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Version_1

Contents

TitlesbyNoraRobertsTitlePageCopyright

DedicationEpigraphChapter1

Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12

Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20

SpecialExcerptfromTHE

COLLECTOR

Formyowncircle,familyandfriends

Comingeventscasttheirshadowsbefore.

—THOMASCAMPBELL

Theornamentofahouseis

thefriendswhofrequentit.

—RALPHWALDO

EMERSON

1

Autumn 1268

M ISTSSPIRALEDUPFROMTHEWATERLIKEBREATHAS

Eamonrowedthelittleboat.Thesunshedpale,coollightasitwokefromthenight’srestandsetmorningbirdstotheirchorus.Heheardthecockcrow,soarrogantand

important,andthebleatingofsheepastheycroppedtheirwayacrossthegreenfields.

Familiarsoundsall,soundsthathadgreetedhimeverymorningforthelastfiveyears.

Butthiswasn’thome.Nomatterhowwelcoming,howfamiliar,

itwouldneverbehome.Andhomehewished

for.Homebroughthimwishesachingdowntohisboneslikeanoldman’sindampweather,longingsbleedingthroughhisheartlikealoverscorned.

Andunderthewishing,aching,longing,bleeding,livedasimmeringrage

thatcouldbubbleupandscorchhisthroatlikethirst.

Somenightshedreamedofhome,oftheircabininthegreatwoodswherehekneweverytree,everyturnofthetrack.Andsomenightsthedreamswererealaslife,sohecouldsmellthepeat

fire,thesweetrushesofhisbedwiththelavenderhismotherwovethroughforgoodrestandgooddreams.

Hecouldhearhervoice,hersingingsoftfrombelowtheloftwhereshemixedherpotionsandbrews.

TheDarkWitch,

they’dcalledher—withrespect—forshe’dbeenpowerfulandstrong.Andkindandgood.Sosomenightswhenhedreamedofhome,whenheheardhismothersingingfrombelowtheloft,hewokewithtearsonhischeeks.

Hastilybrushedaway.Hewasamannow,fully

tenyears,headofhisfamilyashisfatherhadbeenbeforehim.

Tearswereforthewomen.

Andhehadhissisterstolookafter,didn’the?heremindedhimselfashesettheoars,lettheboatlightlydriftwhilehedroppedhisline.

Brannaughmightbetheeldest,buthewasthemanofthefamily.He’dswornanoathtoprotectherandTeagan,andsohewould.Theirgrandfather’sswordhadcometohim.Hewoulduseitwhenthetimecame.

Thattimewouldcome.Fortherewereother

dreams,dreamsthatbroughtfearratherthangrieving.DreamsofCabhan,theblacksorcerer.Thosedreamsformedicyballsoffearinhisbellythatfrozeeventhesimmeringrage.Afearthatmadetheboyinsidehimwanttocryoutforhismother.

Buthecouldn’tallowhimselftobeafraid.Hismotherwasgone,sacrificingherselftosavehimandhissistersonlyhoursafterCabhanhadslaughteredtheirfather.

Hecouldbarelyseehisfatherinhismind’seye,toooftenneededthehelpofthefiretofindthat

image—thetallandproudDaithi,thecennfinewithhisbrighthairandreadylaugh.Buthehadonlytoclosehiseyestoseehismother,paleasthedeathtocome,standinginfrontofthecabininthewoodsonthatmistedmorningwhileherodeawaywithhissisters,griefinhis

heart,fresh,hotpowerinhisblood.

Hewasaboynolonger,fromthatmorning,butoneofthethree,adarkwitch,boundbybloodandoathtodestroywhatevenhismothercouldnot.

Partofhimwantedonlytobegin,toendthis

timeinGalwayontheircousin’sfarmwherethecockcrowedofamorning,andthesheepbleatedinthefields.Themanandwitchinsidehimyearnedforthetimetopass,forthestrengthtowieldhisgrandfather’sswordwithouthisarmtremblingfromthe

weight.Forthetimehecouldfullyembracehispowers,practicethemagicksthatwerehisbybirthandright.ThetimehewouldspillCabhan’sbloodblackandburningontheearth.

Still,inthedreamshewasonlyaboy,untriedandweak,pursuedbythe

wolfCabhanbecame,thewolfwiththeredstoneofhisblackpowergleamingathisthroat.Anditwashisownblood,andthebloodofhissisters,thatspilledwarmandredontotheground.

Onmorningsaftertheworstdreamshewenttotheriver,rowedoutto

fish,tobealone,thoughmostdayshecravedthecompanyofthecottage,thevoices,thescentsofcooking.

Butaftertheblooddreamsheneededtobeaway—andnoonescoldedhimfornothelpingwiththemilkingorthemuckingorthe

feeding,notonthosemornings.

Sohesatintheboat,aslimboyoftenwithamopofbrownhairstilltousledfromsleep,andthewildblueeyesofhisfather,thebrightandstirringpowerofhismother.

Hecouldlistentothe

daywakearoundhim,waitpatientlyforthefishtotakehisbaitandeattheoatcakehe’dtakenfromhiscousin’skitchen.

Andhecouldfindhimselfagain.

Theriver,thequiet,thegentlerockoftheboatremindedhimofthelasttrulyhappydayhe’dhad

withhismotherandsisters.

She’dlookedwell,heremembered,afterhowpaleandstrainedshehadlookedoverthelong,icywinter.Theywere,allofthem,countingthedaysuntilBealtaine,andhisfather’sreturn.They’dsitaroundthefirethen,so

Eamonhadthought,eatingcakesandteasweetenedwithhoneywhiletheylistenedtohisfather’stalesoftheraidsandthehunting.

Theywouldfeast,sohehadthought,andhismotherwouldbewellagain.

Sohe’dbelieved,that

dayontheriverwhenthey’dfishedandlaughed,andallthoughtofhowsoontheirfatherwouldbehome.

Buthe’dnevercome,forCabhanhadusedhisdarkmagickstoslayDaithithebrave.AndSorcha,theDarkWitch—eventhoughshe’dburned

himtoash,he’dkilledher.Killedherandsomehowstillexisted.

Eamonknewitfromthedreams,fromtheprickledownhisspine.Sawthetruthofitintheeyesofhissisters.

Buthehadthatday,thatbrightspringdayontherivertoremember.

Evenasafishtuggedonhisline,hismindtraveledback,andhesawhimselfatfiveyearsbringingashiningfishfromthedarkriver.

Feltthatsamesenseofpridenow.

“Ailishwillbepleased.”

Hismothersmiledat

himasheslidthefishintothepailofwatertoholditfresh.

Hisgreatneedbroughthertohim,gavehimcomfort.Hebaitedhishookagainasthesunwarmedandbegantothinthefingersofmists.

“We’llneedmorethanone.”

She’dsaidthat,heremembered,thatlongagoday.

“Thenyou’llcatchmorethanone.”

“I’dsoonercatchmorethanoneinmyownriver.”

“Onedayyouwill.Oneday,mochroi,you’llreturnhome.Oneday

thosewhocomefromyouwillfishinourriver,walkourwood.Ipromisethistoyou.”

Tearswantedtocome,blurredhisvisionofher,soshewaveredinfrontofhiseyes.Hewilledthemaway,forhewouldseeherclear.Thedarkhairsheletfallfreetoher

waist,thedarkeyeswherelovelived.Andthepowerthatshonefromher.Evennow,avisiononly,hesensedherpower.

“Whycouldyounotdestroyhim,Ma?Whycouldyounotlive?”

“Itwasnotmeant.Mylove,myboy,myheart,ifIcouldhavesparedyou

andyoursisters,Iwouldhavegivenmorethanmylife.”

“Youdidgivemore.Yougaveusyourpower,almostallofit.Ifyou’dkeptit—”

“Itwasmytime,andyourbirthright.Iamcontentwiththat,Ipromiseyouaswell.”In

thosethinningmistssheglowed,silver-edged.“Iameverinyou,EamontheLoyal.Iaminyourblood,yourheart,yourmind.Youarenotalone.”

“Imissyou.”Hefeltherlipsonhis

cheek,thewarmthofher,thescentofherenfoldinghim.Andforthat

moment,justthatmoment,hecouldbeachildagain.

“Iwanttobebraveandstrong.Iwillbe,Iswearit.IwillprotectBrannaughandTeagan.”

“Youwillprotecteachother.Youarethethree.TogethermorepowerfulthanIeverwas.”

“WillIkillhim?”Forthatwashisdeepest,darkestwish.“WillIfinishhim?”

“Icannotsay,onlythathecannevertakewhatyouare.Whatyouare,whatyouhold,canonlybegiven,asIgavetoyou.Hecarriesmycurse,andthemarkofit.Allwho

comefromhimwillbearitasallwhocomefromyouwillcarrythelight.Myblood,Eamon.”Sheturnedherpalmup,showedathinlineofblood.“Andyours.”

Hefeltthequickpain,sawthewoundacrosshispalm.Andjoineditwithhismother’s.

“Thebloodofthethree,outofSorcha,willlayhimlow,ifittakesathousandyears.Trustwhatyouare.Itisenough.”

Shekissedhimagain,smiledagain.“Youhavemorethanone.”

Thetugonhislinebroughthimoutofthe

vision.Sohehadmorethan

one.Hewouldbebrave,he

thoughtashepulledthefish,flapping,outoftheriver.Hewouldbestrong.Andoneday,strongenough.

Hestudiedhishand—nomarkonitnow,buthe

understood.Hecarriedherblood,andhergift.These,oneday,hewouldpasstohissons,hisdaughters.Ifitwasn’tforhimtodestroyCabhan,itwouldbedonebyhisblood.

Buthehoped,byallthegods,itwasforhim.

Fornow,he’dfish.Itwasgoodtobeaman,he

thought,tohuntandfish,toprovide.Topaybackhiscousinsfortheshelterandthecare.

He’dlearnedpatiencesincebeingaman—andcaughtfourfishbeforeherowedtheboatbacktoshore.Hesecuredtheboat,strungthefishonaline.

Hestoodamoment,lookingoutatthewater,theshineofitnowunderthefullnessofthesun.Hethoughtofhismother,thesoundofhervoice,thescentofherhair.Herwordswouldstaywithhim.

Hewouldwalkbackthroughthelittlewoods.

Notgreatlikehome,butafinewoodallthesame,hetoldhimself.

AndhewouldbringAilishthefish,takesometeabythefire.Thenhewouldhelpwiththelastoftheharvest.

Heheardthehigh,sharpcryashestartedbacktothecottageandthe

littlefarm.Smilingtohimself,hereachedintohissatchel,drewouthisleatherglove.Heonlyhadtopulliton,lifthisarm,andRoibeardswoopedoutoftheclouds,wingsspreadtoland.

“Goodmorningtoyou.”Eamonlookedintothosegoldeneyes,feltthe

tugofconnectionwithhishawk,hisguide,hisfriend.Hetouchedthecharmedamuletaroundhisneck,onehismotherhadconjuredwithbloodmagicksforprotection.Itcarriedtheimageofthehawk.

“It’safineday,isn’tit?Brightandcool.The

harvestisnearlydone,andwe’llhaveourcelebrationsoon,”hecontinuedashewalkedwiththehawkonhisarm.“Theequinox,asyouknow,whennightconquersdayasGronwPebrconqueredLleuLlawGyffes.We’llcelebratethebirthofMabon,sonofMordontheguardianof

theearth.Surethere’llbehoneycakesforcertain.I’llseeyouhaveabit.”

ThehawkrubbeditsheadagainstEamon’scheek,affectionateasakitten.

“Ihadthedreamagain,ofCabhan.Ofhome,ofMaaftershegaveusalmostalltherewasofher

powerandsentusawaytobesafe.Iseeit,Roibeard.Howshepoisonedhimwithakiss,howsheflamed,usingallshehadtodestroyhim.Hetookherlife,andstill...Isawthestirringintheashesshemadeofhim.Thestirringofthem,somethingevil,andthe

glowofredfromhispower.”

Eamonpausedamoment,drewuphispower,openedtoit.Hefeltthebeatingheartofarabbitrushingintothebrush,thehungerofafledglingwaitingforitsmotheranditsbreakfast.

Hefelthissisters,the

sheep,thehorses.Andnothreat.“Hehasn’tfoundus.I

wouldfeelit.Youwouldseeit,andwouldtellme.Buthelooks,andhehunts,andhewaits,asIfeelthataswell.”

Thoseboldblueeyesdarkened;theboy’stendermouthfirmedintoa

man’s.“Iwon’thideforever.Oneday,onthebloodofDaithiandSorcha,I’lldothehunting.”

Eamonliftedahand,tookafistfulofair,swirledit,tossedit—gently—towardatree.Branchesshook,androostingbirdstookflight.

“I’llonlygetstronger,won’tI?”hemurmured,andwalkedtothecottagetopleaseAilishwithfourfish.

***

BRANNAUGHWENTABOUTHERDUTIESASSHEDID

EVERYday.Aseverydayforfiveyearsshe’ddoneallthatwasaskedofher.Shecooked,shecleaned,tendedtheyoungonesasAilishalwaysseemedtohaveababyatthebreastorinthebelly.Shehelpedplantthefieldsandtendthecrops.Shehelpedinharvest.

Goodhonestwork,ofcourse,andsatisfyinginitsway.NoonecouldbemorekindthanhercousinAilishandherhusband.Good,solidpeopleboth,peopleoftheearth,who’dofferedmorethansheltertothreeorphanedchildren.

They’dofferedfamily,

andtherewasnomorepreciousgift.

Hadn’thermotherknownit?ShewouldneverhavesentherthreechildrentoAilishotherwise.Eveninthedarkesthour,Sorchawouldneverhavegivenherbelovedchildrentoanyonebutthekind,and

theloving.Butattwelve,

Brannaughwasnolongerachild.Andwhatroseinher,spreadinher,wokeinher—moresinceshe’dstartedhercoursestheyearbefore—demanded.

Holdingsomuchin,turninghereyesfromthatever-brighteninglight

provedharderandmoresorrowfuleveryday.ButsheowedAilishrespect,andhercousinheldafearofmagicksandpower—evenherown.

Brannaughhaddonewhathermotheraskedofheronthatterriblemorning.She’dtakenherbrotherandsistersouth,

awayfromtheirhomeinMayo.She’dkeptofftheroad;she’dshutteredhergriefinherheartwhereonlyshecouldhearitkeening.

Andinthatheartlivedtheneedtoavengeaswell,theneedtoembracethepowerinsideher,andlearnmore,learnandhone

enoughtodefeatCabhan,onceanddone.

ButAilishwantedonlyherman,herchildren,herfarm.Andwhynot?Shewasentitledtoherhomeandherlifeandherland,thequietofitall.Hadn’tsheriskeditbytakinginSorcha’sblood?TakinginwhatCabhanlustedfor—

huntedfor?Shedeservedgratitude,

loyalty,andrespect.Butwhatlivedin

Brannaughclawedforfreedom.Choicesneededtobemade.

She’dseenherbrotherwalkbackfromtheriverwithhisfish,hishawk.Shefelthimtesthispower

outofthesightofthecottage—asheoftendid.AsTeagan,theirsister,oftendid.Ailish,chatteringaboutthejamsthey’dmakethatday,feltnothing.Hercousinblockedmostofwhatshehad—apuzzlementtoBrannaugh—andusedonlythebitsheallowed

herselftosweetenjamsorcoaxbiggereggsfromthehens.

Brannaughtoldherselfitwasworththesacrifice,thewaittofindmore,learnmore,bemore.Herbrotherandsisterweresafehere—astheirmotherwished.Teagan,whosegriefhadbeenbeyond

reachingfordays,weeks,laughedandplayed.Shedidherchorescheerfully,tendedtheanimals,rodelikeawarrioronherbiggrayAlastar.

Perhapssomenightssheweptinhersleep,butBrannaughhadonlytogatherherintosootheher.

ExceptwhencamethedreamsofCabhan.TheycametoTeagan,toEamon,toherself.Moreoftennow,clearernow,soclearBrannaughhadbeguntohearhisvoiceechoaftershewoke.

Choicesmustbemade.Thiswaiting,thissanctuary,mightneedto

cometoanend,onewayoranother.

Intheeveningshescrubbedpotatoes,tenderfromtheharvest.Shestirredthestewbubblinglowonthefire,andtappedherfootashercousin’smanmademusiconhislittleharp.

Thecottage,warmand

snug,ahappyplacefilledwithgoodscents,cheerfulvoices,Ailish’slaughassheliftedheryoungestontoherhipforadance.

Family,shethoughtagain.Wellfed,welltendedinacottagewarmandsnug,withherbsdryinginthekitchen,babeswithrosycheeks.

Itshouldhavecontentedher—howshewisheditwould.

ShecaughtEamon’seye,thesameboldblueastheirfather’s,felthispowerprodagainsther.Hesawtoomuch,didEamon,shethought.Fartoomuchifshedidn’tremembertoshutterhim

out.Shegavehimabitofa

pokeback—alittlewarningtomindhisown.Inthewayofsisters,shesmiledathiswince.

Aftertheeveningmealtherewerepotstobecleaned,childrentotuckintobed.Mabh,theeldestatseven,complained,as

always,shewasn’tsleepy.Seamussnuggledrightin,readywithhisdreamingsmile.Thetwinsshe’dhelpedbringintotheworldherselfchatteredtoeachotherlikemagpies,youngBrighidslippedhercomfortingthumbinhermouth,andthebabysleptbeforehismotherlaidhim

down.Brannaughwonderedif

Ailishknewbothsheandthebabewithhissweetangelfacewouldnotbewithoutmagick.Thebirth,sopainful,sowrong,wouldhaveendedthembothinbloodwithoutBrannaugh’spower,thehealing,theseeing,the

doing.Thoughtheynever

spokeofit,shethoughtAilishknew.

Ailishstraightened,ahandonherback,anotheronthenextbabeinherwomb.“Andagoodnightandhappydreamstoall.Brannaugh,wouldyouhavesometeawithme?I

coulddowithsomeofyoursoothingtea,asthisone’skickingupastormtonight.”

“SureandI’llfixyousome.”Andaddthecharmasshealwaysdidforhealthandaneasybirthing.“He’swellandhealthythatone,andwillbe,Isuspect,asbiga

handfulonhisownasthetwins.”

“It’saboyforcertain,”Ailishsaidastheyclimbeddownfromthesleepingloft.“Icanfeelit.I’venotbeenwrongyet.”

“Norareyouthistime.Youcoulddowithmorerest,cousin.”

“Awomanwithsix

childrenandoneinthepotdoesn’tseemuchrest.I’mwellenough.”HergazefixedonBrannaugh’sforconfirmation.

“Youaretobesure,butcoulddowithmorerestallthesame.”

“You’reagreathelpandcomforttome,Brannaugh.”

“IhopeIam.”Somethinghere,

Brannaughthoughtasshebusiedherselfwiththetea.Shesensedhercousin’snerves,andtheystirredherown.

“Nowthattheharvestisin,youmightsettleinwithyoursewing.It’sneededwork,andrestful

foryou.Icanseetothecooking.TeaganandMabhwillhelpthere,andI’lltellyoutrue,Mabh’salreadyafinecook.”

“Aye,sureandsheisthat.I’msoproudofher.”

“Withthegirlsseeingtothecooking,EamonandIcanhelpourcousinhunt.Iknowyou’drather

Ididn’ttakeupthebow,butisn’titwiseforeachtodowhatwedowell?”

Ailish’sgazeveeredawayamoment.

Aye,Brannaughthought,sheknowsand,more,feelstheweightofaskingusnottobewhatweare.

“Ilovedyourmother.”

“Oh,andsheyou.”“Wesawlittleofeach

otherthelastyears.Stillshesentmessagestome,inherway.ThenightMabhwasborn,thelittleblanketmygirlstillholdsasshesleepswasthere,justthereonthecradleBardanmadeforher.”

“Whenshespokeof

you,itwaswithlove.”“Shesentyoutome.

You,Eamon,Teagan.Shecametome,inadream,askedmetogiveyouahome.”

“Younevertoldme,”Brannaughmurmured,andcarriedtheteatohercousin,satwithherbythepeatfire.

“Twodaysbeforeyoucame,sheaskeditofme.”

Withherhandsclaspedinherlapoverskirtsasgrayashereyes,Brannaughstaredintothefire.“Ittookeightforustotravelhere.Herspiritcametoyou.IwishIcouldseeheragain,butIonlyseeherindreams.”

“She’swithyou.Iseeherinyou.InEamon,inTeagan,butmostinyou.Herstrengthandbeauty.Herfierceloveoffamily.You’reofagenow,Brannaugh.Ofagewhereyoumustbegintothinkofmakingafamily.”

“Ihaveafamily.”“Ofyourown,asyour

ownmotherdid.Ahome,darling,amantoworkthelandforyou,babesofyourown.”

ShesippedherteaasBrannaughremainedsilent.“Fialisafineman,agoodman.Hewasgoodtohiswifewhileshelived,Icanpromiseyou.Heneedsawife,amother

forhischildren.Hehasafinehouse,farbiggerthanours.Hewouldofferforyou,andhewouldopenhishousetoEamonandTeagan.”

“HowcouldIwedFial?Heis...”Oldwasherfirstthought,butsherealizedhewouldbenoolderthanherBardan.

“Hewouldgiveyouagoodlife,giveagoodlifetoyourbrother,yoursister.”Ailishpickeduphersewing,busyingherhands.“IwouldneverspeakofittoyouifIbelievedhewouldnottreatyouwithkindness,always.Heishandsome,Brannaugh,andhasafine

wayabouthim.Willyouwalkoutwithhim?”

“I...Cousin,Idon’tthinkofFialinthatway.”

“Perhapsifyouwalkoutwithhimyouwill.”Ailishsmiledasshesaidit,asifsheknewasecret.“Awomanneedsamantoprovide,toprotect,togiveherchildren.Akindman

withagoodhouse,apleasingface—”

“DidyouwedwithBardanbecausehewaskind?”

“Iwouldnothaveweddedhimhadn’thebeen.Onlyconsiderit.We’lltellhimwewaituntilaftertheequinoxtospeaktoyouofit.

Consider.Willyoudothat?”

“Iwill.”Brannaughgottoher

feet.“DoesheknowwhatIam?”

Ailish’stiredeyeslowered.“Youaretheoldestdaughterofmycousin.”

“DoesheknowwhatI

am,Ailish?”Itstirredinhernow,

whatsheheldin,heldback.Pridestirredit.Andthelightthatplayedoverherfacecamenotonlyfromtheflickersofthefire.

“IamtheoldestdaughteroftheDarkWitchofMayo.And

beforeshesacrificedherlife,shesacrificedherpower,passingittome,toEamon,Teagan.Wearethethree.Darkwitcheswe.”

“Youareachild—”“Achildwhenyou

speakofmagicks,ofpower.Butawomanwhenyouspeakof

weddingFial.”Thetruthofthathada

flushwarmingAilish’scheeks.“Brannaugh,mylove,haveyounotbeencontentheretheselastyears?”

“Aye,content.Andsograteful.”

“Bloodgivestobloodwithnoneedforgrateful.”

“Aye.Bloodgivestoblood.”

Settinghersewingasideagain,AilishreachedforBrannaugh’shands.“Youwouldbesafe,thedaughterofmycousin.Andyouwouldbecontent.Youwould,Ibelieveit,beloved.Couldyouwantmore?”

“Iammore,”shesaidquietly,andwentuptothesleepingloft.

***

BUTSLEEPELUDED.SHELAYQUIETBESIDETEAGAN,WAITINGforthemurmursbetweenAilishand

Bardantofadeaway.Theywouldspeakofthismatch,thisgood,sensiblematch.Theywouldconvincethemselvesherreluctancewasonlyayounggirl’snerves.

Justastheyhadconvincedthemselvesshe,Eamon,andTeaganwerechildren,likeanyothers.

Sherosequietly,slippedonhersoftboots,hershawl.Itwasairsheneeded.Air,thenight,themoon.

Sheclimbedsilentlydownfromtheloft,easedthedooropen.

Kathel,herhound,whosleptbythefire,uncurledand,withoutquestionor

hesitation,wentoutbeforeher.

Nowshecouldbreathe,withthecoolnightaironhercheeks,withthequietlikeasoothinghandonthechaosinsideher.Here,foraslongasshecouldholdit,wasfreedom.

Sheandthefaithfuldogslippedlikeshadows

intothetrees.Sheheardthebubblingoftheriver,thesighofwindthroughthetrees,smelledtheearth,andthetingefromthepeatsmokerisingfromthecottagechimney.

Shecouldcastthecircle,trytoconjurehermother’sspirit.Sheneededhermother

tonight.Infiveyears,she’dnotwept,notallowedherselfasingletear.Now,shewantedtositontheground,herheadonhermother’sbreast,andweep.

Shelaidahandontheamuletshewore—theimageofthehoundhermotherhadconjuredwith

love,withmagick,withblood.

Didshestaytruetoherblood,towhatlivedinher?Didsheembraceherownneeds,wants,passions?Ordidshesetthatasidelikeatoyoutgrown,anddowhatwouldensurethesafetyandfutureofherbrother

andsister?“Mother,”she

murmured,“whatshouldIdo?Whatwouldyouhavemedo?Yougaveyourlifeforus.CanIdoless?”

Shefeltthereachingout,thejoiningofpowerlikeatwiningoffingers.Whirlingaround,shestaredattheshadows.

Heartracing,shethought:Ma.

ButitwasEamonwhosteppedintothemoonlight,withTeagan’shandinhis.

Thekeenedgeofherdisappointmentslicedlikeabladethroughhervoice.“Youaretobeabed.Whatareyouthinking

wanderingthewoodsatnight?”

“Youdothesame,”Eamonsnappedback.

“Iamtheoldest.”“Iamheadofthe

family.”“Thepunystaff

betweenyourlegsdoesn’tmakeyouheadofthefamily.”

Teagangiggled,thenrushedforward,threwherarmsaroundhersister.“Don’tbeangry.Youneededustocome.Youwereinmydream.Youwept.”

“Iamnotweeping.”“Inhere.”Teagan

touchedahandtoBrannaugh’sheart.Her

deep,darkeyes—soliketheirmother’s—searchedhersister’sface.“Whyareyousad?”

“Iamnotsad.Ionlycameouttothink.Tobealoneandthink.”

“Youthinktooloud,”Eamonmuttered,stillsmartingoverthe“puny”comment.

“Andyoushouldhavemoremannersthantolistentoothers’thoughts.”

“HowcanIhelpitwhenyoushoutthem?”

“Stop.Wewillnotquarrel.”Teaganmighthavebeenthesmallestofthem,butshedidn’tlackinwill.“Wewillnotquarrel,”sherepeated.

“Brannaughissad,Eamonislikeamanstandingonhotcoals,andI...IfeellikeIdowhenI’vehadtoomuchpudding.”

“Areyouill?”Brannaugh’sangerwhiskedaway.ShepeeredintoTeagan’seyes.

“Notthatway.Somethingis...not

balanced.Ifeelit.Ithinkyoudo,andyoudo.Sowewillnotquarrel.Wearefamily.”StillholdingBrannaugh’shand,TeaganreachedforEamon’s.“Tellus,sister,whyyou’resad.”

“I...Iwanttocastacircle.Iwanttofeelthelightinme.Iwanttocast

acircleandsitinitslightwithyou.Bothofyou.”

“Werarelyeverdo,”Teagansaid.“BecauseAilishwouldwedidn’t.”

“Andshehastakenusin.Weoweherrespectinherhome.Butwearenotinherhomenow,andsheneednotknow.Ineedthelight.Ineedtospeakwith

youwithinourcircle,wherenoonecanhear.”

“Iwillcastit.Ipractice,”Teagantoldher.“WhenAlastarandIrideaway,Ipractice.”

Onasigh,Brannaughranahanddownhersister’sbrighthair.“It’sgoodyoudo.Castthecircle,deirfiúrbheag.”

B

2

RANNAUGHWATCHEDTEAGANWORK,HOWHERSISTERpulled

light,pulledfireoutof

herself,gavethegoddessherthanksassheforgedthering.Aringwideenough,Brannaughthought,withamusementandwithgratitude,toincludeKathel.

“Youdidwell.Ishouldhavetaughtyoumore,butI...”

“RespectedAilish.”

“Andworryaswell,”Eamonputin,“thatifweuseourpowertoomuch,toostrong,he’llknow.He’llcome.”

“Aye.”Brannaughsatontheground,loopedanarmaroundKathel.“Shewantedussafe.Shegaveupeverythingforus.Herpower,herlife.She

believedshewoulddestroyhim,andwewouldbesafe.Shecouldn’tknowwhateverblackpowerhebargainedwithcouldbringhimoutoftheashes.”

“Weaker.”ShelookedatEamon,

nodded.“Yes,weaker.Then.He...eatspower,I

think.He’llfindothers,takefromthem,growstronger.Shewantedussafe.”Brannaughdrewabreath.“Fialwishestowedme.”

Eamon’smouthfellopen.“Fial?Buthe’sold.”

“NoolderthanBardan.”

“Old!”Brannaughlaughed,

feltsomeofthetightnessinherchestease.“Menwantyoungwives,itseems.Sotheycanbearthemmanychildren,andstillwanttobedwiththemandcookforthem.”

“YouwillnotwedFial,”Teagansaid

decisively.“Heiskind,andnot

uncomely.HehasahouseandfarmlargerthanAilishandBardan.Hewouldwelcomeyouboth.”

“YouwillnotwedFial,”Teaganrepeated.“Youdonotlovehim.”

“Idon’tlookforlove

nordoIneedit.”“Youshould,buteven

ifyoucloseyoureyes,itwillfindyou.Doyouforgetthelovebetweenourmotherandfather?”

“Idon’t.Idon’tthinktofindsuchathingformyself.Perhapsonedayyouwill.Soprettyyouare,andbright.”

“Oh,Iwill.”Teagannoddedwisely.“Asyouwill,asEamonwill.Andwewillpasswhatweare,whatwehave,tothosewhocomefromus.Ourmotherwantedthis.Shewantedustolive.”

“Wewouldlive,andwell,ifIwedFial.Iamtheoldest,”Brannaugh

remindedthem.“Itisformetodecide.”

“Shechargedmetoprotectyou.”Eamonfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Iforbidit.”

“Wewillnotquarrel.”Teagansnatchedtheirhands,grippedhard.Flameshimmeredthroughtheirjoinedfingers.“And

Iwillnotbetendedto.Iamnotababe,Brannaugh,butthesameageasyouwhenweleftourhome.Youwillnotmarrytogivemeahome.Youwillnotdenywhatyouare,ignoreyourpower.YouarenotAilish,butBrannaugh,daughterofSorchaandDaithi.You

areadarkwitch,andeverwillbe.”

“Onedaywewilldestroyhim,”Eamonvowed.“Onedaywewillavengeourfather,ourmother,andwewilldestroyeventheashweburnhiminto.Ourmotherhastoldmewewill,orthosewhocomefromus

will,ifittakesathousandyears.”

“Shetoldyou?”“Thismorning.She

cametomewhileIwasontheriver,inthemistsandthequiet.IfindhertherewhenIneedher.”

“Shecomestomeonlyindreams.”TearsBrannaughwouldn’tshed

cloggedherthroat.“Youholdwhatyou

aresotight.”Tosoothe,Teaganstrokedhersister’shair.“SonottoupsetAilish,sotoprotectus.Perhapsyouonlyallowhertocomeindreams.”

“Shecomestoyou?”Brannaughmurmured.

“Notonlyindreams?”“SometimeswhenI

rideAlastar,whenwegodeepintothewoods,andIholdmyselfquiet,soquiet,shecomes.ShesingstomeassheusedtowhenIwaslittle.Anditwasourmotherwhotoldmewewillhavelove,wewillhavechildren.And

wewill,byourblood,defeatCabhan.”

“AmItomarryFialthen,bearhimthechild,theblood,whowillfinishit?”

“No!”TinyflamesflickeredatTeagan’sfingertipsbeforesherememberedcontrol.“Thereisnolove.The

lovecomes,thenthechild.Thisistheway.”

“Itisnottheonlyway.”

“Itisourway.”EamontookBrannaugh’shandagain.“Itwillbeourway.Wewillbewhatwearemeant,dowhatwemustdo.Ifwedon’ttry,whattheysacrificedforusis

fornothing.Theywouldhavediedfornothing.Doyouwantitso?”

“No.No.Iwanttokillhim.Iwanthisblood,hisdeath.”Struggling,BrannaughpressedherfacetoKathel’sneck,soothedherselfwithhiswarmth.“IthinkpartofmewoulddieifIturned

awayfromwhatIam.ButIknowallofmewouldifachoiceImakebringsharmtoeitherofyou.”

“Wechoose,allofus,”Eamonsaid.“Onebythree.Weneededthistime.Ourmothersentusheresowecouldhavethistime.Wearenotchildrennow.Ithinkwewereno

longerchildrenwhenwerodefromhomethatmorning,knowingwewouldneverseeheragain.”

“Wehadpower.”Brannaughbreatheddeep,straightened.Thoughhewasyounger,andaboyforallthat,herbrotherspoketrue.“Shegaveus

more.Iaskedyoubothtoletitliestill.”

“Youwererighttoaskit—evenifwewokeitnowandthen,”Eamonaddedwithasmile.“Weneededthetimehere,butthistimeiscomingtoaclose.Ifeelit.”

“AsIdo,”Brannaughmurmured.“SoI

wonderedifitmeantFial.Butno,you’reright,bothofyou.Iamnotforthefarm.Notforkitchenmagicksandparlorgames.Wewilllook,herewithinthecircle.Wewilllook,andsee.Andknow.”

“Together?”Teagan’sfaceglowedwithjoyassheasked,andBrannaugh

knewshe’dheldbackherself,hersisterandbrothertoolong.

“Together.”Brannaughcuppedherhands,broughtthepowerup,out.Anddroppingherhandsdownlikewaterfalling,shemadethefire.

Andthemakingofit,thatfirstskilllearned,the

purityofthemagickcoursedthroughher.Itfeltasifshe’dtakenherfirstfullbreathinfiveyears.

“Youhavemorenow,”Teaganstated.

“Aye.It’swaited.I’vewaited.We’vewaited.Wewaitnomore.Throughtheflameandthesmoke,we’llseekhimout,see

wherehelurks.Youseedeeper,”shetoldEamon,“buthaveacare.Ifheknowswelookathim,hewilllookatus.”

“IknowwhatI’mabout.Wecangothroughthefire,flythroughtheair,overwaterandearth,towhereheis.”Helaidahandonthesmallsword

athisside.“Wecankillhim.”

“Itwilltakemorethanyoursword.Forallherpower,ourmothercouldn’tdestroyhim.Itwilltakemore,andwewillfindmore.Intime.Fornow,welookonly.”

“Wecanfly.AlastarandI.We...”Teagan

trailedoffatBrannaugh’ssharplook.“Itjust...happenedoneday.”

“Wearewhatweare.”Brannaughshookherhead.“Ishouldneverhaveforgottenit.Nowwelook.Throughfire,throughsmoke,withshieldedsightasweinvoke.Toseek,tofind,hiseyesweblind,he

whoshedourblood.Nowourpowerrisesinaflood.Wearethethree.Aswewill,somoteitbe.”

Theygrippedhands,joinedtheirlight.

Flamesshifted;smokecleared.

There,drinkingwinefromasilvercup,wasCabhan.Hisdarkhairfell

tohisshoulders,gleamedinthelightofthetallows.

Brannaughsawstonewalls,richtapestriescoveringthem,abedwithcurtainsofdeepbluevelvet.

Athisease,shethought.Hehadfoundcomfort,riches—itdidn’tsurpriseher.Hewoulduse

hispowersforgain,forpleasure,fordeath.Forwhateversuitedhispurpose.

Awomancameintothechamber.Sheworerichrobes,hadhairdarkasmidnight.Spellbound,Brannaughthought,bytheblindlookinhereyes.

Andyet...some

powerthere,some,Brannaughrealized.Strugglingtobreakthebondsthatlockedittight.

Cabhandidn’tspeak,merelyflickedahandtowardthebed.Thewomanwalkedtoit,disrobed,stoodforamoment,herskinwhiteasmoonshineglowinginthe

light.Behindthoseblind

eyes,Brannaughsawthewarwaged,thebitter,bitterfighttobreakfree.Tostrikeout.

Foramoment,Eamon’sfocuswavered.He’dneverseenagrownwomanfullynaked,noronewithsuchlarge

breasts.Likehissistershesensedthattrappedpower—likeawhitebirdinablackbox.Butallthatbareskin,thosesoft,generousbreasts,thefascinatingtriangleofhairbetweenherlegs.

Woulditfeellikethehaironherhead?Hedesperatelywantedto

touch,justthere,andknow.

Cabhan’sheadcameup,awolfscentingtheair.Herosesoquickly,thesilvercupupended,spillingwineredasblood.

BrannaughtwistedEamon’sfingerspainfully.Thoughheyelped,flushedasredasthefire,he

broughthisfocusback.Still,foramoment,a

terriblemoment,Cabhan’seyesseemedtolookstraightintohis.

Thenhewalkedtothewoman.Hegrippedherbreasts,squeezed,twisted.Painranoverherface,butshedidn’tcryout.

Couldn’tcryout.

Hepinchedhernipples,twistedthemuntiltearsrandownhercheeks,untilbruisesmarredthewhiteskin.Hestruckher,knockingherbackonthebed.Bloodtrickledfromthecornerofhermouth,butsheonlystared.

Withaflickofhiswrist,hewasnaked,and

hiscockfullyerect.Itseemedtoglow,butnotwithlight.Withdark.Eamonsenseditwaslikeice—coldandsharpandhorrible.Andthisherammedintothewomanlikeapikewhilethetearsrandownhercheeksandthebloodtrickledfromhermouth.

SomethinginsideEamonburstupwithoutrage—avicious,innatefuryatseeingawomantreatedthus.Henearlypushedthroughthatfire,thatsmoke,butBrannaughgrippedhishand,twistingboneagainstbone.

Andwhileherapedher

—foritwasnothingelse—EamonfeltCabhan’sthoughts.ThoughtsofSorcha,andtheterriblelustforherthathe’dneverquenched.Thoughtsof...Brannaugh.OfBrannaugh,andhowhewoulddothistoher,andmore.Andworse.Howhewouldgiveherpain

beforehetookherpower.Howhewouldtakeherpowerbeforehetookherlife.

Brannaughquenchedthefirequickly,endedthevisiononasnap.AndasquicklygrabbedEamonbybotharms.“Isaidwewerenotready.DoyounotthinkIfeltyougather

togo?”“Hehurther.Hetook

herpower,herbody,againstherwill.”

“Henearlyfoundyou—hesensedsomethingpushingin.”

“Iwouldkillhimforhisthoughtsalone.Hewillnevertouchyouashedidher.”

“Hewantedtohurther.”Teagan’svoicewasachild’snow.“Buthethoughtofourmother,notofher.Thenhethoughtofyou.”

“Histhoughtscan’thurtme.”Butthey’dshakenher,deepinsideherself.“Hewillneverdotome,ortoyou,whathe

didtothatpoorwoman.”“Couldwehavehelped

her?”“Ah,Teagan,Idon’t

know.”“Wedidnottry.”

Eamon’swordslashedout.“Youheldmehere.”

“Foryourlife,forours,forourpurpose.DoyouthinkIdon’tfeelwhatyou

feel?”Eventhesecretfeardrownedinanicywaveofrage.“Thatitstabbedathousandtimestodonothing?Hehaspower.Notwhathehad,butdifferent.Notmore,butless,andstilldifferent.Idon’tknowhowtofighthim.Yet.Wedon’tknow,Eamon,andwemust

know.”“He’scoming.Not

tonight,nottomorrow,buthe’llcome.Heknowsyou...”Eamonflushedagain,lookedaway.

“HeknowsIcanbearchildren,”Brannaughfinished.“Hethinkstogetasonfromme.Heneverwill.Buthe’scoming.I

feltitaswell.”“Thenwemustgo.”

TeagantippedherheadtoKathel’sflank.“Wemustneverbringhimhere.”

“Wemustgo,”Brannaughagreed.“Wemustbewhatweare.”

“Wherewillwego?”“South.”Brannaugh

lookedatEamonfor

confirmation.“Aye,south,asheis

stillnorth.HeremainsinMayo.”

