waist. He pulled her close to rest her head on his shoulder and pressed a kiss into her hair. Is she really that horrible?

She sagged against him. No. All things considered she’s not a bad roommate. She even washes the dishes. I guess it’s just what comes with taking in a seventeen-year-old who’s grown up living in barns and assassinating people for a living.

He chuckled. I’m trying not to say I told you so.

Venn Connell, the sister of a woman who had saved Jeff’s life in Andvell and died in the attempt, was a typical teenager. If typical teenagers were trained in sneaky blade-wielding. After the battle on the Kinnaeth Mountains, where Venn got her revenge against her sister’s murderer, she had opted to come back to this world with Jeff and Cassie. Give Montreal life a try. In the process, Jeff had found himself with an adopted cousin, a plausible explanation for her sudden appearance in his life. The truth was best kept to themselves.

Cassie batted his leg. What other choice did I have? Let her move in with you? The entire city block would have been rased within a week.

You could have left her in Andvell, Jeff pointed out. He brushed his fingers along her jawbone, dipped his head to kiss her. Trouble is you’re a softy. One draft away from your Masters in social work and you’re already saving more than one universe.

One troubled youth at a time, Cassie agreed. But you’re changing the subject. All the subjects. Give them both some thought. Three months home and we’re stagnant, Jeff. Something needs to change for us to move past what happened. A new apartment, going back into that crazy world to get the rest of your brain, locking Venn in a roomful of weapons for a few hours so she can vent some of her pent-up stabbing. We’ve got to do something.

Jeff laughed and nodded. You’re right. I promise to think on all these things. He frowned. Wait, does that mean you’re leaving?

Cassie gave him another kiss. I have to go to the university to talk to my supervisor. It may be my day off, but until this degree is done, I’ll never have time to relax.

Jeff wrapped his other arm around her and held her against him. I think you should stay here. Take the day.

He ran his fingers across her stomach, under the hem of her shirt, and smiled when he felt her shiver.

You are mean, she said, her voice turned thick as honey. But I can’t listen to your vile temptations. Really. I need to go.

She half-heartedly pushed him away as he brushed his lips along her collarbone, his fingers still caressing the skin over her belly, her hips.

The alarm went off on Cassie’s phone.

They sighed, and Jeff sat up, pulling Cassie with him.

I should be done in a couple of hours. Dinner at seven? I’ll make a reservation, she said, catching his lips. We can go to that steak place you like, and I’ll invite Venn. You guys haven’t had much time to catch up the last couple of weeks.

Jeff grimaced. Can we trust her with a steak knife?

Cassie laughed as she grabbed her winter coat from the back of Jeff’s computer chair and shrugged it on. I think the uncertainty adds to the fun. She pushed him backwards onto the bed. Keep writing. Maybe you’ll figure out something for Pete to do other than paint.

Jeff made a last ineffectual grab for her as she walked out the door, but once she was gone he pushed his hands through his hair and released a drawn out groan. Messes. Nothing but messes. Ever since the enchantress Maggie had cast that stupid Meratis incantation that summoned Jeff into Andvell for the first time, his life had been one big problem after another.

Of course, in the sort of irony life loves to dole out, all his adventures could have meant years of plot ideas if he knew how to get them on the page.

He lay in the darkening room, the reflection of streetlights on snow clouds giving the evening an orange cast, and wondered what his life would have been like if Jayden and Jasmine Feldall had decided to leave well enough alone and never made contact.

It didn’t take too much of an imagination to picture. He would have kept writing novels that were entertaining but somewhat superficial—he could admit it—and flirting with the beautiful, blue-eyed woman at the coffee shop. Would he ever have found the courage to ask Cassie to dinner if they hadn’t experienced the terror and excitement they’d faced in Andvell? Somehow he doubted it. He would have mumbled and scraped and kept buying coffees and ordering breakfast sandwiches, his waist line would have continued its outward expansion, and eventually Cassie would have quit, married someone far more deserving, and he’d never have seen her again.

His Montreal friends would have drifted away regardless thanks to his busy schedule, until his only form of human connection had been through various social media sites. Another year and his progression into hermitism would have been complete.

Now he had friends, albeit far away ones with no real means of communication, who knew him better than anyone else. They’d been through the worst times together, they’d grieved together, they’d kicked some ass together. Well, they’d kicked ass while Jeff had watched and cheered, but it was still more ass-kicking than anything he’d done in Montreal.

With another groan, Jeff stuffed his pillow over his head. He couldn’t bring himself to regret any of it. Even if he had to spend the rest of his life rewriting Detective Pete’s morning and watching cat videos to get a better idea of Fred’s personality, it would be worth it.

Maybe in time he could accept it.