“Wewillfindaplace,andtherewewilllearnmore,findmore.Andonedaywewillgohome.”

Sherose,tookboththeirhandsagain,letthepowersparkfromoneto

one.“Iswearbyourbloodwewillgohomeagain.”

“Iswearbyourblood,”Eamonsaid,“weorwhatcomesfromuswilldestroyeventhethoughtofhim.”

“Iswearbyourblood,”Teagansaid,“wearethethree,andwilleverbe.”

“Nowweclosethe

circle,butneveragaincloseoffwhatweare,whatwehave,whatweweregiven.”Brannaughreleasedtheirhands.“Weleaveonthemorrow.”

***

EYESWEEPY,AILISH

WATCHEDBRANNAUGHPACKHERSHAWL.“Ibegyoutostay.ThinkofTeagan.She’sbutachild.”

“TheageIwaswhenwecametoyou.”

“Asyouwereachild,”shesaid.

“Iwasmore.Wearemore,andmustbewhat

weare.”“Ifrightenedyouby

speakingofFial.Youcannotthinkwewouldforceamarriageuponyou.”

“No.Ohno.”Brannaughturnedthen,tookhercousin’shands.“Youneverwould.ItisnotforFialweleaveyou,

cousin.”Turning,Brannaugh

packedthelastofherthings.

“Yourmotherwouldnotwantthisforyou.”

“Mymotherwouldwantustobehome,happyandsafewithherandourfather.Butthatwasnottobe.Mymother

gaveherlifeforus,gaveherpowertous.Andnowherpurposetous.Wemustliveourlives,embraceourpower,completeourpurpose.”

“Wherewillyougo?”“ToClare,Ithink.For

now.Wewillcomeback.Andwewillgohome.Ifeelitastrueaslife.He

willnotcomehere.”Turningback,she

lookedintohercousin’seyes,herownlikesmoke.“Hewillnotcomehereorharmyouoranyofyours.ThisIsweartoyouonmymother’sblood.”

“Howcanyouknow?”“Iamoneofthree.I

amadarkwitchofMayo,

firstdaughterofSorcha.Heshallnotcomeherenorharmyouoryours.Youareprotectedforallofyourlife.ThisIhavedone.Iwouldnotleaveyouunprotected.”

“Brannaugh...”“Youworry.”

Brannaughlaidherhandsoverhercousin’shands,

whichrestedonthemoundofherbelly.“HaveInottoldyouyoursoniswellandhealthy?Thebirthingwillgoeasy,andquicklyaswell.ThisIcanpromiseaswell,andIdo.But...”

“Whatisit?Youmusttellme.”

“Asyoulovemeso

stillyoufearwhatIhave.Butyoumustbidemenow,inthis.Yourson,thisonetocome,mustbethelast.Hewillbehealthy,andthebirthingwillgowell.Butthenextwillnot.Ifthereisanext,youwillnotsurvive.”

“I...Youcannotknow.Icannotdenymy

husbandthemarriagebed.Ormyself.”

“Youcannotdenyyourchildrentheirmother.Itisaterriblegrieving,Ailish.”

“Godwilldecide.”“Godwillhavegiven

yousevenchildren,butthepriceforanotherwillbeyourlife,andthe

babe’saswell.AsIloveyou,heedme.”

Shetookabottlefromherpocket.“Ihavemadethisforyou.Onlyyou.Youwillputitaway.Onceeverymonthonthefirstdayofyourcourses,youwilldrink—onesiponly.Youwillnotconceive,evenafteryou

takethelastsip,foritwillbedone.Youwilllive.Yourchildrenwillhavetheirmother.Youwilllivetorocktheirchildren.”

Ailishlaidherhandsoverthemoundofherbelly.“Iwillbebarren.”

“Youwillsingtoyourchildren,andtheirchildren.Youwillshare

yourbedwithyourmaninpleasure.Youwillrejoiceinthepreciouslivesyoubroughtintotheworld.Thechoiceisyours,Ailish.”

Sheclosedhereyesamoment.Whensheopenedthem,theyturneddark,dark.“YouwillcallhimLughaidh.Hewillbe

fairoffaceandhair,blueofeye.Astrongboywithareadysmile,andthevoiceofanangel.Onedayhewilltravelandrambleandusehisvoicetomakehisliving.Hewillfallinlovewithafarmer’sdaughter,andwillcomebacktoyouwithhertoworktheland.Andyou

willhearhisvoiceacrossthefields,forhewilleverbejoyful.”

Sheletthevisiongo.“Ihaveseenwhatcanbe.Youmustchoose.”

“ThisisthenameIchoseforhim,”Ailishmurmured.“Inevertoldyou,noranyone.”Nowshetookthebottle.“Iwill

heedyou.”Pressingherlips

together,Ailishreachedintoherpocket,tookoutasmallpouch.ThisshepushedintoBrannaugh’shand.“Takethis.”

“Iwon’ttakeyourcoin.”

“Youwill.”Thetearsfellnow,spillingdown

hercheekslikerain.“DoyouthinkIdon’tknowyousavedmeandConallinthebirthing?Andevennowyouthinkofmeandmine?Youhavegivenmejoy.YouhavebroughtSorchatomewhenImissedher,forIsawherinyoudaybyday.Youwilltakethecoin,and

sweartomeyouwillbesafe,youwillcomeback.Allofyou,foryouaremineasIamyours.”

Understanding,Brannaughslippedthepurseintothepocketofherskirts,thenkissedAilishoneachcheek.“Iswearit.”

OutsideEamondidhis

besttomakehiscousinslaugh.Theyaskedhimnottogo,ofcourse,askedwhyhemust,triedtobargainwithhim.Sohewoundstoriesofthegrandadventureshewouldhave,smitingdragonsandcatchingmagickfrogs.HesawTeaganwalkingwithaweepingMabh,sawher

giveMabharagdollshe’dmadeherself.

HewishedBrannaughwouldhurry,fortheleave-takingwasamisery.Alastarstoodready.Eamon—hewasheadofthefamily,afterall,haddecidedhissisterswouldride,andhewouldwalk.

Hewouldbrookno

argument.Bardancameoutofthe

littlestableleadingSlaine—OldSlainenow,asthebroodmarewaspastherprime,butasweet-naturedthingforallthat.

“Herbreedingdaysaredone,”Bardansaidinhiscarefulway.“Butshe’sagoodgirl,andshe’llserve

youwell.”“Oh,butIcan’tbe

takingherfromyou.Youneed—”

“Amanneedsahorse.”BardansethiscallousedhandonEamon’sshoulder.“You’vedoneaman’sworkforthefarm,soyou’lltakeher.I’dgiveyouMoonforBrannaugh

ifIcouldsparehim,butyou’lltakeOldSlainehere.”

“It’smorethangratefulIamtoyou,forSlaineandalltherest.IpromiseyouI’lltreatherlikeaqueen.”

Foramoment,Eamonlethimselfbejustaboy,andthrewhisarmsaroundhiscousin,themanwho’d

beenafathertohimforhalfhislife.“We’llcomebackoneday.”

“Besureyoudo.”Whenitwasdone,all

thefarewells,thesafejourneys,thetears,heswunguponthemare,hisgrandfather’sswordandsheathsecuredagainsthissaddle.Brannaugh

mountedbehindTeagan,leaneddownoncetokissAilishalasttime.

Theyrodeawayfromthefarm,theirhomeforfiveyears,fromtheirfamily—andsouthtowardtheunknown.

Helookedback,wavedastheywaved,foundhimselfmoretorninthe

leavingthanhe’dexpected.ThenoverheadRoibeardcalled,circledbeforespearingthewaysouth.

Thiswasmeant,Eamondecided.Thiswasthetime.

Heslowedhispaceabit,cockedhisheadatTeagan.“So,howdoes

ourSlainefeelaboutallthisthen?”

Teaganlookeddownatthemare,cockedherheadinturn.“Oh,it’sagrandadventuretoher,tobesure,andsheneverthoughttohaveanother.She’sproudandshe’sgrateful.She’llbeloyaltotheendofherdays,and

doherverybestforyou.”“AndI’lldomybest

forher.We’llridethroughmiddaybeforewestoptorestthehorses,andeatthefirstoftheoatcakesAilishpackedforus.”

“Isthatwhatwe’llbedoing?”Brannaughsaid.

Hetosseduphischin.“You’retheeldest,butI

havethestaff,howeverpunyyoumightthinkitis—whichitisn’tatall.Roibeardshowstheway,andwefollow.”

Brannaughlookedup,watchedtheflightofthehawk.ThendownatKathelwhoprancedalongbesideAlastarasifhecouldwalkalldayand

throughthenight.“Yourguide,mine,and

Teagan’s.Aye,wefollow.Ailishgavemesomecoin,butwewon’tbespendingitunlesswemust.We’llbemakingourown.”

“Andjusthowarewedoingthat?”

“Bybeingwhatweare.”Sheliftedherhand,

palmup,broughtasmallballofflameintoit.Thenvanishedit.“Ourmotherservedhergift,tendedus,hercabin.Wecansurelyserveourgift,tendourselves,andfindaplacetodoboth.”

“Clare’sawildplaceIhear,”Teaganoffered.

“Andwhatbetterplace

thanthewildforsuchasus?”Thepurejoyoffreedomripenedwitheverystep.“Wehaveourmother’sbook,andwe’llstudy,we’lllearn.We’llmakepotionsanddohealings.Ahealerisalwayswelcome,shetoldme.”

“Whenhecomes,it

willtakemorethanhealingandpotions.”

“Soitwill,”Brannaughsaidtoherbrother.“Sowelearn.Weweresafefiveyearsatthefarm.IfourguidesleadustoClare,asitseemstheywill,wemayhavethenextfivethere.Timeenoughtolearn,toplan.

Whenwegohomeagain,we’llbestrongerthanhecanknow.”

Theyrodethroughmiddayandintotherain.Softandsteadyitfellfromaskyofbruisesandbroodings.Theyrestedthehorses,wateredthem,sharedoatcakes,withsomeforKathel.

Throughtheraincamethewindastheycontinuedtheirjourney,pastalittlefarmandcabinwithsmokepuffingoutofthechimney,sendingoutthescentofburningpeat.Insidetheymightbewelcome,begiventeaandaplacebythefire.Insidethewarmanddry.

ButKathelcontinuedtoprance,Roibeardtocircle,andAlastarneverslowed.

Andeventhegloomylightbegantodieasthedaytippedtowardnight.

“Slainegrowsweary,”Teaganmurmured.“Shewon’tasktostop,butshetires.Herbonesache.

Can’twerestherabit,findadryplaceand—”

“There!”Eamonpointedahead.Nearthemuddytrackstoodwhatmighthavebeenanoldplaceofworship.Sackednow,burneddowntothescorchedstonebymenwhocouldn’tstopdestroyingwhatthose

theyvanquishedhadbuilt.Roibeardcircledover

it,calling,calling,andKathelboundedahead.

“We’llstopthereforthenight.Makeafire,resttheanimalsandourselves.”

Brannaughnoddedatherbrother.“Thewallsstand—ormostofthem.It

shouldkeepthewindout,andwecandotherest.It’snearlyendofday.WeoweMordanandMabonwhocamefromherourthanks.”

Onewallhadfallenin,theydiscovered,buttheothersstood.Evensomesteps,whichEamonimmediatelytested,

circleduptowhathadbeenasecondlevel.Whatevertimberhadbeenusedhadburnedtoashesandblowntothewinds.Butitwasshelterofasortand,Brannaughfelt,therightplace.

Thiswouldbetheplaceoftheirfirstnight,theequinox,whenthe

lightandthedarkbalanced.

“I’lltendthehorses.”Teagantookthereinsofboth.“Thehorsesaremine,afterall.I’llseetothem,ifyoumakeusaplace,adryspotI’mhoping,andagoodfire.”

“ThatI’lldo.We’llgiveourthanks,thenhave

someteaandsomeofthedriedvenisonbeforewe—”

ShebrokeoffasRoibeardswoopeddown,perchedonanarrowstoneledge.

AnddroppedafathareonthegroundatEamon’sfeet.

“Wellnow,that’sa

feastinthemaking.I’llcleanit,Teagantendsthehorses,andBrannaughthefire.”

Adryspot,shethought,andshovingbackthehoodofhercloakimaginedone.Drewupandoutwhatshewas,thoughtofwarmanddry—andflashedoutheatso

brightandhotitnearlyburnedthemallbeforeshedrewitdownagain.

“I’msorryforthat.Ihaven’tdoneanyofthisbefore.”

“It’sacorkoutofabottle,”Eamondecided.“Anditpouredouttoofast.”

“Aye.”Sheslowedit,

carefully,carefully.Shedidn’tmindthewetforherself,butTeaganwasright.Theoldmare’sbonesached,evenshecouldfeelit.

Sheeasedbackthewet,slowly,justabit,justabitmore.Ittrembledthroughher,thejoyofit.Loosednow,free.Then

thefire.Magickaltonight.Othernights,astheirmotherhadtaughtthem,abodygatheredwood,puttheworkintoit.Buttonight,itwouldbeherfire.

Shebroughtit,bankedit.

“Abitoftheoatcake,andsomewine,”shetold

herbrother,hersister.“Anofferingofthankstothegodsforthebalanceofthedayandnight,forthecycleofrebirth.Andforthisplaceofrest.

“Intothefire,”shetoldthem.“Thecake,thenthewine.Thesesmallthingswesharewiththee,wegiveourthankswe

servantsthree.”“Atthistimewhere

daymeetsnight,weembracebothdarkandlight,”Eamoncontinued,notsurewherethewordshadcomefrom.

“Wewilllearntostandandfight,touseourgiftsfortherightandthewhite,”Teaganadded.

“Inthisplaceandhour,weopentoourgivenpower.Fromnowtilleveritwillbefree.Aswewill,somoteitbe.”

Thefireshotup,atower,red,orange,gold,withaheartofburningblue.Athousandvoiceswhisperedinit,andthegroundshook.Thenthe

worldseemedtosigh.Thefirewasafire,

bankedinatidycircleonthestonyground.

“Thisiswhatweare,”Brannaughsaid,stillglowingfromtheshockofenergy.“Thisiswhatwehave.Thenightsgrowlongernow.Thedarkconquerslight.Buthewill

notconquerus.”Shesmiled,herheart

fullasithadn’tbeensincethemorningthey’dlefthome.“Weneedtomakeaspitforthehare.We’llhavethatfeasttonight,ourfirst.Andwe’llrestinthewarmanddryuntilwejourneyon.”

***

EAMONCURLEDBYTHEFIRE,HISBELLYFULL,HISBODYwarmanddry.Andjourneyedon.

Hefelthimselfliftup,liftout,andfly.North.Home.

LikeRoibeard,hesoaredoverthehills,the

rivers,thefieldswherecattlelowed,wheresheepcropped.

Greenandgreentowardhomewiththesunslidingquietthroughtheclouds.

Hisheart,solight.Goinghome.

Butnothome.Notreallyhome,herealized

whenhefoundhimselfonthegroundagain.Thewoods,sofamiliar—butnot.Somethingdifferent.Eventheairdifferent,andyetthesame.

Itallmadehimdizzyandweak.

Hebegantowalk,whistlingforhishawk.Hisguide.Thelight

changed,dimmed.Wasnightcomingsofast?

Butnotthenight,hesaw.Itwasthefog.

Andwithit,thewolfthatwasCabhan.

Heheardthegrowlofit,reachedforhisgrandfather’ssword.Butitwasn’tathisside.Hewasaboy,ankledeepin

mists,unarmed,asthewolfwiththeredgemglowingaroundhisneckwalkedoutofthefog.Andbecameaman.

“Welcomeback,youngEamon.I’vewaitedforyou.”

“Youkilledmyfather,mymother.I’vecometoavengethem.”

Cabhanlaughed,arolling,merrysoundthatsenticerunningupEamon’sspine.

“It’sspirityouhave,sothat’sfineandwell.Comeavengethen,thedeadfather,thedeadwitchwhowhelpedyou.Iwillhavewhatyouare,andthenI’llmakeyoursistersmine.”

“Youwillnevertouchwhat’smine.”Eamoncircled,triedtothink.Thefogroseandrose,cloudingall,thewoods,thepath,hismind.Hegrippedair,fistedit,hurledit.Itcarvedashakyandnarrowpath.Cabhanlaughedagain.

“Closer.Comecloser.

FeelwhatIam.”Hedidfeelit,thepain

ofit,thepowerofit.Andthefear.Hetriedfire,butitfellsmoldering,turnedtodirtyash.WhenCabhan’shandsreachedoutforhim,heliftedhisfiststofight.

Roibeardswoopedlikeanarrow,clawsandbeak

tearingatthoseoutstretchedhands.Thebloodranblackasthemanhowled,asthemanbegantore-formintothewolf.

Andanothermancamethroughthefog.Tall,hisbrownhairdampfromthemists,hiseyesdeepandgreenandfullofpower

andfury.“Run,”hetoldEamon.“Iwillnotrunfrom

suchashe.Icannot.”Thewolfpawedthe

ground,showeditsteethinaterriblesmile.

“Takemyhand.”Themangrabbed

Eamon’shand.Lightexplodedlikesuns,power

flewlikeathousandbeatingwings.Blindanddeaf,Eamoncriedout.Therewasonlypower,coveringhim,fillinghim,burstingfromhim.Thenwithoneshatteringroar,thefogwasgone,thewolfgone,andonlythemangrippinghishandremained.

Themandroppedtohisknees,breathharsh,facewhite,eyesfullofmagicks.“Whoareyou?”hedemanded.

“IamEamonsonofDaithi,sonofSorcha.Iamofthethree.IamtheDarkWitchofMayo.”

“AsamI.Eamon.”Onashakylaugh,theman

touchedEamon’shair,hisface.“Iamfromyou.You’reoutofyourtime,lad,andinmine.I’mConnor,oftheclanO’Dwyer.IamoutofSorcha,outofyou.Oneofthree.”

“HowdoIknowthistobetrue?”

“Iamyourblood,you

aremine.Youknow.”Connorpulledtheamuletfromunderhisshirt,touchedtheone,thesameone,Eamonwore.

Andthemanliftedanarm.Roibeardlandedontheleatherglovehewore.

NotRoibeard,Eamonrealized,andyet...

“Myhawk.Notyours,

butnamedforhim.Askhimwhatyouwill.Heisyoursasmuchasmine.”

“Thisis...notmyplace.”

“Itis,yes,notyourtimebutyourplace.Iteverwillbe.”

TearsstungEamon’seyes,andhisbellyquiveredwithlonging

worsethanhunger.“Didwecomehome?”

“Youdid.”“Willwedefeathim,

avengeourparents?”“Wewill.Wewill

neverstopuntilit’sdone.Mywordtoyou.”

“Iwishto...I’mgoingback.Ifeelit.Brannaugh,she’scalling

meback.YousavedmefromCabhan.”

“Savingyousavedme,I’mthinking.”

“ConnoroftheO’Dwyers.Iwillnotforget.”

Andheflew,overthehillsagain,untilitwassoft,softmorningandhesatbyBrannaugh’sfire

withbothhissistersshakinghim.

“Leaveoff,now!Myheadiscirclingovertherestofme.”

“He’ssopale,”Teagansaid.“Here,here,I’llfixyoutea.”

“Teawouldbewelcome.Iwentonajourney.Idon’tknow

how,butIwenthome,but’twasn’thome.Ineedtosortthroughit.ButIknowsomethingIdidn’t.Somethingwedidn’t.”

HeguzzledsomewaterBrannaughpushedonhim,thenshovedtheskinawayagain.“Hecan’tleavethere.Cabhan.Hecan’tleave,ornotfar.The

fartherfromhome,fromwherehetradedforhisnewpowers,thelesstheyare.Herisksdeathtoleavethere.Hecan’tfollowus.”

“Howdoyouknowthis?”Brannaughdemanded.

“I...sawitinhismind.Idon’tknowhow.I

sawitthere,thatweakness.Imetaman,he’sours.I...”Eamondrewalongbreath,closedhiseyesamoment.

“Letmehavesometea,willyouthen?Alittletea,thenIhaveataletotellyou.We’llbidehereawhileyet,andI’lltellyouall.Then,aye,aye,

southforus,tolearn,togrow,toplan.Forhecan’ttouchus.Hewon’tevertouchyou.”

Whateverboyhe’dbeen,hewasamannow.Andpowerstillsimmeredinsidehim.

3

Autumn 2013

W HENCONNORWOKEEARLIERTHANHELIKED,HEhadn’t

expectedtomeetanancestor,orthegreatestenemyofhisblood.Hecertainlyhadn’tanticipatedstartinghisdaywithanexplosionofmagicksthathadallbut

knockedhimoffhisfeet.But,inthemain,he

likedtheunexpected.Withthedawnbarely

broken,there’dbeennohopehissistermightbebusyinthekitchen.Andhisskinmeanttoomuchtohimtoriskwakingherandsuggestingshemightliketocookupbreakfast.

More,therehadn’tbeenahunger,andhealwayswokereadytobreakthenight’sfast.Insteadthere’dbeenanoddenergy,andadeepneedtogetout,getabout.

Sohe’dwhistleduphishawkand,withRoibeardforhiscompanion,hadtakenhimselfintothe

mistsandtrees.Andquiet.Hewasn’tamanwho

requiredagreatdealofquiet.Hepreferred,mostofthetime,thenoiseandconversationsandheatofcompany.Butthissoftmorning,thecallofhishawk,thescrabbleofrabbitinthebrush,and

thesighofthemorningbreezehadbeenenoughforhim.

HethoughthemightwalkovertoAshfordCastle,letRoibeardsoarintheopen,overthegreensthere—andthatwouldgiveanyearly-risingguestsatthehotelathrill.

Thrillsoftendrummedupbusiness,andhehadonetorunwiththefalconryschool.

He’daimedforthatexactly,untilhe’dfeltit—thestirofpower,withinandwithout.Hisownrisingwithouthisaskingit,thedarkstainofwhatwasCabhan,smudging

thesweetnessofthedewypines.

Andsomethingmore,somethingmore.

Heshouldhavecalledhiscircle—hissister,hiscousin,hisfriends,butsomethingpushedhimon,downthepath,throughthetrees,nearthewallofvinesanduprootedtree

wherebeyondlaytheruinsofthecabinthathadbeenSorcha’s.BeyondwhereheandhiscirclehadbattledCabhanonthenightofthesummersolstice.

Therethefogspread,thepowerthrummed,darkagainstwhite.Hesawtheboy,thoughtfirstandonly

toprotect.Hewouldnot,couldnot,allowharmtoaninnocent.

Buttheboy,whileinnocentenough,hadmore.Thesomethingmore.

Now,thefoggoneandCabhanwithit,theboygonebacktohisowntime,hisownplace,

Connorstayedashewas—onhiskneesonthedampground,fightingtogethisbreathfullybackintohislungs.

Hisearsstillrangfromwhathadsoundedlikeworldsexploding.Hiseyesstillburnedfromalightbrighterthanadozensuns.

Andthepowermergedwithjoinedhandssangthroughhim.

Hegotslowlytohisfeet,atall,leanmanwithathickmopofcurlingbrownhair,hisfacepaleyet,andhiseyesdeepandgreenasthemosswithwhatstillstirredinsidehim.

Besttogethome,hethought.Togetback.Forwhathadcomethroughthesolstice,andhiddenawaytilltheequinoxlurkedstill.

Abitwobblyinthelegsyet,herealized,unsureifheshouldbeamusedorembarrassed.Hishawkswoopedby,

landedwithaflutterofwingsonabranch.Sat,watched,waited.

“We’llgo,”hesaid.“Ithinkwe’vedonewhatweweremeanttodothismorning.Andnow,Jesus,I’mstarving.”

Thepower,hethoughtashebegantowalk.Thesheerforceofithad

hulledhimout.Turningtowardhome,hesensedhissister’shoundsecondsbeforeKathelrantowardhim.

“Youfeltitaswell,didyounow?”HegaveKathel’sgreatblackheadastroke,continuedon.“I’dbesurprisedifallofMayodidn’tfeelajolt

fromit.Myskin’sstillbuzzinglikemybonesarecoveredwithbees.”

Steadieryetwithhoundandhawk,hewalkedoutoftheshadowsofthewoodsintothepearlymorning.RoibeardcircledoverheadashewalkedtheroadwithKatheltothecottage.A

secondhawkcried,andConnorspottedhisfriendFin’sMerlin.

Thenthethunderofhoofbeatsbrokethroughthequiet,sohepaused,waited—feltafreshstirringashesawhiscousinIona,hisfriendBoyleastridethebiggrayAlastar.AndFinaswell,

racingwiththemonhisgleamingblackBaru.

“We’llneedmoreeggs,”hecalledout,smilingnow.“Andanotherrasherortwoofbacon.”

“Whathappened?”Iona,hershortcapofhairtousledfromsleep,leaneddowntotouchhischeek.

“Iknewyouweresafe,orwe’dhavecomeevenfaster.”

“Youallbutflewasitis—andnotasaddlebetweenthethreeofyou.I’lltellyouinside.Icouldeatthreepigsandtopitoffwithacow.”

“Cabhan.”Fin,hishairdarkashismount’s,his

eyesthedarkgreenofConnor’swhenthepowerhadtakenhim,turnedtostareintothetrees.

“Himandmore.ButIonahastherightofit.I’mfineandwell,juststarvinghalftodeathwhilewestandhereontheroad.Youfeltit,”headdedwhenhebeganto

walkagain.“Feltit?”Boylestared

downatConnor.“Itwokemefromasoundsleep,andIdon’thavewhatthethreeofyoudo.I’venomagickinme,andstillwhateveritwasshotthroughmelikeanarrow.”Henoddedtowardthecottage.“Anditseems

thesameforMeara.”Connorlookedover,

sawMearaQuinn,lifelongfriend,hissister’sbestmate,stridingalongtowardthem—tallandlushasagoddessinherflannelsleeppantsandoldjacket,hethought,andherlongbrownhairatangle.

Shemadeapicture,he

mused,butthensheeverdid.

“Shestayedthenight,”hetoldtheothers.“TookIona’sroomasyoustayedoveratBoyle’s,cousin.Goodmorningtoyou,Meara.”

“Goodmorningbedamned.Whatthebloodyhellhappened?”

“I’maftertellingyouall.”Heslippedanarmaroundherwaist.“ButIneedfood.”

“Brannasaidyouwould,andshe’salreadyseeingtoit.She’sshaken,andpretendingnottobe.Itwaslikeableedingearthquake—butinsideme.That’sthedevilofa

waytowake.”“I’llseetothehorses.”

BoyleslidoffAlastar.“Goonin,stuffsomethinginyourbelly.”

“Thanksforthat.”Smilingagain,ConnorliftedhisarmssoIonacoulddropintothemfromAlastar’sback.Thenshewrappedaroundhim.

“Scaredme,”shemurmured.

“You’renotaloneinthat.”Hekissedthetopofherhead,hisprettycousinfromAmerica,thelastofthethree,andkeepingherhandinhis,wentintothecottage.

Thescentofbacon,ofcoffee,ofwarmbreadhit

hisbellylikeafist.Inthatmomenthewantedtoeatmorethanhewantedtolive—andneededtoeatifhewantedtolive.

Kathelledthewaybacktothekitchen,andthereBrannaworkedatthestove.She’dtiedherdarkhairback,stillworethefloweredflannelpants

andbaggyshirtshe’dsleptin.Thataloneshowedherlove,hemused,asshe’dhavetakenthetimetochange,tofusswithherselfalittleknowingthere’dbecompany—andFinbarBurkemostespecially.

Sayingnothing,sheturnedfromthestove,

handedhimaplateholdingafriedeggontoast.

“Blessyou,darling.”“It’llfilltheworstof

thehole.There’smorecoming.You’recold,”shesaidquietly.

“Ihadn’tnoticed,butIam,yes.Abitcold.”

Beforeshecouldflick

ahandtowardthekitchenhearth,Findidso,andthelittlefireflashed.

“You’requiveringsome.Sit,forGod’ssake,andeatlikeahuman.”Voicebrisk,Mearaallbutshovedhimintoachairatthetable.

“I’mnotaonetobrushawaysomefussing,and

truthbetold,I’dkillforcoffee.”

“I’llgetit.”Ionahurriedovertothepot.

“Ah,whatmancancomplainwiththreebeautifulwomenpamperinghim.Thanks,mochroi,”headdedwhenIonagavehimthecoffee.

“You’llnotbe

pamperedlong,Icanpromise.Sitdown,thelotofyou,”Brannaordered.“I’venearlygotthisfriedup.Whenhisbelly’sfullenoughtosettlehim,he’lldamnwellexplainwhyhedidn’tcallforme.”

“Itwasfastanddone.Iwould’vecalledforyou,forallofyou.Itwasn’t

meinharm’sway,I’mthinking.Hedidn’tcomeformethismorning.”

“Andwhothen,whentherestofuswereasleepinourbeds?”WhenBrannawouldhaveliftedanenormousplatteroffoodtobringtothetable,Finsimplytookitfromher.

“Sitthen,andlisten.Sit,”herepeatedbeforeshecouldsnapathim.“You’reasshakenasheis.”

Theminutethetrayhitthetable,Connorbegantoscoopeggs,sausage,bacon,toastedbread,potatoesontohisplateandintoasmallmountain.

“Iwokeearly,andwithanedgeon,”hebegan,andtookthemallthroughitbetweenenthusiasticbites.

“Eamon?”Brannademanded.“ThesonofSorcha?Hereandnow?You’resureofit?”

“AssureasIknowmysister.Ionlythoughthim

aboyatfirst,andinCabhan’spath,butwhenItookhishand...I’veneverfeltthelike,never.Notevenwithyou,Branna,oryouandIonatogether.Evenonthesolsticewhenthepowerwasascream,itwasn’tsobig,sobright,sofull.Icouldn’tholdit,couldn’t

controlit.Itjustblewthroughmelikeacomet.Throughtheboyaswell,butheheldontome,ontoit.He’sarareone.”

“WhataboutCabhan?”Ionademanded.

“Itrippedthroughhim,”Finsaid.“Ifeltit.”Absently,heliftedahandtohisshoulder,wherethe

markofhisblood,ofCabhan’sbloodscarredhisflesh.Hisheart.“Itstunnedhim,lefthim,Ipromiseyou,asshakenasyouwere.”

“Soheslitheredaway?”Boyledugintoeggs.“Likethesnakeheis.”

“Thathedid,”Connor

confirmed.“Hewasgone,andwithhimthefog,andtherewasonlymyselfandtheboy.Thenonlymyself.But...Hewasme,andIwashe—partsofone.ThatIknewwhenwejoinedhands.Morethanblood.Notthesame,but...morethanblood.Foramoment,Icouldsee

intohim—likeamirror.”“Whatdidyousee?”

Mearaasked.“Loveandgriefand

courage.Thefear,butthehearttofaceit,forhissisters,forhisparents.Forus,cometothat.Justalad,nomorethanten,I’dventure.Butinthatmoment,shiningwitha

powerhehasn’tyetlearnedtoridesmooth.”

“IsitlikemegoingtovisitNan?”Ionawondered,thinkingofhergrandmotherinAmerica.“Akindofastralprojection?Butit’snotexactly,isit?It’slikethat,butwiththetimeshift,muchmorethanthat.The

timeshiftthatcanhappenbySorcha’scabin.Youweren’tbySorcha’scabin,wereyou,Connor?”

“No,stilloutsidetheclearing.Nearthough.”Connorconsidered.“Maybenearenough.Allthisisnew.ButIknowforcertainitwasn’twhat

Cabhanexpected.”“Itmaybehebrought

theboy,broughtEamon,”Mearasuggested.“Pulledhimfromhisowntimeintoours,tryingtoseparatehimfromhissisters,totakeonaboyratherthanamanlikethesoddingcowardheis.Thewayyousaidithappened,

Connor,ifyouhadn’tcomealong,hemighthavekilledtheboy,orcertainlyharmedhim.”

“Trueenough.Eamonwasgame,byGod,hewasgame—wouldn’trunwhenItoldhimtorun,butstillconfused,afraid,notyetabletodrawupenoughtofightonhis

own.”“Soyouwokeand

wentout,”Brannasaid,“youwhoneverstepafootoutofamorningwithoutsomethinginyourbelly,andcalledupyourhawk.Barelydawn?”Sheshookherhead.“Somethingcalledyouthere.Theconnection

betweenyouandEamon,orSorchaherself.Amotherstillprotectingherchild.”

“IdreamedofTeagan,”Ionaremindedthem.“OfherridingAlastartothecabin,tohermother’sgrave,andfacingCabhanthere—drawinghisblood.She’smine,theway

EamonisConnor’s.”BrannanoddedasIona

lookedather.“BrannaughtoBranna,yes.Idreamofheroften.Butnothinglikethis.It’suseful,itmustbeuseful.We’llfindawaytousewhathappenedhere,whatweknow.Hehidawaysincethesolstice.”

“Wehurthim,”Boylesaid,scanningtheotherswithtawnyeyes.“Thatnighthebledandburnedaswedid.More,I’mthinking.”

“Hetooktherestofthesummertoheal,togather.Andthismorningtriedfortheboy,totakethatpower,and—”

“Toendyou,”FininterruptedBranna.“Killtheboy,Connorneverexists?Orit’sverypossiblethat’sthecase.Changewhatwas,changewhatis.”

“Wellnow,hefailedbrilliantly.”Connorpolishedoffhisbacon,sighed.“AndIfeelnot

onlyhumanagain,butfitandfine.It’sapitywecan’ttakethebastardonagainnow.”

“Youneedmorethanafullfryinyourbellytotakehimon.”Rising,Mearagathereddishes.“Allofusdo.Wehurthimonthesolstice,andthat’sasatisfyingthing,

butwedidn’tfinishhim.Whatdidwemiss?Isn’tthatthethingweneed?Whatdidwenotdothatweneedtodo?”

“Ah,thepracticalmind.”

“Someoneneedstothinkpractical,”Mearatossedbackathim.

“She’sright.I’ve

pouredoverSorcha’sbook.”Brannashookherhead.“Whatwedid,whatwehad,howweplannedit,itshould’veworked.”

“Hechangedtheground,”Boyleremindedher.“Tookthefightinggroundbackintime.”

“Andstill,Ican’tfindwhatwemightaddtoit.”

BrannatossedaglancetowardFin,justabeat.Heonlygaveherthemostsubtleshakeofhead.“Sowe’llkeeplooking.”

“No,yousit.”IonatookmoredishesbeforeConnorcoulddoso.“Consideringyourdawnadventure,yougetapassatkitchenduty.MaybeI

wasn’tstrongorskilledenoughlastsummer.”

“Doyouneedremindingofawhirlwindcalled?”Boyleaskedher.

“Thatwasmoreinstinctthanskill,butI’mlearning.”SheglancedbackatBranna.

“Youare,yes,andverywellindeed.You’reno

weaklinkifthat’swhatyou’rethinking,norhaveyoueverbeen.Heknowsmorethanus,andthat’saproblem.He’slived,inhisway,hundredsofyears.”

“Thatmakeshimolder,”Mearaputin,“notsmarter.”

“Wehavebooksandlegendsandwhatwas

passeddowngenerationtogeneration.Butheliveditall,so—smarterornot—heknowsmore.Andwhathehasisdeepanddark.Hispowerhasnorulesasoursdoes.Heharmswhohewants,nomattertoit.Thatwecanneverdoandbewhatweare.”

“Hispowersource—

thestonehewearsaroundhisneck,wolforman.Destroyit,destroyhim.Iknowit,”Finstated,clenchedafistonthetable.“Iknowitastruth,butdon’tknowhowitcanbedone.Yet.”

“We’llfindtheway.Wemust,”Connorsaid,“sowewill.”

FinrosewhenConnorreachedoverthetabletolayhishandonBranna’s,andjoinedtheothersacrosstheroomwiththeclatterofdishes,thewhooshofwaterinthesink.

“Worryingformewon’thelp,andisn’tneeded.Idon’thaveto

look,”headded,“tosee.”“Andifhe’dharmed

youandtheboy,wherewouldwebe?”

“Well,hedidn’t,didhe?Andbetweenuswegavehimasolidbootintheballs.I’mhere,Branna,asever.We’remeantforthis,soI’mhere.”

“You’reathorninmysidehalfthetime.”Herhandturnedunderhisuntiltheirfingerscurledtogetherandgripped.“ButI’musedtoyou.You’llhaveacare,Connor.”

“Iwill,ofcourse.Andthesameforyou.”

“Thesameforusall.”

***

ITAMUSEDHIM,ANDTOUCHEDHIMWHENMEARAFELLINTOstepbesidehimasheleftthehouseforthefalconryschool.

“Areyouleavingyourlorrythen?”

“Iam.Iwanttowalkoffthatbreakfast.”

“You’reguardingmybody.”Heslunganarmaroundhershoulders,pulledherinsotheirhipsbumped.

She’ddressedforworkatthestables,roughpantsandjacket,sturdyboots,andwithallthathairbraidedbacktohangthroughtheloopofher

batteredcap.Andstillshemadea

picture,hethought,thedark-eyedMearawiththegypsyinherblood.

“Yourbodycanguarditself.”Sheglancedup,watchedthehawkscircleintheheavysky.“Andyou’vegotthemkeepinganeyeout.”

“I’mgladforyourcompanyallthesame.Andthisgivesyoutimetotellmewhat’stroublingyou.”

“Ithinkamadsorcererbentonourdestruction’senoughtogoaround.”

“SomethingelsebroughtyoutoBrannalastnightandhadyoustaying

throughit.Isitamangivingyougrief?Doyouwantmetolayhimlowforyou?”

Heflexedonearm,madeafist,shookitfiercelytomakeherlaugh.

Thenshesniffed.“AsifIcouldn’tlayanyIwantedlow—orotherwise

—myself.”Helaughedinturn,

sheerdelight,andgaveherhipanotherbump.“I’venodoubtonthatone.Whatisitthen,darling?Icanhearthebuzzinginyourheadlikeahiveofangrywasps.”

“Youcouldstoplistening.”Butshe

relentedenoughtoleanagainsthimamoment,sohecaughtthescentofhisownsoaponherskin.Anoddlypleasantsortofthing.

“It’sjustmymotherdrivingmehalfmad,whichisanormalenoughdayinthelife.Donal’sgothimselfagirl.”

“SoI’veheard,”hesaid,thinkingofheryoungerbrother.“Sharon,isn’tit,movedtoCongthispastspring?Anicegirl,fromwhatI’veseen.Aprettyface,aneasysmile.Don’tyoulikeherthen?”

“Ilikeherfineandwell,andmoretothe

pointDonal’smadforher.It’slovely,really,toseehimsotaken,andhappywithit,andherverymuchthesame.”

“Wellthen?”“He’saftermovingout

ofthehouse,andinwithhisSharon.”

Connorconsideredthatastheywalkedthrough

theprettymorningtowardworktheybothloved.“He’s,what,twentyandfour?”

“Andfive.And,yes,pasttimehemovedoutofhismother’shouse.ButnowmymotherandmysisterMaureenhavetheirheadstogetherandhavecometothehorrible

conclusionIshouldmovebackinwithMa.”

“Wellnow,thatwon’tdo,notforaminute.”

“Itwon’t.”Nowhersighheldrelief,asheunderstoodthesimpleandbaretruth.“Butthey’relayingitonlikecoursesofbrick.Theguilt,thepressure,thebloodylogic

astheyseeit.Oh,Maureen’saftersayingourmothercan’tbeleftonherown,andmebeingtheonlyoneunhampered,sotospeak,itstandsIshouldbetheonetorighttheship.AndMa’srightbehindherwithshe’llhavetheroomforme,anditwouldsavemetherent,

andhowlonelyshe’llbewithoutachickorchildaround.”

Sheshovedbothhandsinherpockets.“Buggerit.”

“Doyouwantmyopinionoronlymycondolences?”

Sheslantedalookathim,boldbrowneyesboth

suspiciousandspeculative.“I’lltaketheopinion,thoughImayhurlitbackinyourface.”

“Thenhereitisforyou.Staywhereyouare,darling.Youwereneverhappy,notreally,untilyoumovedouttobeginwith.”

“That’swhatIwant,

andwhatIknowIshoulddoformyselfandmysanity,but—”

“Ifyourmother’sfrettingaboutbeinglonely,andMaureen’sfrettingaboutyourmother—who’shermotheraswellI’lladd—beingonherown,whywouldn’titbeafineideaforyour

mothertomoveinwithMaureenandherfamily?Wouldn’titbeagreathelptoMaureentohavehermotherwithher,withthechildrenandallthat?”

“Whydidn’tIthinkofthat?”MearapulledawaylongenoughtopunchConnor’sshoulder,doalittledance.“Whydidn’tI

thinkofthatmyownself?”

“Youhadn’tgotthroughthecoursesofguilt.”Inanoldhabit,hegaveherlong,thickbraidatug.“Maureen’snorighttopushyoutogiveupyourflat,changeyourlifejustbecauseyourbrother’schanginghis.”

“Iknowit,butIknowaswell,Ma’snexttohelpless.Shehasbeensincemyfatherleftus.Shedidherbestwithaterriblesituation,butshe’llditherherwaythroughthedays,worryherselfthroughthenightslivingallonherown.”

“You’vetwobrothers,

twosisters,”heremindedher.“There’sfiveofyoutohelptendyourmother.”

“Thesmartonesgotwellaway,didn’tthey?It’sonlymeandDonalrighthere.ButIcanplanttheseedinMa’smindofmovinginwithMaureen.Ifnothingelse,itshouldscareMaureensilentfora

bit.”“Thereyouhaveit.”

Heturned,asshedid,towardthestables.

Mearastopped.“Whereareyougoing?”

“I’llwalkyoutowork.”

“Idon’tneedmybodyguarded,thanks.Goon.”Sheplantedafingerinhis

chest,gaveitalittlepush.“You’veworkofyourown.”

Therewasnoharmintheday—hefeltnoneatall.Andaftertheearly-morningclash,ConnorfeltCabhanwouldbecurledupinsomedarkcave,gathering.

“We’vefivehawk

walksalreadybookedtoday,andmayhaveothersbeforeit’sdone.MaybeI’llseeyouonthepaths.”

“Maybe.”“Ifyoutextmewhen

you’redonefortheday,I’llmeetyouhere,walkbackwithyoutothecottage.”

“We’llseehowitallgoes.Mindyourself,Connor.”

“Iwill.Ido.”Becausehereyebrows

haddrawntogether,hekissedthespacebetweenthem,thenstrolledoff.Looking,toMeara’smind,likeamanwithoutasinglecareintheworld

ratherthanonewiththeweightofitonhisshoulders.

Anoptimisttothebone,shethought,envyinghimalittle.

Butshepulledherphoneoutofherpocketasshetookthepathtothestablesandherworkday.

“Morning,Ma.”And

smilingtoherself,preparedtogiveherannoyingsisterashotrightupthearse.

C

4

ONNORSLIPPEDTHROUGHTHEEMPLOYEES’GATEFOR

thefalconryschool.As

always,hefeltalittleflutter—abitlikebeatingwings—inhisheart,alonghisskin.Ithadalwaysbeenthehawkforhim.Thatconnection,likehispower,camedownthroughtheblood.

He’dhavepreferredhavingsometimetowalkaroundtheenclosuresand

aviary,greetthehawks,thebigowltheycalledBrutus,justtosee—andhear—howtheyallfared.

Butthewayhe’dstartedhisdaymeanthewasafewminutesbehindalready.Hesawoneofhisstaff,Brian—skinnyasaflagpoleandbarelyeighteen—checkingthe

feedandwater.Soheonlyglanced

aroundtobesureallwaswellashecrossedovertotheoffices,pastthefenced-inareawherehisassistant,Kyra,keptherprettyspanielmostdays.

“Andhow’sitgoingforyoutoday,Romeo?”

Inanswer,thedog

waggedhiswholebody,clampedagnawedblueballinhismouth,andbroughtithopefullytothefence.

“It’llhavetobelaterforthat.”

Hesteppedintotheoffice,foundKyra,herhairashortwedgeofsapphireblue,busyatthe

keyboard.“You’relate.”Thoughshejusthitfive

foottwo,Kyrahadavoicelikeafoghorn.

“HappyI’mthebossthen,isn’tit?”

“Fin’stheboss.”“HappyIhadbreakfast

withhimsoheknowswhat’swhat.”Heknocked

hisfistlightlyonthetopofherheadashemovedbytoadeskcoveredwithforms,clipboards,papers,brochures,aspareglove,atether,abowloftumbledstones,andotherdebris.

“We’vehadanotherbookingcomeinalreadythismorning.Adouble.Fatherandson—andthe

boy’sjustsixteen.I’veputyouonthat,asyoudobetterwiththeteenagersthanBrianorPauline.They’refortenthismorning.Yanks.”

Shepaused,sentConnoradisapprovinglookfromherround,wildlyfreckledface.“Sixteen,andwhyisn’the

inschool,Iwanttoknow.”

“You’resuchataskmaster,Kyra.It’saneducation,isn’tit,totraveltoanothercountry,tolearnofhawks?”

“Thatwon’tteachyoutoaddtwoandtwo.Sean’snotcomingintillnoon,ifyou’reforgetting.

He’stakinghiswifeinforhercheckwiththedoctor.”

Helookedupatthatbecausehehadforgotten.“All’swellthere,right,withherandthebaby?”

“Wellandfine,shejustwantshimthereastheymayfindifit’sagirlorboytoday.ThatputsBrian

ontheninewiththeladyfromDonegal,youattheten,andPauline’sathalf-tenwithapairofhoneymoonersfromDublin.”

Sheclickedandclackedatthekeyboardasshelaidoutthemorning’sschedule.Thoughshetendedtowardthebossy

andbrisk,Kyrawasawizardatdoingadozenthingsatonce.

And—theflyinConnor’sointment—expectedeveryoneelsetodothesame.

“I’vesetyouonattwoforanother,”sheadded.“Yanksagain,acoupleoverfromBoston.

They’vejustcomeinfromastayatDromolandinClare,andthey’rehavingthreedaysatAshfordbeforemovingon.Threeweeksholidayfortheirtwenty-fifthanniversary.”

“Tenandtwothen.”“They’vebeenmarried

longasI’vebeenalive.That’ssomethingtothink

on.”Listeningwithhalfan

ear,hesattopokethroughthepaperworkhecouldn’tpalmoffonher.“Yourparentshavebeenmarriedlongeryet,consideringyou’retheyoungest.”

“Parentsaredifferent,”shesaid—decisively—thoughhecouldn’tsee

how.“Oh,andBrian’s

claimingtherewasanearthquakethismorning,neartoshookhimoutofbed.”

Connorglancedup,facecalm.“Anearthquake,isit?”

Shesmirked,stillclatteringonthekeyboard

withnailspaintedwithpinkglitter.“Swearsthewholehouseshookaroundhim.”Sherolledhereyes,hitPrint,swiveledaroundforaclipboard.“Andhe’sdecidedit’ssomeconspiracy,asthere’snotawordofitonthetelly.Afewmentions,soheclaims,ontheInternet.

He’sgonefromearthquaketonucleartestingbysomeforeignpowerinafingersnap.He’llbealloveryouaboutit,ashe’sbeenme.”

“Andyourbeddidn’tshake?”

Sheflashedagrin.“Notfromanearthquake.”

Helaughed,wentback

tothepaperwork.“AndhowisLiam?”

“Verywellindeed.I’mthinkingImightmarryhim.”

“Isthatthewayofit?”“Itmightbe,asyou

havetostartonrackingupthoseanniversariessometime.I’lllethimknowwhenI’vemadeup

mymind.”Whenthephone

jangled,helefthertoanswer,wentbacktoclearingoffasectionofhisdesk.

Sosomefeltit,somedidn’t,hethought.Someweremoreopenthanothers.Andsomeclosedtightasanydrum.

He’dknownKyramostofhislife,hemused,andsheknewwhathewas—hadtoknow.Butsheneverspokeofit.Shewas,despiteherbluehairandthelittlehoopinherlefteyebrow,adrum.

HeworkedsteadyenoughuntilBriancameinand,aspredicted,was

fullofearthquakesthatwerelikelynucleartestingbysomesecretgovernmentagency,orperhapsasignoftheapocalypse.

HeleftBrianandKyrabattingitallaround,wentouttochoosethehawkforthefirstwalk.

Asnoonewas

watching,hediditthequickandsimpleway.Hesimplyopenedtheaviary,lookedintotheeyesofhischoice,helduphisglovedarm.

Thehawkswoopedthrough,landed,cominginasobedientasawell-trainedhound.

“Thereyouare,Thor.

Readytowork,areyou?YoudowellforBrianthismorning,andI’lltakeyououtlater,ifIcan,forarealhunt.How’sthatforyou?”

Aftertetheringthehawk,hewalkedbacktotheoffices,transferredhimtothewaitingperch,tetheredhimthere.

Patient,Thorclosedhiswings,satwatchful.

“Wemaygetsomewet,”hetoldBrian,“butnotadrench,I’mthinking.”

“Globalwarming’scausingstrangeweatheraroundtheworld.Itmayhavebeenanearthquake.”

“Anearthquake’tisn’t

weather,”Kyrastated.“It’sallconnected,”

Briansaiddarkly.“Ithinkyouwon’tsee

morethanashowerthismorning.Ifthere’sanearthquakeorvolcaniceruption,besureyougetThorbackhomeagain.”ConnorgaveBrianaslapontheshoulder.“There’s

yourclientsnow,atthegate.Goon,letthemin,givethemtheshowaround.I’lltakeRoibeardandWilliamfortheten,”hetoldKyrawhenBrianhurriedtoanswerthegate.“ThatleavesMooseforPauline’s.”

“I’llsetitup.”“We’llhaveRexfor

Sean.HerespectsSean,anddoesn’tyethavethesamerespectforBrian.BestnotsendhimoutwithBriyet,ontheirown.I’lltakeMerlinforthetwo,ashehasn’tbeenonawalkinafewdays.”

“Fin’shawkisn’there.”

“He’saround,”Connor

saidsimply.“AndPaulinecantakeThoroutagainthisafternoon.BrianorSean,whoeveryouhaveforthelastsofar,cantakeRex.”

“WhatofNester?”“He’snotfeelingit

today.He’sgotthedayoff.”

Sheonlyliftedher

beringedeyebrowatConnor’sassessmentofthehawk.“Ifyousay.”

“AndIdo.”Herroundfacelostits

smirkinconcern.“Doesheneedtobelookedat?”

“No,he’snotsick,justoutofsorts.I’lltakehimoutlater,lethimflyoffthemood.”

Hewasrightabouttheshower,butitcameandwentastheyoftendid.Ashortpatterofrain,athinbeamofsunthroughapocketofclouds.

Bythetimehisdoublearrived,theshowerhadmovedon,leavingtheairdampandjustmistyenough.Truthbetold,he

thoughtashetookthefatherandsonaround,itaddedtotheatmospherefortheYanks.

“Howdoyouknowwhichoneiswhich?”Theboy—nameofTaylor—ganglingwithbigearsandknobbyknuckles,putonanairofmildboredom.

“Theylookalike,the

Harris’shawk,buttheyeachhavetheirownpersonality,theirownway.Yousee,there’sMoose,he’sabigone,sohehasthename.AndRex,besidehim?Hasakindofregalair.”

“Whydon’ttheyjustflyawaywhenyoutakethemout?”

“Whywouldtheybedoingthat?They’veagoodlifehere,aposhlifecometothat.Andgood,respectableworkaswell.Somewerebornhere,andthisishomeforthem.”

“Youtrainthemhere?”thefatherasked.

“Wedo,yes,fromthetimethey’rehatchlings.

They’reborntoflyandhunt,aren’tthey?Withpropertraining—reward,kindness,affection,theycanbetrainedtodowhatthey’reborntodoandreturntotheglove.”

“WhytheHarris’shawkforthewalks?”

“They’resocial,theyare.Andmore,their

maneuverabilitymakesthemafinechoiceforawalkintheseparts.ThePeregrines—youseehere?”Hewalkedthemovertoalargegraybirdwithblackandyellowmarkings.“They’remagnificenttobesure,andthere’snofasteranimalontheplanetwhen

they’reinthestoop.Thatwouldbeflyinguptoagreatheight,thendivingforitsprey.”

“Ithoughtacheetahwasthefastest,”Taylorsaid.

“Apollohere?”Atthename,atConnor’ssubtlelink,thefalconspreaditsgreatwings—hadtheboy

impressedenoughtogaspalittlebeforeheshrugged.“Hecanbeatthecat,reachingspeedstothreehundredtwentykilometersanhour.That’stwohundredmilesanhourinAmerican,”Connoraddedwithagrin.

“Butforallitsspeedandbeauty,thePeregrine

needsopenspace,andtheHarris’scandancethroughthetrees.Youseethesehere?”

Hewalkedthemalong.“Iwatchedthesehatchmyselfonlylastspring,andwe’vetrainedthemhereattheschooluntiltheywerereadyforfreeflights.Oneoftheir

brothersisWilliam,andhe’llbewithyoutoday,Mr.Leary.”

“Soyoung?That’swhat,onlyfiveorsixmonthsold.”

“Borntofly,”Connorrepeated.Hesensedhe’dlosetheboyunlesshemovedthingsalong.“Ifyou’llcomeinsidenow,

we’veyourhawkswaiting.”

“It’sanexperience,Taylor.”Thefather,aneasysix-four,laidahandonhisson’sshoulder.

“Whatever.It’llprobablyrainagain.”

“Oh,Ithinkit’llholdofftillneartosunset.So,Mr.Leary,haveyou

familyaroundMayothen?”

“Tom.Ancestors,I’mtold,butnofamilyIknowof.”

“Justyouandyourboythen?”

“No,mywifeanddaughterwentintoCongtoshop.”Hegaveagrinningrollofhiseyes.

“Couldbetrouble.”“Mysisterhasashop

inCong.TheDarkWitch.Maybethey’llstopin.”

“Ifit’sthereanditsellssomething,they’llstopin.Wewerethinkingoftryingahorsebackridetomorrow.”

“Oh,youcouldn’tdobetter.It’safineride

around.YoujusttellthemConnorsaidtogiveyouagoodtimewithit.”

Steppinginside,heturnedtotheholdingperches.“AndherewehaveRoibeardandWilliam.Roibeard’smyown,andhe’sforyoutoday,Taylor.I’vehadhimsincehewasa

hatchling.Tom,wouldyousigntheformsthatKyrahasreadyforyou,andI’llmakeTayloracquaintedwithRoibeard.”

“Whatkindofnameisthat?”Taylordemanded.

Thinkshedoesn’twanttobehere,Connormused.Thinkshe’dratherbeat

homewithhismatesandhisvideogames.

“Whyit’shisname,andanoldone.Hecomesfromhawksthathuntedtheseverywoodforhundredsofyears.Here’syourglove.Withoutit,assmartandskilledasheis,histalonswouldpierceyourskin.You’retohold

yourarmuplikethis,see?”Connordemonstrated,holdinghisleftarmupatarightangle.“Andkeepitstillaswewalk.You’veonlytoliftittosignalhimtofly.I’lltetherhimatfirst,untilwegetoutandabout.”

Hefelttheboyquiver

—nerves,excitementhetriedtohide—asConnorsignaledRoibeardtostepontotheglovedarm.“TheHarris’sisagileandquick,asIsaid,andafiercehunter,thoughsincewe’llbetakingthesechickenpartsalong”—hepattedhisbaitingpouch—“they’llbothleaveoff

anythoughtofgoingforbirdsorrabbit.

“Andhereforyou,Tom,isyoungWilliam.He’sahandsomeone,andwellbehaved.Heloveslittlemorethanachancetowingthroughthewoods,andhavesomechickenasarewardforthework.”

“He’sbeautiful.They’rebeautiful.”Tomlaughedalittle.“I’mnervous.”

“Let’shaveourselvesanadventure.How’syourstayatthecastle?”Connorbeganasheledthemout.

“Amazing.AnnieandIthoughtthiswasouronce

inalifetime,butwe’realreadytalkingaboutcomingback.”

“Sureyoucan’tcomeoncetoIreland.”

Hewalkedthemeasy,makingsomesmalltalk,butkeepinghismind,hisheartwiththehawks.Contentenough,readyenough.

Hetookthemawayfromtheschool,downapath,tothehardpavedroadwheretherewasanopening,withtalltreesfringingit.

Therehereleasedthejesses.

“Ifyouliftyourarms.Justgentlenow,slidingthemup,they’llfly.”

Andthebeautyofit,thatliftintheair,thatspreadofwings,nearlysilent.Nearly.Asoftgaspfromtheboy,stilltryingtoclingtohisboredomasbothhawksperchedonabranch,foldedtheirwings,andstareddownlikegoldengods.

“Willyoutrustmewith

yourcamera,Tom?”“Oh,sure.Iwantedto

getsomepicturesofTaylorwiththehawk.With...Roibeard?”

“AndIwill.Youturn,backtothem,lookoveryourleftshoulderthere,Taylor.”ThoughRoibeardwouldanswerwithout,Connorlaidabitof

chickenontheglove.“Gross.”“Nottothebird.”Connorangledhimself.

“Justliftyourarm,asyoudidthefirsttime.Holditsteady.”

“Whatever,”Taylormumbled,butobeyed.

Andthehawk,fiercegraceinflight,swooped

down,wingsspread,eyesbrilliant,andlandedontheboy’sarm.

Gobbledthechicken.Stood,staredintoTaylor’seyes.

Knowingthemomentwell,Connorcapturedthestunnedwonder,thesheerjoyontheboy’sface.

“Wow!Wow!Dad,

Dad,didyouseethat?”“Yeah.Hewon’t...”

TomlookedatConnor.“Thatbeak.”

“Nottoworry,Ipromiseyou.Justholdthereaminute,Taylor.”

Hetookanothershot,oneheimaginedwouldsitonsomemantelordeskbackinAmerica,ofthe

boyandthehawkstaringintoeachother’seyes.“Nowyou,Tom.”

Herepeatedtheprocess,snappedthepicture,listenedtohisclientstalktoeachotherinamazedtones.

“You’veseennothingyet,”Connorpromised.“Let’smoveintothe

woodsabit.You’llallhaveadance.”

Itnevergotoldforhim,neverbecameordinary.Theflightofthehawk,thesoarandswoopthroughthetreesalways,alwaysenchantedhim.Today,theabsolutethrilloftheboyandhisfatheraddedmore.

Thedampair,fatasasoakedsponge,theflickersoflightfilteringthroughthetrees,theswirloftheoncomingautumnmadeitallafineday,inConnor’sopinion,totromparoundthewoodfollowingthehawks.

“CanIcomeback?”Taylorwalkedbacktothe

gatesoftheschoolwithRoibeardonhisarm.“Imean,justtoseethem.They’rereallycool,especiallyRoibeard.”

“Youcan,sure.They’dbepleasedwithabitofcompany.”

“We’lldoitagainbeforeweleave,”hisfatherpromised.

“I’dratherdothisthanthehorsebackriding.”

“Oh,you’llenjoythataswell,Iwager.”Connorledtheminsideatanunhurriedpace.“It’spleasanttowalkthewoodsonthebackofagoodhorse—adifferentperspectiveofthings.Andthey’vefineguidesatthe

stables.”“Doyouride?”Tom

askedhim.“Ido,yes.Thoughnot

asoftenasImightlike.Thebest,ofcourse,ishawkingonhorseback.”

“Ohman!CanIdothat?”

“That’snotinthebrochure,Taylor.”

“It’strue,”ConnorsaidashegentlytransferredRoibeardtoaperch.“It’snotontheregularmenu,sotospeak.I’mjustgoingtosettlethingsupwithyourdaifyouwanttogoout,haveanotherlookatthehawks.”

“Yeah,okay.”HestudiedRoibeardanother

momentwitheyesfilledwithlove.“Thanks.Thanks,Connor.Thatwasawesome.”

“You’remorethanwelcome.”HetransferredWilliamasTaylorranout.“Ididn’twanttosayinfrontoftheboy,butImightbeabletoarrangeforhimtohavewhatwe’d

callahawkride.I’dneedtocheckifMearacanleadyourfamily—she’sahawkeraswellasoneoftheguidesatthestables.Andifyou’dbeinterested.”

“Ihaven’tseenTaylorthisexcitedaboutanythingbutcomputergamesandmusicfor

months.Ifyoucanmakeithappen,thatwouldbegreat.”

“I’llseewhatIcando,ifyougivemeaminuteortwo.”

HeleanedahiponthedeskwhenTomsteppedout,tookouthisphone.“Ah,Meara,mydarling,I’veaspecialrequest.”

***

AFINETHINGITWASTOGIVESOMEONETHELINGERINGglowofmemories.Connordidhisbesttodothesamewithhisfinalclientoftheday—butnothingwouldquite

reachtheheightsofTaylorandhisdafromAmerica.

Betweenhisbookings,hetookthePeregrines—Apolloincluded—outbeyondthewoods,intotheopenforexerciseandhunting.Therehecouldwatchthestoopwithakindofwonderthatnever

lefthim.Therehecouldfeelthethrillofthatdivingspeedinsidehimself.

AshewasasocialcreatureliketheHarris’s,heenjoyeddoingthehawkwalks,butthosesolotimes—onlyhimselfandthebirdsandtheair—madeuphisfavoritepart

ofanyday.Apollotookacrowin

midstoop—aperfectstrike.Theycouldbefed,Connorthoughtashesatonalowstonewallwithabagofcrispsandanapple.Theycouldbetrainedandtended.Buttheywereofthewild,andthewildtheyneededfortheirspirit.

Sohesat,contenttowait,towatch,whilethebirdssoared,dived,hunted,andprizedthepeaceofadampafternoon.

Nofogorshadowshere,hethought.Notyet.Noteverasheandhiscirclewouldfindthewaytopreservethelight.

Andwhereareyounow,Cabhan.Nothere,notnow,hethoughtashescannedthehills,rollingbackandawaylushandgreen.Nothingherenowbutthepromiseofrainthatwouldcomeandgoandcomeagain.

HewatchedApollosoaragain,forthejoyofit

now,felthisownheartlift.Andknewforthatmomentalonehewouldfacethedarkandbeatitback.

Rising,hecalledthebirdsbacktohim,onebyone.

Oncealltheworkwasdone,hemadeafinalroundwiththebirdsand

checkedonallthatneededcheckingon,thenshovedhisowngloveinhisbackpocketandlockedthegate.

Thenhewandered,ataneasystroll,towardthestables.

HesensedRoibeardfirst,pulledoutthegloveandputiton.Evenashe

liftedhisarm,hesensedMeara.

Thehawkcircledonce,forthepleasureofit,thenswoopeddowntolandonConnor’sglovedarm.

“Didyouhaveanadventurethen?Sureyougavetheboyadayhe’llnotbeforgetting.”Hewaitedwherehewasuntil

Meararoundedthebend.Long,surestrides—a

manhadtoadmireawomanwithlonglegsthatmovedwithsuchsteadyconfidence.Hesentheragrin.

“Andtheresheis.How’dtheboydo?”

“He’smadinlovewithRoibeard,andexpressed

greataffectionforSpud,whogavehimagood,steadyride.Ihadtostoponceandgivethesisteragoatitorthere’dhavebeenabrutalsiblingbattle.Sheenjoyeditquitealot,butnotliketheboy.Andwewon’tbechargingthemforthefewminutesofhergo.”

“Wewon’t,no.”Hetookherhand,swungitastheywalked,kissedherknuckleslightlybeforelettingitgo.“Thanks.”

“You’llthankmeformore,asthemistergavemeahundredextra.”

“Ahundred?Extra?”“Thathedid,ashe

judgedmethehonestsort

andaskedifI’dgivehalftoyou.Naturally,Itoldhimitwasn’tnecessary,butheinsisted.Andnaturally,Ididn’twanttoberudeandrefuseagain.”

“Naturally,”Connorsaidwithagrin,thenwiggledhisfingersather.

Shepulledeurosfromherpocket,countedthem

out.“Wellnow,what

shouldwedowiththisunexpectedwindfall?Whatdoyousaytoapint?”

“Isayonoccasionyouhaveafineidea.Shouldwerounduptherestofus?”shewondered.

“Wecould.Youtext

Branna,andI’lltextBoyle.We’llseeifwehaveanytakers.It’ddoBrannagoodtogetoutforanevening.”

“Iknowit.Whydon’tyoutexther?”

“It’seasiertosaynotoabrotherthanafriend.”HemetRoibeard’seyes,walkedinsilencea

moment.Andthehawkliftedoff,roseup,wingedaway.

AsConnordid,shewatchedthehawkforthepleasureofit.“Where’shegoingthen?”

“Home.Iwanthimclose,sohe’llflyhomeandstaytonight.”

“Ienvythat,”Meara

saidasshetookoutherphone.“Thewayyoutalktothehawks,Ionatothehorses,Brannatothehounds—andFintoallthreewhenhewantsto.IfIhadanymagic,IthinkthatwouldbewhatI’dwant.”

“Youhaveit.I’veseenyouwiththehorses,the

hawks,thehounds.”“That’straining,andan

affinity.Butit’snotwhatyouhave.”Shesentthetext,tuckedthephoneaway.“ButI’djustwantitwiththeanimals.I’dgomadifIcouldreadpeople,heartheirthoughtsandfeelingsasyoucan.I’dforeverbefightingto

listen,thenlikelybepissedatwhatI’dheard.”

“It’sbesttoresisttheeavesdropping.”

Shegavehimanelbowpokeandaknowinglookoutofdarkchocolateeyes.“Iknowgoodandwellyou’vehadalistenwhenyou’rewonderingifagirlmightbewillingif

youboughtherapintandwalkedherhome.”

“ThatmayhavebeenthecasebeforeIreachedmymaturity.”

Shelaughedherwonderfullaugh.“You’venothookedfingersaroundyourmaturityasyet.”

“I’mwithincentimetersnow.Ah,and

here’sBoyleansweringalready.Iona’satthecottagepracticingwithBranna.He’lldragFinwithhimshortly—andseeifIonawilldothesamewithBranna.”

“Ilikewhenit’sallofustogether.It’sfamily.”

Heheardthewistfulness,swunganarm

overhershoulders.“It’sfamily,”heagreed,“rightandtrue.”

“Doyoumissyourparentssincethey’vesettleddowninKerry?”

“Idosometimes,yes,butthey’resobleedinghappythereonthelake,runningtheirBandB,andwithMa’ssistersall

chirpingabout.Andthey’remadabouttheFaceTime.Who’d’vethoughtit?Soweseethem,andknowwhat’swhat.”

HegavehershoulderarubastheywalkedthewindingroadtoCong.“Andtruthbetold,I’mgladenoughthey’re

tuckedawaysouthfornow.”

“AndhereI’dbemorethangladtohavemymothertuckedawaymostanywhere,andnotforunselfishreasonssuchasyourown.”

“You’llgetthroughit.It’sbutanotherphase.”

“Anotherphasethat’s

lastednearfifteenyears.Butyou’reright.”Shewiggledhershouldersasifshakingoffasmallweight.“You’reright.Iputabuginhereartodayabouthowshemightenjoyalongvisitwithmysisterandthegrandchildren.Andthat’sshovingthesamebug

straightupMaureen’sarse,whichshewelldeserves.Ifthatdoesn’tstick,I’mplanningtobounceherfrombrothertosistertobrotherinhopesshelandssomewherethatcontentsher.

“I’mnotgivingupmyflat.”

“You’dgostarkravingifyoumovedbackinwithyourma,andwhatgoodwouldthatdoeitherofyou?Donal’sdonewellbyher,noquestionofit,butsohaveyou.Yougiveheryourtime,yourear,helpwithhermarketing.Youpayherrent.”

Heonlyliftedhis

eyebrowswhenshejerkedaway,narrowedhereyes.

“Besane,Meara.Fin’sherlandlord,howwouldInotknow?I’msayingyou’reagooddaughter,andhavenothingtofeelselfishover.”

“Wishingherelsewhereseemsselfish,butIcan’tstopwishingit.

AndFindoesn’tchargehalfwhatthatlittlecottageisworth.”

“It’sfamily,”hesaid,andshesighed.

“Howmanytimescanyouberightononewalktothepub?”Sheshovedherhandsinthepocketsofherworkjacket.“Andthat’senoughbitchingand

carpingfrommeforthesameamountoftime.I’mspoilingmyowngooddayatwork,andtheextrafiftyinmypocket.”

Theypassedtheoldabbeywheretouristsstillwandered,snappingphotos.“Peoplealwaystellyouthings.Whyisthat?”

“MaybeIlikehearingthings.”

Sheshookherhead.“No,it’sbecauseyoulisten,whetheryouwanttohearitornot.Itoooftenjusttuneitallout.”

Hestuckhishandinherpockettogivehersasqueeze.“Togetherweprobablycomeaverageon

thegraphofhumannature.”

No,shethought.No,indeed.ConnorO’Dwyerwouldneverbeaverageonanygraph.

Thenshelettheworriesandwonderinggo,walkedwithhimintothewarmthandclatterofthepub.

ItwasConnorwhowasgreetedfirstbythosewhoknewthem—whichwasmost.Acheerycall,aflirtatioussmile,aquicksalute.Hewasthesortalwayswelcome,andalwaysathomewherehisfeetwereplanted.

Good,easyqualities,shesupposed,and

somethingelsesheenvied.

“Yougetusatable,”hetoldher,“andI’llstandthefirstround.”

Sheskirtedthrough,foundonebigenoughforsix.Settlingin,shetookoutherphone—Connorwouldbeabitoftimeduetoconversing,sheknew.

ShetextedBrannafirst.

Stop fussing with yourhair. We’re alreadyhere.

Thenshecheckedherscheduleforthenextday.Alessonintheringinthemorning,threeguideds—nottomentionthedaily

mucking,feeding,grooming,andnaggingofBoyletomakecertainhe’dseentothepaperwork.Thentherewasthemarketingshe’dneglected—forherselfandhermother.Laundryshe’dputoff.

Shecoulddoabitofthewashtonightifshe

didn’tloiteroverlonginthepub.

Shecheckedhercalendar,sawherreminderforherolderbrother’sbirthday,andaddedfindingagifttoherschedule.

AndIonawasdueforanotherlessoninswordplay.Shewas

comingalongwell,Mearathought,butnowthatCabhanhadputinanappearance,they’dbewisetogetbacktoregularpractice.

“Putthatawaynowandstopworking.”Connorsettheirpintsonthetable.“Workday’sdone.”

“Iwascheckingontomorrow’sworkday.”

“That’syourburden,Mearadarling,alwayslookingforwardtothenexttask.”

“Andyou,alwayslookingtothenextrecreation.”

Heliftedhisglass,smiled.“Life’sa

recreationifyouliveitright.”HenoddedashespottedBoyleandIona.“Family’scoming.”

Mearaglancedaround.Andputawayherphone.

A

5

GOODDAY’SWORK,APINT,ANDFRIENDSTO

DRINKITwith.InConnor’sestimation,therewaslittle

moretowishfor.Unlessitwasahotmealandawillingwoman.

Thoughheknewtheprettyblonde—nameofAlice—tossinghimtheoccasionalglancewouldbewillingenough,hecontentedhimselfwiththepintandthefriends.

“I’mthinking,”hesaid,

“nowthatFin’sjoinedus,youmightconsidercombiningthehawkandhorseasMearaandIdidtodayfortheYanksasaregularoption.”

Boylefrownedoverit.“We’dneedanexperiencedfalconerastheguide,andthatlimitsustoMeara.”

“Icoulddoit,”Ionaprotested.

“You’veonlyhawkedafewtimes,”Boylepointedout.“Andneveronyourown.”

“Ilovedit.AndyousaidIwasanatural,”sheremindedConnor.

“Youhaveafinewaywithit,butyou’dwantto

haveafewgoesonhorseback.Evenonabike,aswedowhenwe’regivingthehawkssomeexerciseinthewinter.”

“I’llpractice.”“Youneedtobe

practicingmorewithabladeinyourhand,”Mearatoldher.

“Youalwayskickmy

ass.”“Ido.”Mearasmiled

intoherpint.“Idoindeed.”

“Ourgirlhere’saquickstudy,”Fincommented.“Andit’saninterestingidea.”

“Ifwetoyedwithit...”Boylesippedathispintandconsidered.“The

customerswhobookedthepackagewouldneedsomeridingexperience.Thelastthingwe’dwantisaranknovicegoingintoapanicwhenahawklandsontheirarmandspookingthehorse.”

“Agreedthere.”“Thehorseswon’t

spookifItellthemnot

to.”Ionaangledherhead,smiled.“Here’sBranna.”

She’dfussedwithherhair,ofcourse,andworearedscarfoverajacketofstrong,deepblue.Theflatbootsmeantshe’dwalkedfromhercottage.

SheranahandoverMeara’sshoulder,thendroppedintothechair

besideher.“What’stheoccasion?”

“MearaandIsplitafinetipfromanAmericantoday.”

“Good.Soyou’llbuyyoursisterapint,won’tyou?IcoulddowithaHarp.”

“It’smyround.”Meararose.

“She’sbeenbroodingabouthermother,”Connorsaidwhenshewasoutofearshot.“Shecoulduseafestivesortofevening.We’llhaveameal,allright,andkeephermoodup.Icoulddowithsomefishandchips.”

“Whosestomachareyouthinkingof?”Branna

asked.“Mystomach,her

mood.”Heraisedhisglass.“Andgoodcompany.”

***

ITWASGOODCOMPANY.SHE’DINTENDEDTOHAVE

ONEPINT,lingerabit,thengohome,startthewash,throwtogetherwhateverwasleftinthelarderforaquickdinner.Nowshe’dstartedonasecondpint,andachickenpie.

She’dleavehertruckwhereitwasatBranna’s,walkhomefromthepub.Tosssomewashin,make

amarketlist—forherselfandforhermother.Earlytobed,andifshemadetheriseearlyenough,shecouldtossmorewashinandbedonewithit.

Marketingonherlunchbreak.Gobyhermother’safterwork—Godhelpher—doherduty.Plantafewmoreseedsaboutgoing

offtoMaureen’s.Connorpokedherin

theribs.“You’rethinkingtoomuch.Trybeinginthemoment.It’llamazeyou.”

“Achickenpieinthepubisamazing?”

“It’sgood,isn’tit?”Shetookanotherbite.

“It’sgood.Andwhatareyougoingtodoabout

Alice?”“Hmm?”“AliceKeenan,who’s

signalingherchurninglustacrossthepublikeoneofthoseflagpeople.”Shewavedherarmstodemonstrate.

“Aprettyface,forcertain.Butnotforme.”

Mearaputonalookof

amazement,sentitaroundthetable.“Areyouhearingthat?ConnorO’Dwyersayingaprettyfaceisn’tforhim.”

“Wantsaringonherfinger,doesshethen?”Finasked,amused.

“Thatshedoes,andasthat’smorethanIcangive,she’snotformeto

playwith.Butitisaprettyface.”

HeleanedtowardMeara.“Now,ifyouweretosnuggleuphere,givemeakiss,she’dthink,ah,well,he’staken,andstoppiningforme.”

“She’llhavetopine,asotherfoolishwomendo.”Shescoopedupmore

chicken.“Mymouth’soccupiedatthemoment.”

“Youputitonmineonce.”

“Really?”Ionapushedherplateaside,leanedin.“Tellall.”

“Iwasbuttwelve.”“Justshyofthirteen.”“Justshyofthirteenis

twelve.”Shefeigned

stabbinghimwithherfork.“AndIwascurious.”

“Itwasnice.”“HowcouldItell?”

Mearacountered.“Itwasmyfirstkiss.”

“Aw.”Ionadrewinasighingbreath.“Youneverforgetyourfirst.”

“Itwasn’this.”Connorlaughed,gave

Meara’sbraidatug.“Itwasn’t,no,butIhaven’tforgottenit,haveI?”

“Iwaseleven.Precocious,”Ionaclaimed.“HisnamewasJessieLattimer.Itwassweet.Idecidedwe’dgetmarriedoneday,liveonafarm,andI’dridehorsesallday.”

“AndwhathappenedtothisJessieLattimer?”Boylewantedtoknow.

“Hekissedsomeoneelse,brokemyheart.ThenhisfamilymovedtoTucson,orToledo.SomethingwithaT.NowI’mgoingtomarryanIrishman.”Sheangledover,kissedBoyle.“And

ridehorsesallday.”Hereyessparkled

whenBoylelinkedhisfingerswithhers.

“Whowasyourfirst,Branna?”

Theminutethewordswereout,thesparklechangedtoregret.Sheknew.OfcoursesheknewevenbeforeBranna

flickedaglanceatFin.“Iwastwelveaswell.I

couldn’tletmybestfriendgetaheadofme,couldI?AndlikeConnorforMeara,Finwashandy.”

“Thathewas,”Connoragreedcheerfully,“forhemadesurehewaswhereyouwereeverypossiblewakingminute.”

“Notevery,becauseitwasn’thisfirstkiss.”

“Ipracticedabit.”Fintippedbackinhischairwithhispint.“AsIwantedyourfirsttobememorable.Intheshadowsofthewoods,”hemurmured,“onasoftsummerday.Withtheairsmellingoftherainand

theriver.Andofyou.”Shedidn’tlookathim

now,norheather.“Thenthelightningstruck,aboltfromtheskystraightintotheground.”Sheremembered.Oh,sheremembered.“Theairshookwithit,andthethunderthatfollowed.Weshouldhaveknown.”

“Wewerechildren.”“Notforlong.”“I’vemadeyousad,”

Ionasaidquietly.“I’msorry.”

“Notsad.”Brannashookherhead.“Abitnostalgic,forinnocencethatmeltsfasterthanasnowflakeinasunbeam.Wecan’tbeinnocent

now,canwe,withwhat’scome.Andwhatwillcomeagain.So...let’shavesomewhiskeyinourteaandtakethemoment—asmybrother’sfondofsaying.We’llhavesomemusic,whatdoyousaytothat,Meara?Asongortwotonight,foronlythegodsknowwhat

tomorrowbrings.”“I’llfetchthepub

fiddle.”Connorrose,brushedahandoverhissister’shairasheleftthetable.And,sayingnothing,gaveherthecomfortsheneeded.

Mearastayedlongerthanshe’dintended,wellpastareasonabletimeto

thinkofdoingwashormakingmarketlists.Thoughshetriedtobrushhimoff,Connorinsistedonwalkingherhome.

“It’ssilly,youknow.It’snotafive-minutewalk.”

“Thenit’snottakingmuchofmytime.Itwasgoodofyoutostay

becauseBrannaneededit.”

“She’ddothesameforme.Anditliftedmymoodaswell,thoughitdidn’tgetthewashdone.”

Theywalkedthequietstreet,climbingtheslope.Thepubswouldstillbelively,buttheshopswerelongsnuggedclosed,and

notasinglecardrovepast.

Thewindhadcomeup,stirringtheair.Shecaughtthescentofheliotropefromawindowbox,andsawneedlepricksofstarsthroughthewispsofclouds.

“Didyoueverthinkofgoingsomewhereelse?”

shewondered.“Livingsomewhereelse?Ifyoudidn’thavetodowhatneedsdoinghere?”

“Ihaven’t,no.It’shereforme.It’swhatIwantandwhere.Haveyou?”

“No.IhavefriendswhowentofftoDublin,orGalwayCity,CorkCity,evenAmerica.I’d

thinkIcoulddothataswell.Sendmoneytomymotherandgooffsomewhere,anadventure.ButIneverwanteditasmuchasIwantedtostay.”

“Fightingacenturies-oldsorcererpoweredbyevilwouldbeanadventureformost.”

“Butit’snoGrafton

Street,isitnow?”Shelaughedwithhim,turnedthecornertowardherflat.“Somepartofmeneverthoughtitwouldhappen.Thesortofthingthathappenedinthatclearingonthesolstice.Thenitdid,allsofierceandfastandterrible,andtherewasnothinkingatall.”

“Youweremagnificent.”

Shelaughedagain,shookherhead.“Ican’tquiterememberwhatIdid.Lightandfireandwind.Yourhairflying.Allthelight.Aroundyou,inyou.I’dneverseenyoulikethat.Withyourmagicklikethesun,all

butblinding.”“Itwasallofus.We

wouldn’thavebeatenhimbackwithoutallofus.”