Frustration vented, and determined to be happy, Jeff pushed himself off the bed and dropped into his computer chair. Pen in hand—he couldn’t bring himself to turn on his laptop very often these days; the blinking cursor created too much stress—he stared out the window.

Five o’clock in the evening and already the sky was dark. Across the street, Le Coin du Café looked warm and cozy, bustling with the evening crowd as big white flakes coated the city. Not the first snowfall of the year, but it might prove to be the storm that pushed them into official winter. Christmas lights coloured the street, and the serenity of the scene calmed Jeff’s mind enough that he reached for his notebook and started to work.

Pete answered the phone. Driscoll.

Pete, thank god. It’s Danny. We have a situation.

Where are you?

The words stopped. Jeff crinkled his brow in concentration, drawing squiggles in the top corner of the page. Where was Danny? The coffee shop? How cliché. He tore the page out of his notebook, wadded it into a ball and tossed it across the room onto the already large pile of wadded up pages in the corner.

It’s all worth it, he reminded himself. It has to be.

***

After another hour and a half of driving Pete around the city with no idea where the man was going, Jeff gave up and threw down his pen. He pulled on his coat and boots, figuring he’d give himself enough time to walk to the restaurant and save on cab fare he probably wouldn’t be able to afford soon with no new royalty cheques coming in. Maybe the motion of putting one foot in front of the other would shake something lose in his brain.

At the very least, he could hopefully shake away the black mood hanging over him before he saw Cassie. Or Venn. One word in the wrong tone to that girl and he risked finding a conveniently hidden fishbone in his steak.

The thought of Venn made him smile. Aside from a few mishaps when she first arrived in this world and her delayed acceptance that, while it was okay to be angry, it was not okay to threaten to push your co-worker’s face into the blender, she had adapted remarkably well.

He was proud of her.

He also wondered how she would react if she learned Cassie planned to move out. As much as Venn loved her independence and appreciated being alone, he got the sense that Cassie was one of her greatest motivators for doing well. While Venn and Jeff enjoyed more of a juvenile sibling relationship, Venn respected and looked up to Cassie, grateful to have been given the opportunity to get away from Andvell and try out a life that didn’t revolve around killing, spying, and thinking of her survival on a day-to-day basis. Hopefully, she wouldn’t take Cassie leaving her as a slight. Otherwise: watch out Montreal.

The restaurant’s sign shone in neon up ahead, and Jeff forced a smile on his face. Brushing the snow out of his hair and stamping his boots on the welcome mat, he went inside to enjoy a perfectly cooked steak. One thing he could always be certain of in this world.

Venn was the first to meet him in the entrance of the restaurant. Once she was inside, he noticed the way she pat down the pockets of Cassie’s hand-me-down winter coat, playing with the zippers to make sure they were was still closed. In the time-honoured winter routine she had already picked up, she also did the boot-stomp and hair-shake to rid herself of the snow, but large white flakes clung to her coat and melted on her cheeks.

She looked older than her seventeen years, and far more mature than the first time Jeff met her, after she’d attacked him in the night and tried to cut his throat. The last time Cassie had gone to the salon to get her hair trimmed, she convinced Venn to go with her. The young woman had been dubious, not seeing the point of paying money for something that ten minutes with a blade could achieve just as quickly, but in the end, she had allowed the stylist near her head with a pair of scissors. The woman had softened the shape of Venn’s short black hair, which made her cornflower blue eyes appear even larger, and the result was a deceivingly vulnerable look. Until she opened her mouth.

This weather sucks monkey balls, she greeted.

Jeff slung his arm around her shoulder. I’m thrilled you’ve picked up so many of our more positive quirks since you’ve been here.

Venn snorted. I’ve heard worse things come out of your mouth during a hockey game.

You have not. Jeff tightened the crook of his elbow around her neck. She laughed and twisted out his grip, pressing her boot down on his until his toes cried out and he let go.

I can’t take you two anywhere, can I? Cassie asked, coming in from the storm. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her nose red, and her eyes watery. Jeff’s heart skipped a beat at how lovely she looked, like a woman out of a novel he wished he could write. I don’t suppose any of you thought to let them know we’re here.

Jeff smiled and gave her a kiss. We only just got here ourselves. How did your appointment go?

Cassie smiled. Looks like I’m ready to submit. The nightmare of grad school can finally be over!

The three of them let out a cheer as the hostess came to bring them to a booth in the corner, but Jeff had caught the glance Cassie and Venn exchanged before Cassie answered his question. He didn’t like that glance. It suggested something going on they didn’t want him to know about. After the number of times he had seen his characters interact, he had learned nothing good ever came from such glances.