“Iknowthat.Ifeltthat.”Foramoment,shejustlookedoutatthenight,atthevillagethathadbeenhersallofherlife.“Andstillhelives.”

“Hewon’twin.”He

walkedheruptheopenstairstoherdoor.

“Youcan’tknow,Connor.”

“Ihavetobelieveit.Ifweletthedarkwin,whatarewe?What’sthepurposeofitallifweletthedarkwin?Sowewon’t.”

Shestoodfora

momentbesideabasketfromwhichpurpleandredpetuniasspilled.“Iwishyou’dletFindriveyouhome.”

“Ihavetowalkoffthefishandchips—andthepints.”

“Youhaveacare,Connor.Wecan’twinwithoutyou.Andbesides

allthat,I’musedtoyou.”“ThenI’llhaveacare.”

Hereachedup,seemedtohesitate,thengaveherbraidafamiliartug.“Youhaveoneaswell.Goodnighttoyou,Meara.”

“Goodnight.”Hewaiteduntilshe

wentin,untilthedoorclosedandlocked.

He’dnearlykissedher,herealized,andwasn’tentirelysurethekisswould’vebeen...brotherly.Should’veskippedthewhiskeyinhistea,hedecided,ifitsocloudedhisjudgment.

Shewashisfriend,asgoodafriendashehad.He’ddonothingtorisk

tippingthebalanceofthat.Butnowhefeltedgy

andunsatisfied.Perhapsheshould’vegivenAliceawhirlafterall.

Withsomuchhappening,somuchatstake,hecouldn’tbeeasyleavingBrannaaloneatnight—evenifIonastayedatthecottage.Andhe

couldn’tquitefeeleasybringingawomanhomewithhim,especiallygiventhecircumstances.

Allinall,hethoughtasheleftthevillagebehindandtookthatwindingroadonfoot,itwasinconvenient.AndjustonemorereasontosendCabhanscreaminginto

hell.Helikedwomen.Liked

conversingwiththem,flirtingwiththem.Helikedadance,awalk,alaugh.And,Jesus,helikedbeddingthem.

Thesoftandtheheat,thescentsandthesighs.

Butsuchpleasureswereonaninconvenient

pause.Forhowmuchlonger,

hewondered,asCabhanhadstruckoutagain.

EvenashethoughtitConnorstopped.Stoodstillandquiet—bodyandmind—onthedarkroadheknewaswellasthelinesonhisownhand.Andhelistened,withall

ofhimself.He’sthere,he’sthere.

Notfar,notfarenough—notcloseenoughtofind,butnotfarenoughfortruesafety.

Hetouchedtheamuletunderhissweater,feltitsshape,feltitswarmth.Thenhespreadhisarmswide,openedmore.

Theairwhisperedaroundhim,aquietsongthatdancedthroughhishair,kissedalonghisskinaspowerrose.Ashisvisionspread.

Hecouldseetrees,brush,hearthewhisperofairthroughthem,thebeatingheartsofthenightcreaturesstirring,the

fasterpulsesofthepreyhunted.Hecaughtthescent,thesoundofwater.

Andakindofsmearoverit—ashadowclingingtoshadows.Buriedinthemsohecouldn’tseparatetheshapesorsubstance.

Theriver.Beyondtheriver,aye.Though

crossingitcausespain.Water,crossingwaterunsettlesyou.Icanfeelyou,justfeelyoulikecoldmudoozing.OnedayI’llfindyourlair.Oneday.

Thejoltburned,justalittle.Hardlymorethanaquickzapofstaticelectricity.Connordrewhimselfinagain,pulled

themagickback.Andsmiled.

“You’reweakyet.Oh,wehurtyou,theboyandme.We’lldoworse,youbastard,Iswearonmyblood,we’lldoworsebeforewe’redone.”

Notquiteasedgynow,notquiteasdissatisfied,hewhistledhiswayhome.

***

THERAINCAMEANDLINGEREDFORALONG,SOAKINGVISIT.GuestsofAshfordCastle—thebulkoftheirclientele—stillwantedtheirhawkwalks.

Connordidn’tmindthe

rain,andmarveled,ashealwaysdid,atthegeartravelerspiledon.Itamusedhimtoseethemtrompalongincolorfulwellies,variousslickraincoats,bundlingscarvesandhatsandgloves,allforabitofcoolSeptemberrain.

Butamusedornot,he

watchedthemiststhatswirledorcrawled—andfoundnothinginthembutmoisture.Fornow.

Onadampeveningwhenworkwasdone,hesatonthecottagestoopwithsomegoodstrongteaandwatchedMearatrainIona.Theirswordsclashed,sharprings

thoughBrannahadcharmedthemtogolimpasnoodlesshouldtheymeetflesh.

Hiscousinwascomingalongwell,hejudged,thoughhedoubtedshe’devermatchthestyleandferocityofMearaQuinn.

Thewomanmighthavebeenbornwithaswordin

herhandthewayshehandledone.Thewayshelookedwithone—tallandcurvedlikeagoddess,allthatthickbrownhairbraideddownherback.

Herboots,asbroken-inashisown,plantedonthesoggyground,thendancedoveritasshedroveIonaback,giving

herstudentnoquarter.Andthosedarkeyes—aprizelikethegold-dustskinofhergypsyheritage—sparkledfierceassheblockedanattack.

Surehecouldwatchherswingaswordallday.Thoughhedidwinceinsympathyasshedrovehislittlecousinback,back,in

anunrelentingattack.Brannacameout

holdingathickmugofteaofherown,satbesidehim.

“She’simproving.”“Hmm?Oh,Iona,yes.

Iwasthinkingthesame.”Placidly,Branna

sippedhertea.“Wereyounow?”

“Iwas.Strongerthanshewaswhenshecametous,andshewasn’taweaklingthen.Strongerthough,andsurerofherself.Surer,too,ofhergift.Someofit’sus,someofit’sBoyleandwhatlovedoesforbodyandsoul,butmostofitwasalwaysinsideher,just

waitingtoblossom.”HepattedBranna’s

knee.“We’relucky,wetwo.”

“I’vethoughtsoatimeortwo.”

“Luckyinwhowecamefrom.Wealwaysknewwewerelovedandvalued.Andwhatwehave,whatweare,was

indeedagiftandnotsomethingtobeburiedorhiddenaway.Thetwoofthemstrikingswordsintherain?Notsoluckyaswe.Ionahadandhashergranny,andthat’satreasure.Butbeyondthat,forthemtheirfamily’s...well,fucked,asMeara’sfondofsaying.”

“We’retheirfamily.”“Iknowit,astheydo.

Butit’sawoundthatcan’tfullyheal,isn’tit,nottohavethefullloveofthosewhomadeyou.TheindifferenceofIona’sparents,thefullmessofMeara’s.”

“Whichisworse,doyouthink?That

indifference,whichisbeyondmyunderstanding,orthefullmess?ThewayMeara’sdaranoff,takingwhatmoneywasleftafterhebollocksedalltheyhad?Leavingawifeandfivechildrenalone,orjustnevergivingadamnallalong?”

“Ithinkeitherwould

leaveyouflattened.Andjustlookatthem.Sostrongandfullofcourage.”

Ionastumbledback,slipped.Herasshitthesoggygrass.Mearaleaneddown,offeredahand,butIonashookherhead,setherteeth.Androlledover,sprangup.Movedin,

swordswinging.NowConnorgrinned,

slappedhissister’sleg.“Thoughshebebut

little,sheisfierce!”“Becauseit’strue,I’ll

forgiveyouforquotingtheEnglishbardwhenI’veapotofGuinnessstewonthesimmer.”

Hismindwentdirectly

tofood.“Guinnessstew,isit?”

“Itis,andafineroundofsourdoughbreadwiththepoppyseedsyou’refondof.”

Hiseyeslit,thennarrowed.“AndwhatwillIbedoingtodeserveit?”

“OnyournextfreedayIneedyoutoworkwith

me.”“Iwillofcourse.”“Themagickswemade

forthesolstice...Iwassocertainitwouldwork.ButImissedsomething,justasSorchamissedsomethingwhenshesacrificedherselfandpoisonedCabhanallthattimeago.Everyoneofus

sincehasmissedsomething.Weneedtofindwhat’smissed.”

“Andwewill.Butyoucan’tleaveusoutofit,Branna.Youdidn’tmiss,thewholeofusdid.Fin—”

“IknowIhavetoworkwithhim.Ihave,andIwill.”

“Doesithelptoknowhesuffersasyoudo?”

“Alittle.”Sheleanedherheadonhisshoulderamoment.“Smallofme.”

“Humanofyou.Awitchisashumanasany,asDaalwaystoldus.”

“Sohedid.”Forafewmomentthey

satquiet,sidebyside,as

swordsrang.“Cabhan’shealing,

isn’the?”Shesaiditquietly,justtohim.“Gatheringhimselfforthenext.Ifeel...somethingintheair.”

“Ifeelit,too.”Connorwatched,asshedid,thedeepgreenshadowsofthewoods.“Ashisblood,Fin

wouldfeelmore.Istherestewenoughforthewholeofus?”

Shesighedinawaythattoldhimshe’dalreadythoughtofitherself.“Isupposethereis.Askthem,”shesaidassherose,“andI’llmakesureofit.”

Hetookherhand,

kissedit.“Ashumanasany,andbraverthanmost.That’smysister.”

“ThethoughtofGuinnessstew’smadeyousentimental.”Butshegavehishandasqueezebeforeshewentinside.

Itwasn’tthestew,thoughChristknewitdidn’thurtathing.Buthe

worriedabouthermorethansheknew.

ThenIonafeintedleft,spun,struckfromtheright,anditwasMearawhostumbled,slipped,andlandedonthewetgrass.

Ionaimmediatelyletoutawhoop,begantojumpincircles,sword

raisedhigh.“Welldone,cousin!”

hecalledoutoverMeara’sstrong,throatylaugh.

Ionamadeaflourishingbow,thenonasqueak,straightenedfastastheflatofMeara’sswordslappedherass.

“Welldoneindeed,”Mearatoldher.“ButI

could’veslicedopenyourbellywhileyouweredancingaboutinvictory.Finishmeoffnexttime.”

“Gotit,butjustonemore.”Shewhoopedagain,jumpedagain.“Thatshoulddoit.I’llputtheswordsaway,andgobragtoBranna.”

“That’sfairenough.”

Ionatooktheswords,wavedthembothhigh,didanotherbowforConnor,thendashedinside.

“Youtrainedherwell,”ConnorcommentedasherosetowalkoverandofferMearawhatwasleftofhistea.

“Cheerstome.”“Didyouletherknock

youdown?”“Ididn’t,no,though

I’dconsidereddoingjustthattogiveheraboost.Didn’tprovenecessary.She’salwaysbeenquick,butshe’slearningtobesneakyaswell.”

Sherubbedherass.“AndnowI’mwetwhereIwasn’t.”

“Icanfixthat.”Hemovedinalittlecloser,reachedaroundher.Hishandstrailedlightlyoverthebuttofherwettrousers.

Warmthseepedover,through,andhishandslingered.Somethinginhereyes,hethought,somethinginthosedark,

exoticeyes.Hecaughthimselfonthepointofdrawingherinwhenshesteppedback.

“Thanks.”Shepolishedoffhistea.“Andforthataswell,thoughIcoulduseaglassofthatwineBranna’ssofondof.”

“Thencomeinandhaveone.I’mcallingon

theotherstocome.There’sGuinnessstewandafreshroundofbread.”

“Ishouldgoon.”Sheshiftedback,glancedtowardherlorry.“I’mallbutlivingherethesedays.”

“Sheneedshercircle,Meara.Itwouldbeafavor

tomeifyou’dstay.”Nowshelookedover

hershoulder,asifsensingsomethingsneakingupbehindher.“Ishecomingalready?”

“Ican’tsay,notabsolutely.I’llbehopingFincansaymore.Socomeinsideandhavesomewineandstew,and

we’llbetogether.”Theycame,asConnor

knewtheyalwayswould.Sothekitchenfilledwithvoices,thewarmthoffriendswithKathelstretchedinfrontofthelittlehearth,andgood,richstewsimmeringonthestove.

Ashe’dgethis

Guinnessinthestew,Connoroptedforwinehimself.Drinkingit,hewatchedhisbesottedfriendgrinasIona,onceagain,replayedhermomentofvictory.

WhowouldhavethoughtBoyleMcGraffwouldfallsohard,sofully?Amanwhosaid

little,andingeneralpaidmoremindtohishorsesthantheladies.Asloyalandtrueafriendastheycame,andabrawlerundertheself-taughtcontrol.

AndherewasBoyleofthescarredknucklesandfasttemperstarry-eyedoverthelittlewitchwhotalkedtohorses.

“You’relookingslyandsatisfied,”Mearacommented.

“I’menjoyingseeingBoyleresembleanovergrownpuppywhenhelooksatIona.”

“Theyfitwell,andthey’llmakeagoodlifetogether.Mostdon’t.”

“Ahnow,notmost.”It

pinchedhishearttohearhersayit,knowshefeltit.“Theworldneedsloverswhofit,orhowwouldwegoon?Tobeonlyoneofoneforalife?That’salonelylife.”

“Beingoneofonemeansbeingabletogoasyouplease,andnotfacingbeingoneoftwo,then

endinguptheoneofonewhenitallgoestohell.”

“You’reacynicalone,Meara.”

“Andfinewithit.”Sheshothimalookunderarchedbrows.“You’rearomanticone,Connor.”

“Andfinewithit.”Shelaughed,quickand

easy,asshesetthe

napkinssheheldonthetable.“Brannasaysit’sserveyourselffromthepotonthestove,soyou’dbestgetinline.”

“ThatIwill.”Hefetchedwineforthe

tablefirsttogivehimselfamomenttoopenabit,totesttheairforanysenseorsignbeforetheysatand

ate,andtalkedofmagicks.Lightanddark.

Thestewwasabitofmagickitself,butthenBrannahadaway.

“God,thisisgood!”Ionaspoonedupmore.“Ihavetolearnhowtocooklikethis.”

“You’redoingwellwiththesidedishes,”

Brannatoldher.“AndBoyle’sasteadycook.Hecanhandlethat,andyou’lldotheswordfighting.”

“Maybeso.Afterall,IdidknockMearaonherass.”

“Willshenevertireofsayingit?”Mearawondered.“IseenowI’llhavetoknockheronher

ownadozentimestodimhervictorylight.”

“Eventhatwon’t.”Ionasmiled,thensatback.“Youdidn’tdoitonpurpose,didyou?”

“Ididn’t,no,andI’mwishingIhadsowecouldallpityyou.”

“We’llhaveatoastthen.”Finliftedhisglass.

“Toyou,deifiúrbheag,awarriortobereckonedwith.Andtoyou,dubheasa,”hesaidtoMeara,“whomadeherone.”

“Thatwassmoothlydone,”Brannamurmured,anddrank.

“Sometimesthetruthissmooth.Sometimesit’s

not.”“Smoothornot,the

truth’swhat’sneeded.”“ThenI’llgiveyou

whatIhave,thoughit’sbutlittle.Youhurthim,”hesaidtoConnor.“Youandtheboy,Eamon.Butheheals.Andyou,thethree,youfeelthat,asIdo.”

“Hegathers,”Connorsaid.

“Hedoes.Gathersthedarkandtheblackaroundhim,andintohim.Ican’tsayhow,orwemightfindawaytostopit,andhim.”

“Theredstone.Thesource.”

FinnoddedatIona.“Yes,buthowdiditcome

tohim?Howwasitimbued,howcanitbetakenanddestroyed?Whatpricedidhepayforit?Onlyheknowstheanswers,andIcan’tgetthroughtofindthem,orhim.”

“Acrosstheriver.HowfarIcan’tsay,”Connoradded,“buthe’snoton

oursideofit,fornow.”“He’llstaythereuntil

he’sfullagain.Ifwecouldtakehimonbeforehegainsbackwhatyouandtheboytook,wewouldfinishhim.Iknowit.ButI’velooked,andcan’tfindhislair.”

“Alone?”FuryfiredBranna’svoice.“You

wentofflookingforhimonyourown?”

“Thatslapsattherestofus,Fin.”Boyle’svoicemighthavebeenquiet,buttheangersimmeredunderit.“It’snotright.”

“Ifollowedmyblood,asnoneofyoucan.”

“We’reacircle.”Itwasn’tangerinIona’s

voice,inherface,butadisappointmentthatcarriedasharpersting.“We’reafamily.”

ForamomentFin’sgratitude,regret,longingrosesostrongConnorcouldn’tblockitall.Hecaughtonlytheedge,andthatwasenoughtomakehimspeak.

“We’reboth,andnothingchangesit.Aloneisn’ttheway,andyetIthoughtofitmyself.Ashaveyou,”hesaidtoBoyle.“Ashaveallofusatonetimeoranother.Finbearsthemark,anddidnothingtoputitthere.Whichofuscansay,withtruth,ifwewereinhis

place,wewouldn’thavedonethesame?”

“I’dhavedonethesame.Connorhastherightofit,”Mearaadded.“We’dallhavedonethesame.”

“Okay.”ButIonareachedovertoFin.“Nowdon’tdoitagain.”

“I’dtakeyouandyour

swordwithmeasprotection,butthere’snopurposetoit.He’sfoundawaytocoverhimselffromme,andI’veyettofindthewayunderit.”

“We’llworklongerandharder.”Brannapickedupherwineagain.“Allofusneededtimeaswellafterthesolstice,but

we’venotbeenhidinginthedarklickingourwounds.We’llworkmore,togetherandalone,andfindwhateverwe’vemissed.”

“Weshouldmeetlikethismorethanwehavebeen.”Withaglancearoundthetable,Boylespoonedupmorestew.“It

doesn’thavetobehere,thoughBranna’sfarbetteratcookingthanme.ButwecouldmeetatFin’saswell.”

“Idon’tmindthecooking,”Brannasaidquickly.“Ienjoyit.AndI’mhereoroverintheworkshopmostdays,soit’seasyenough.”

“Easierifitwasplanned,andwecouldallgiveyouahand,”Ionadecided,thenglancedaroundasBoylehad.“So.Whenshallwesixmeetagain?”

“Nowit’sparaphrasingtheEnglishbard.”Brannarolledhereyes.“Everyweek.Atleasteveryweek

fornow.Moreoftenifwefeelweshould.Connor’llbeworkingwithmeonhisfreedays,asyoushould,Iona.”

“Iwill.Freedays,evenings,whateverweneed.”

Therewasapausethatwentonjustabeattoolongforcomfort.

“Andyou,Fin.”Brannabrokethebreadshe’dbarelytouchedinhalf,tookabite.“Whenyoucan.”

“I’llkeepmyschedulelooseasIcan.”

“Andallofthat,allofus,willbeenough,”Connordetermined,andwentbacktohisstew.

H

6

EDREAMEDOFTHEBOY,ANDSATWITHHIMINTHEflickering

lightofacampfireringed

withroughgraystones.Themoonhungfull,awhiteballswimminginaseaofstars.Hesmelledthesmokeandtheearth—andthehorse.NottheAlastarthathadbeenorwasnow,butasturdymarethatstoodslack-hippedasshedozed.

Onabranchabovethe

horse,thehawkguarded.Andheheardthenight,

allthewhisperingsofitinthewind.

Theboysatwithhiskneesdrawnin,andhischinuponthem.

“Iwassleeping,”hesaid.

“AndI.Isthisyourtimeormine?”

“Idon’tknow.Butthisismyhome.Isityours?”

Connorlookedtowardtheruinsofthecabin,overtothestonemarkingSorcha’sgrave.“It’sours,asitwashers.Whatdoyouseethere?”

Eamonlookedtowardtheruins.“Ourcabin,asweleftitthemorningmy

mothersentusaway.”“Asyouleftit?”“Aye.Iwanttogoin,

butthedoorwon’topenforme.Iknowmymother’snotthere,andwetookallshetoldustotake.AndstillIwanttogoinasifshe’dbethere,bythefirewaitingforme.”

Eamonpickedupa

longstick,pokedatthefireasboysoftendo.“Whatdoyousee?”

Itwouldhurttheboy’shearttotellhimhesawaruinovergrown.Andagravestone.“Iseeyou’reinyourtime,andIinmine.Andyet...”Hereachedout,touchedEamon’sshoulder.“You

feelmyhand.”“Ido.Sowe’re

dreaming,butnot.”“Powerrulesthisplace.

Yourmother’sand,Ifear,Cabhan’saswell.Wehurthim,youandI,sohebringsnopowerheretonight.Howlongagoforyousincewemet?”

“Threeweeksandfive

daysmore.Foryou?”“Less.Sothetime

doesn’tfollow.Areyouwell,Eamon?Youandyoursisters?”

“WewenttoClare,andwemadealittlecabininthewoods.”Hiseyesgleamedashelookedtowardhishomeagain.“Weusedmagick.Our

handsandbacksaswell,butwethoughtifweusedmagickwe’dbesafer.Anddryeralso,”headdedwithaghostofasmile.“Brannaugh’sdonesomehealingaswetraveled,andnowthatwe’rethere.Wehaveahenforeggs,andthat’safinething,andwecanhunt—allbut

Teagan,whocan’tusethearrowontheliving.Ithurtsherhearttotry,butshetendsthehorsesandthehen.We’vetradedalittle—laborandhealingandpotionsforpotatoesandturnips,grainandsuch.We’llplantourownwhenwecan.Iknowhowtoplantandtendand

harvest.”“Cometomeifyou

can,whenyouhaveneed.ItmightbeIcangetyoufood,orblankets,whateveryouneed.”

Somecomfort,Connorthought,forasadyoungboysofarfromhome.

“Thankyouforthat,butwe’rewellenough,

andhavecoinAilishandBardangaveus.But...”

“What?You’veonlytoask.”

“CouldIhavesomethingofyours?Somesmallthingtotakewithme?I’lltradeyou.”Eamonofferedastone,acobbleofpurewhitecuppedlikeanegginhis

palm.“It’sjustastoneIfound,butit’saprettyone.”

“Itis.Idon’tknowwhatIhave.”Thenhedid,andreacheduptotakethethinleatherstrapwithitsspearofcrystalfromaroundhisneck.

“It’sbluetigereye—butalsocalledhawk’seye

orfalcon’seye.Myfathergaveittome.”

“Ican’ttakeit.”“Youcan.He’syours

asIam.He’llbepleasedyouhaveit.”Tosettleit,heputitaroundEamon’sneck.“It’safinetrade.”

Eamonfingeredthestone,studieditinthefirelight.“I’llshowmy

sisters.TheywerefullofwonderandquestionswhenItoldofmeetingyou,andhowwedroveCabhanaway.Andabitjealoustheywereaswell.Theywanttomeetyou.”

“AndIthem.Thedaymaycome.Doyoufeelhim?”

“Notsincethatday.He

can’treachusnow,Brannaughsaid.Hecan’tgobeyondhisownborders,sohecan’treachusinClare.We’llgobackwhenwe’regrown,whenwe’restronger.We’llgohomeagain.”

“Iknowyouwill,butyou’llbesafewhereyouareuntilthetimecomes.”

“Doyoufeelhim?”“Ido,butnottonight.

Nothere.Youshouldrest,”hesaidwhenEamon’seyesdrooped.

“Willyoustay?”“Iwill,aslongasI

can.”Eamoncurledup,

wrappedhisshortcloakaroundhim.“It’smusic.

Doyouhearit?Doyouhearthemusic?”

“Ido,yes.”Branna’smusic.Asongfullofhearttears.

“It’sbeautiful,”Eamonmurmuredashebegantodrift.“Sadandbeautiful.Whoplaysit?”

“Loveplaysit.”Helettheboysleep

andwatchedthefireuntilhewokeinhisownbedwiththesunslippingintothewindow.

Whenheopenedhisfistedhand,asmoothwhitestonelayinhispalm.

HeshowedittoBrannawhenshecamedowntothekitchenforher

morningcoffee.Thesleepdazevanishedfromhereyes.

“Itcamebackwithyou.”

“Wewereboththere,solidaswearestandinghere,butbothinourowntime.Igavehimthehawk’s-eyestoneDagaveme—doyouremember

it?”“Ofcourse.Youused

towearitwhenyouwereaboy.Ithangsontheframeofyourbedroommirror.”

“Nolonger.Iwasn’twearingit,oranythingelse,whenIgotintobedlastnight.Butinthedream,Iwasdressedand

itwasaroundmyneck.Nowit’saroundEamon’s.”

“Eachinyourowntime.”ShewenttothedoortoopenitforKathel,returnedfromhismorningrun.“Yetyousattogether,spoketogether.Whathegaveyoucamethroughthedreamwithyou.We

havetolearnhowtousethis.”

Sheopenedthefridge,andhesawasshepulledoutbutter,eggs,bacon,thatthestory,thepuzzleofit,andherneedtopickoverthepieceswouldnethimbreakfast.

“Weheardyouplaying.”

“What?”“Intheclearing.We

heardyou.Himsosleepyhecouldbarelyholdhiseyesopen.Andthemusiccame,yourmusic,cametous.Hefellasleeplisteningtoyou.Didyouplaylastnight?”

“Idid,yes.Iwokerestless,andplayedfora

bit.”“Weheardyou.It

carriedallthewaytherefromyourroom.”

Hecaughttheflickeroverherfaceasshesetbacontosizzleinthepan.“Youweren’tinyourroomthen.Where?”

“Ineededsomeair.Ijustneededthenightfora

bit.Ionlywenttothefieldbehindthecottage.IfeltIcouldn’tbreathewithouttheairandthemusic.”

“Iwishyou’dfindawaytomendthingswithFin.”

“Connor,don’t.Please.”

“Iloveyouboth.That’sallI’llsayfor

now.”Hewanderedthekitchenrubbingthelittlestone.“Thefield’stoofarfromtheclearingforthemusictocarry,byordinarymeans.”

Hecircledthekitchenassheslicedsodabread,asshebrokeeggsintothepan.

“We’retiedtogether.

Wethree,thosethree.Heheardyourmusic.TwicenowI’vespokentohim.IonasawTeagan.”

“AndI’veseenorheardnoneofthem.”

Connorpausedtopickuphiscoffee.“Eamonmentionedhissisterswerejealousaswell.”

“I’mnotjealous.Well,

alittle,Iadmit.Butit’smorefrustrated,andmaybeabitinsultedaswell.”

“Hetookyourmusicintodreams,andsmiledashesleptwhenhe’dbeensad.”

“I’lltakethatassomethingthen.”Sheplatedthebacon,theeggs

she’dfried.Passedittohim.

“Aren’tyouhavingsome?”

“Justsomecoffeeandtoastedbread.”

“Well,thanksforthetrouble.”

“Youcanpayitbackwithanotherfavor.”Shepluckedtoastoutofthe

toaster,droppedonepieceonhisplate,andanotheronasmallerone.“Carrythestonehegaveyou.”

“This?”He’dalreadyputitinhispocket,andnowdrewitout.

“Carryitwithyou,Connor,asyouweartheamulet.There’spowerinit.”

Shetookhertoastandcoffeetothetable,waitingforhimtositwithher.“Idon’tknow,can’tbesureifit’ssuspicion,intuition,oratrueknowing,butthere’spowerinit.Goodmagicksbecauseofwhereitcamefrom,whenitcamefrom,whoitcamefrom.”

“Allright.I’llhopethehawk’seyedoesthesameforEamon,andhissisters.”

***

ITWASN’TALLHAWKWALKSWITHEAGERTOURISTSORgivingtours

toschoolgroups.Anessentialpartoftheschoolinvolvedcareandtraining.Cleanmews,cleanwaterforbaths,weightchecksandavarieddiet,sturdylean-tosforweatheringthebirdssotheymightfeeltheair,smellit.Connorpridedhimselfonthehealth,

behavior,andreliabilityofhisbirds—thosehehelpedraisefromhatchlings,thosewhocametohimasrescues.

Hedidn’tmindcleaningthepoo,orthetimeittooktocarefullydryawetbird’swings,thehoursoftraining.

Thehardestpartofhis

jobwas,andalwayswouldbe,sellingabirdhe’dtrainedtoanotherfalconer.

Asarranged,hemetthecustomerinafieldabouttenkilometersfromtheschool.Thefarmerheknewwellallowedhimtobringtheyounghawkshetrainedtohunttothat

openspace.Hecalledthepretty

femaleSally,andtetheredhertohisglovetowalkheraboutandtalktoher.

“NowFin’smetthisladywhowantsyoutobehers,andhe’sevenseenyournewhomeshouldthetwoofyougetalong.She’scomingalltheway

fromClare.Andthere,I’mtold,shehasafinehouseandafinemews.She’sdonehertrainingaswellasyouhaveyours.You’llbeherfirst.”

Sallywatchedhimwithhergoldeyes,andpreenedonhisfist.

HewatchedthespiffyBMWnavigatetheroad,

pulltoastopbehindhistruck.

“Heresheisnow.Iexpectyoutobepolite,makeagoodimpression.”

Heputonhisowngameface,thoughhiseyebrowsroseabitwhenthewillowyblondewithafilmstar’sfacesteppedoutofthecar.

“IsitMs.Stanleythen?”

“MeganStanley.ConnorO’Dwyer?”

ThesecondsurprisewastheYankinhervoice.Finhadn’tmentionedthateither.

“We’repleasedtomeetyou.”

Sally,asadvised,

behavedwell,merelystandingquietandwatching.

“Ididn’trealizeyouwereanAmerican.”

“Guilty.”ShesmiledasshewalkedtowardConnor,andearnedapointortwobystudyingthehawkfirst.“ThoughI’velivedinIrelandfor

nearlyfiveyearsnow—andintendtostay.She’sbeautiful.”

“Sheisthat.”“Fintoldmeyouraised

andtrainedheryourself.”“Shewasborninthe

schoolinthespring.She’sabrightone,I’lltellyouthat.Shemannedinnotimeatall.Hoppedright

onthegloveandgavemealookthatsaid,‘Wellthen,whatnow?’Ihaveherfilewithme—health,weight,feeding,training.DidyouhawkinAmerica?”

“No.MyhusbandandImovedtoClare—justoutsideofEnnis—andaneighborhastwoHarris’s

Hawks.I’maphotographer,andstartedtakingphotosofthem,becamemoreandmoreinterested.Sohetrainedme,thenhelpedmedesignthemews,theweatheringarea,getsupplies.ByhisrulesIwasn’ttosomuchasthinkaboutgettingabirduntilI’dspentatleast

ayearpreparing.”“That’sbestforall.”“It’stakenmorethan

two,astherewasagapwhenmyhusbandmovedbacktotheStatesandwedivorced.”

“That’s...difficultforcertain.”

“Notasmuchasitmight’vebeen.Ifoundmy

placeinClare,andanotherpassioninfalconry.IdidconsiderableresearchbeforeIcontactedFinbarBurke.Youandyourpartnerhaveaterrificreputationwithyourschool.”

“He’smyboss,but—”“That’snothowheput

it.Whenitcomestohawksorbirdsofprey,youwanttheeye,ear,hand,andheartofConnorO’Dwyer.”Shesmiledagain,andthefilm-starfaceilluminated.“I’mprettysurethat’sadirectquote.I’dlovetoseeherfly.”

“We’rehereforthat.I

callherSally,butifthematchbetweenyouseemsright,you’llcallherwhatsuitsyou.”

“Nobells,notransmitter?”

“Shedoesn’tneedthemhere,assheknowsthesefields,”Connorsaidashereleasedthejesses.“Butyou’llwantthem

backinClare.”Hebarelyshiftedhis

arm,andSallylifted,spreadherwings.Soared.

Hesawthereactionhewanted,hadhopedforinMegan’seyes.Theawethatwasakindoflove.

“Youhaveaglovewithyou,Isee.Youshouldputiton,callherback

yourself.”“Ididn’tbringabaiting

pouch.”“Shedoesn’tneed

baiting.Ifshe’sdecidedtogiveyouago,she’llcome.”

“NowI’mnervous.”Herlaughshoweditasshetookherglovefromherjacketpocket,drewit

on.“Howlonghaveyoubeendoingthis?”

“Always.”Hewatchedtheflightofthebird,senthisthoughts.Ifyouwantthis,gotoher.

Sallycircled,dove.AndlandedprettyasacharmonMegan’sglove.

“Oh,youbeauty.Finwasright.Iwon’tgo

homewithouther.”And,Connorthought,

shewouldnevercometohimagain.“Doyouwanttoseeherhunt?”

“Yes,ofcourse.”“Justletherknowshe

can.Doyounottalktothebirds,Ms.Stanley?”

“Megan,andyes,Ido.”Nowhersmileturned

speculativeasshestudiedConnor.“It’snotsomethingIadmittomost.Allright,Sally—she’llstaySally—hunt.”

Thehawkrose,circledhigh.ConnorbegantowalkthefieldwithMegan,followingtheflight.

“Sowhatbroughtyou

toIreland,andtoClare?”heaskedher.

“Anattempttosaveamarriage,whichitdidn’t.ButIthinkitsavedme,andI’mhappywiththat.Soit’sjustmeandBruno—andnowSally.”

“Bruno?”“Mydog.Sweetlittle

muttwhoshowedupat

mydooracoupleyearsago.Mangy,limping,halfstarved.Weadoptedeachother.He’susedtohawks.Hedoesn’tbothermyneighbor’s.

“Adog’sanassetonahunt.Notthatsheneedsone.”Ashespoke,Sallydove—abulletfromagun.Astalonsflashed,

Meganletoutalittlehiss.“Getsmeeverytime.

It’swhattheydo,needtodo.Godortheworldorwhateveryoubelieveinmadethemtohuntandfeed.ButIalwaysfeelalittlesorryaboutit.Ittooksometimeformetostopbeingsqueamishaboutfeedingthemduring

molting,butIgotoverthat.HaveyoualwayslivedinMayo?”

“Always,yes.”Theyexchangedsome

smalltalk—weather,hawking,apubinEnnisheknewwell—whileSallyfeastedonthesmallrabbitshe’dtakendown.

“I’mhalfinlovewith

heralready.”Meganliftedherarm,andthehawkresponded,flyingovertoland.“Someofthat’sjustexcitementandanticipation,butIthinkwe’llmakethatmatchyouspokeof.Willyouletmehaveher?”

“YoumadearrangementswithFin,”

Connorbegan.“Yeah,Idid,buthe

saiditwouldbeuptoyou.”

“She’syoursalready,Megan.”Helookedfromthehawktothewoman.“Elseshewouldn’thavecometoyouafterherfeed.You’llwanttotakeherhome.”

“Yes,yes.Ibroughteverything,withmyfingerscrossedforluck.InearlybroughtBrunobutthoughttheyshouldgetacquaintedbeforeacartrip.”

ShelookedatSally,laughed.“Ihaveahawk.”

“Andshehasyou.”“Andshehasme.And

Ithinkshe’llalwayshaveyou,sowouldyoumindifItookapictureofyouwithher?”

“Ah,sureifyou’rewanting.”

“Mycamera’sinmycar.”ShetransferredSallytoConnor,dashedbacktohercar.AndreturnedwithaverysubstantialNikon.

“That’squitethecamera.”

“AndI’mgoodwithit.Gotomywebsiteandseeforyourself.I’mgoingtotakeacouple,okay?”shecontinuedasshecheckedsettingandlight.“Justrelax—Idon’twantastudiedpose.We’llhavetheyoungIrishgodwith

Sally,queenofthefalcons.”

AndwhenConnorlaughed,shetookthreeshots,fast.

“Perfect.Justonemorewithyoulookingather.”

Obliging,helookedatSally.You’llbehappywithher,hetoldthehawk.She’sbeenwaitingfor

you.“Great.Thanks.”She

slungthecameraaroundherneck.“I’llemailyouthebestofthemifyouwant.”

“SureI’dlikethatverymuch.”Hedugoutoneofthebusinesscardshe’drememberedtostickinhisbackpocket.

“Andhere’soneofmine.Mywebsite’sonit.AndIwrotemypersonalemailonthebackwhenIgotmycamera.Incaseyouhaveanyquestionsorfollow-upsabout...Sally.”

“That’sgrand.”Heslippeditintohispocket.

Shortly,afterhelping

MegansettleSallyinhercontainerforthetrip,Connorclimbedbackinhislorry.

“That’sgrand?That’sallyouhavetosayaboutit?”Hecasthiseyestoheavenashedrove.“What’scomeoveryou,O’Dwyer?Thewomanwasgorgeous,single,

clever,andakeenhawker.Andshegaveyouanopendoorakilometerwide.Butdidyouwalkthroughit?Youdidn’t,no.‘That’sgrand’isallyousaid,andletthatopendoorsitthere.”

Wasitsimplydistraction,theburdenofwhatheknewwouldhave

tobedone,andthenotknowingwhenitcouldorwouldbedone?Butithadalwaysbeenthere,hadn’tit,inthebackofall?Andhadneverinterferedwithhisromanticmaneuverings.

Haditallchangedsomuchafterthesolstice?Heknewhe’dnever

knownfearassharpaswhenhe’dseenBoyle’shandsburning,seenIonaonthegroundbruisedandbloody.Whenhe’dknownthelivesofallofthemdependedonallofthem.

Ahwell,hethought,perhapsitwasbesttostayunentangledfromthoseromanticmaneuversfora

bitlonger.Noreasonatallhecouldn’twalkthroughthatopendooratalaterdate.

Butfornow,heneededtoswingbythebigstables,letFinknowthedealwasdone.Thenhissisterexpectedhim,asthiswas,atleastintheory,hisfreeday.

HestoppedatthestableswhereFinmadehishomeinthefancystonehousewithahottubbigasapondonthebackterraceandaroomonthesecondfloorwherehekeptmagickalweapons,books,andeverythingelseawitchmightneed—especiallyonedetermined

todestroyadarksorcererofhisownblood.

BesideitstoodthegaragewiththeapartmentoveritwhereBoylelived—andwhereIonawould.Andthebarnforthehorses—someforbreeding,someforuseattheworkingstablesnotfaroff.

Someofthehorsescroppedinthepaddockbeyondtheonesetforjumpingpracticeandlessons.

HespottedMeara,whichsurprisedhim,leadingoneout.

HehoppeddownfromthelorrytogreetBugs,thecheerfulmuttwho

madethebarnhishome,thenhailedher.

“I’dhopedtoseeFin,butdidn’texpecttoseeyou.”

“I’mfetchingRufus.Caesarwasontheslateforguidestoday,butIonasayshe’sgotabitofastrain—leftforeleg.”

“Nothingserious,I

hope.”“Shesaysnot.”She

loopedRufus’sreinsaroundthefence.“Butweagreedtogivehimabitofrestandkeepaneye.Fin’sroundandaboutsomewhere.Ithoughtthiswasyourfreeday.”

“Itis,butIhadtomeetacustomeroverat

Mulligan’sfarm.SheboughtSally—onefromthebroodwehadlastspring.”

“Andyou’reabitsulkyoverit.”

“I’mnotsulky.”“Abit,”Mearasaid,

andbenttogiveBugsascratch.“It’shardtoraisealivingthing,connectand

bondwithit,thengiveittoanother.Butyoucan’tkeepthemall.”

“Iknowit”—thoughhewishedotherwise—“andit’sagoodmatch.Sallytooktoherrightoff,Icouldseeit.”

“She?”“AYank,movedherea

fewyearsago,andintends

tostay—evenafterherhusband,nowherformerhusband,movedback.”

Meara’slipscurved;hereyebrowslifted.“Alooker,isshe?”

“Sheis.Why?”“Nowhy,justIcould

hearitinyourvoice.Livinghereabouts?”

“No,downinClare.

Stillsqueamishoverthehunt,butagoodhandandheartwiththehawk.IthoughtI’dletFinknowwemadethedeal,thenI’mofftohometoworkwithBranna,asIpromised.”

“I’moffaswell.”Sheunloopedthereins.“Sinceyou’lltalktoBranna

beforeIdo,tellherIona’safteratriptoGalwayCitytolookforaweddingdress,andsoon.”

“That’smonthsoffyet.”

“Onlysix,andabridewantstofindherdressbeforeshedigsintotherestofit.”

“Willtheylivethere,

doyouthink?”Mearapausedintheact

ofmounting,glancedtowardBoyle’sroomsoverthegarage.“Whereelse?Idon’tseethemtryingtosqueezethepairofthemintoIona’sroomatthecottageforthelongterm.”