But, trusting Cassie, he let the matter drop, assuming she would fill him in when she was ready. Until then, he would simply turn his thoughts even more determinedly towards the perfect steak he knew he could rely on.

The server came to take their drink orders, and Jeff sensed an awkward silence as they waited for him to return.

Is everything all right? he asked, giving up on his resolution to wait patiently.

Again that shared look.

Jeff regretted allowing himself to be shoved into the corner, with Cassie next to him and Venn across from him. He felt very closed in.

His nerves turned wobbly as he waited for one of them to speak.

Cassie smiled at him, but it seemed hesitant. Almost as nervous as he felt. Everything’s fine. It’s just that Venn and I managed to have a chat before I headed to the university.

This shouldn’t make me nervous. They’re roommates. They chat all the time.

We covered a few subjects, Venn added.

Oh god, it’s horrible, isn’t it? What the hell is going on?

Before Venn could continue, the server returned with their drinks—beer for the adults and Pepsi for Venn, no matter how longingly she stared at Jeff’s IPA—and left with their food orders.

Jeff took in Venn’s smirk, the amusement behind those sweet blue eyes, and saw that she, at least, was enjoying keeping him in suspense. She probably sensed every twinge of fear and doubt in his mind. She was good at that. Knew how to use a person’s mental state against him. Before she drove a dagger into his neck.

Across the table, Jeff hoped he was at least safe from that sort of attack. He couldn’t think of anything he might have done recently to trigger another assassination attempt, but with Venn, one never knew.

Jeff turned to Cassie, preferring her to break the horrible, terrifying news.

I told Venn I would be moving out, she said.

Jeff held his breath and waited for her to drop the other shoe. After a moment, when she said nothing else, he released it slowly.

That’s it? he said.

Well, Venn said, you guys might have given me more of a heads up, but I can’t say I’m surprised.

Jeff laughed with relief and sipped his beer. You guys had me worried. From your faces, I thought you’d nominated me to be a sacrifice in some kind of blood ritual or something. But no, this is good.

Cassie chuckled at his reaction, but still Jeff thought he picked up on a hint of hesitation. Across from him, Venn continued to smile in that sly way that suggested she knew something more than he did.

You’re not upset? he asked, wondering if maybe the something more was her intention to kill him in his sleep for taking her friend away.

But she replied, Not at all, in a way that sounded sincere. I like living with Cassie. She’s awesome. I question her judgement because she’s dating you— she stuck out her tongue —but she’s made living here bearable. That being said, she’s also rarely around, has really strange taste in music, and likes floral scents in the bathroom. I won’t miss that.

I confess, I am a horrible roommate, Cassie said with a smile, unoffended by Venn’s observations. You may want to rethink your offer, Jeff. I do like floral scents in the bathroom. If you call brown sugar floral.

He grinned. I think I can live with brown sugar flowers.

Their conversation was interrupted again by the server returning with their meals. The aroma of steak and potatoes filled their booth, and Jeff moaned in appreciation as he cut into the meat. Now that he knew their secret, and no one seemed about to die, he could relax and savour his first bite.

They covered a few light topics while they ate: Jeff’s irritating neighbour Mr. MacGregor, who had just purchased a new television with even clearer audio so Jeff could partake without having to spend money on cable; Cassie’s thesis; Venn’s frustration that her co-workers were such weak-willed morons.

It was a refreshingly regular conversation, the first Jeff had enjoyed in ages. He found himself laughing, feeling like a normal guy, out to dinner with his girlfriend and cousin. Just as normal as anyone else in the restaurant.

He took a swig of beer and leaned back in his seat, staring at his plate. Only the baked potato remained, mocking his full belly with all of its sour cream- and bacon bit-covered goodness.

What about you, Venn? he asked. Will you start looking for a new roommate?

Another glance between the women, and he tensed. The steak suddenly wasn’t sitting so well. More secrets?

Without acknowledging their hidden message, Venn shrugged. Not yet, I don’t think. I’m not sure it would be a good idea. I wouldn’t be able to afford living on my own for long, but I’ll see what happens. As you guys prove, things change in a hurry.

Jeff kicked Venn’s leg under the table at her not-so-subtle jab at their relationship decisions, and she belted one back.

Children, Cassie said, in a tone that reminded Jeff startlingly of Maggie.

Fine. Venn rolled her eyes and shrugged again. Anyway, I don’t think it’ll be an issue, the whole affording rent thing.

Venn, Cassie said, and Jeff was surprised to hear the note of warning in her voice, this time not for play.

He raised an eyebrow. What is going on? I know you guys are trying to keep something from me. While I care about both of you, neither of you are the James Bond of secret keeping.

Why bother waiting? Venn asked. It’s not like he’s going to take it any better now that his stomach is full. I told you we should have told him first. Less for him to throw up after.