Herealizedhe’dmiss

her—ormorethemasitwasnow.Talkoverbreakfast,conversationbeforebedwheneverthetwoofthemstayedatthecottage.

“Boyle’splaceisbiggerthanasingleroom,butsureit’snotbigwhenyouaddchildren.”

“You’rejumpingsome

stepsahead,”Mearaobserved.

“NotforthelikesofBoyleandIona.”Idly,hestrokedthehorseashestudiedwhatFinhadbuiltforhimself—andforothersaswell.“They’llwantahouseoftheirown,won’tthey,notacoupleofroomsoveragarage.”

“Ihadn’tthoughtofit.They’llfigureit.”SheswungontoRufus.“Fornowshe’sthinkingbridaldressesandbouquets,assheshouldbe.There’sFinnow,withAine.”

ShestudiedthebeautifulwhitefillyFinledoutofthebarn.“Soontobeabrideherselfwhen

webreedherwithAlastar.”

“Nowhitedressandbouquetforher.”

“Butshe’llgetthestud,andforsomeofusthat’sfineandenough.”

SherodeoffonConnor’slaugh.AndhewatchedhernudgeRufusintoalopeassmoothas

butterbeforewalkingovertomeetFin.

HisfriendcroucheddowntogiveBugsarub,smilingasthedogwaggedeverywhereandmadegrowlsinhisthroat.

Talkingtothedog,Connorknew,ashehimselfdidwithhawks,Ionawithhorses,Branna

withhounds.WhateverraninFin’sbloodmeanthecouldtalktoall.

“Hashecomplaintsthen?”Connorwondered.

“He’sonlyhopingIdidn’tforgetthis.”Finreachedinthepocketofhisleathercoatforalittledogbiscuit.Bugssat,staredupwithsoulful

eyes.“You’reafineboyand

there’syourreward.”Bugstookitdelicately

beforetrottingoffintriumph.

“Takeslittletopleasehim,”Connorcommented.

“Well,heloveshislifeandwouldchoosenoother.Amanwouldbe

luckytofeelthesame.”“Areyoulucky,Fin?”“Somedays.Butit

takesmorethanahardbiscuitandabedinabarntocontentme.Butthen,Ihavemore,”headdedandstrokedAine’sthroat.

“Sureshe’sthemostbeautifulfillyI’veseeninmylife.”

“Andknowsitwell.Butthenmodestyinabeautifulfemale’susuallyofthefalsesort.I’mafterridingherover,lettingherandAlastarganderateachother.SohowdidyoufindMegan?”

“Anotherbeautyforcertain.Theytooktoeachother,herandSally.She

gavemethepaymentonthespot.”

“Ithoughttheywould.”Henodded,didn’tglanceatthecheckConnorhandedhim,justshoveditinhispocket.“She’llbebackforanotherinamonthortwo.”

NowConnorsmiled.“Ithoughtthesame.”

“Andyou?WillyoubetravelingtoClaretovisitthem?”

“Itcrossedmymind.Ithinkno,andcanonlythinkIthinknobecausethere’stoomuchelsecrossingmymind.”Connorshovedfingersthroughhisbreeze-tossedhair.“Iwakeeach

morningthinkingofit,andhim.Ineverusedto.”

“Wehurthim,buthehurtusaswell.Wenearlydidn’tgetthroughtoIonaintime.Noneofuswillbeforgettingthat.Forallwehadtogether,itwasn’tenough.Hewon’tforgetthat.”

“We’llhavemorenext

round.I’mgoingtoworkwithBranna.”Lightly,helaidahandonFin’sarm.“Youshouldcomewithme.”

“Nottoday.Shewon’twantmeroundtodaywhenshe’sthinkingit’lljustbethetwoofyoutogether.”

“Brannawon’tlether

feelingsgetinthewayofwhatmustbedone.”

“That’sGod’struth,”Finagreed,andswunghimselfintothesaddle.HeletAinedanceabit.“Wehavetolive,Connor.Despiteit,becauseofit,aroundit,throughit.Wehavetoliveasbestwecan.”

“Youthinkhe’llbeatus?”

“Idon’t.No,hewon’tbeatyou.”

Deliberately,ConnorslidahandontoAine’sbridle,lookedintoFin’sstormygreeneyes.“Us.It’sus,Fin,andwillalwaysbeus.”

Finnodded.“Hewon’t

win.Butbeforethebattle,andbitterandbloodyit’sboundtobe,wehavetolive.ImightchooseanotherlifeifIcould,butI’llmakethemostoftheoneIhave.I’llcometothecottagesoon.”

HeletAinehaveherhead,thunderedaway.

Withhismoodmixed

andunsteady,Connordrovestraighttothecottage.ThelightfilteredthroughthewindowsofBranna’sworkshop,bouncedoverthecoloredbottlesshedisplayedthatheldhercreamsandlotions,serumsandpotions.Hercollectionofmortarsandpestles,her

tools,thecandlesandplantsshesetaboutwereallarrangedjustso.

AndKathelsprawledinfrontofherworkcounterlikeaguardwhileshesatatit,hernoseinthethickbookheknewtohavebeenSorcha’s.

Thefireinthehearthsimmered,asdid

somethinginapotonherworkstove.

Anotherbeauty,hethought—itseemedhewassurroundedbythem—withherdarkhairpulledbackfromherface,hersweaterrolledupatthesleeves.Hereyes,grayasthesmokepuffingfromthechimney,liftedtohis.

“Thereyouare.Ithoughtyou’dbeherelongbeforethis.Halftheday’sgone.”

“Ihadthingstoseeto,asItoldyouclearenough.”

Herbrowslifted.“What’sbittenyourarse?”

“Atthemoment,youare.”

No,hismoodwasn’tmixed,herealized.Ithadtippedovertofoul.Hestalkedtothejaronthecounterbesidethestove.Therewerealwaysbiscuits,andhewasslightlymollifiedtofindthesoft,chewyonessherolledincinnamonandsugar.

“I’mherewhenIcouldgethere.Ihadthehawksaletodealwith.”

“Wasitafavoriteofyours—Nevermind,theyallare.Youhavetoberealistic,Connor.”

“I’mbloodyrealistic.Isoldthehawk,andthebuyerwasbeautiful,available,andinterested.

I’mbloodyrealisticenoughtoknowIhadtocomebackhereforyouandthis,elseI’dbehavingmyselfagoodshag.”

“Ifashag’ssobleedingimportant,gogetitdone.”Eyesnarrowed,shefiredrightbackathim.“I’dratherworkalonethan

withyoupacingabouthornyandbitter.”

“It’sthatitwasn’tsobleedingimportant,hasn’tbeensobleedingimportantsincebeforethesolsticethatworriesme.”Hestuffedonecookieinhismouth,waggedtheotherintheair.

“I’mmakingyousome

tea.”“Idon’twantany

fuckingtea.Yes,Ido.”Hedroppeddownontooneofthestoolsatherworkcounter,rubbedKathelwhenthedoglaidhisgreatheadagainstConnor’sleg.“It’snottheshagorthewomanorthehawk.It’sallofit.Allof

this.Allofit,andIletitbitemeinthearse.”

“SomedaysIwanttoclimbupontheroofandscream.Screamateveryoneandeverything.”

Calmer,Connorbitintothesecondbiscuit.“Butyoudon’t.”

“Notsofar,butitcouldcometoit.We’llhave

sometea,thenwe’llwork.”

Henodded.“Thanks.”Shetrailedherfingers

overhisbackasshewalkedaroundhimtothestove.“We’llhavegooddaysandbaduntilit’sdone,butuntilit’sdonewehavetoliveasbestwecan.”

Hestaredatthebackofherheadassheputonthekettle,anddecidednottotellherFinhadsaidtheverysame.

H

7

ETHOUGHTTOGOTOTHEPUB.HEWASTIREDOFmagicks,of

spells,ofmixingpotions.

Hewantedsomelight,somemusic,someconversationthatdidn’tcenteronthewhiteortheblack,ortheendofallheknew.

Theendofallheloved.Andmaybe,just

maybe,ifAlicehappenedtobeabout,he’dseeifshewasstillwilling.

Amanneededadistraction,didn’the,whenhisworldhunginthebalanceofthings?Andsomefun,somewarmth.Thelovely,lovelysoundofawomanmoaningunderhim.

Mostofall,amanneededanescapewhenthethreemostimportant

womeninhislifedecidedtohaveawedding-planninghenparty—notatermhe’duseintheirhearingifhevaluedhisskin—inhishome.

Buthe’dnomorethanwalkedoutsidewhenherealizedhedidn’twantthepuborthecrowdorAlice.Sohepulledouthis

phone,textedFinonhiswaytohislorry.

House full of womenand wedding talk. Ifyou’re there, I’m comingover.

He’dnomorethanstartedtheenginewhenFintextedback.

Come ahead, you poorbastard.

Onahalflaughhepulledawayfromthecottage.

Itwoulddohimgood,Connordecided,aftermostofadayhuddledwithhissisteroverspellbooksandbloodmagicks

tobeinaman’shouse,inmalecompany.SuretheycoulddragBoyledownaswell,haveafewbeers,maybeplayabitofsnookerinwhathethoughtofasFin’sfunroom.

Justtheantidotetoalongandnotquitesatisfyingday.

Hetookthebackroad,windingthroughthethickgreenwoodsonaneveninggonesoftanddusky.Hesawafoxslinkintothegreen,aredblurwithitskillstilltwitchinginitsjaws.

Naturewasasfullofcrueltyasofbeauty,heknewalltoowell.

Butforthefoxtosurvive,thefieldmousedidn’t.Andthatwasthewayofthings.Forthemtosurvive,Cabhancouldn’t.Sohewho’dneverwalkedintoafightifhecouldtalkhiswayoutofone,hadneverdeliberatelyharmedanyone,wouldkillwithouthesitationorguilt.

Wouldkill,headmitted,withaterriblekindofpleasure.

Buttonighthewouldn’tthinkofCabhanorkillingorsurviving.Tonightallhewantedwashismates,abeer,andmaybeabitofsnooker.

LessthanahalfkilometerfromFin’s,the

lorrysputtered,bucked,thendiedaltogether.

“Well,fuckme.”Hehadpetrol,ashe’d

filledthetankonlythedaybefore.Andhe’dgiventhelorryagoodgoing-over—enginetoexhaust—barelyamonthbefore.

Sheshouldberunning

smoothassilk.Muttering,hepulleda

torchfromthegloveboxandclimbedouttoliftthebonnet.

Heknewathingortwoaboutengines—asheknewathingortwoaboutplumbing,aboutcarpentryandbuilding,andelectricalwork.Ifthe

hawkshadn’ttakenhimheartandmind,hemighthavestartedhisownbusinessasamanofallwork.

Still,theskillscameinhandyintimessuchasthese.

Heplayedthelightovertheengine,checkedthebatteryconnection,the

carburetor,flickedahandtohavethekeyturnintheignition,studiedtheengineasitattemptedtoturnoverwithanannoyingandpuzzlinggrind.

Hecouldn’tseeasinglethingamiss.

Ofcourse,hecouldhavesolveditallwith

anotherflickofhishandandbeenonhiswaytomates,beer,andpossiblysnooker.

Butitwasamatterofpride.

Sohecheckedtheconnectionsonthefuelpump,recheckedtheconnectiononthebattery,anddidn’tnoticethefog

swimminginalongtheground.

“Wellit’sabloodymystery.”

Hestartedtospreadhishandsovertheengine,doakindofscan—acompromisebeforegivingupcompletely.

Andfeltthedirtysmudgeontheair.

Heturnedslowly,sawthathewadedankledeepinthefogthatwenticywithhismovement.Shadowsdrewin,darkcurtainsthatblockedthetrees,theroad,theworld.Eventheskyvanishedbehindthem.

Hecameasaman,theredstonearoundhisneck

glowingagainstthethickandsuddendark.

“Alone,youngConnor.”

“Asyouare.”Spreadinghishands,

Cabhanonlysmiled.“I’veacuriosity.Youhavenoneedforamachinesuchasthattotravelfromoneplacetoanother.You

haveonlyto...”Cabhanswunghis

armsout,liftedthem.Andmovedtwofeetcloserwithoutvisiblymovingatall.

“Suchaswerespectourgift,ourcraft,toomuchtouseitforpettyreasons.I’velegsforwalkingor,ifneedsbe,a

lorryorahorse.”“Yethereyouare,

aloneontheroad.”“I’vefriendsand

familycloseby.”Thoughwhenhetested,hefoundhecouldn’tquitereachthem—couldn’tpushthroughthethickwalloffog.“Whathaveyou,Cabhan?”

“Power.”Hespokethewordwithakindofgreedyreverence.“Powerbeyondyourken.”

“Andahovelbeyondtherivertohidein,alone,inthedark.I’lltakeawarmfire,thelightofit,andapintwiththosefriendsandfamily.”

“You’retheleastof

them.”Pitydrippedlikesullenrain.“Youknowit,astheydo.Goodforalaughandthelabor.Buttheleastofthethree.Yourfatherknewenoughtopasshisamulettoyoursister—toagirloverhisonlyson.”

“Doyouthinkthatmakesmeless?”

“Iknowit.Whatdoyouwear?Givenyoubyanaunt,asconsolation.Evenyourcousinfromawayhasmorethanyou.Youhaveless,areless,akindofjester,evenaservanttotheothersyoucallfamily,youcallfriends.YourgreatfriendFinbarchoosesonewith

nopoweroveryouaspartner,whileyoulaborforwagesathiswhim.You’renothing,andhaveless.”

Heeasedcloserashespoke,andtheredstonethrobbedlikeapulse.

“I’mmorethanyouknow,”Connorreplied.

“Whatareyou,boy?”

“I’mConnor,oftheO’Dwyers.I’mofthethree.I’madarkwitchofMayo.”Connorlookeddeepintotheblackeyes,sawtheintent.

“Ihavefire.”Hethrewhisrighthandout,heldaswirlingballoffire.“AndIhaveair.”Stabbedafingerup,twirledit,and

createdasmall,whirlingcyclone.“Earth,”hesaidasthegroundtrembled.“Water.”

Rainspilleddown,hotenoughtosizzleontheground.

“Andhawk.”Roibearddivedwitha

piercingcall,andlandedsoftasafeatheron

Connor’sshoulder.“Parlortricksand

pets.”Cabhanraisedhisarmshigh,fingersspreadwide.Theredgemwentbrightasblood.

LightningslappedthegroundinchesfromConnor’sboots,andwithitcametheacridstinkofsulfur.

“Icouldkillyouwithathought.”Cabhan’svoiceboomedovertheroarofthunder.

Idon’tthinkso,Connordecided,andonlycockedhishead,smiled.

“Parlortricksandpets?Ibringfire,water,earth,andair.Testmypowersifyoudare.Thehawkis

mineforalltime.Heandmeaspartofthethreewillfulfillourdestiny.Lightismysword,rightismyshield,aslongagomypathwasrevealed.Iacceptitwillingly.”

Hestruckoutthen,withtheswordformedfromtheballoffire,cleavedtheairbetween

them.Hefelttheburn—abolt,abladesearacrossthebicepsofhisleftarm.

Ignoringit,headvanced,swungagain,hairflyinginthecycloneofair,swordblazingagainstthedark.

Andwhenhesliceditdown,Cabhanwasgone.

Theshadowslifted,the

fogcrawledaway.“AsIwill,”Connor

murmured,“somoteitbe.”

Heletoutabreath,drewinanother,tastedthenight—sweetanddampandgreen.Heheardanowlhootonalong,inquisitivenoteandtherustleofsomething

hurryingthroughthebrush.

“Wellnow.”Foramoment,Roibeardleanedin,andtheircheeksmet,held.“Thatwasinteresting.Whatdoyouwagermylorrystartsupeasyasyouplease?I’mofftoFin’s,soyoucangoaheadwithmethereand

haveavisitwithhisMerlin,orgobackhome.It’syourchoice,modearthair.”Withyou.Connor

heardtheanswerinhisheartasmuchashishead.Alwayswithyou.

Roibeardroseintotheairandwingedahead.

Stillthrobbingwiththe

echoesofpower—darkandlight—Connorgotbackinthelorry.Itstartedeasy,purred,anddrovesmoothlytherestofthewaytoFin’s.

Hewalkedstraightin.Afirecrackledinthehearth,andthatwaswelcome,butnoonesprawledonthesofawith

abeerattheready.Asathomethereashe

wasinhisowncottage,hestartedtowardtheback,andheardvoices.

“Ifyouwanthotmeals”—Boyle—“marrysomeonewho’llmakethem.”

“WhywouldIdothatwhenIhaveyouso

handy?”“AndIwashappy

enoughinmyownplacemakingdowithasandwichandcrisps.”

“AndI’veafinehunkofporkinthefridge.”

“Whyareyoubuyingafinehunkofporkwhenyoudon’tknowwhatinbloodyhelltodowithit?”

“Whywouldn’tI,again,whenIhaveyousohandy?”

Thoughhisheadachedabit,likeatoothgoingbad,theexchangemadeConnorchuckleashecontinuedback.

Strange,hefelthe’dalreadyhadthatbeer.Quitealotofbeer,ashe

seemedtobefloatingrightalong,butonafloortiltedjustabitsideways.

Hesteppedintothekitchenwherethelightsburnedsobrighttheymadehimblink,madehisheadpoundinsteadofache.“Icoulddowithahunkofpork.”

“There,yousee?”

Grinning,Finturned—andthegrinfellawayagain.“Whathappened?”

“Ihadalittleconfrontation.Jesus,it’shotasAfricainhere.”

Hestruggledoutofhisjacket,weavingalittle,thenstaredathisleftarm.“Lookatthat,willyou.Myarm’ssmoking.”

Whenhepitchedforward,hisfriendsleapedtocatchhim.

“Whatthefuckisthis?”Boyledemanded.“He’sburningup.”

“It’shotinhere,”Connorinsisted.

“It’snot.It’sCabhan,”Finbitofftheword.“Icansmellhim.”

“Letmegethisshirtoff.”

“Thegirlsarealwayssayingthattome.”

Impatient,FinmerelyjerkedahandoverConnor,andhadhimbare-chested.

Connorstaredathisarm,atthehugeblackburn,thepeelingand

bubblingskin.Hefeltoddlydetachedfromitall,asifhelookedatsomelittlewonderbehindglass.

“Wouldyoulookatthat?”hesaid,andpassedout.

Finpressedhishandstotheburn.Despitethepainthatscorchedthroughhim,heheldthemthere.

Heldtheburningback.“Tellmewhattodo,”

Boyledemanded.“Gethimwater.Ican

stopitfromspreading,but...WeneedBranna.”

“I’llgogether.”“It’lltaketoolong.Get

himwater.”Closinghiseyes,Fin

opened,reachedout.

Connor’shurt.Come.Comequickly.

“Water’snotgoingtohelp.”StillBoylekneltdown.“Eitherofyou.It’sburningyourhands.Iknowwhatthat’slike.”

“Andyouknowitcanbefixed.”SweatpoppedoutonFin’sface,raninathinriverdownhisback.

“Ican’tknowhowfarthismighttakehimifIdon’tholdit.”

“Ice?He’sonfire,Fin.Wecanputhiminatubofice.”

“Naturalmeanswon’thelp.Inmyworkshop.Get—Noneed,”hesaidwithreliefasBrannaandIona,withawild-eyed

Mearabetweenthem,poppedintothekitchen.

BrannadroppeddowntoConnor.

“Whathappened?”“Idon’tknow.Cabhan

forcertain,butthat’sallIknow.He’sfeverish,abitdelirious.Theburnundermyhandsisblack,deep,it’stryingtospread.I’m

holdingit.”“Letmeseeit.Letme

doit.”“I’mholdingit,

Branna.Icoulddomore,butnot,Ithink,all.Youcan.”Hesethisteethagainstthepain.“Iwon’tlethimgo,notevenforyou.”

“Allright.Allright.

ButIneedtoseeit,feelit,knowit.”Sheclosedhereyes,drewupallshehad,laidherhandsoverFin’s.

Hereyesopenedagain,filledwithtears,forthepainunderherhandswasunspeakable.

“Lookatme,”shemurmuredtoFin.“Hecan’t,soyoulookforhim.

Beforhim.Feelforhim.Healforhim.Lookatme.”Hereyesturnedthegrayoflakewater,calm,socalm.

“Iona,putyourhandsovermine,givemewhatyoucan.”

“EverythingIhave.”“It’scool,doyoufeel

thecool?”Brannasaidto

Fin.“Ido.”“Coolandclear,this

healingpower.Itwashesawaythefire,floodsouttheblack.”

WhenConnorbegantoshiver,andtomoan,Mearadroppeddown,pillowedhisheadinherlap.“Shhnow.”Gently,

gently,shestrokedhishair,hisface.“Shhnow.We’reherewithyou.”

SweatpoureddownConnor’sface—andrandownFin’s.

Branna’sbreathinggrewshallowasshetookinsomeoftheheat,someofthepain.

“I’mholdingit,”Fin

saidbetweenhisteeth.“Notalonenow.

Healinghurts—it’sthepriceofit.Lookatme,andletitgowithme.Outofhimwebothlove,slowly,coolly,outofhim,intoyou,ontome.Outofhim,intoyou,ontome.Outofhim,intoyou,ontome.”

Sheallbuthypnotizedhim.Thatface,thoseeyes,thatvoice.Andthegradualliftingofthepain,thecoolingoftheburn.

“Outofhim,”shecontinued,rocking,rocking.“Intoyou,ontome.Andaway.Away.”

“Lookatme.”Nowhetoldherashefelther

handsbegintotrembleoverhis.“We’renearlythere.Boyle,inmyworkroom,abrownapothecarybottlewithagreenstopper,topshelfbehindmyworkbench.”

Gently,heeasedhishandsbacksotheycouldseethewound.Theburn,rawandrednow,wasno

largerthanawoman’sfist.“He’scooler,”Meara

said,stroking,stroking.“Clammynow,butcooler,andbreathingsteady.”

“There’snoblackunderit,nopoisonunderit.”IonalookedfromBrannatoFinandbackforconfirmation.

“No,it’sbutanasty

burnnow.I’llfinishit.”Brannaputherhandsoverit,sighed.“Justaburnnow,healingwell.”

“This?”Boylerushedinwiththebottle.

“That’sit.”Fintookit,openingitforBrannatosniff.

“Yes,yes,that’sgood.That’sperfect.”She

turnedupherhandsforFintopourthebalmintothem.

“Herenow,mochroi.”Sheturnedherhandsover,gently,gentlyrubbedthebalmontheburn—nowpink,nowshrinking.

Assherubbed,asshecrooned,Connor’seyesflutteredopen.Hefound

himselfstaringupintoMeara’spalefaceandtearyeyes.

“What?WhyamIonthefloor?Ihadn’tgottendrunkyet.”Hereachedup,brushedatearfromMeara’scheek.“Don’tcry,darling.”Hestruggledtositup,teeteredabit.“Well,hereweallare,

sittingonFin’skitchenfloor.Ifwe’regoingtospinthebottle,I’dliketobetheonetoemptyitfirst.”

“Water.”Boylepusheditonhim.

Hedranklikeacamel,pusheditback.“Icoulddowithstronger.Myarm,”heremembered.“It

wasmyarm.Looksfinenow.”

AndseeingBranna’sface,heopenedhisarmstoher.“Youtendedme.”

“Afteryouscaredfivelivesoutofme.”Sheheldontight,tightuntilshecouldtrustherself.“Whathappened?”

“I’lltellyou,but—

Thanks.”HetooktheglassBoyleoffered,drank.Winced.“Jesus,it’sbrandy.Can’tamangetawhiskey?”

“It’sbrandyforfainting,”Boyleinsisted.

“Ididn’tfaint.”Bothmortifiedandinsulted,ConnorpushedtheglassbackatBoyle.“Ifell

unconsciousfrommywounds,andthat’sentirelydifferent.I’dratherawhiskey.”

“I’llgetit.”MearascrambledupasIonaleanedover,pressedakisstoConnor’scheek.

“Yourcolor’scomingback.Youweresopale,andsohot.Pleasedon’t

everdothatagain.”“Icanpromisetodo

mybestnevertorepeattheexperience.”

“Whatwastheexperience?”Brannademanded.

“I’lltellyou,allofit,butIswearonmylifeI’mstarving.Idon’twanttobeaccusedoffainting

againifIpassoutfromhunger.I’mlight-headedwithit,God’struth.”

“I’veahunkofpork.Raw,”Finbegan.

“Youhaven’tputanydinneron?”Brannapushedtoherfeet.

“IwasthinkingBoylewouldcookitup,thenConnorcamein.We’ve

beenabitbusywiththisandthatsince.”

“Youcan’tcookupporkinafingersnap.”

Fintriedasmile.“Youcould.”

“Oh,saveyourshaggingpork,andgetmeaplatter.”

“Thatsortofthing’sinthe—”Fingestured

towardthelargediningareaoffthekitchenwithitsmassivebuffetsandchinacabinetsandservers.

Shemarchedin,yankedopenacoupleofdrawers.AndfoundalargeBelleekplatter.Aftermovinganicearrangementofhothouse

lilies,shesettheplatterinthecenterofthetable.

“It’safrivoloususeofpower,butIcan’thavemybrotherstarvingtodeath.AndsinceIhadalreadyroastedachickenwithpotatoesandcarrotstonight.So.”

Sheshotthefingersofbothhandsattheplatter.

Andtheairwentredolentwiththescentsofroastedchickenandsage.

“Thankallthegodsandgoddesses.”Withthat,Connordivedstraightin,rippedoffadrumstick.

“ConnorO’Dwyer!”“Starving,”hesaid

withhismouthfullasBrannafistedherhands

onherhips.“I’mseriousaboutit.What’severyoneelseeating?”

“Someonesetthetable,forGod’ssake.Ineedtowashup.”SheturnedtoFin.“Haveyouapowderroom?”

“I’llshowyou.”She’dneverbeeninhis

home,hethought.Not

oncewouldsheagreetocrossthethreshold.Ithadtakenherbrother’sneedtohaveherstepfootinit.

Heshowedherthepowderroomtuckedtidilyunderthestairs.

“Letmeseeyourhands.”Sheheldherselfverystraightwhilethevoicesandgood,easy

laughterflowedfromthekitchen.

Heheldthemout,theirbacksup.Withasighofimpatience,shegrippedthemandturnedthemover.

Blisteredpalms,weltsalonghisfingers.

“Thebalmwilltakecareofit.”

“Stop.”Shelaidherhands—

herpalmstohispalms,herfingerstohisfingers.

“I’mgoingtothankyou.Iknowyoudon’twantorneedthanks.Iknowhe’syourbrotherasmuchasmine.Thebrotherofyourheart,yourspirit.Buthe’smyblood,

soIneedtothankyou.”Tearstrembledinher

eyesagain,aglimmeroverthesmoke.Thenshewilledthembackandgone.“Itwasverybad,verybadindeed.Ican’tbesurehowmuchworseitmighthavebeenifyouhadn’tdoneforhimwhatyoudid.”

“Ilovehim.”“Iknowit.”She

studiedhishands,healednow,thengavethembothamoment.Sheliftedhishands,pressedthemtoherlips.“Iknowit,”shesaidagain,andslippedinsidethepowderroom.

AsdeepandtrueashisloveranforConnor,it

wasashadowbesidewhathefeltforher.Acceptingit,Finwalkedbacktothekitchen,watchedhiscirclepreparefortheirfirstmealtogetherinhishome.

***

“WHYDIDN’TYOUCALLUS?”

BRANNAASKEDWHENTHEY’DsettledinwiththefoodandConnor’stale.

“Idid—ortried.Therewassomethingdifferentintheshadows,inthefog.Itwas...likebeingclosedintoabox,tight,sotherewasnothingelse,notevensky.Idon’tknowhowRoibeardheardmeorgot

throughunlesshewasalreadyinsidethebox,sotospeak.ThestoneCabhanworebeatlikeaheart,andthebeatsofitcamefasterwhenIcalledtheelements.”

“Intunewithhim?”Finwondered.“Showingexcitement,temper,fear?”

“Idon’tthinkfear,as

hethinkssolittleofme.”“Bollocks.”Meara

stabbedacarrot.“Hewasmind-fuckingyousoyou’dthinklittleofyourself.”

“She’srightonthat,”Boyleagreed.“Tryingtogetunderyourskin,hewas.Weakenyourdefenses.It’sacommon

enoughtacticinabrawl.”“Isawyoubrawl

once.”Ionathoughtback,smiled.“Youdidn’tsaymuch.”

“BecauseIwaspunchingthestupid.Butifyou’rethinkingyouropponent’sgotskills,maybeevenbetterthanyours,mind-fucking,as

ourMearaputit,it’sagoodtactic.”

“Whatthebastardthinksofmeeitherwayisn’tsomethingIworrymyselfabout.”Contentenoughnow,Connorshoveledinpotatoes.“Thelightningstrikegavemeajolt,Iconfess.”

“Hedidn’tstrikeyou

becauseyouhavetheamulet,andthat’sprotection,”Brannaconsidered.“Andbecausehewantswhatyouhavemorethanyourdeath.Hetriedtoundermineyourconfidence,andputbadfeelingsbetweenyouandme,betweenyouandFin.”

“Hefailedonallcounts.Andhere’sthething.WhenIstruckathim,thestoneglowedbrighter,butthen—Ifeltsomethingburn—nothinglikeitcametobe,butaquickburning.Andthegem,itdimmedafterthat.DimmedconsiderablejustasIstruckoutagain,just

beforehevanished,andtheshadowswithhim.”

“Whathedidtoyoutookconsiderablefromhim.”BrannaranherhanddownConnor’sarm.“Tocloseyouin,thencauseyouharm,to,well,showoffforyouaswell.Itcosthim.”

“IfI’dbeenabletocall

you,ifwe’dallbeenthere.”

“Idon’tknow,”Brannamused.

“Wedoknowhewasn’twillingtoriskit.He’snotreadytotakeusallonagain,orhasn’ttheballsforit.”Finlookedaroundthetable.“Andthere’savictory.”

“Hewasn’tweak,I’lltellyouthat.Icouldfeelitpumpingoutofhim.Thedark,andthehungerofit.Ididn’tseehimstrike,andwouldswearhenevertouchedme.Yet,Ifeltthatburn.”

“Neitheryourjacketorshirtwerescorched.Butyourshirt?”Boyle

gesturedwithhisfork.“Smokecamethroughitfromtheburnonyourarm.Yetyou’rewearingitnow,andthere’snomarkonit.”

“That’sgrand,asI’mfondofthisshirt.”

“Hestayedasaman,”Mearaadded.“Becausehedidn’tchoosetousehis

powerforthechange?HeneededallhehadtohurtConnor.IfFinhadn’tkeptitfromspreadinguntilBrannagothere,itwould’vebeenfarworse—isthatright?”

“Muchworse,”Brannaconfirmed.

“Andworse,muchworse,wouldhavetaken

morefromyou—fromthethree.He’sstudiedyouallyourlives,onewayoranother,sosurelyheknewBrannawouldcome,andshe’dputallshehadintohealingConnor—thatIonawouldaddwhatshecould.Butthatmuchworsemight’veputConnordownforadayor

two,depletedthethreeofyou.Hewantedthat,riskedthat.Buthedidn’tcountonFin,”Mearaexplained.

“Iwasnearlyhere,”Connorpointedout.“Hehadtosussitouthere’swhereI’dcome.”

Impatient,Brannashookherhead.“He’s

watchedyou,studiedyou,buthedoesn’tunderstandFinatall.Notatall.Hecan’tseebeyondthebloodsharedbetweenthem.ThatIwouldbecalledandcome,yes,butthatFinwouldtakethepain,therisk,theburningtostopthespread?Hedoesn’tknowyouatall,”

shesaidtoFin.“Heneverwill.Intheend,thatmightbehisundoing.”

“Hedoesn’tunderstandfamily,andbecausehedoesn’tunderstand,hedoesn’trespect.Hewon’twinthis,”Connorsaid,andhelpedhimselftomorepotatoes.

***

AFTERTHEMEALANDTHECLEARINGUP,CONNORDROVEBrannahome,Mearawiththem.

“Willyoubestaying?”heaskedMeara.

“No—unlessyouwantme,”shesaidtoBranna.“Iknowwe’dplanneda

nightofit.”“Gosleepinyourown

bed.We’llhaveournightofit,andweddingplansanothertime.Connorwilldriveyouhome.”

“Iwalkedfromthestables.”MearaleanedforwardtolookatConnoraroundBranna.“Youcouldjustdropmethere.”

“I’lldriveyouhome.It’slate,andit’sanuneasynightatbest.”

“Iwon’targuewiththat.”

SohedroppedBrannaoff,andwaitedforhertogoinside,thoughhedoubtedCabhancouldmanagesomuchasapokewithasharpstickthat

night.“She’llwantjustyou,”

Mearasaidquietly.“You’reneveroutof

placewithus.”“No,butshe’llwant

justyoutonight.I’veneverseenhersofrightened.We’reallstandinginthekitchen,withherjustpullingthe

chickenfromtheoven,andlaughingoversomethingIcan’tevenrecall.Thenshewentwhiteasdeath.ItwasFincallingher,thoughIdon’tknowwhathesaid.”

Gatheringherself,Mearapausedamoment.“Butshesaidonly,‘Connor’shurt.AtFin’s.’

Andshegrabbedmyarm.Ionagrabbedtheother.AndIwasflying.Ablink,anhour,Icouldn’tsay.AlltheseyearsI’veknownyouandBranna,andIneverknewthelikeofthat.NextIknowwe’reinFin’skitchen,andyou’reontheground,palereventhanBranna.

“Ithoughtyouweredead.”

“Ittakesmorethanabitofblackmagicktodome.”

“Stopthelorry.”“What?Ah,areyou

sick.I’msorry.”Heswungtothesideoftheroad,stopped.“Ishouldn’tbejokingwhen—”

Hiswords,histhoughts,thewholeofhisminddroppedintoavoidwhenshelaunchedherselfathim,chainedherarmsaroundhim,andtookhismouthlikeamadwoman.

Likeahot,mad,desperatewoman.

Beforehecouldact,react,think,shepulled

backagain.“What—Whatwasall

that?Andwhere’sitbeen?”

“Ithoughtyouweredead,”sherepeated,andlatchedthathot,mad,desperatemouthtohisagain.

Thistimeheacted,grabbingontoher,trying

toshiftheraroundsohecouldfindabetterhold,gainabetterangle.Allthewhilehertastepumpedintohimlikeadrug,oneneversampled,onehewantedmoreof.Allof.

“Meara.Letme—”Shejerkedbackagain.

“No.No.We’renotdoingthis.Wecan’tdothis.”

“Wealreadydid.”“Justthat—”She

wavedherhandsintheair.“That’sallofit.”

“Actually,there’sconsiderablemore,ifyou’djust—”

“No.”Shethrewherarmout,slappedahandtohischesttostophim.“Drive.Drive,drive,

drive.”“I’mdriving.”He

pulledbackontotheroad,realizedhewasasunsteadyashe’dbeenafterCabhan’sattack.“Weshouldhaveatalkaboutit.”

“Wewon’tbetalkingaboutit,asthere’snothingtotalkabout.Ithought

youweredead,andit’sgotmeshakenupmorethanIunderstoodbecauseIdon’twantyoudead.”

Becausehecouldfeelthechaosinsideherroilingaround,hetriedforeaseandcalmtocounterit.“SureI’mgladyoudon’t,andgladI’mnot.But—”

“There’snota‘but’aboutit.Andnothingmoretoit.”

Sheleapedoutofthelorryalmostbeforehepulledinfrontofherflat.

“GohometoBranna,”sheordered.“Sheneedsyou.”

Ifshehadn’tsaidthelast,he’dhavemarched

rightuptoherflat,pushedhiswayinifnecessary.Thenthey’dhaveseenwhatthey’dhaveseen.

Butbecauseshewasright,hewaiteduntilshe’dshutherselfinside.Thenhedrovehome,morepuzzledthanhe’deverbeenaboutawoman.

Andmorestirredby

onethanhecouldremember.

M

8

EARATOLDHERSELFTOFORGETABOUTIT.TOPUTITaside

asamomentofinsanity

causedbyextremestress.Itwasn’teveryday,wasit,yourtwogoodfriendsgrabbedholdofyouandtookyouflyingsoyouwinkedoutofoneplace,winkedintoanother?

Whereyoulookedatamanyou’dcaredforthewholeofyourlife,andthoughthimdead?

Somewomenwouldhaverunscreaming,shethoughtassheputherbackintomuckingstalls.Somewouldhavefallenintohysterics.

Allshe’ddonewaskissthemanwhowasn’tdeadatall.

“I’vekissedhimbefore,haven’tI?”she

mutteredandpitchedsoiledhayintothebarrow.“Youcan’tknowsomeonealmostfrombirth,runinthesamepackallalong,bebestmateswithhissister,andnot.It’snothing.It’snotathingatall.”

OhGod.Shesqueezedhereyes

shut,leanedonherpitchfork.

Sureshe’dkissedhimbefore,andheher.

Butnotlikethat.Notlikethat,no.Notallhotandheavywithtonguesandteethandherheartracing.

Whatmusthethink?Whatdidshethink?

More,whatthebloody,bleedinghellwasshetodowhennextshesawhim?

“Okay.”Ionasteppedintothestallbehindher,leanedonherownpitchfork.“I’vegivenyouthirty-twominutes,bymymark.That’smylimit.What’sgoingon?”

“Goingon?”Flustered,Mearatuggedthebrimofhercapdownlower,andtossedanotherscoopintothebarrow.“I’mpitchinghorseshit,asyouare.”

“Meara,youbarelylookedatme,muchlessspokewhenwegotherethismorning.Andyou’reinheremutteringunder

yourbreath.IfIdidsomethingtopissyouoff—”

“No!Ofcourseyoudidn’t.”

“Ididn’tthinkso,butsomething’sgotyoumutteringandhunchingoffwithyoureyesaverted.”

“MaybeI’vegotmy

monthlies.”“Maybe?”“Icouldn’tthinkfast

enoughifI’dbeenbitchyrecentlywhenIdidhavethem.Mymother—”

Ionajabbedafingertostopher.“Youdidn’tthinkfastenoughthereeither.Whenit’syourmother,youspew.You’re

notspewing,you’rehiding.”

“Iamnot.”Insulted,Mearaangledaway.“I’mmerelytakingsometimewithmythoughts.”

“Isitaboutlastnight?”Mearastraightenedup

likeaflagpole.“Whataboutlastnight?”

“Connor.Black

magickalburn.”“Oh.Well,yes,of

course.Ofcourse,it’sthat.”

Eyesnarrowedinspeculation,Ionacircledherfingerintheair.“And?”

“And?Thatshouldbeenoughforanyone.Itwouldsendmostpeople

intohospitalwithcollapsednerves.”

“You’renotmostpeople.”NowIonamovedincloser,crowdingthespace.“WhathappenedafteryouleftFin’s?”

“Whywouldanythinghappen?”

“There!”Ionapointed.“Youlookedatthe

ground.Somethinghappened,andyou’reevading.”

Why,ohwhy,wasshesuchamiserableliarwhenitmattered?“I’mlookingatthehorseshitI’mnotshoveling.”

“Ithoughtwewerefriends.”

“Oh,oh,that’sbelow

thebelt.”ItwasMeara’sturntopointanaccusatoryfinger.“Thatsorrowfullook,thelittlecatchinyourvoice.”

“Itis,”Ionaadmittedwithaquicksmile.“Butit’sstilltrue.”

Losingthebattle,Mearaleanedonherpitchforkagain.“Idon’t

knowwhattosayaboutit,ordoaboutit.”

“That’swhyyoutellafriend.You’reclosetoBranna—andIdon’tmeanthatbelowthebelt.Ifyoucantalktoher,I’llcoverforyouwhileyougoover.”

“Youwould,”Mearasaidwithasigh.“I’llneed

totalktoher,that’sclearenough.I’mnotsurehow.Itmightbebettertotalktoacousinratherthanasisterrightoff.Sortoflikestepping-stones.It’sjustthat...”

Shesteppedtotheopeningofthestall,lookedup,lookeddowntobesureBoyle,Mick,or

anyofthestablehandsweren’tloiteringnearby.

“Itwasscary,lastnight.AndIwasturnedupsidedownrightoffatbeingwhiskedmagickallyfromonekitchentothenextinacoupleblinksoftheeye.”

“You’dneverflownbefore?OhGod,Meara,

youhadtobeupsidedown.IguessIassumedBrannawouldhavetakenyounowandthen.For,well,fun.”

“It’snotthatshewon’tusepowerforabitoffunnowandthen.Butshe’sprettybloodyresponsiblewithit.”

“Youdon’thavetotell

me.”“Thenwe’rethere,

whereweweren’t,andConnor...Inthatfirstmoment,Ithoughthewasdead.”

“Oh,Meara.”Instinctively,Ionareachedouttohugher.“Iknewhewasn’t—thatconnectionamongthethree—andI

nearlylostit.”“IthoughtI’d—we’d—

losthim,andmyheadwasalreadyspinning,mygutstwistedsideways.ThenBrannaandFinworkingonhim,andyouaswell.AndIcoulddonothing.”

“That’snottrue.”Ionapulledback,gaveMearaalittleshake.“Ittookusall.

Ittookourcircle,ourfamily.”

“Ifeltuselessallthesame,butthat’snotimportant.Itwassuchareliefwhenhecameback,andsomuchhimself.AndIthoughtI’dcalmedandsettled.Butwhenhedrovemehome,itstartedrollingaroundinsidemeagain,

andbeforeIknewit,beforeIcouldthinkstraight,Itoldhimtopullover.”

“Wereyousick?I’msosorry.”

“No,no,andhethoughtthesame.ButIwentabitmad,really.Ijustjumpedhim,rightthereinhislorry.”

ShockhadIona’smouthfallingopenasshetookajerkystepback.“You—Youhithim?”

“No!Don’tbeanidjit!Ikissedhim.Andnotatalllikeabrotherorafriend,orsomeoneyou’rewelcomingbackfromdeath.”

“Oh.”Ionadrewthe

syllableout.“Oh,”Mearaechoed,

doingarestlesscirclearoundthestall.“Then,asifthatwasn’tenough,Ipulledback.You’dthinkI’d’vegotmyheadbackinplace,butno,Ididitalloveragain.Andbeingaman,afterall,hehadnoobjections,andwould’ve

movedonfromthereifIhadn’tfoundmysanityagain.”

“Ishouldn’tbesurprised.I’mnotreallysurprised.Ithoughttherewassomething...butwhenIfirstgotherethiswinter,IthoughttherewassomethingbetweenyouandBoyle.”

“OhJesus.”Completelydone,Mearacoveredherfacewithherhands.

“Iknowtherewasn’t,ever,anythingbutfamily,friends.SoIdecidedthesomethingIthoughtIfeltbetweenyouandConnorwasthesame.”

“Itis!Ofcourseitis.

Thiswasaresultoftrauma.”

“Acoma’saresultoftrauma.Makingoutinatruck—lorry—isaresultofsomethingelseentirely.”

“Itwasn’tmakingout,justacouplekisses.”

“Tongues?”“Ohbloodyhell.”She

yankedoffhercap,tosseditdown,stompedonit.

“Doesthathelp?”Ionawondered.

“No.”Disgusted,Mearagrabbedthecap,beatitagainstherthigh.“HowcanItellBrannaI’vebeensnoggingherbrotherinhislorryonthesideoftheroadlikea

hornyteenager?”“Thesamewayyou

toldme.Whatabout—”“Dothetwoofyou

intendtostandaroundallmorning,orwillyoubehaulingthatmanureout?”Boylesteppedtotheopening,scowledatthem.

“We’renearlydone,”Ionatoldhim.“Andwe

havesomethingwehavetodiscuss.”

“Discusslater,haulmanurenow.”

“Goaway.”“I’mthebosshere.”Shemerelystaredat

himuntilheshovedhishandsinhispocketsandstalkedaway.

“Don’tworry,Iwon’t

sayanythingtohim.”“Oh,itdoesn’tmatter.”

Mortifiedalloveragain,Mearashoveledmoremanure.“Connorwillforcertain.Menareworsethanwomenaboutsuchmatters.”

“WhatdidyousaytoConnor?After.”

“Itoldhimthatwasthe

endofit,andIwasn’tgoingtotalkaboutit.”

“Right.”Ionamanagedtoholdbackthelaugh,butnotthetoothysmile.“That’llwork.”

“Wecan’thaveamad,momentaryimpulsetwistingthingsup.We’vemoreimportantthingstoconcernus,asawhole.”

Ionasaidnothingforamoment,thensteppedover,gaveMearaanotherhug.“Iunderstand.I’llgowithyouwhenyoutalktoBrannaifyouwant.”

“Thanksforthat,butit’sbestIdoitonmyown.”

“Gothismorning,getitoffyourmind.I’llcover

foryou.”“Itwouldbegoodto

getitoutandgone,wouldn’tit?”Andmaybeherstomachwouldstoprollingaround,sheconsideredasshepressedahandtoit.“I’llfinishuphere,thenrunover.Onceit’ssaid,Icanputitasideandconcentrateonwhat

needsdoingwithoutitnaggingatme.”

“I’llsmoothitwithBoyle.”

“TellhimI’vemymonthliesorsomeotherfemalething.Italwaysshutshimup.”

“I’maware,”Ionasaidwithalaugh,andwentbacktoherownstall.

***

DOITQUICK,MEARAORDEREDHERSELFASSHESTRODEthroughthewoods.Getitover.Brannawouldhardlybemadaboutit—morelikelyshe’dlaugh,andthinkita

finejoke.Thatwouldbegrand,

andthenshecouldthinkofitasafinejokeherself.

ImagineMearaQuinnlustingforConnorO’Dwyer.Andshecouldadmittherewerelittlepocketsoflustburninginuncomfortableplaces.

ButatalkwithBranna

wouldquashallthat,andthingswouldbebackasthingsshouldbe.

Maybeshe’dhadalittletwingeoverhimnowandthenthroughtheyears.Whatwomanwouldn’tfeelatwingeortwoforthelikesofConnorO’Dwyer?

Themanmadea

picture,didn’the?Alllongandleanandthatcurlingmopofhair,thatprettyface,thatknowinggrin.Addinhiscaringways,forhehadthatasmuchasthepretty.

Atempertobesure,butlessthanhersbyfar.Byafewthousandkilometers,truthbetold.

Andafarhappier,steadieroutlookonlifethanmost,includingherself.

Forallhe’dfacedthewholeofhislife,hekeptthathappyoutlook,thosecaringways.Youmixedthepowerin,foritwasanawesomethingtobeholdevenforonewho’dknownandseenitallher

life,andthefullpackageofhimpackedasolidpunch.

Andheknewitwell,useditwell—onmorethanafairshareoffemalestoherwayofthinking.

Notthatsheheldthatagainsthim.Whynotplucktheflowersalong

theway?Forher,forsenseand

logic,she’dstickwithbeinghisfriendratherthanpartofabouquet.

Shesighed,hunchedhershouldersastheairchilled.She’dhavetospeaktohimofit—foolishtotellherselfotherwise.Butaftershe’d

toldBrannaandthey’dhadagoodlaughoverit.

She’dbeabletotalktoConnor,makeitallafinejoke,aftershetoldBranna.

Shedugintoherpocketforherglovesasthewindkickedup.Andtothinkthey’dcalledforabrightmorning,shethoughtas

cloudssmotheredthesun.Andsheheardher

nameonthewind.Pausing,shelooked

overinthatdirection,sawshestoodatthebigdownedtreebythethickvines.BytheplacewherebeyondlaytheruinsofSorcha’scabin,andthelandthatcouldslipinand

outoftimeonCabhan’swhim.

He’dneverbeforecalledtoher,botheredwithher.Whywouldhe?Shehadnopower,wasnothreat.Buthecallednow,andthevoicethatoozedseductionpulledatsomethinginsideher.

Sheknewthedangers,

knewallthewarningsandrisks,yetfoundherselfstandingatthecurtainofvineswithoutrealizingshe’dwalkedtothem.Foundherselfreaching.

She’djusthavealook,justaquicklookisall.

Herhandtouchedthevines,andadreamywarmthcamewiththe

touch.Smiling,shestartedtopartthemwhilefogoozedthroughtheirtangles.

Thehawkcriedasitdove.Itslicedapathalongthosevinessoshestumbledback.Shudderedandshudderedwiththefogswimmingnearlytoherknees.

Roibeardperchedonthedownedtree,lookedatherwitheyesbrightandfierce.

“Iwasgoingin,havealook.Canyouhearhimaswell?It’smynamehe’scalling.Ionlywanttosee.”

Whenshereachedoutagain,Roibeardspreadhis

wingsinwarning.BehindherBranna’shoundletoutasoftwoof.

“Comewithmeifyoulike.Whydon’tyoucomewithme?”

Kathelcaughtthehemofherjacketinhisteeth,pulledherback.

“Stopthatnow!What’swrongwithyou?

What’s...What’swrongwithme?”shemurmured,swayingnow,kneeswatery,headlight.

“Buggerit.”ShelaidanunsteadyhandonKathel’sgreathead.“Gooddog,smartandgood.Let’sgetawayfromhere.”ShelookedbackatRoibeard,andatthe

shadowsdimmingagainasthesunstruggledthroughthemists.“Let’sallgetawayfromhere.”

Shekeptherhandonthedog,walkingfastwhilethehawkswoopedandglidedoverhead.Neverinherlifewasshesogladtoseethewoodsbehindher,andthehome

oftheDarkWitchsocloseathand.

Shewasn’tashamedtorun,ortoflingherself,justaheadofthehound,breathlessintoBranna’sworkshop.

Intheactofpouringsomethingthatsmelledofsugarbiscuitsfromvattobottle,Brannalookedup.

Immediatelysetthepotaside.

“Whatisit?You’reshaking.Here,here,comebythefire.”

“Hecalledme,”MearamanagedasBrannarushedaroundtheworkcounter.“Hecalledmyname.”

“Cabhan.”Wrapping

anarmaroundMeara,Brannapulledhertothefire,easedherdownintoachair.“Atthestables?”

“No,no,thewoods.Iwascominghere.Attheplace—outsideSorcha’splace.Branna,hecalledme,andIwasgoing.Iwantedtogoin,gotohim.Iwantedit.”

“It’sallright.You’rehere.”ShebrushedherhandsoverMeara’scoldcheeks,warmedthem.

“Iwantedit.”“He’ssly.Hemakes

youwant.Butyou’rehere.”

“ImightnotbebutforRoibeardwhocameoutofnowheretostopme,then

Kathelwhocameaswell,andclampedrightontomyjackettopullmeback.”

“Theyloveyou,asIdo.”BrannabentdowntolayhercheektoKathel’shead,towraparoundhimforamoment.“I’mgoingtogetyousometea.Don’targue.Youneedit,asdo

I.”ShegotKathela

biscuitfirst,thensteppedoutsidebriefly.

Tothankthehawk,Mearathought.Tolethimknowallwaswell,andhehadhergratitude.Brannaalwaysacknowledgedloyalty.

Togiveherown

thanks,andforcomfort,MearaslidoffthechairtohugKathel.“Strongandbraveandtrue,”shewhispered.“There’snobetterdogintheworldthanourKathel.”

“Notaone.Sitdown,catchyourbreath.”Brannabusiedherselfwithteawhenshecame

backinside.“Whywouldhecall

me?Whatwouldhewantwithme?”

“You’reoneofus.”“I’venomagick.”“Notbeingawitch

doesn’tmeanyoudon’thavemagick.Youhaveaheartandaspirit.You’reasstrongandbraveand

trueasKathel.”“I’veneverfelt

anythinglikeit.Itwasasifeverythingelsewentaway,andtherewasonlyhisvoice,andmyownterribleneedtoanswerit.”

“I’llbemakingyouacharm,andyou’llcarryitwithyoualways.”

Warmnow,Meara

shruggedoutofherjacket.“You’vemademecharms.”

“I’llmakeyouanother,stronger,morespecific,we’llsay.”Shebroughtoverthetea.“Nowtellmeall,ascarefullyasyoucan.”

Whenshehad,Mearasatback.“Itwasonlya

minuteortwoIrealizenow.Itallseemedsoslow,sodreamlike.Whydidn’thejuststrikemedown?”

“Awasteofacomelymaid.”

“Ihaven’tbeenamaidinsometime.”Sheshudderedagain.“Andoh,whataterriblethoughtit

is.Worse,Imighthavebeenwilling.”

“Spellboundisn’twilling.Icanonlybelievehe’dhaveusedyouifyou’dgonethrough—takenyoutoanothertime,usedyou,anddonewhathecouldtoturnyou.”

“Hecouldn’tdothatwithanyspell.Notwith

any.”“Hecouldn’t,no,not

that.ButasyousaidaboutFin,hedoesn’tunderstandfamilyandlove.”BrannagrippedMeara’shand,broughtittohercheek.“He’dhavehurtyou,Meara,andthatwouldhavehurtusall.You’llcarrythecharmImake

you.”“OfcourseIwill.”“We’llneedtotellthe

others.Boylewillneedtohavemoreofacareaswell.ButhehasIonaandFin.Youshouldstayhere,withConnorandme.”

“Ican’t.”“Iknowyouvalueyour

ownspace—who’d

understandmore—butuntilwe’vesettledonwhatwedonext,it’sbestif—”

“Ikissedhim.”“What?What?”

Stunned,Brannajerkedback.“YoukissedCabhan?Butyousaidyoudidn’tgothrough.What—”

“Connor.IkissedConnor.Lastnight.Iallbutmolestedhimonthesideoftheroad.Ilostmymindforaminute,that’sallitwas.Theflyingalong,theseeinghimlyingonFin’skitchenfloor,allthepaininhisfacewhenthehealingstarted.Ithought,he’s

dead,thenhewasn’t,thenhe’sshakingandburningup,andthenhe’srippingoffadrumstickandchompingintoitbeforehe’ssomuchasputhisshirtonagain.ItalljustboiledmybrainuntilIwasallbutcrawlingoverhimandkissinghim.”

“Well,”Brannasaid

afterMearasuckedinabreath.

“ButIstopped—youhavetoknow—well,afterthesecondtimeIstopped.”

ThoughBranna’smouthquirkedatthecorner,hertonestayedutterlyeven.“Thesecondtime?”

“I—It—He—Itwasamadreactiontotheevening.”

“Anddidhehaveamadreactionaswell—totheevening?”

“I’dhavetosay,thinkingonit,thefirstonetookhimbysurprise,andwhocouldwonder.Andthesecond...he’saman,

afterall.”“Heisthat,indeed.”“Butitwentnofurther.

I’llmakethatcleartoyou.Ihadhimdropmehomeanddriveon.Itwentnofurther.”

“Why?”“Why?”Blank,Meara

juststared.“HedroppedmehomeasIsaid.”

“Whydidn’thegowithyou?”

“Withme?Heneededtogohome,toyou.”

“Ah,bollockstothat,Meara.”Annoyanceflickedout.“Iwon’tbeusedasanexcuse.”

“Idon’tmeanthat,notatall.I...Ithoughtyou’dbeirritatedor

amused,orpuzzledatleast.Butyou’renot.”

“I’mnoneofthose,no,orsurprisedintheleast.I’vewonderedwhyit’stakenthepairofyousobloodylongtogettoit.”

“Gettowhat?”“Gettogether.”“Together?”Pure

shockhadMearasurging

toherfeet.“Me,Connor.No,thatcan’tbe.”

“Andwhycan’tit?”“Becausewe’re

friends.”Mearasippedhertea,

lookedintothefire.“WhenIthinkofaloverwhowouldtouchmorethanmybody,Ithinkofafriend.Tohaveonlythe

heatwithoutthewarmth?Itwoulddo,anddoes,butonlyjust.”

“Andwhathappenstothefriendwhentheloverends?”

“Idon’tknow.Iseeourparents,Connor’sandmine,happystill.Notblissfuleverysecondofeveryday,forwhocould

standthat?Buthappy,andintunemostofthetime.”

“AndIseemine.”“Iknow.”Branna

reachedup,tookMeara’shandtodrawherdowntositagain.“Thosewhomadeusgiveuseachadifferentplacetostandonit,don’tthey?Iwant,whenIletmyselfwant,

thathappy,thatintune.Andyouwon’tletyourselfwantatallbecauseyouseetheruin,themisery,andtheselfishnessunderitall.”

“Hemeanstoomuchtometorisktheruin.Andwe’vetoomuchtofightfor—asyesterdayandtodayhaveproved—to

tangleupourcirclewithsex.”

“IbelieveIonaandBoylehavesexateveryopportunity.”

NowMearalaughed.“They’remadinlove,andsuitedforit,soit’sdifferent.”

“It’suptoyou,ofcourse,andtoConnor.”

AndConnor,Brannathought,wouldverylikelyhaveadifferentthingortwotosayaboutthematter.“ButknowI’venoobjectionatall,ifthatwasaworrytoyou.WhywouldI?Iloveyouboth.I’llsayaswellthatsexisapowerfulmagickofitsown.”

“SoIshouldsleepwithConnortoaidthecause?”

“Youshoulddowhatmakesyouhappy.”

“It’sallabitconfusingrightnowtobesurewhatdoes,whatdoesn’t.ButwhatIhavetodoisgetbacktoworkbeforeBoylegivesmetheboot.”

“I’llmakethecharm

first,andKathelandRoibeardwillgobackwithyou.WalkclearofSorcha’splace,Meara.”

“Believeme,I’lldothat.”

“TellIonaandBoylewhathappened.BoylewillseeFin’stold,andI’llspeakwithConnor.Cabhan’sgrowingbold

again,sowebestallbeonourtoes.”

***

BRANNADIDN’THAVETOTELLCONNOR,ASFINWENTBYtheschoolthatafternoon,tookConnoraside.

“Issheallright?Areyousureofit?”

“Isawhermyselfnotanhourago.She’sfineandfitasever.”

“I’vebeenbusy,”Connorsaid.“IbarelynoticedRoibeardwasn’tabout,thenwhenIdid,Iknewhewasatthestables.Helikesitthere,

withthehorses.WithMeara.SoIthoughtnothingofit,andheneversentmeanyalarm.”

“AsheandKathelwereallsheneeded.Brannamadeheracharm.It’sastrongone—IhadMearashowme.Andthewoman’sstrongaswell.Still,it’stimewewereall

abitmorecareful.”Connorpaced,boots

crunchingongravel.“He’dhaverapedher.Strongornot,shecouldn’thavestoppedhim.I’veseenwhathe’sdonetowomenoverhistime.”

“Hedidn’ttouchher,Connor,andwon’t.We’llallseetothat.”

“I’veworriedforBrannaonthis.Hewantspower,andsheisfullofpower.NamedforSorcha’sfirstborn,andthefirstofthethreeinthenowtobepassedtheamulet.And...”

“ThewomanIlove,wholovesmeevenifshewon’thaveme.You’re

notaloneinyourworry.”“AndMearaisasister

toBranna.Thatmightbemakinghermoreappealingtohim,”Connorconsidered.

“TostrikeatBrannathroughMeara.”Finnodded.“Itwouldbehisway.”

“Itwould.Andafter

lastnight...”“Afterwhathedidto

you?WhathasthattodowithMeara?”

“Nothingatall.Well,indirectly.”Amanshouldn’tlieorevadewithhismates.Inanycasetherewasmoreonthelinethandiscretion.“Wehadamoment,

MearaandI,afterleavingBrannaatthecottage.Amomentortwointhelorry,onthesideoftheroad.”

Fin’seyebrowwingedup.“YoumovedinonMeara?”

“Theotherway.”Distracted,Connortwirledafinger.“Shemovedin

onme.Andmovedinwithgreatenthusiasm.Thenstoppedcold,saidthat’stheendofthat,andtakemehome.Ilovewomen,Fin.Ilovethemtoptotoe,minds,hearts,bodies.Breasts.Whatisthereaboutawoman’sbreasts?”

“Howlongdowehave

todiscussit?”Connorlaughed.“True

enough.Wecouldtakehoursonbreastsalone.Ilovewomen,Fin,butforthelifeofmethere’ssomuchofthemimpossibletounderstand.”

“Andthatdiscussionwouldtakedaysandneverberesolved.”Obviously

intrigued,FinstudiedConnor’sface.“Tellmethis,didyouwantthattobetheendofit?”

“AfterIgotoverwonderingwhereallthishadbeenhiding,frombothofus,allourlives,no,Ididn’t.Don’t.”

“Then,modearthair.”FinslappedConnor’s

shoulder.“It’suptoyoutofollowthrough.”

“I’mthinkingonit.AndnowwonderingifthatmomentortwoonthesideoftheroadmightbewhyCabhantookaninterestinhertoday.BecauseIdid,inthatway?It’snotfarthinking.”

“It’snot,no.Hehurtyoulastnight.Itmaybehetriedtohurtyouagain,throughMeara,today.Sohaveacare,bothofyou.”

“Iwill,andI’llseeshedoes.Ah,there’sthethreeo’clocks.AmisterandmissusfromWales.Wanttogoalong?I’llfetchyouapackandglove.”

Finstartedtodecline,thenrealizedithadbeentoolongsincehe’ddoneahawkwalkwithConnor.“Iwouldn’tmindthat,butI’llgetmyowngear.”

Connorglancedup,spottedMerlininthesky.“Willyoutakehim?Trustoneofthemwithhim?”

“He’denjoyitaswell.”

“It’llbeabitlikeoldtimesthen.”

WhenFinwentoffforthegear,Connortookaquickglanceatthetime.Assoonashewasable,he’dsearchoutMeara.Theyhadconsiderabletotalkabout,likeitornot.

A

9

SIFHERDAYHADN’TBEENFRAUGHTENOUGH,MEARA

addedonafranticand

weepycallfromhermotherthatsenthersearchingoutBoyle.

Hesatinhisofficescowlingashewaspronetoscowloverpaperwork.

“Boyle.”“Whyisitthenumbers

nevertallythefirsttimeyoudothem?Whyisthat?”

“Icouldn’tsay.Boyle,I’msorrytoaskbutIneedtogo.Mymother’shadafireatthehouse.”

“Afire?”Heshovedupfromhisdeskasifhe’drushofftoputitouthimself.

“Akitchenfire,Ithink.Itwashardgettinganythingoutofher,asshe

wasnearhysterical.ButIdidgetshe’snothurt,anddidn’tburntheplacedownaroundher.Still,Idon’tknowhowbaditallis,so—”

“Go.Goon.”Heroundedthedesk,takingherarm,drawingheroutoftheoffice.“Letmeknowwhat’swhatassoon

asyoucan.”“Iwill.Thanks.I’lldo

extratomorrowtomakeupforit.”

“Justgo,forChrist’ssake.”

“I’mgoing.”Shejumpedinher

lorry.Itwouldbenothing,

shetoldherself.Unlessit

wassomething.WithColleenQuinn,youneverknewwhich.

Andhermotherhadbeenallbutincoherent,wailingoneminute,babblingthenext.Allaboutthekitchen,smoke,burning.

Maybeshewashurt.TheimageofConnor,

theblackbubblingburnonhisarmflashedthroughhermind.

Burning.Cabhan.Fearspurted

throughheratthethoughthemighthaveplayedsomepart.Hadhegoneafterhermotherbecauseintheendshe’dresistedhiscall?

Mearapunchedtheaccelerator,rocketedaroundcurves,racedherwaywithherheartatagalloptothelittledollhousenestledwithahandfulofothersjustalongthehemofCong’sskirts.

Thehousestood—nodamageshecouldseeto

thewhitewalls,thegrayroof,thetidydooryardgarden.Tidy,trueenough,asthesmallbitofgardeninfrontandbackwashermother’sonlyrealinterest.

Sheshovedthroughtheshortgate—oneshe’dpaintedherselfthepreviousspring,andran

upthewalk,diggingforherkeys,sincehermotherinsistedonlockingthedoorsdayandnightinfearofburglars,rapists,oralienprobes.

ButColleenrushedout,handsclaspedtogetheratherbreastasifinprayer.

“Oh,Meara,thankGodyou’vecome!WhatwillI

do?WhatwillIdo?”Shethrewherselfinto

Meara’sarms,aweeping,tremblingbundleofdespair.

“You’renothurt?Forcertain?Letmeseeyou’renothurt.”

“Iburnedmyfingers.”Likeachildsheheldupherhandtoshowthehurt.

Andnothing,Mearasawwithrelief,abitofsalvewouldn’tdealwith.

“Allrightthen,allright.”Tosoothe,Mearabrushedalightkissoverthelittleburn.“That’sthemostimportantthing.”

“It’sterrible!”Colleeninsisted.“Thekitchen’saruin.WhatwillIdo?Oh,

Meara,whatwillIdo?”“Let’shavealook,

thenwe’llsee,won’twe?”Itwaseasytoturn

Colleenaroundandpullherinside.Mearahadgottenherheightfromherlong-absentfather.Colleenmadeaprettylittlepackage—apetite,slim,andalwaysperfectly

groomedone,afactoflifethatoftenmadeMearafeellikeahulkingbearleadingapoodlewithaperfectpedigree.

Nodamageinthefrontroom,anotherrelief,thoughMearacouldsmellsmoke,andseethethinhazeofit.

Smoke,shethought—

morerelief—notfog.Threestridestookher

intothecompact,eat-inkitchenwherethesmokehunginathinhaze.

Notaruin,butsureamess.Andnotone,shedeterminedimmediately,causedbyanevilsorcerer,butacarelessandineptwoman.

Keepinganarmaroundherweepingmother,shetookstock.

Theroastingpanwiththeburnedjoint,nowspilledontothefloorbesideascorchedandsoakingdishclothtoldthetale.

“Youburnedthejoint,”Mearasaidcarefully.

“Ithoughttoroastsomelamb,asDonalandhisgirlweretocometodinnerlater.Ican’tapprovehimmovinginwithSharonbeforemarriage,butI’mhismotherallthesame.”

“Roastingajoint,”Mearamurmured.

“Donal’sfondofa

goodjointasyouknow.I’djustgoneoutthebackforabit.I’vehadslugsinthegardenthere,andwenttochangethebeer.”

Flutteringindistress,ColleenwavedherhandsatthekitchendoorasifMearamighthaveforgottenwherethegardenlay.“They’vebeen

aftertheimpatiens,soIhadtoseeaboutit.”

“Allright.”Mearasteppedover,begantoopenthewindows,asColleenhadfailedtodo.

“Iwasn’toutthatlong,butIthoughtsinceIwas,I’dcutsomeflowersforanicearrangementonthetable.Youneedfresh

flowersforcompanyatdinner.”

“Mmm,”Mearasaid,andpickeduptheflowersscatteredoverthewetfloor.

“Icamein,andthekitchenwasfullofsmoke.”Stillfluttering,Colleenlookedtearfullyaroundtheroom.“Iranto

theoven,andthelambwasburning,soItookthecloththeretopullitout.”

“Isee.”Mearaturnedofftheoven,foundafreshcloth,pickeduptheroastingpan,thecharcoaledjoint.

“Andsomehowtheclothlit,andwasburning.Ihadtodropeverything

andtakethepanthere,whereIhadwaterforthepotatoes.”

Mearapickedupthepotatoeswhilehermotherwrungherhands,dumpedthelotinthesinktodealwithlater.

“It’saruin,Meara,aruin!WhatwillIdo?WhatwillIdo?”

Thefamiliarmixofannoyance,resignation,frustrationwoundthroughher.Acceptingthatasherlot,Mearadriedherhandsbyswipingthemonherworkpants.

“ThefirstthingistoopenthewindowsinthefrontroomwhileImopthisup.”

“Thesmokewillsoilthepaint,won’tit,Meara,andyouseethefloorthere,it’sscorchedfromtheburningcloth.Idon’tdaretellthelandlordorhe’llsetmeout.”

“He’lldonothingofthekind,Ma.Ifthepaint’ssoiled,we’llfixit.Ifthefloor’sdamaged,we’llfix

thataswell.Openthewindows,thenputsomeofBranna’ssalveonyourfingers.”

ButColleenonlystood,handsclasped,prettyblueeyesdamp.“Donalandhisgirlarecomingatseven.”

“Onethingatatime,Ma,”Mearasaidasshe

mopped.“Icouldn’tringhimup

totellhimofthedisasterhere.Notwhilehe’satwork.”

Butyoucouldringme,Mearathought,asyou’veneverunderstoodawomancanwork,doeswork,wantsorneedstowork,thesameasaman.

“Thewindows,”wasallshesaid.

Notameanboneinherbody,Meararemindedherselfasshecleanedthefloor—notscorchedatall,butonlysmudgedwithashfromthecloth.Notevenselfishintheusualway,butsimplyhelplessanddependent.

Andwasthatherfault,really,whenshe’dbeentendedandshelteredthewholeofherlife?Byherparents,thenbyherhusband,andnowbyherchildren.

She’dneverbeentaughttocope,hadshe?Or,Mearathoughtwithahardstareattheroasting

pan,howtocookafeckingjoint.

Afterwringingoutthemop,shetookamomenttotextBoyle.Nopointinkeepinghimworried.

Not a fire but a burntjoint of lamb and a rightmess. No harm.

Mearacartedouttheruinedmeattodumpinthebin,scrubbedoffthepotatoesandsetthemtodry—astheywerestillrawbecausehermotherhadforgotten,alltothegood,toturntheheatonunderthem.

Shesettheroastingpaninthesinktosoak,putthe

kettleonfortea,allwhileColleendespairedofbeingevicted.

“Sitdown,Ma.”“Ican’tsit,I’mthat

upset.”“Sit.You’llhavesome

tea.”“ButDonal.Whatwill

Ido?I’veruinedthekitchen,andthey’re

comingfordinner.Andthelandlord,thiswillputhiminastateforcertain.”

Mearadidmultiplicationtablesinherhead—thesevens,whichbuggeredhereverytime.Itkeptherfromshoutingwhensheturnedtohermother.“First,lookaroundnow.The

kitchen’snotruined,isit?”

“ButI...”Asifseeingitforthefirsttime,Colleenflutteredaround.“Oh,itcleanedupwell,didn’tit?”

“Itdid,yes.”“Icanstillsmellthe

smoke.”“You’llkeepthe

windowsopenabitlonger,andyouwon’t.Attheworst,we’llscrubdownthewalls.”Mearamadethetea,addedacoupleofchocolatebiscuitstooneofhermother’sfancyplates—andbecauseitwashermother,addedawhitelinennapkin.

“Sitdown,haveyourtea.Let’shavealookatyourfingers.”

“They’remuchbetter.”Smilingnow,Colleenheldthemup.“Branna’ssuchawaywiththings,hasn’tshe,makingupherlotionsandcreamsandcandlesandsoon.IloveshoppingintheDark

Witch.Ialwaysfindsomeprettylittlethingorother.It’salovelylittleshopshehas.”

“Itis.”“Andshecomesby

nowandthen,bringsmesamplestotryoutforher.”

“Iknow.”SoColleencouldhaveherprettylittle

things,Mearaknewaswell,withoutspendingtoomuch.

“She’salovelygirl,isBranna,andalwayslookssosmart.”

“Shedoes,”Mearaagreed,andknewColleenwishedherdaughterwoulddresssmartinsteadofcladdingherselfforthe

stables.We’llhavetokeepon

beingdisappointedineachother,won’twe,Ma?shethought,butsaidnothingmore.

“Thekitchendidcleanupwell,Meara,andthanksforthat.ButIhaven’tathingnow,orthetimereally,tomakea

nicedinnerforDonalandhisgirl.WhatwillSharonthinkofme?”

“She’llthinkyouhadabitofato-dointhekitchen,soyoucalledroundtoRyan’sHotelandmadeabookingforthethreeofyou.”

“Oh,but—”“I’llarrangeit,and

they’llrunatabforme.You’llhaveanicedinner,andyou’llcomebackhereforteaandabitofdessert—whichI’llgopickupatMonk’sCafeinafewminutes.You’llserveitonyourgoodchina,andfeelfineaboutit.You’llallhaveaniceevening.”

Colleen’scheeks

pinkedwithpleasure.“Thatsoundslovely,justlovely.”

“Now,Ma,doyouremembertheproperwaytodealwithakitchenfire?”

“Youthrowwateronafire.Idid.”

“It’sbesttosmotherit.There’stheextinguisher

intheclosetwiththemop.Remember?Finprovidedit,andDonalputthebracketsinsoit’salwaysrightthere,onthewallofthelittlecloset.”

“Oh,butIneverthoughtofit,beingthatupset.AndhowwouldIrememberhowtouseit?”

Therewasthat,Meara

thought.“Failingthat,youcandumpbakingsodaonit,orbetterallaround,setapotlidonit,cutofftheair.Bestofall,youdon’tleavethekitchenwhenyou’vegotcookinggoing.Youcansetatimerontheovensoyou’renotwedtotheroomwhenyou’rebakingorroasting.”

“Imeantto.”“I’msureyoudid.”“I’msorryforthe

trouble,Meara,truly.”“Iknow,andit’sall

fixednow,isn’tit?”ShelaidahandlightlyoverColleen’s.“Ma,wouldn’tyoubehappierlivingclosertoyourgrandchildren?”

Mearaspentsometimenourishingtheseedshe’dplanted,thenwenttothecafe,boughtaprettycreamcake,somesconesandpastries.Shedroppedbytherestaurant,madearrangementswiththemanager—afriendsinceherschooldays,circledbacktohermother’s.

Sinceshehadaheadacheinanycase,shewentstraighthomefromthereandranguphersister.

“Maureen,it’stimeyouhadaturnwithMa.”

Afterafullhourofarguing,negotiating,shouting,laughing,commiserating,shedug

outheadachepills,chuggedthemdownwithwateratthebathroomsink.

Andgaveherselfalongstareinthemirror.Littlesleepleftitsmarkinshadowedeyes.Fatigueoneverypossibleleveladdedstrainaroundthem,andacreasebetweenher

eyebrowssherubbedinannoyance.

Anotherdaylikethis,shedecided,she’dneedallofBranna’screamsandlotions—andaglamouraswell—orshe’dlookahag.

Sheneededtosetitallasideforonebloodynight,shetoldherself.

Connor,Cabhan,hermother,thewholeofherfamily.Onequietnight,shedecided,inherpajamas—withathicklayerofoneofBranna’screamsonherface.Addabeer,somecrispsorwhateverjunkyfoodshehadabout,andthetelly.

She’dwishfornomore

thanthat.Optingforthebeerto

begin—itwouldn’tbethefirsttimeshe’dtakenacoldbeerintoahotshowertowashawaytheday—shestartedtowardthekitchen,andsomeonepoundedonthedoor.

“Goaway,”shemuttered,“whoeveryou

are,andnevercomeback.”

Whoeveritwasknockedagain,andshe’dhaveignoreditagain,buthefollowedupwith:

“Openup,Meara.Iknowverywellyou’reinthere.”

Connor.Shecasthereyestotheceiling,but

wenttothedoor.Sheopenedit.“I’m

settlinginforsomequiet,sogosomewhereelse.”

“What’sthisaboutafireatyourmother’s?”

“Itwasnothing.Goonnow.”

Hesquintedather.“Youlookterrible.”

“Andthat’sallI

neededtofinishoffmyfeckingday.Thanksforthat.”

Shestartedtoshutthedoorinhisface,butheputashouldertoit.Forafoolishminute,eachpushedagainsttheother.Shetendedtoforgetthemanwasstrongerthanhelooked.

“Fine,fine,comeinthen.Theday’sbeennothingbutalossinanycase.”

“Yourheadhurts,andyou’retiredandbitchywithit.”

Beforeshecouldevade,helaidhishandsonhertemples,ranthemoverherhead,downtothe

baseofherskull.Andthethrobbingache

vanished.“I’dtakensomething

foritalready.”“Thatworksfaster.”

Headdedalightrubonhershouldersthatdissolvedalltheknots.“Sitdown,takeyourbootsoff.I’llgetyouabeer.”

“Ididn’tinviteyouforabeerandachat.”Thebadtemperinhertoneafterhe’dvanishedallthoseachesandthrobsshamedher.Andtheshameonlyaddedmorebadtemper.

Hecockedhishead,facefullofpatienceandsympathy.Shewantedto

punchhimforit.Shewantedtolayher

headonhisshoulderandjustbreathe.

“Haven’teaten,haveyou?”

“I’veonlyjustgottenhome.”

“Sitdown.”Hewalkedovertothe

kitchen—suchasitwas.

Thetwo-burnerstove,thesquatfridge,miserlysink,andcountertuckedtidilyenoughinthecornerofherlivingspace,andsuitedherneeds.

Shegrumbledrudewordsunderherbreath,butshesatandtookoffherbootswhileshewatchedhim—eyes

narrowed—pokearound.“Whatareyouafterin

there?”“Thefrozenpizzayou

neverfailtostockwillbequickest,andIcoulddowithsomemyselfforIhaven’teateneither.”

Hepeeleditoutofthewrap,stuckitintheoven.Andunlikehermother,

rememberedtosetthetimer.HetookoutacouplebottlesofHarp,poppedthemopen,thenstrolledback.

Hehandedherabeer,satdownbesideher,proppedhisfeetonhercoffeetable,amanathome.

“We’llstartattheend

ofit.Yourmother.Akitchenfire,wasit?”

“Noteventhat.Sheburnedajointoflamb,andfromherreaction,you’dthinkshe’dstartedaninfernothatleveledthevillage.”

“Wellthen,yourma’sneverbeenmuchofacook.”

Mearasnortedoutalaugh,dranksomebeer.“She’saterriblecook.WhyshegotitintoherheadtohavealittledinnerpartyforDonalandhisgirlisbeyondme.Becauseit’sproper,”shesaidimmediately.“Inherworld,it’stheproperthing,andshemustbe

proper.She’sbitsofBelleekandRoyalTaraandWaterfordallaround,fineIrishlacecurtainsatthewindows.AndIswearshedressesforgardeningormarketingasifshe’shavinglunchatafive-star.Neverahairoutofplace,herlipstickneversmudged.Andshecan’t

boilapotatowithoutdisasterfalling.”

Whenshepaused,drank,hepattedherlegandsaidnothing.

“She’slivinginarentalbarelybiggerthanthegardenshedwhereshelivedwithmyfather,keepsitlockedlikeavaultindefenseagainstthe

bandsofthievesandvillainssheimagineslieinwait—andcan’tthinktoopenableedingwindowwhenshehasahousefullofsmoke.”

“Shecalledforyouthen.”

“Forme,ofcourse.Shecouldn’tverywellcallforDonal,ashewasathis

work,andI’mjustplayingwiththehorses.Atmyleisure.”

Thenshesighed.“Shedoesn’tmeanitthatway,Iknowit,butitfeelsthatway.Sheneverworkedatajob.Shemarriedmyfatherwhenshewasbutagirl,andhesweptherup,gaveherafinehousewith

stafftotendit,showeredherwithluxuries.Allshehadtodowasbehisprettyornamentandraisethechildren—entertain,ofcourse,butthatwasbeingaprettyornamentaswell,andtherewasMrs.Hannigantocookandmaidstoseetotherest.”

Tiredalloveragain,

shelookeddownatherbeer.“Thenherworldcrasheddownaroundher.It’snotawondershe’shelplessaboutthemostpracticalthings.”

“Yourworldcrasheddownaswell.”

“It’sdifferent.Iwasyoungenoughtoadjusttothings,anddidn’tfeelthe

shameshedid.IhadBrannaandyouandBoyleandFin.Shelovedhim.ShelovedJosephQuinn.”

“Didn’tyou,Meara?”“Lovecandie.”She

drankagain.“Hershasn’t.Shekeepshispictureinasilverframeinherroom.Itmakesmewanttoscreambloodyhellevery

timeIseeit.He’snevercomingbacktoher,andwhywouldshehavehimifhedid?Butshewould.”

“It’snotyourheart,buthers.”

“Hersholdsontoanillusion,nottoreality.Butyou’reright.It’shers,notmine.”

Sheleanedherhead

back,closedhereyes.“Yougothersettled

again?”“Cleanedupthemess

—she’dswampedthekitchenfloorwithwaterandpotatoes—andIcanbegratefulshe’dforgottentoturntheflameonunderthepotatoessoIdidn’thavethatsecondary

disastertodealwith.She’llbehavingdinneratRyan’sHotelwithDonalandhisgirlnow.”

Herubbedahandonherthigh,soothing.“Onyourtab.”