As Jeff listened to her speak, he was shocked to discover he didn’t want to throw up. Nervous, yes; concerned, yes. But sick? Not at all. Apparently, the overexposure to disgusting, gory, terrifying sights over the last year had toughened him up.

He set his utensils on the sides of his plate and crossed his arms over the table.

So tell me, he said to Venn.

Venn looked to Cassie. You tell him. It was your idea.

Cassie frowned. You said you’d support me on this.

And I do, but I still think he’ll stab the person who tells him.

I’ll stab you both if you don’t tell me something. Jeff rested his hand on Cassie’s arm. And I say that with all the love in the world.

Cassie hooked her fingers through his and took a deep breath. We don’t care how much you argue—we’re taking you back to Andvell.

Chapter Two

Jeff heard the words as Cassie said them, but he didn’t know what to make of them. Excuse me?

You heard her, Venn said, allowing no time for confusion or misunderstanding.

Cassie nodded. Venn and I talked it out. We’re going to use the orb, track down the Sisters, and get your imagination back.

No matter how much of a fight you put up, Venn added. Because I know that even at your best, I can beat you. So, really, it’s best you not try. Just go with it.

But— said Jeff, hoping to get in one word of argument.

It’s for your benefit, Cassie interrupted, apparently ready to allow him one word and no more.

He started again, but she put her hand over his mouth, so nothing came out but a muffled garble.

I know you’re afraid of what the Sisters will take back, but we’ll deal with that if and when it comes to it. Venn and I care about you.

Venn snorted and then pressed her lips together as both Jeff and Cassie shot her a look.

We see that you’re suffering, Cassie continued, and it’s making us both miserable.

And unlike you, Venn cut in, I don’t like being miserable. No matter how much I might feel for someone, I don’t see the point of sacrificing my happiness for his sake. Cassie, for reasons I don’t understand, seems to get where you’re coming from. I don’t. But she also agrees it’s gone on long enough. You’re clearly not getting better on your own, and if you’re not brave enough to step up and fix it, we will.

Jeff and Cassie stared at her in wide-eyed silence for a moment, and then Cassie cleared her throat and dropped her hands into her lap. While I wouldn’t have put it quite so bluntly, that about sums it up.

Well then, said Jeff. He didn’t know what else to say. Nothing he wanted to say in the middle of a busy restaurant, anyway.

So you’ll do it? Cassie asked.

Jeff met her gaze and saw the concern and affection behind it. In spite of Venn’s threats to take him by force, he recognised that Cassie wanted him to go because she thought that, deep down, he wanted to, and because she saw it as the best option for him.

He didn’t have the heart to tell her he didn’t agree.

Let’s get the bill first, he said. Then we can go back to my apartment and talk about it.

The tension around Cassie’s eyes and mouth relaxed, and she slid her hand into his. Sounds like a plan.

Sounds like a conversation I should stay out of, Venn said. How about you leave me the cash for the bill, and you two go and do whatever the hell it is I don’t want to talk about, let alone picture.

Jeff gave her a look of skepticism. You expect me to trust you with my credit card?

She rolled her eyes. What do you think I’m going to do? Go on a massive cheesecake spree? Give me the damn card.

She extended her hand, and Jeff pulled out his wallet and slapped the plastic into her palm. I better not see any charges on there for military weapons or vintage swords.

A gleam appeared in Venn’s eyes, and then faded. No, that’s fine. I can get better made stuff where we’re going anyway. Get out of here. I’ll meet you at the apartment in a bit.

Still holding on to Jeff’s hand, Cassie slid out of the booth, and he followed.

Outside, snowflakes fell in thick, heavy puffs, making it difficult to see anything more than a few feet ahead.

Jeff’s addled thoughts swirled in his brain, and Cassie was gracious enough to leave him to them. Their boots crunched in the rising snow, the sound dulled in the closeness of the storm, and headlights reflected off the falling flakes. A perfect night for a walk along the pier to work off their dinner, and then home to warm up under the duvet.

Now none of that would happen, because now he had decisions to make.

I can still refuse. No matter what either of them says, they wouldn’t actually manhandle me into Andvell.

He thought of Venn and knew that wasn’t true. She would manhandle him, just to prove she could. And Cassie would look at him with those soft doe-eyes, full of those caring emotions, and he would feel too guilty to say no.

But he didn’t want to go.

He didn’t want to face what would happen if the Sisters made him give up Cassie in exchange for his creativity.

He didn’t want to face what would happen if they turned him down.

The second thought came out of nowhere, and he stumbled on the uneven sidewalk.

You okay? Cassie asked.

Fine, thanks, he said, not wanting to