“Themoney’stheleastofit.IrangMaureen,andhaditoutwithher.It’sherturn,fuckitall.Mary

Clarelivestoofar.ButfromMaureen’s,MacouldseeMaryClareandherchildrenaswellascomebackhereforvisits.Andmybrother...Hiswife’sgrand,butitwouldbeeasierforMatolivewithherowndaughterthanherson’swife,I’mthinking.AndMaureen

hastheroom,andasweet,easy-goerofahusband.”

“Whatdoesyourmotherwant?”

“Shewantsmyfatherback,thelifesheknewback,butasthat’snothappening,she’dbehappywiththechildren.She’sgoodwithchildren,lovesthem,hasendless

patiencewiththem.IntheendMaureencamearound,foratleastatrialofit.Ibelieve—Iswearthisisthetruth—Ibelieveit’llbegoodforall.She’llbeagreathelptoMaureenwiththekids,andtheyloveher.She’llbehappylivingthere,inabigger,finerhouse,andaway

fromherewheretherearetoomanymemoriesofwhatwas.”

“Ithinkyou’rerightonit,ifitmatters.”

Shesighedagain,drank.“Itdoes.She’snotonewhocanlivecontentandeasyalone.Donalneedstostarthislife.Ineedtohavemine.

Maureen’stheanswertothis,andshe’llonlybenefitfromhavingherownmothermindthechildrenwhenshewantstogooutandabout.”

“It’sagoodplan,forall.”Hepattedherhand,thenroseatthebuzzofthetimer.“Nowit’spizzaforall,andyoucantell

mewhat’sallthisaboutCabhan.”

Itwasn’ttheeveningshe’dimagined,butshefoundherselfrelaxing,despiteall.Pizza,eatenonthelivingroomsofa,filledtheholeinherbellyshehadn’trealizedwasthereuntilthefirstbite.Andthesecondbeerwentdown

easy.“AsItoldBranna,it

wasallsoftanddreamy.IunderstandnowwhatIonameantwhenithappenedtoherlastwinter.It’sabitlikefloating,andnotbeingfullyinsideyourself.Thecold,”shemurmured.“I’dforgottenthat.”

“Thecold?”“Before,rightbefore.It

gotcold,allofasudden.Ieventookmyglovesoutofmypocket.Andthewindcameupstrong.Thelightchanged.Ithadbeenabrightmorning,astheysaiditwould,butitwentgrayandgloomy.Cloudsrollingoverthesun,I

thought,but...”Shedugbacknow,

mindclear,totrytoseeitasithadbeen.

“Shadows.Therewereshadows.Howcouldtherebeshadowswithoutthesun?I’dforgotten,didn’ttellBranna.Iwastoowoundup,Isuppose.”

“It’sallright.You’re

tellingmenow.”“Theshadowsmoved

withme,andinthemIfeltwarm—butIwasn’t,Connor.Iwasfreezing,butIthoughtIwaswarm.Isthatsensibleatall?”

“IfyoumeandoIunderstand,Ido.Hismagick’sascoldasitisdark.Thewarmthwasa

trickforyourmind,asthedesirewas.”

“TherestisasItoldyou.Himcallingmyname,andmestandingthere,withmyhandabouttopartthevines,wantingtogoin,somuch,wantingtoanswerthecallofmyname.AndRoibeardandKatheltomyrescue.”

“Ifyou’veamindtowalkfromworktothecottage,orwhenyouguideyourcustomers,stayclearofthatarea,muchasyoucan.”

“Iwill,ofcourse.It’shabittakesmebythere,andhabitscanbebroken.Brannamademeacharminanycase.AsdidIona,

andthenFinpushedyetanotheronme.”

Connordugintohispocket,pulledoutasmallpouch.“AsIam.”

“Mypocketswillbefullofmagickpouchesatthisrate.”

“Dothis.Keeponenearyourdoorhere,andoneinyourlorry,onenear

yourbed—sleep’svulnerable.Thenoneinyourpocket.”Heputthepouchintoherhand,closedherfingersoverit.“Always,Meara.”

“Allright.That’safineplan.”

“Andwearthis.”Outofhispockethedrewalongthinbandofleather

thatheldpolishedbeads.“It’spretty.WhyamI

wearingit?”“ImadeitwhenIwas

nomorethansixteen.It’sbluechalcedonyhere,andsomejasper,somejade.Thechalcedonyisgoodprotectionfrommagickofthedarksort,andthejade’shelpfulfor

protectionfrompsychicattack—whichyou’vejustexperienced.Thejasper’sgoodallaroundasaprotectivestone.Sowearit,willyou?”

“Allright.”Sheslippeditoverherhead.“Youcanhaveitbackwhenwe’redonewiththis.It’scleverlydone,”sheadded,

studyingit.“Butyou’vealwaysbeencleverwithyourhands.”

Theinstantthewordswereout,shewincedinwardlyatthephrase.“So,that’sfilledyouinonthehighsandlowsofmyday,andI’mgratefulforthepizza—evenifitcamefrommyownfreezer.”

Shestartedtogetup,clearthedishes,buthejustputahandonherarm,nudgedherbackagain.

“Wehaven’tfinishedthecircleyet,aswe’vebeenworkingbackward.Andthattakesustolastnight.”

“Ialreadytoldyounothingwasmeantbyit.”

“Whatyoutoldmewasbollocks.”

Theeasy,almostcheerfultoneofhisvoicemadeherwanttorailathim,soshedeliberatelykepthertonelevel.“I’vehadenoughupheavalforoneday,Connor.”

“Surewemightaswellgetitalloveranddoneat

once.We’refriends,arewenot,Meara?”

“Weare,andthat’sexactlythepointI’mmaking.”

“Itwasn’tthekissofafriend,evenoneupsetandshaken,yougaveme.NorwasitthekissofafriendIgaveyouwhenIgotbeyondthefirstsurprise

ofit.”Sheshrugged,toshow

howlittleitallmeant—andwishedherstomachwouldstopallthefluttering.You’dthinkshe’dswallowedaswarmofbutterfliesinsteadofhalfafrozenpizza.

“IfI’dknownyou’dbesowoundupaboutakiss,

itwouldn’thavehappened.”

“Amanwhowasn’twoundupafterakisslikethatwould’vebeendeadforsixmonths.AndI’mbettinghe’dstillfeelastir.”

“ThatonlymeansI’mgoodatit.”

Hesmiled.“Iwouldn’t

arguewithyourskill.I’msayingitwasn’tfriendtofriend,anddistress.Notthatalone.”

“Sothere’sabitoflustycuriosityaswell.That’snotasurprise,isit?We’readults,we’rehuman,andinthestrangestofsituations.Wehadaquick,hottangle,

andthat’stheendofit.”Henoddedasif

consideringherpoint.“Iwouldn’targuewiththateither,butforonething.”

“Whatonething?”Heshiftedsoquickly

fromhiseasyslouchshedidn’thaveaninstanttoprepare.Hehadherscoopedup,shiftedas

well,andhismouthonhers.

Anotherhottangle,fastanddeepanddeadlytothesenses.Somepartofhermindsaidtogivehimapunchandsetthingsright,buttherestofherwastoobusydevouringwhathegaveher.

Thenhetuggedonher

braid—anold,affectionategesture,sotheirlipsparted,theirfacesstayedclose.Soclosetheeyessheknewaswellasherowntookondeeper,darkerhuesofgreenwithlittleshimmersofgoldscatteredthrough.

“Thatonething.”“It’sjust...”She

movedinthistime,couldn’tresist,andfelthisheartraceagainsthers.“Physicality.”

“Isit?”“Itis.”Shemade

herselfpullback,thenstand—abitsafer,shethought,withsomedistance.“Andmore,Connor,weneedtothink,

thebothofusneedtothink.It’sfriendsweare,andalwayshavebeen.Andnowpartofacirclethatcan’tberisked.”

“What’stherisk?”“Wehavesex—”“Agrandidea.I’mfor

it.”Thoughsheshookher

head,shehadtolaugh

withit.“You’dbeforitonanhourlybasis.Butit’syouandmenow,andwithyouandmewhatiftherearecomplications,andthekindoftensionsthatcanhappen,thatdohappen,whensexcomesthroughthedoor?”

“Donewell,sexrelievesthetensions.”

“Forabit.”Thoughjustnowthethoughtofit,withhim,broughtonplenty.“Butwemightcausemore—foreachother,fortheotherswhenwecanleastaffordit.Weneedtokeepourselvesfocusedonwhat’stobedone,andkeepthepersonalcomplications

awayfromitasmuchaswecan.”

Easyasever,hepickeduphisbeertofinishitoff.“That’syourbusybrain,alwaysthinkingwhat’snextandnotlettingtherestofyouhavethemoment.”

“Amomentpassesintothenext.”

“Exactly.Soifyoudon’tenjoyitbeforeitdoes,what’sthepointofitall?”

“Thepointisseeingclear,andbeingreadyforthenext—andthenextafterit.Andweneedtothinkaboutallofthis,andcarefully.Wecan’tjustjumpintobedbecausewe

bothhaveanitch.Icareaboutyou,andalltheotherstoomuchforthat.”

“There’snothingyoucando,notanything,thatcouldshakemyfriendship.NotevensayingnoonthiswhenIwantyoutosayyesmorethan...well,morethanImightwant.”

Hestoodaswell.“Sowe’llboththinkonit,giveitallalittletimeandseehowwefeel.”

“That’sthebest,isn’tit?It’sjustamatteroftakingtimetocoolitdown,thinkclearsowe’renotleapingintoanimpulsewecouldregret.We’rebothsmartand

steadyenoughtodothat.”“Thenthat’swhatwe’ll

do.”Heofferedahandto

sealthedeal.Mearatookit,shook.

Thentheybothsimplystood,neitherbackingaway,movingforward,orlettinggo.

“Ahhell.We’renot

goingtothinkatall,arewe?”

Heonlygrinned.“Nottonight.”

Theyleapedateachother.

G

10

RAPPLINGWASN’THISUSUALWAY,BUTTHISWASsomething

so...explosivehelost

hisrhythmandstyle.Hegrabbedwhateverhecouldgrab,tookwhateverhecouldtake.Andtherewassomuchofher—histall,curvyfriend.

Heallbutrippedoffhershirttogettomore.

Nostoppingnowforeitherofthem,forhereranneedsandurgesfar

beyondcarefulandrationalthinking.Herewasthemoment,andthenextandthenextwouldhavetowait.

Thisbrightnewhungerforher,justher,mustbefed.

Butnot,herealized,standinginherlivingroomorrollingabouton

thefloor.Hescoopedherup.“OhJesus,don’ttryto

carryme.You’llbreakyourback.”

“Myback’sstrongenough.”Heturnedhisheadtomeethermouthashewalkedtoherbedroom.

Crazy,shethought.They’dbothgone

completelymad.Andshedidn’tgiveasinglebleedingdamn.Hecarriedher,andthoughhispurpose—andhers—washurry,itwasfoolishlyromantic.

Ifhestumbled,well,they’dfinishthingsoutwheretheylanded.

Buthedidn’tstumble.

Hedroppedtothebedwithhersotheoldspringssqueakedinsurprise,gavewithagroantonestlethembothinahollowofmattressandbedding.

Andthosehands,thosemagickhandswerebusyandbeautiful.

Sheusedherowntopullandyankofflayersof

clothesuntil,atlast—Godbepraised—shefoundskin.Warm,smooth—withthegoodfirmmusclesofamanwhousedthem.

Sherolledwithhim,strugglingashedidtostripoffeverybarrier.

“Bloodylayers,”hemuttered,andmadeher

laughasshefoughtwiththebuckleofhisbelt.

“Wewould,bothofus,workoutdoors.”

“Goodthingit’sworththeunwrapping.Ah,thereyouare,”hemurmuredandfilledhishandswithherbarebreasts.

Firmandsoftandgenerous.Beautiful,

bountiful.HecouldwriteanodetothegloryofMearaQuinn’sbreasts.Butatthemoment,hewantedonlytotouchthem,tastethem.Andfeelthewayherheartbeatkickedupfromcantertogallopatthebrushofhisfingers,lips,tongue.

Allthatwasmissing

was...Hebroughtlightinto

thedark,asoft,palegoldlikeherskin.Whenhereyesmethis,hesmiled.

“Iwanttoseeyou.BeautifulMeara.Eyesofagypsy,bodyofagoddess.”

Hetouchedherashespoke.Nograpplingnow;

he’dfoundhisrhythmafterall.Whyrushthroughsomethingsopleasurablewhenhecouldlingeroverit?Hecouldfeastonherbreastshalfalifetime.Thentherewereherlips,softandfull—andaseagerashis.Andhershoulders,strong,capable.Thesurprisingly

sweetstemofherneck.Sensitivethere,justthereunderherjawsosheshiveredwhenhekissedit.

Helovedhowsheresponded—atremble,acatchofbreath,athroatymoan—ashelearnedherbody,inchbylovelyinch.

Outsidesomeone

shoutedoutahalf-drunkengreeting,andfolloweditbyawildlaugh.

Buthere,inthenestofthebed,therewereonlysighs,murmurs,andthequietcreakofthespringsbeneaththem.

He’dtakenthereins,sherealized.Shedidn’t

knowhowithappened,asshe’dnevergiventhemovertoanyoneelse.Butsomewherebetweenthehurryandthepatience,she’dsurrenderedthemtohim.

Hishandsglidedoverherasifhehadcenturiestopetandstrokeandlinger.Theykindledfires

alongthewayuntilherbodyseemedtoshimmerintheheat,toglowunderherskinlikethelighthe’dconjured.

Shelovedthefeelofhim,thelongback,thenarrowhips,thehard,workingman’spalms.Hesmelledofthewoods,earthyandfree,andthe

tasteofhim—lips,skin—wasthesame.

Hetastedofhome.Hetouchedwhereshe

achedtobetouched,tastedwhereshelongedforhislips.Andfoundothersecretplacesshehadn’tknownlongedforattention.Theinsideofherelbow,thebackofher

knee,theinsideofherwrist.Hemurmuredtoher,sweetwordsthatreachedintoherheart.Anotherlighttoglow.

Heseemedtoknowwhentheglowbecameapulse,andthepulseathrobofneed.Soheansweredthatneed,drawingthepleasureup

andupbeforespillingheroverintorelease.

Weakfromit,dazedbythefloodandtheflow,sheclungtohim,triedtorightherself.

“Amoment.Givemeamoment.”

“It’snow,”hesaid.“Itshouldbenow.”

Andslidinsideher.

Tookhermouthashetookher,deepandslow.

Itshouldbenow,hethoughtagain.Forshewasopenforhimtofill.Warmandwetforhim.

Hermoan,asoundofwelcome;herarmsstrongropestobindhimclose.

Sherosetohim,wrappedthoselonglegs

aroundhim.Movedwithhimasifthey’dcometogetherlikethis,justlikethis,overahundredlifetimes.Intheglowhe’dmade,intheglowthatgleamednowfromwhattheymadetogether,hewatchedher.Dubheasa.Dark

beauty.

Watchedheruntilwhattheymadeoverwhelmedhim,andthepleasuredeepeneddarkashereyes.Inthedarkandthelight,hesurrenderedtoherasshehadtohim.Andlethertakehimwithher.

***

SHELAY,BASKING.SHE’DEXPECTED—ONCESHE’DACCEPTEDshewashavingsexwithConnor—arollickingroughandtumble.Insteadshe’dbeen...tended,pleasured,evenseduced,andwithadelicatetouch.

Andhadnocomplaintswhatsoever.

Nowherbodyfeltalllooseandsoftandweakintheloveliestofways.

She’dknownhe’dbegoodatit—Godknewhe’dhadthepractice—butshehadn’tknownhe’dbeabsolutelybloodybrilliant.

Soshecouldsighnowinuttersatisfaction—with

herhandrestingonhisveryfineass.

Justasshesighed,itoccurredtohershecouldn’tpossiblyhavemeasuredup.She’dbeentakenbysurprise,shethought,andsurelyhadn’tdoneherbestwork—sotospeak.

Wasthatwhyhewas

currentlylyingonherlikeadeadman?

Shemovedherhand,notquitesurenowwhattodoorsay.

Hestirred.“Isupposeyou’re

wantingmetogetoffyou.”

“Ah...Well.”Herolled,sprawledon

hisback.Whenhesaidnothingatall,sheclearedherthroat.

“Andwhatnow?”“I’mthinking,”hesaid.

“Thatoncewetakeabitofabreather,wedoitalloveragain.”

“Icandobetter.”“Betterthanwhat?”“ThanIdid.Iwas

takenoff-balance.”Hetrailedafinger

lazilydownherside.“Ifyou’ddonebetter,Imightneedweeksofabreather.”

Unsurewhatthatmightmean,exactly,shepushedupenoughtoseehisface.Sincesheknewwhatasatisfiedmalelookedlike,sherelaxedagain.

“Soitwentwellforyouthen.”

Heopenedhiseyes,lookedintohers.“I’mconsideringhowtoanswerthat,forifItellthetruthyoumightsay:Sinceitwentsowell,that’sallforyoutonight.AndIwantyouagainbeforeI’veevencaughtmy

breath.”Heslidanarmunder

her,drewherover,cuddledherinsotheywerenosetonose.“Anddiditgowellforyou?”

“I’mconsideringhowtoanswerthat,”shesaidandmadehimgrin.

“I’vemissedseeingyounaked.”

“Youhaven’tseenmenakedbeforetonight.”

“SurehaveyouforgottenthenightyouandmeandBrannaandBoyleandFinsnuckoutandawaytoswimintheriver?”

“Wenever—Oh,that.”Content,shetangledupherlegswithhis.“Iwas

nomorethannine,yougit!”

“Butnakedallthesame.I’llsayyougrewupandaroundverywellindeed.”Heranahanddownherback,overherass,leftitthere.“Verywellindeed.”

“Andyouyourself,ifmemoryservesme,were

builtlikeapunystick.You’vedonewellyourself.Wehadfunthatnight,”sheremembered.“Frozeourarses,thelotofus,butitwasgrand.Innocent,allofus,andnotaworryintheworld.Buthe’dhavebeenwatchingus,eventhen.”

“No.”Connortouched

afingertoherlips.“Don’tbringhimhere,nottonight.”

“You’reright.”Shebrushedahandthroughhishair.“Howmany,doyouthink,arewherewearetonightwhohaveallthoseyearsandmemoriesbetweenthem?”

“Notmany,Iexpect.”

“Wecan’tlosethat,Connor.Wecan’tlosewhatwearetoeachother,toBranna,toall.Wehavetoswearanoathonit.Wewon’tloseevenabreathofthefriendswe’veeverbeen,whateverhappens.”

“ThenI’llswearittoyou,andyoutome.”Hetookherhand,interlaced

hisfingerswithhers.“Asacredoath,nevertobebroken.Friendswe’veeverbeen,andeverwillbe.”

Shesawthelightglowingthroughtheirjoinedfingers,feltthewarmthofit.“Iswearittoyou.”

“AndItoyou.”He

kissedherfingers,thenhercheek,thenherlips.“Ishouldtellyousomethingelse.”

“Whatisit?”“I’vemybreathback

now.”Andwhenshelaughed,

herolledbackontopofher.

***

SHE’DSHAREDBREAKFASTWITHHIMBEFORE,COUNTLESStimes.Butneveratthelittletableinherflat—andneveraftersharingtheshowerwithhim.

Hecouldcounthimselflucky,shedecided,that

she’dpickedupsomenicecroissantsfromthecafewhenshe’dgottendessertforhermother.

Alongwiththemshemadeherusualstandby—oatmeal—whilehedealtwiththeteaasshehadn’tanycoffeeinthepantry.

“We’retomeettonight,”heremindedher,

andbitintoacroissant.“Thesearebrilliant.”

“Theyare.Idon’tstepfootintothecafeoftenasI’dbuyadozenofeverything.I’llgobythecottagestraightfromthestables,”sheadded.“AndhelpBrannawiththecookingifIcan.It’sgoodwe’remeetingregular

now,thoughIdon’tknowasanyofussuddenlyhadageniusideaonwhattodo,exactly,andwhentodoit.”

“Well,we’rethinking,andtogether,sosomethingwillcome.”

Hebelievedit,andthecroissantsonlyhelpedboosthisoptimism.

“Whydon’tItakeyoutothestablesonmyway,andjustfetchyouwhenwe’rebothdone?It’dsaveyouthepetrol,andseemsfoolishforustoeachtakeourlorries.”

“Thenyou’dhavetobringmehomeafter.”

“Thatwasthecannypartofmyplan.”He

heftedhisteaasiftoastinghimself.“I’llbringyouback,staywithyouagainifthat’sallright.Oryoucouldjuststayatthecottage.”

Shedownedteahe’dmadestrongenoughtobreakstone.“WhatwillBrannathinkofthis?”

“We’llbefindingout

soonenough.Wewouldn’thideitfromher,eitherofus,evenifwecould.Whichwecouldn’t,”headdedwithaneasyshrug,“asshe’llknow.”

“They’llallneedtoknow.”Nopoint,Mearadecided,beingdelicateaboutitall.“It’sonly

right.Notjustbecausewe’refriendsandfamily,butbecausewe’reacircle.Whatwearetoeachother...that’sthecircle,isn’tit?”

Hescannedherfaceasshepushedoatmealaroundinherbowl.“Itshouldn’tworryyou,Meara.We’vearightto

bewitheachotherthiswayaslongaswebothwantit.Nonewhocareforuswouldthinkorfeelotherwise.”

“That’sright.Butthenasfarasmyotherfamily—mybloodkin—I’dassoonnotbringthemintoit.”

“That’sforyoutosay.”

“It’snotthatI’mashamedofit,Connor,youmustn’tthinkthat.”

“Idon’tthinkthat.”Hiseyebrowsliftedashetookaspoonfulofheroatmeal,broughtituptohermouthhimself.“Iknowyou,don’tI?WhywouldIthinkthat,knowingyou?”

“That’sanadvantagebetweenus.It’sthatmymotherwouldstartfussing,andinvitingyoutodinner.Icouldn’ttakeanotherkitchendisasterontheheelsofthelast—andmyfinancescan’ttakeabiggertabatRyan’sHotel.Inanycase,she’llbeoffforhervisitwith

Maureensoon—andunlessthat’safreshdisaster,it’llbeapermanentmove.”

“You’llmissher.”“I’dlikethechance

to.”Shehuffedoutabreath,butatesomeoatmealbeforehetookitintohisheadtofeedheragain.“Andthatsounds

mean,butit’spuretruth.IthinkI’dhaveabettertimewithheriftherewassomedistance.And...”

“And?”“Ihadamoment

yesterday,whileIwasrushingoverthere,notsurewhatI’dfind.Isuddenlythought,whatifCabhan’sbeenather,as

he’dbeenatme?Itwasfoolish,ashe’snoreasonto,andneverhas.ButIthoughtaswellofwhatyousaidaboutfeelingbetterknowingyourparentswereawayfromthis.I’llresteasierknowingthataboutmymother.Thisisforustodo.”

“Andsowewill.”

***

HEDROPPEDHEROFFATTHESTABLES,THENCIRCLEDaroundtogohomeandchangeoutofyesterday’sworkclothes.

HefoundBranna

alreadyup—notdressedforthedayasyet,buthavinghercoffeewithSorcha’sspellbookonceagainopeninfrontofher.

“Well,goodmorningtoyou,Connor.”

“Andtoyou,Branna.”Shestudiedhimover

therimofhermug.“AndhowisourMearathisfine

morning?”“She’swell.I’vejust

droppedheratthestables,butwantedtochangebeforeIwenttowork.Andwantedtoseehowyoufaredaswell.”

“I’mfitandfine,thoughIcansayyoulookfitterandfiner.You’vehadbreakfastItakeit?”

“Ihave,yes.”Buthelikedthelooksoftheglossygreenapplesshe’dputinabowl,andtookone.“Doesthisbotheryou,Branna?Mearaandmyself?”

“WhywoulditwhenIloveyouboth,andhaveseenthepairofyoucarefultoskirtroundthe

edgesofwhatmybrilliantbraindeducesoccurredlastnight—foryears.”

“Ineverthoughtofherinthatwaybefore...Before.”

“Youdid,buttoldyourselfnotto,whichisdifferententirely.You’dneverhurther.”

“OfcourseIwouldn’t.”

“Andshe’dnevermeantohurtyou.”Which,Brannathought,wasanotherthingdifferententirely.“Sexispowerful,andIthinkwillonlyaddtothestrengthandpowerofthecircle.”

“Obviously,weshould’vejumpedintobedbeforethis.”

Sheonlylaughed.“Thepairofyouhadtobewillingandwanting.Sexonlytotakepower?That’saselfishact,anddamagingintheend.”

“Icanpromisewewerebothwillingandwanting.”Hebitintotheapple,whichtastedastartandcrispasitlooked.

“Andit’soccurringtomeIleftyouonyourownlastnight.”

“Don’tinsultme.”Brannabrushedthataside.“Icanmorethantakecareofmyselfandourhome,asyouwellknow.”

“Idoknowit.”Hepickedupthepottotopoffhercoffee.“AndstillI

don’tlikeleavingyouonyourown.”

“I’velearnedtotolerateahousefulofpeople,evenenjoyit.ButasyouknowmeyouknowIprizebeingonmyowninaquiethouse.”

“AsI’dswitchtheprizeandtoleratearound,it’sawonderwecame

fromthesameparentsattimes.”

“Itmaybeyouwereleftonthedoorstepandtakeninoutofpity.Butyou’rehandyenoughtohavearoundwhenafaucet’sdrippingoradoorsqueaks.”

Hepulledherhair,crunchedhisapple.“Still,

youcan’taskustogiveyouthatquietandalonetoooftentillthisisdone.”

“SureIwon’t.I’maftermakingbeefbourguignonforthehordeofustonight.”

Heraisedhiseyebrows.“Fancy.”

“I’minthemoodforfancy,andyou’llsee

someonebringssomegoodredwine,andplentyofit.”

“ThatI’lldo.”Hetossedtheapplecoreinthecompostpail,walkedover,kissedthetopofherhead.“Iloveyou,Branna.”

“Iknowit.Goonandchangeyourclothes

beforeyou’relateforwork.”

Whenheleft,shesatlookingawayandoutthewindow.Shewantedhimhappy,moreeventhanshewantedhappinessforherself.Andyet,knowinghewasonhiswaytofindingwhathedidn’tyetknowhewantedmadeher

feelsopainfullyalone.Sensingit,Kathelrose

frombeneaththetable,laidhisheadinherlap.Soshesat,strokingthedog,andreturnedtoporingoverthespellbook.

***

IONASTEPPEDINTOTHETACKROOMWHEREMEARAorganizedtheequipmentneededforherfirstguidedrideofthemorning.

“It’scomingtimeforanothergoodgoing-overofeverythinginhere,”Mearasaidcheerfully.“I’mtakingoutapartyoffour,twobrothersand

theirwiveswho’vecometoAshfordforabigfamilyweddingontheweekend.Theirnieceitis,havingtheweddingatBallintubberAbbey,whereyouandBoylewillmarrynextspring,thenbacktoAshfordthey’llallcomeforthereception.”

“YouandConnorhad

sex.”Mearalookedup,and

blinkingdramaticallybegantopatherselffrontandback.“AmIwearingasignthen?”

“You’vebeensmilingallmorning,andsinging.”

“I’vebeenknowntosmileandsingwithouthavingsexbeforehand.”

“Youdon’tsingthewholetimeyou’remuckingstalls.Andyoulookreally,reallyrelaxed,whichyouwouldn’t,withoutsex,afteradaylikeyouhadyesterday.SinceyoukissedConnor,youhadsexwithhim.”

“Somepeopleareknowntokisswithout

havingsex.Anddon’tyouhavealessonintheringontheschedule?”

“Ihavefiveminutes,andthisisthefirsttimeIcouldcatchyoualone.UnlessyouwantBoyletoknow.Itwaswonderful,itwasgoodoryouwouldn’tlooksohappy.”

“Itwaswonderfuland

good,andit’snotasecret.ConnorandIbothagree—aswe’reacircle,andsomethinglikethiscanchangematters,thoughitwon’t—allshouldknowwe’retogetherthatway.Rightnow.”

Shegatheredreins,bit,saddle,blanket.“Soweare.”

“You’regoodtogether—You’rehappy,”Ionaadded,haulingupmoretackherselfandfollowingMearaout.“Soyou’regoodtogether.Whydoyousayrightnow?”

“Becauserightnowisrightnow,andwhoknowswhattomorrowmightbe?YouandBoylecanlook

forward—you’rebothbuiltthatway.”ShesteppedintoMaggie’sstall,themareshe’dchosenforoneofthewomen.“I’maday-at-a-timesortonmatterslikethis.”

“AndConnor?”“I’veneverknownhim

tobeotherwiseonany

matter.That’sforCaesar.JustleaveitthereandI’lltendtoit.Youhavealesson.”

“Atleasttellme,wasitromantic?”

“You’vesuchasoftheart,Iona,butIcantellyouitwas.Andthatwasunexpected,andreallylovely.”Foramoment,

justamoment,sheleanedhercheekagainstMaggie’ssoftneck.“Ithought,well,onceitwasclearweweregoingforward,we’djusttearin.But...hemadetheroomglow.Andmewithit.”

“That’sbeautiful.”Ionasteppedin,huggedMearahard.“Just

beautiful.NowI’mhappy,too.”

IonaledAlastar,herbig,beautifulgray,alreadysaddledandwaiting,outofhisstall,towardthering.SmiledassheheardMearasingingagain.

“She’sinlove,”Ionamurmuredtoherhorse,

andrubbedhisstrongneck.“Shejustdoesn’tknowityet.”WhenAlastarnuzzledher,shelaughed.“Iknow,she’sstillglowingsome.Isawit,too.”

Mearaswitchedtohummingassheledhorsestothepaddock,loopedreinsaroundthe

fence.Sheturnedtogobackforthelast,spottedBoylebringingRufusalong.

“Thanksforthat.SinceIona’sgotalessongoinginthering,I’lltakethegrouparoundthepaddockabit,besurethey’reasexperiencedastheysaybeforewestartoff.”

Shelookedup.“It’safineday,isn’tit?It’snicethey’vebookedafullhour.”

“Andwe’vejusthadsomeoneelseringuptobookanotherfour-groupfornoon.Thiswedding’sbringingthemalong.”

“Icantakethataswell.”Shehadenergy

enoughtorideandmuckandgroomalldayandhalfthenight.“Ioweyoufortakingsomuchtimeawayyesterday.”

“Wewon’tstartowingaroundhere,”hesaid,“butitwouldhelpifyoucouldasIona’sgottwoathalften,Mick’sdoingalessonateleven,andwith

Pattyatthedentistthismorning,andDeborahbookedforoneo’clock,we’reabitsqueezed.Still,Icoulddoitmyself.”

“Youhatedoingtheguideds,andIdon’tmindatall.”Shegavehimapatonthecheek,hadhimgivingherahardstare.

“You’reacheerfulsort

thismorning.”“Andwhywouldn’tI

be?”sheaskedasfourpeoplestrolledtowardthestables.“It’sabrightdayatlast,mymother’sgoingforalongvisitwithastrongpotentialofapermanentmovetoMaureen’s,andIhadhotandbrilliantsexwith

Connorlastnight.”“It’sgoodyour

mother’shavingavisitwith—What?”

MearahadtosmotherasnortatthewayBoyle’smouthhungopen.“IhadsexwithConnorlastnight,andthismorningaswell.”

“You...”Hetrailed

off,shovedhishandsinhispockets,soabsolutelyBoyleshecouldn’tresistpattinghischeekagain.

“Isuspecthe’scheerfulhimself,butyoucanaskhimyourselfatthefirstopportunity.It’stheMcKinnons,isit?”Mearacalledoutasshewent,smilingalltheway,to

meethermorninggroup.Inshortorder,withthe

paperworkdone,andherignoringBoyle’squestioningstares,shehadhergroupoutfittedandmounted.

“Wellnow,Icanseeyouallknowwhatyou’reabout,”shesaidwhenthey’dwalkedandtrotted

aroundthepaddock.Sheopenedthegateforthem,mountedQueenBee.

“You’vepickedafinemorning,andthere’snobetterwaytoseewhatyou’llseethanonthebackofahorse.AndhowareyouenjoyingyourstayatAshford?”shebegan,slidingintoeasysmall

talkassheledthemawayfromthestables.

Sheansweredquestions,letthemchatamongthemselves,turnedinthesaddlenowandagainjusttocheck—andtoletthemknowtheyhadherattention.

Itwaslovely,shethought,toridethrough

thewoodswiththeskyblueoverhead,withtheearthyperfumesofautumnwaftingonthesoftandprettybreeze.ThescentsremindedherofConnor,hadhersmilebrightening.

Thentherehewas,outandaboutwithhisowngrouponahawkwalk.He

woreaworkvestbutnocapsohishairdancedaroundhisface,teasedbythatsoftandprettybreeze.Heshotheragrinashebaitedhisclient’sglove,andthewifereadiedhercamera.

“Familyofyours?”MearaaskedashergroupandConnor’scalledoutto

eachother.“Cousins—our

husbands’.”Thewoman—Deirdre—moveduptoridebesideMearaforamoment.“Wetalkedabouttryingthehawkwalkourselves.”

“Sureandyoushould.It’sawonderfulexperiencetotakeback

withyou.”“Doallthefalconers

looklikethatone?”“Oh,thatwouldbe

Connorwhorunstheschool.Andhe’soneofakind.”Ihadsexwithhimbeforebreakfast,shethought,andshotagrinofherownbackathimassheledhergroupon.

“Connor,”sheheardthewomansayasshefellinbehindMeara.“Jack,weshouldallbookthathawkwalk.”

Underthecircumstances,Mearacouldn’tblameher.

Sheledthemalongtheriver,enjoyedthem,enjoyedtheride.Shetook

themdeepintothegreenwheretheshadowsthickened,andoutagainwherethatblueskyshoneoverthetrees.

Whenshebegantocirclethemback,shesawthewolf.

Justashadowintheshadows,withitspawssunkintomist.Thestone

arounditsneckgleamedlikeaneyeevenasthewolfitselfseemedtowaverlikeavapor.

Herhorsetrembledunderher.“Steadynow,”shemurmured,keepinghergazeonthewolfasshestrokedQueenBee’sneck.“Youbesteadynowandtherestwillfollow

yourlead.You’rethequeen,remember.”

Thewolfpacedthem,comingnocloser.

Birdsnolongersanginthewoods;squirrelsnolongerracedbusilyalongthebranches.

MearatookthenecklaceConnorhadgivenherfromunderher

sweater,helditoutalittlesothestonescaughtthelight.

Behindher,hergroupchattedaway,oblivious.

Thewolfshoweditsfangs;Mearaputahandontheknifesheworeonherbelt.Ifitcame,shewouldfight.Protectthepeoplesheguided,the

horses,herself.Shewouldfight.Thehawkdived—from

theblue,throughthegreen.

Mearanomorethanblinked,andtheshadowofthewolfwasgone.

“Oh,there’soneofthehawks!”Deidrepointedtothebranchwherethebird

perchednow,wingsfolded.“Didhegetloose?”

“No,notatall.”Mearasteadiedherself,puthersmilebackinplaceassheturnedinthesaddle.“That’sConnor’sownRoibeard,havingabitoffunbeforegoingbacktotheschool.”

Sheliftedherhandtothenecklaceagain,androdeeasilyoutofthewoods.

T

11

HEMINUTEHECOULDGETAWAY,CONNORDROVEaroundtothe

stables.Toomanypeople

abouttotalk,hedecidedimmediately,butwithMearachattingwithagroupshe’djustguidedback,atleastheknewjustwhereshewasandwhatshewasdoing.

HetrackedBoyledowninthestalls,givingCaesararubdown.

“Busydays,”Boyle

said.“Thiswedding’sbroughtinasmuchbusinessaswecanhandle.”

“Andthesameforus.We’veourlasttwohawkwalksofthedaygoingnow.”

“We’vetwooutourselves,thoughMearashouldbebackanytime.”

“She’sjustback.”Absently,ConnorstrokedthebiggeldingasBoylebrushedhimout.“Canyousetherloose,ordoyouneedherlongertoday?”

“We’vetheeveningfeedingsyet,andIona’satthebigstablesonalesson.”

“You’llkeepherclosethen?I’llrunbackandsettlemyownbusinessfortheevening.IsFinwithIona?”

“He’shomeifthat’swhatyou’remeaning,andsettotakehertoyourplacewhenthey’rebothdone.”Connor’stonehadBoylesettingthe

currycombaside.“There’saworry.Whatisit?”

“Cabhan.Hewasouttoday,stalkingMearaonherguided.Andmyselfabit.Nothingcameofit,”ConnorsaidwhenBoylecursed.“Andhewasn’tquitethere—notfullyphysically.”

“Washethereor

wasn’the?”Boyledemanded.

“Hewas,butmoreashadow.It’sanewthing,andsomethingtodiscusstonightwhenwe’realltogether.ButI’dfeeleasierifIknewyouwerewithheruntilI’mdone.”

“I’llkeepherwithme.”Boylepulledouthis

phone.“AndbesureFindoesthesamewithIona.AndBranna?”

“Roibeard’skeepingawatchonall,andMerlin’swithhim.ButI’llbehappieraltogetherwhenthesixofusaretogetherathome.”

***

ITTOOKNEARANHOURTOSETTLETHEBIRDSFORTHEnight,andclearupsomepaperworkKyraleftmeaningfullyonhisdesk.Hetookmoretimetoaddyetanotherlayerofprotectionaroundtheschool.Cabhanhadgotten

intothestablesonce.Hemighttryforthehawks.

Bythetimehe’ddoneallthatneededdoing,lockeduptight,thebrightnesshadgoneoutoftheday.Justshorterdays,hethoughtashestoodamoment,openedhimself.Hefeltnothreat,nowatchfulpresence.Helet

himselfreachouttoRoibeard,joinwiththehawk—andsawclearlythestables,thewoods,thecottage,peacefulbelow,throughhishawk’seyes.

TherewasMick,squatasasparkplug,climbingintohislorry,givingawaveoutthewindowtoPattiasthegirlswung

ontoherbike.Andthere,spread

belowhim,Fin’sgrandstonehouse,andthefieldsandpaddocks.IonasoaringoverajumpwithAlastar.

Ashortglide,soaringonthewindand,below,Brannapickingherbsinherkitchengarden.She

straightened,lookedup,looked,itseemed,rightintohiseyes.

Andshesmiled,liftedahandbeforetakingherherbsinsidewithher.

All’swell,Connortoldhimself,andthoughtherewasalwaysjustahintofregret,camefullybacktoearth.Satisfied,he

climbedintothelorry.Hedrovearoundtothe

stables—andfeltawarmhuminhisbloodashewatchedMearacomeoutwithBoyle.Shewasabeautyforcertain,hethought,anearthyoneinaroughjacketandworkpants,andbootsthathadlikelyseenhundredsof

kilometers,onthegroundandonhorseback.

Later,he’dhavethepleasureofremovingthosewornboots,thoseridingpants.Andunwindingthatthickbraidsohecouldsurroundhimselfwithwavesofbrownhair.

“Boyle,areyou

wantingalift?”hecalledthroughtheopenwindow.

“Thanks,butno.I’llfollowyouover.”

Soheleanedleft,shovedthedooropenforMeara.

Shejumpedin,smellingofhorsesandgrainandsaddlesoap.“ChristJesus,thiswasa

dayandahalfshovedintoone.TheMcKinnonpartyisleavingnostoneunturned.We’vegotgroupsofthemcomingtomorrowupthroughtwoo’clock,withthewedding,I’mtold,atfive.”

“Thesameforus.”Sinceshemadeno

move,heputahandon

thebackofherhead,drewheroverforakiss.“Goodeveningtoyou.”

“Andtoyou.”Herlipscurved.“Iwonderedifyou’dfeelalittleoffcenterafterthinkingitoverforaday.”

“Notmuchtimetothink,butI’mbalancedwellandgood.”

Heturnedthelorry,headedawayfromthestableswithBoylefallinginbehind.

“Didyouseethewolf?”heaskedher.

“Idid,yes.Boylecouldn’tsaymuchaswehadthecrewaboutnearlytillyoucame,buthesaidyoudidaswell.Butas

withme,itwasmoreashadow.”

Sheshiftedtofacehim,frowned.“Still,notonlyashadow,ashebaredhisfangs,andIsawthemclear,andtheredstone.DidyousendRoibeard?”

“Ididn’thaveto;hewenttoyouonhisown.ButIknewfromhimthe

wolfonlykeptpacewithyouforaminuteortwo.”

“Enoughforthehorsestosenseit.Mybiggestworry,totellthetruth,wasthatthehorseswouldspook.Whichtheymighthavedone,butIhadagroupofexperiencedriders.Andtheythemselves?Theysawand

sensednothing.”“I’vebeenthinkingon

thewhysandhowsofthat.IwanttoseewhatBrannaandFinandIonahavetosay.AndIwanttoaskyoutostaytonightatthecottage.”

“Idon’thavemythings,”shebegan.

“Youhavethingsatthe

cottage,enoughtogetyouthrough.Youcanthinkofitasustakingturns.Staytonight,Meara.Sharemybed.”

“Areyouaskingbecauseyouwantmetoshareyourbed,orbecauseyou’reworriedaboutmebeingonmyown?”

“Itwouldbeboth,but

ifyouwon’tstay,I’llbesharingyourbed.”

“That’safineanswer,”shedecided.“Itworkswellforme.I’llstaytonight.”

Hetookherhand,leanedtowardherwhenhestoppedthelorryinfrontofthecottage.Andcouldalreadyfeelthekiss

movingthroughhimbeforetheirmouthsmet.

Thelorryshookasiffromaquake,joltedasthewolfpounced.

Itsnarled,eyesandstonegleamingred,thenwithahowlechoingwithtriumph,leapedoff.Andwasgone.

“HolyJesus!”Meara

managedaninstantbeforeConnorshovedoutofthelorry.“Wait,wait.Itmightstillbeoutthere.”Sheyankedatherowndoor,shoved,butitheldfirmagainsther.

“Goddamnit,Connor.Goddamnit,letmeout.”

HeonlyflickedheraglanceasRoibeardlanded

lightasdownonhisshoulder.

Inthatmoment,inthatglance,itwaslikelookingatastranger,onesparkingwithpowerandrage.Lightswirledaroundhim,likeacurrentthatwouldsurelyshocktothetouch.

She’dknownhimthewholeofherlife,she

thoughtasherbreathbackedupinherlungs,butshe’dneverseenhimtruly,fullyuntilthatmomentwhenthefullforceandfuryofwhatraninhisbloodrevealeditself.

ThenBrannarushedfromthehouse,withKathelthunderingout

withher.Herhair,ravenblack,flewbehindher.Shehadashortswordinonehand,aballofhotbluefireformingintheother.

Mearasawtheireyesmeet,hold.Inthatexchangeshesawabondshecouldnevershare,neverreallyknow.Not

justofpowerandmagick,butofbloodandpurposeandknowledge.

Thereshesawakinshipthatrandeeper,widereventhanlove.

Beforeshe’dcaughtherbreathagain,Fin’sfancycarspunup.HeandIonaboltedfromeitherside.Sothefourofthem

stood,united,formingacircle,onewherethelightundulatedandspreaduntilitstunghereyes.

Itdiedaway,anditwasonlyherfriends,herlover,standinginfrontoftheprettycottagewithitsblazeofflowers.

Nowwhenshepushedatthedoor,itsprangopen

—andshesprangout.Shemarchedstraightto

Connor,shovedhimhardenoughtoknockhimbackastep.“Don’tyoueverlockmeinoroutagain.Iwon’tbeclosedoffortuckedawaylikesomeonehelpless.”

“I’msorry.Iwasn’tthinkingclear.Itwas

wrongofme,andI’msorryforit.”

“You’venoright,norighttoclosemeoutofit.”

“Orme,”Boylesaid,hisfaceripewithfury,whenhestrodeupbesideher.“BegratefulIdon’tbreakyourheadforit.”

“It’sgratefulIam,and

sorryaswell.”Mearasawforthefirst

timeAlastarhadcome—hemusthaveallbutflownfromthestables.Sotherewashorse,hawk,andhound;thedarkwitchesthree;andthebloodofCabhan,withhisownhawkstandingnowwithRoibeardonthebranchof

anearbytree.Andtherewasherself

andBoyle.“We’reacircleor

we’renot.”“Weare.”Connortook

herhands,grippedthemonlytighterwhenshestartedtoyankthemfree.“Weare.Itwaswrongofme.Ijumpedstraightinto

thefuryofit,andthatwaswrongaswell.Andfoolish.Ishutyououtofit,bothofyou,andthatshowedyounorespect.I’llsayagain,I’msorryforit.”

“Allrightthen.”Boyleshovedathishair.“BloodyhellIcoulddowithabeer.”

“Goonin,”Brannatoldhim,glancedaroundattheothers.“Helpyourselftowhatyouwant.IneedamomentwithMeara.AmomentwithMeara,”sherepeatedwhenConnorcontinuedtogripMeara’shands.“Go,haveabeerandopenthewineFinshould’ve

broughtwithhim.”“AndsoIdid.”Finwenttohiscar,

fetchedoutthreebottles.“Comeonthen,Connor.Wecouldalldowithadrinkafterthisday.”

“Yeah.”WithsomereluctanceConnorreleasedMeara’shands,wentinsidewithhis

friends.“I’veeveryrighttobe

pissed,”Mearabegan,andfoundherhandstakenagain.

“Youdo,yes,youdo,butnotonlywithConnor.IneedtotellyouthatwhenIranoutside,Iknewatoncewhathe’ddone,andIwasrelieved.I’m

sorryforit,butIcan’tlethimtakefullblame.”

Stunned,andwoundedtothecore,MearastaredatBranna.“DoyouthinkbecauseBoyleandIdon’thavewhatyouhave,aren’twhatyouare,wecan’tfightwithyou?”

“Ithinknothingofthekind,nordoesConnor.Or

Iona,andIimagineshe’llbemakingthissameconfessiontoBoyle.”WhenBrannaletoutabreath,thesoundofitwasregret.

“Itwasamoment,Meara,andtheweaknesswasonourpart,notyours.Youfoughtwithusonthesolstice,andIdon’twant

tothinkwhatmighthavehappenedwithoutyou,withoutBoyle.Butforamoment,intherushofit,Ionlythought,ah,they’llbesafe.Thatwasmyweakness.Itwon’thappenagain.”

“I’mstillmadaboutit.”

“Idon’tblameyoua

bitforthat.Butcomeinside,we’llhavesomewineandtalkaboutallofit.”

“Therewasnothingweakaboutthefourofyou,”Mearasaid,butshestartedinsidewithBranna.“Thepowerofyoutogetherwasblinding.AndConnoralone,before

youcame...Isawhimonthesolstice,butthatwasabluroffearandactionandviolenceallatonce.I’veneverseenhimashewasforthatmomentyouspeakof.Alone,withthehawkonhisshoulder,andsofullofwhatheis...radiantIsupposeistheword,thoughitseems

toosoftandbenignforit.IthoughtifItouchedhimnowitwouldburn.”

“He’sslowtoanger,ourConnor,asyouknow.Whenhereachesit,it’sfierce—butneverbrutal.”

BeforeBrannashutthedoorshetookalonglastlookatthewoods,attheroad,attheblazeof

flowersalonghercottageskirts.ShewentwithMearabacktothekitchenwherethewinewasopen,andtheairsmelledoftherich,silkysauceshe’dspentagoodchunkofherdaypreparing.

“It’sneartoready,”sheannouncedandtookthewineFinpouredher.

“Sothelotofyoucanmakeyourselfusefulgettingthetableset.”

“Itsmellsamazing,”Ionacommented.

“Becauseitis.Wecantalkaboutallofthiswhilewefeast.Connor,there’sbreadwrappedinthecloththere.”

Hegotit,setitout,

turnedtoMeara.“AmItobeforgiven?”

“Ihaven’tgottenthereyet.ButI’mmovinginthatgeneraldirection.”

“ThenI’llbegratefulforthat.”

Brannaservedthebeefbourguignononalongplattershowcasingtheherbedbeefand

vegetablesinthedarksauce,surroundedbyroastednewpotatoesandgarnishedwithsprigsofrosemary.

“Itreallyisafeast,”Ionamarveled.“Itmusthavetakenhours.”

“Itdid,sonoone’sallowedtoboltitdown.”Brannaladleditherself

intoherprettyshallowbowlsbeforeshesat.“Andso,allofushavehadadayortwo.”Shespreadhernapkinacrossherlapbeforespooningupthefirstsample.“Meara,youshouldbegin.”

“Well,Isupposeweallknowwherewewere

beforethismorning,butwe’venotbeentogethertotalkovertoday.Iwasguidingagroupoffour,andinfact,werodebyConnor,whohadagroupofhisown.Itookthemaroundthelongestrouteweuse,evenletthemhaveabitofatrothereandthere,astheywereall

solidhorsemen.Itwaswhenwe’dcircledback,andwerecomingthroughthewoods,thenarrowtrailnow.Isawthewolfinthetrees,watching,keepingpace.But...”

Shesearchedforthewords.“Hewasliketheshadowsthatplaythere,whenthesundapples

throughtheleaves.Moreformedthanthat,butnotformed.IfeltIcouldalmostseethroughhim,thoughIcouldn’t.Thehorsessaworsensed,Icouldn’tsaywhich,buttheridersbehindme,theydidn’t.Theykeptontalkingtogether,evenlaughing.Itwasnomore

thanaminute,andRoibeardflewin.Thewolf,itdidn’trunawaysomuchasfadeaway.”

“Aprojection,”Finsuggested.

“Notintheusualway.”Asheate,Connorshookhishead.“AsIsawitaswell.Ashadow’sclose.Mysensewasof

somethingnotquitehere,notquitethere.Notashewasoutsidehere,notathingwithweightandfullform,butwithpowernonetheless.”

“Somethingnewthen,”Finconsidered.“Balancingbetweentwoplanes,orshiftingbetweenthem,ashecan

shifttimeatSorcha’scabin.”

“Itpullsfromhimthough.Ifyouwatchthestone,hispowersource,itebbsandflows.”MearaglancedatConnorforconfirmation.

“That’strueenough,butaswithanyskill,thepowerofitgrowsasyou

honeit.”“TheMcKinnons,the

peopleIguided,”Mearacontinued,“theysawnothing.”

“Tothemhewasashadow,”Finsaid.“Nothingmore.”

“Ashadowspell.”Brannaconsideredit.“I’veseenathingortwo

inSorcha’sbookthatmightbeuseful.”

“Anddidyougetthewayofthisfromherbook?”Finaskedasheate.“Forit’smagick.I’vehadthisdishatatonyrestaurantinParis,anditdidn’tmatchyours.”

“Itturnedoutwell.”“It’sbrilliant,”Boyle

said.“Itis,”Brannasaid

withalaugh.“Ittakesforeverasthesauceisfussy,andnotsomethingI’lldooften.Buttodayitgavemetimetothinkinthebackofmybrain.He’spushingatMearanowashedidwithIonabefore.Testingtheedgeofthings,

wecouldsay.Andit’sMeara,Ithink,because,intruth,it’sConnorhewantstotakearunat.”

“Hewentfortheboyfirst.”Finsippedwineasheconsidered.“Aboy,aneasytargethemightthink.Buttogether,Connorandtheboyhurthim,drovehimawayagain.Andthat

wouldbe...disappointing.”

“Sohe’safterabitofrevenge,”Boylecontinued.“AndgotagoodlickinwhenhetookConnoron.Butonlyalickcometothat.AndnexthetakesaimatMeara.”

“AftersheandConnorhadtheirhottimeinthe

lorry,”Ionapointedout.“Thepowerofakiss.”

“Oh,forpity’ssake,”Mearamuttered.

“Sureit’strueenough.”Underthetable,ConnordancedhisfingersupMeara’sthighanddownagain.“Andwhenthingsprogressasthingsdo,hecomesagain.Witha

shadowspell.”“Couldhedoharmin

thatformthat’snotaform?”Mearawondered.

“Ithinkyes.AdelicatebalancefromwhatIknow,”Brannaadded.“Andtheconjurerofthespellwouldhavetobeabletoshift—away,orintofullformquickly—

withoutlosingthatdelicatebalance.”

“Ifhecandothat,whydidn’thecomeatmetoday?Ihadaknife,andI’mnothelpless,butitwould’vebeenhisadvantageI’dthink.”

“Hewantstounnerveyoumorethancauseyouharm,”Fintoldher.

“Hurtingyougiveshimsomesatisfaction,ofcourse,ascausingharmfeedshim.Butyou’dbeworthmoretohiminanotherarea.”

“Hewantsyou,”Connorsaidflatly,andwiththebubbleofthatpurerageshe’dseenrippling,“becauseIdo.

Hethinkstoseduceyou—spellbindyouorshakeyouenoughsoyoudon’tfight,butrunorplead—”

Hereyesfired,blacksuns.“Neitherofthosewilleverhappen.”

“Wewon’tunderestimatehim,”Connorsnappedback.“It’swhatheseekssohe

cantakeyou.Andtakingyouthewayheseekswouldharmusall.Heunderstandswe’rebound,butseesitasabindingforpower—onlythat.Takingyoubreaksourcircle.Begratefulhedoesn’tunderstandit’snotjustabindingforpower,butoneofloveandloyalty.Ifhe

understoodthat,thepowerofthat,he’dhuntyouwithoutceasing.”

“You’vecaughthiseye,”Finadded,“asheunderstandssexverywell—thoughwithnoneofitstruepleasuresordepth.It’sanotherkindofpowertohim,andhehasdesireenoughfortheactofit.”

“Sothelastdayortwohasbeenakindof...matingdance?”

“That’snotfarfromthemark,”BrannasaidtoMeara.“Sorchawritesoftheweeksandweekshetriedtoseduceher,bribeher,threatenher,weardownhermindandspirit.Hewantedherpower

withoutquestion,buthewantedherbodyaswell—andhewantedtomakeachildwithher,Ithink.”

“I’dslitmyownthroatbeforeI’dlethimrapeme.”

“Don’tsaythat.”ThebubbleoffuryburstasConnorroundedonher.“Don’teversaysucha

thingagain.”“Don’t.”Ionaspoke

quietlybeforeMearacouldflingwordsback.“Connor’sright.Don’tsaythat.We’llprotectyou.We’reacircle,andweprotecteachother.You’llprotectyourself,butyouneedtotrustustoprotectyou.”

“I’llsaysomethinghere.”Beforehedid,Boylehelpedhimselftoanotherladleofstew.“Thefourofyoucan’tanddon’tfullyunderstandwhatitisforMearaandme.Wehaveourfists,ourwits,ablade,instincts,strategies.Buttheseareordinarythings.I’mnot

afterpokingataspotstillsore,butwhenathoughtfromyoucanlockusaway,outofthemix,itcomeshomewe’veonlythoseordinarythings.”

“Boyle,youhavetoknow—”

FinstoppedIona,alightbrushonherarm.“AndI’llsaysomething

backtothat—asanoutsider.Onestepback,”heinsistedasIonasenthimasorrowfullook.“We’renotthethree,butwiththethree.Anotherdelicatebalancewecouldsay.Whatwebringtothecircleisasvitalastheotherendofthatbalance.Thethreemightthinkit

differentfromtimetotime,andsomewiththethreemightthinkdifferent,butitiswhatitis,andthat’sforusalltorememberandrespect.”

“You’reeatingatmytable,”Brannasaidquietly.“FoodImade.I’vegivenyourespect.”

“Youhave,andI’m

grateful.Butit’scometimeforyoutoopenthedooragain,Branna,andletmeworkwithyouwithoutmehavingtoprythatdooropen.It’sMearawe’respeakingof,andthewholeofitthathangsinthatbalance.”

Branna’sfingerstightenedonthestemof

herwineglass,thenrelaxedagain.“You’reright,andI’msorryforit.AndIseehe’sshakenus.That’savictoryforhim,anditendsnow.”

“Wecan’tunderstandwhatitisnottobewhatweare.Ionawould,Ithink,”Connorcontinued,“aswhatsheis,andhas,

washeldbackfromherforsolong.ButIthinkyou—andyouaswell,Fin—don’tunderstandthatforBrannaandforme,knowingyou’rewithus,whenforFin,goingbacktoParisandhisfinerestaurantwouldbeaneasierchoice,foryou,Meara,andforyou,

Boyle,nothavingpowerbutbeingwithus,isbraverbyfarthangoingonwiththis,asBrannaandI,andnowIonamustdo.Wemust,butyou,allthreeofyouchoose.Wedon’tforgetthat.Don’tthink,don’teverthink,wedo.”

“We’renotlookingfor

gratitude,”Boylebegan.“Well,youhaveit,

wantitornot.Andadmirationaswell,evenifthere’sbeentimes,andwillbeagain,wedon’tshowit.”

Rising,Brannagotanotherbottleofwine,poureditallaround.“Forfeck’ssake,doyouthinkI

spendhourscookingameallikethisformyself?Idofinewithabaconsandwich.Sowe’llallofusstopfeelingsorryforourselves,orsorrytoeachother,andjustbe.”

VerydeliberatelyMearascoopedupmorestew.“It’sagorgeousmeal,Branna.”

“Bloodyrightitis,andunlessallofyouwantnothingbutthatbaconsandwichnexttimeyoucome,we’llsetallthatbusinessaside.Now,whydowethinkCabhanjumpedonthebonnetofConnor’slorry?”

“Imightberiskingthatbaconsandwich,though

they’retastyenough,”Finsaid,“butansweringthat,forwhatIthinkmyself,digsbackintotheotherabit.”

“Answer.”Brannawavedahandintheair.“I’lldecidewhetheryoueatatallnexttime.”

“Hewantedtoseewhatwouldhappen.Hewas

fullyformed.”“Hewas,”Meara

agreed.“Muscle,bone,andblood.”

“Buthewasquickaboutit.Aleapwithoutwarning—whereConnorhadnosenseofit,nordidI,andweweren’tfaroff.Thenaleapback,whereverhe’sbidinghis

time.Butinthattime,whatdidhelearn?”

“I’mnotfollowingyou,”Boylesaid.

“WhatdidheseeConnordo?Getouttofacehimalone—deliberatelyaloneasheclosedyouandMearainside.Protectedyou.AndhesawBrannarunout—

armed,butagainalone—togotoherbrother.”

“ThenIonaandyou,”Mearaadded.

“HewasgonebythetimeIjoined,bythetimewemadethecircle.Watching?”Finshrugged.“Ican’tsayforcertain,butIhadnosenseofhim.”

“NordidI,”ConnorsaidwhenFinglancedathim.

“SoitshowedhimConnor’sfirstinstinctistoprotect.Hiswoman—Oh,don’tbesofragileaboutit,”FinsaidwhenMearasputteredaprotest.“Hiswoman,hisfriend.Movetheriskawayand

protect.Branna’sistogotoConnor’sside,ashiswouldbetogotohers.Butsheprotectsaswell,asshedidn’tmovetoreleaseMearaorBoyletoincreasethenumbers.”

“Itwaswrongofmeaswell,andI’veapologizedtoMearaalready.NowIapologizetoyou,Boyle.”

“We’vecovereditall,andit’sforgotten.”

“Hewon’tforget.”Ionaglancedaround,understanding.“Andhe’llusewhatheknows,trytouseit,workitinsomehow.”

“Sowefindawaytousewhatheknows,orthinksheknows,against

him.”Pleasedwiththeidea,Mearagrinnedaroundthetable.“Howdoweusemetotraphim?”

“Wewon’tbedoingthat.”Connorputafirmcorkinthatideabottle.“Wetriedit,didn’twe,withIona,anditdidn’twork—nearlylosthertohim.”

“Ifatfirstyoudon’tsucceed.”

“Fuckitandtrysomethingelse,”Connorfinished.

“Ichoose.Rememberyourownfinewords.I’llaskyou,”shesaidtoFin.“Isthereawaytousemetolurehim?”

“Ican’tsay—andnot

becauseIdon’twanttotanglewithConnor,orBrannacometothat.Butbecausewe’dallneedtimetothinkitthrough,andcarefully.I’mnomorewillingthanConnortoriskascloseacallaswehadwithIonaonthesolstice.”

“I’venoargumentwith

that.”“We’llthinkonit,and

allmustagreeintheend.”HelookedatConnor,gotanod.“Andwe’llworkonit,usewhatweknow,refinewhatwehad,asitwasclosetothemark.”HelookedatBranna.

“Itwas,asSorcha’spoisonwas.Butneither

finishedhim.Ican’tfindwhatwemissed—andyes,weshouldworktogether.You’veagoodhandwithpotionsandspells.WehaveuntilSamhain.”

“WhySamhain?”Connoraskedher.

“Thebeginningofwinter,theeveofthebeginningoftheyear

itselfforus—theCelts.Ithoughtonthiswhilemakingthismeal.Wethoughtthelongestday—lightoverdark—butIthinkthatwaswrong.Maybethisissomethingwemissed.Samhain,forweneedsometime,butashe’scomingafteroneofussoblatantly,wecan’t

taketoomuchofit.”“OnthenighttheVeil

isthin,”Connorconsidered.“Andwhereit’ssaidnopasswordisneededtomovefromrealmtorealm.Thatcouldbeit,oneofthethingswemissed.Hecanpasseasyaswalkingacrosstheroom.Onthatnight,it

maybewecandothesamewithoutstrugglingfirsttofindwhere,orwhen.”

“ThenightwhenthedeadcometoseekthewarmthoftheSamhainfire,”Finadded,“andthecomfortoftheirbloodkin.”

“Thedead—ghosts

now?”Mearademanded.“Witchesaren’tenoughforusnow.”

“Sorcha,”Brannasaidsimply.

“Ah.Youthinkshecouldcome,addtothepower.Sorcha,andthefirstthreeaswell?”

“It’swhatwe’llthinkon,workon.Ifwe’reall

agreedtoit.”“Ilikeit.”Boylelifted

hisglasstoBranna.“AllHallow’sEveitis.”

“Ifwecanholdhimoffthatlong,andlearnenough,”Brannaqualified.

“Wecan.Wewill,”Connorsaiddecisively.“I’vealwaysbeenpartial

toSamhain—andnotjustforthetreats.Ihadafineconversationoncewithmygreat-grannyonSamhain.”

“Whowasdeadatthetime,Isuppose.”

HewinkedatMeara.“Oh,goneyearsbeforeIwasborn.WhentheVeilthinsI’mabletosee

throughiteasierthanothertimes.Andsincewe’reallthinkinghe’stestingme,inparticular,itmightbeI’mthelurewe’reafter.Andyouthoughtofthat,”hesaidtoFin.

“Itcrossedmymind.We’llthinkagreatdealmore,talkitthrough,and

workcarefully.Icangiveyouallthetimeyouneed,Branna.Atanytime.”

“Noramblingscomingup?”sheaskedcarelessly.

“Nothingthatcan’tbepostponedorputoff.I’mheretillthisisdone.”

“Andthen?”Helookedather,said

nothingforalongbeat.

“Then,we’llseewhatwesee.”

“He’sonlymadeusstronger.”IonatookBoyle’shand.“Familiesfight,andtheymakemistakes.Buttheycancomebackstrongerforit.Wehave.”

“Tosquabblesandfuckupsthen.”

Connorraisedhisglass,therestliftedtheirs,andwithamusicalclink,sealedthetoast.

H

12

EKNEWITFORADREAM.INHISMIND’SEYEHECOULDsee

himself,tuckedwarmand

nakedinbedwithMeara,andcould—ifhedriftedback,feelherheartbeatslowandsteadyagainsthis.

Safeandwarminbed,hethought.

Butashewalkedthewoods,thechillhunginthenightair,andthecloudsthatflirtedwiththe

three-quartermoondeepeneddarkshadows.

“Whatarewelookingfor?”Mearaaskedhim.

“Idon’tknowtillIfindit.Youshouldn’tbehere.”Hestoppedtocupherfaceinhishands.“Stayinbed,sleepsafe.”

“Youwon’tlockmeinoraway.”Firmly,she

grippedhiswrists.“Youpromisedit.Andit’smydreamasmuchasyours.”

Hecouldsendherback,intodreamswhereshewouldn’tremember.Butitwouldbethesameasalie.

“Keepclosethen.Idon’tknowthewayhere.”

“We’renothome.”

“We’renot.”Mearaliftedthesword

shecarriedsothebladecaughtthefilteredlightofthemoon.“DidyougivemetheswordordidIbringitinmyself?”

“Idon’tknowthateither.”Somethingshimmeredoverhisskin,teasedtheedgesofhis

senses.“There’ssomethingintheair.”

“Smoke.”“Aye,andmore.”He

liftedhishand,heldaballoflight.Heuseditasakindoftorch,dispellingshadowstobetterseetheway.

Adeersteppedontotheroughpath,itsracka

crownofsilver,itshideaglimmerofgold.Itstoodamoment,statuestill,asifallowingthemtobaskinitsbeauty,thenturnedandwalkedregallythroughtheswirlofmist.

“Dowefollowthehart?”Mearawondered.“Asinsongandstory?”

“Wedo.”Buthekept

thelightglowing.Thetreesthickened,andtherewasthescentofgreenandearthandsmokeasthehartmovedwithunhurriedgrace.

“Doesthishappenoftenforyou?Thissortofdream?”

“Notoften,butit’snotthefirst—thoughthefirst

I’vehadcompanyfrommysideofthings.There,doyousee?Anotherlightupahead.”

“Barely,butyes.Itcouldbeatrap.Canyoufeelhim,Connor?Isheherewithus?”

“Theair’sfullofmagicks.”Sofullhewonderedshecouldn’t

feelit.“Theblackandthewhite,thedarkandthelight.Theybeatlikepulses.”

“Andcrawlontheskin.”

Soshecouldfeelthem.“Youwon’tgoback?”

“Iwon’t,no.”Butshestayedcloseastheyfollowedtheharttoward

thelight.Connorcasthimself

forward,lethimselfsee.Andmadeouttheshape,thenthefaceintheshadowedlight.

“It’sEamon.”“Theboy?Sorcha’s

son?We’rebackcenturies.”

“Soitseems.He’s

older,stillaboyyet,butolder.”SoConnorcastoutagain,thistimespeakingmindtomind.It’sConnoroftheO’Dwyerswhocomes.Yourblood,yourfriend.

Hefelttheboyrelax—abit.Comethen,andwelcome.Butyouarenotalone.

Ibringmyfriend,andsheisyoursaswell.

Thehartdriftedoffintothedarkasthelightsmerged.Connorsawthelittlecottage,asmalllean-toforhorses,agardenofherbsandmedicinalplants,welltended.

They’dmadealifehere,hethought,Sorcha’s

three.Andagoodone.“Youarewelcome,”

Eamonrepeated,andsethislightasidetoclaspConnor’shand.“Andyou,”hesaidtoMeara.“Ithoughtnottoseeyouagain.”

“Again?”Nowtheboylooked

closer,lookeddeepwith

eyesasblueasthehawk’s-eyestoneheworearoundhisneck.“YouarenotAine?”

“Agoddess?”Mearalaughed.“Noindeed.”

“Notthegoddessbutthegypsynamedforher.Youareverylikeher,butnot,Isee,notheratall.”

“ThisisMeara,my

friend,andyours.Sheisoneofourcircle.Tellme,cousin,howlonghasitbeenforyousinceyousawme?”

“Threeyears.ButIknewIwouldseeyouagain.Thegypsytoldme,andIsawshehadthegift.Shecametotradeonespringmorning,andtold

meshe’dfollowedthemagicksandtheomenstoourdoor.SoshesaidIhadkinfromanothertime,andwewouldmeetagain,inandoutofdreams.”

“Inandout,”Connorconsidered.

“Shesaidwewouldgohomeagain,andmeetourdestiny.Youhaveher

face,mylady,andherbearing.Youcomefromher,shewhocalledherselfAine.SoI’llthankyouasIdidherforgivingmehopewhenIneededit.”

HelookedatConnor.“Itwasafterourfirstwinterhere,andthedarkseemednevertolift.Ipinedforhome,despaired

ofseeingitagain.”He’dgrowntall,

Connorobserved,andconfident.“You’vemadeahomehere.”

“Welive,andwelearn.It’sgoodlandhere,andthewildofitcalls.Butwe,thethree,mustseehomeagainbeforewecanmakeourown,andkeep

it.”“Butit’snottimeyet,

isit?I’lltrustyou’llknowwhenitis.Yoursistersarewell?”

“Theyare,andthankyou.Ihopeyoursisteristhesame.”

“Sheis.We’resix.Thethreeandthreemore,andwelearnaswell.Hehas

somethingnew.Ashadowspell,awaytobalancebetweenworldsandforms.Yourmotherwrotesomethingofshadows,andmyBrannastudiesherbook.”

“Asdoesmysister.I’lltellherofthis.Orwillyoucomein.I’llwakeherandTeaganasthey’dbe

happytomeetyouboth.”Eamonstartedtoturn

tothecottagedoor.ForMearaitall

happenedatonce.Connorwhirledand

Eamonwithhimasiftheywereoneform.Thebiggray—anditgaveherajolttoseeAlastar,thesameasthestallionshe

knew—chargedfromthelean-to.Almostasone,Roibearddived,Kathelleaped.

Beforeshecouldfullyturn,Connoryankedherbackandbehindhimjustasthewolfsprang.

Itcamefromnowhere,silentasaghost,quickasasnake.

Inablur,itdodgedAlastar’sflashinghoovesandcharged.Straightattheboy,sherealized,andwithoutthought,shovedEamontotheside,swunghersword.

Shestruckair,buteventhatsangupherarmstohershoulders.Thenthefullforceofthewolf

struckher,sentherflying.Pain,theshockofit,thebitter,bittercoldofitrippedthroughherside.Instinct—survival—hadherclampingherhandsarounditsthroattoholdbackthesnapofitsjaws.

Andagain,ithappenedatonce.

Thehoundattacked,

andlightburstsobrightitburnedtheairtored.Shoutsandsnarlstorethroughthatsearingcurtainwhilehermusclesquiveredatthestrainofholdingbackthosesnappingjaws.Sheheardherselfscream,feltnoshameinitasthewolfscreamedaswell.

Shesawrageinitseyes,murderousandcrazed,beforeitwavered,faded,vanishedasithadcome.Outofnowhere.

Hername,Connorsayingitoverandoverandover.Shecouldn’tgetherbreath,simplycouldn’tdrawintheair—airthatstanklike

brimstone.Warmhandsonher

side,warmlipsonherlips.“Letmeseenow,letmesee.Ah,God,God.Nottoworry,aghra,I’llfixit.Liequiet.”

“Icanhelpyou.”Sheheardthevoice,

sawtheface.Branna’sface,butyounger.She

rememberedthatface,Mearathoughtthroughthepain,theliquiddazeofitall.Remembereditfromherownyouth.

“You’lllooklikeherinafewyears.OurBranna’sararebeauty.”

“Liequiet,lady.Teagan,fetch—ahwell,shealreadyis.Mysister’s

gettingtherestIneed.I’mskilled,cousin,”shesaidtoConnor.“You’lltrustmetothis?”

“Iwill.”ButhetookMeara’shand.“Herenow,darling,here,mochroi,lookatme.Atme,intome.”

Soshewentdreaming,dreamingintothosegreen

eyes,outsideofpain,outsideofallbuthim.Andhimmurmuringsweetthingstoherashedidwhentheyloved.

ThenIona—noTeagan,theyoungest—Teagan,heldacuptoherlips,andthetasteonhertongue,downherthroat,waslovely.

Nowwhenshedrewinbreath,trueanddeep,ittastedthesame—ofthegreenandtheearth,thepeatfire,andtheherbsthrivingnearby.

“I’mallright.”“Anothermoment,just

anothermoment.Howcouldhecomehere?”BrannaughaskedConnor.

“We’rebeyondhimhere.”“ButI’mnot.

SomehowIbroughthim,gavehimpassage.Atrapitwasafterall.Usingmetogettoyou,Eamon,andyoursisters.Iledhimhere,ledhimtothis.”

“No,heusedusboth,ourdreams.”

“Anddrewusinas

well,”Brannaughsaid.“There’snoneofhisdarkleftinyou,mylady.Canyousitnow,easyandslow?”

“I’mfine.BetterthanIwasbeforethewound.Youhaveherskill,orshehasyours.”

“Youstoodformybrother.Ifyouhadn’t

riskedyourself,hewouldbehurt,orworse,forCabhanwantedhisblood,hisdeath.”

“Yoursword.”TeaganlaiditoverMeara’slegs.

“There’sbloodonit.Ithoughtthestrikemissed.”

“Youstrucktrue.”“’Tisshadowmagick,”

Brannaughstated.“Itis,”Connoragreed.

“AslongasI’mhere,hecancomeagain.Idoyoumoreharmthangoodbystaying.”

“Wouldyoutakethis,ifyouplease?”Teaganheldoutaflowertoppingitsbulb.“Andwhenyoucan,ifyou’dplantthis

nearourmother’sgrave.Shefavoredbluebells.”

“Iwill,yes,soonasI’mable.Imustgo,musttakeMearaback.”

“I’mfine,”shesaid.“I’mnot.Haveacare,

allofyou.”HewrappedhisarmstightaroundMeara,pressedhisfaceintoherhair.

Shewokeinbed,sittingupwithConnor’sarmsaroundher,withhimrockingherashemightababy.

“Ihadadream.”“Notadream,ornot

onlyadream.Shhnow,givemeamoment.”

Hislipspressedontoherhair,hertemples,her

cheeks,allslowanddeliberate.

“Letmeseeyourside.”“It’sfine.I’mfine,”

sheinsistedasheshiftedher,ranhishandsoverher.“InfactIfeelsomeonedosedmewithamagickelixir.AndIsupposethat’sjustwhathappened.Howdidit

happen?Anyofit,allofit?”

“EamondreamedofmeandIofhim.Hedrewmetohim,andIdrewyouwithme.AndlikelyCabhansetthestageforitall.”

Hishandsfistedinherhairuntilhecarefullyrelaxedthemagain.

“Touseme,mydreaming,toattackEamon.”

“Youpushedmebehindyou.”

“AndyoudidthesamewithEamon.Wedowhatwedo.”Onasigh,helaidhisforeheadonhers.“Yourswordstruckhisflank,andhisclawsyours,

buthewasstillpartinshadowsothebladedrewhisblood,butdidn’tstophim.That’smytheoryonit.”

“Hecameoutoftheair,Connor.Howdowefightwhatcomesoutoftheair?”

“Aswedid.Thelightdrovehimback—

Eamon’sandminejoined,thenthegirls.”

“Hescreamed,”Meararemembered.“Itdidn’tsoundlikeananimal,butaman.”

“Balancingbetweenworlds,andforms.It’scatchinghimwhenhestepsoffononeortheother,Ithink.It’snear

dawn.It’llbeanuglybusiness,butI’mwakingBranna.I’llleaveittoyoutoringuptheothers.Thisissomethingtosharewithallandstraightaway.”

Butfirsthecuppedherfaceinhishandsashehadinthedreamingtime.“Don’tbesofuckingbravenexttime,forthe

nexttimemightkillmewhereIstand.”

“Hewasjustaboy,Connor,andstraightinitspath.Andhelookslikeyou,oryoulooklikehim.Theshapeoftheface,”sheadded,“hismouth,hisnose,eventhewayhestands.”

“Isthatso?”

“Hardertoseeityourself,I’dthink,butit’sveryso.I’llringIona,thenshe’llbeinchargeofwakingBoyle,whocanwakeFin.”

“Allright.”Heranhishandsthroughherhair,longandwavingashe’dreleaseditfromitsbraidthenightbefore.

“Whoevergetsdownstairsfirstputsonthebleedingcoffee.”

“Agreed.”Becauseshecouldseetheworryinhiseyesstill,sheleanedintokisshim.“Goon,you’vegottheworstjobbetweenusinwakingBrannawhenthesun’sbarelyup.”

“Havethefirst-aidkit

ready.”Herolledoutofbed,yankedonhispants.

Asheleft,Mearareachedoverforherphone,andsawthebluebell.ThinkingofTeagan,solikethegirlIonamusthavebeen,sherose,fetchedaglassofwaterfromthebathroom,setthebulbinit.

ForSorcha,shethought,thencalledIona.

Shemadeitdownfirst,didherdutywiththecoffee.Sheconsideredmakingoatmeal,theonlybreakfastmealshehadadecentenoughhandwith.AndConnornearlyalwaysscorchedtheeggsifhehadchargeof

breakfast.Shewassparedwhen

Brannacamein.Herfriendworeblueandgreenstripedflannelpantswithathingreentop.She’dtiedalittlebluesweateroverit,andthatsomehowmatchedthethicksocksonherfeet.

Herhairspillingfreeto

herwaist,Brannamarchedstraightforthecoffee.“Don’ttalktome,notaword,untilI’vehadmycoffee.Putsomepotatoesontheboil,andwhenthey’resoftenough,chipthemupforfrying.”

Shedrankthecoffeeblackratherthanaddingthegooddoseofcream

thatwasherusual.“Iswearanoath,

there’satimecomingsoonwhenI’llnotstepnearastoveforamonth.”

“You’llhaveearnedit.I’mnottalkingtoanyoneinparticular,”Mearasaidquicklyasshescrubbedpotatoesinthesink.“Justmakingsomegeneral

observations.”“BloodyCabhan,”

Brannamuttered,asshepulledthingsfromthefridge.“I’llkillhimwithmyownhands,Iswearanotheroath,forforcingmetoseesomanysunrises.Theeggsaregoingscrambled,andwhoeverdoesn’tlikeit

doesn’thavetoeatthem.”Wisely,Mearasaid

nothing,butputthepotatoesontheboil.

Mutteringallthewhile,Brannaputonsausage,startedonthebacon,slicedbreadfromtheloaffortoast.

Thendownedmorecoffee.

“Iwanttoseeyourside.”

Mearastoppedherselffromsayingshewasfine,simplylifteduphershirt.

Brannalaidherfingersonit—howdidsheknowtheexactspot—probedforamoment.Mearafeltheatslidein,andoutagain.

ThenBrannamether

eyes,justmovedinandwrappedaroundhertight.

“It’shealedperfectly.Damnit,Meara.Damnit.”

“Don’tstartnow.I’vehaditfromConnoralready.You’dthinkI’dbeenguttedinsteadofgettingabitofaswipe.”

“Whatdoyouthinkhe

wasaimingforifnotyourguts?”ButBrannasteppedback,pressedtheheelsofherhandstohereyes.Breatheddeepbeforeshedroppedthemagain.

“Allrightthen.Let’sgetthisbloodybreakfaston.ConnorSeanMichaelO’Dwyer!Getyourarsedownhereanddo

somethingwiththisbreakfastbesideseatit.”

Asheappearedsecondslater,he’dobviouslybeenwaitingforhertosettle.“Whateveryoulike.Icandotheeggs.”

“You’llnottouchthem.SetthetableasitseemsI’llbecookingfor

sixtherestofmylife.Andwhenyou’redonewiththat,youcanstartonthetoast.”

Thepotatoeswerefryingwhentheothersarrived.

“You’reallright?”IonawentstraighttoMeara.“You’resure?”

“Iam.Morethanall

rightasI’mbristlingwithenergyfromwhateverpotiontheygaveme.”

“Letmeseeit.”FinnudgedIonaaside.

“AmIgoingtohavetoliftmyshirtforeveryone?”Butshedidso,frowningabitasFinlaidhishandonher.“Branna’salreadyhada

pokeatme.”“He’smyblood.If

there’sevenatraceofhim,I’llknow.Andthere’snone.”Gently,Findrewhershirtintoplaceagain.“Iwouldn’thaveyouhurt,modeirfiúr.”

“Iknowit.Suretherewasamoment,andIwouldn’tcaretorepeatit,

buttherest?Itwasafascination.YouwentwithIonaonce,”shesaidtoBoyle.

“Idid,soIknowthesensation.Likedreamingbutmorelikewalking,talking,doingwhileyoudream.Itmakesyouabitlight-headed.”

“Youshouldsit,”Iona

decided.“Justsitdown.I’llhelpBrannafinishbreakfast.”

“You’llnot,”Brannasaiddefinitely.“Boyle,you’retheonlyoneofthelotwhodoesn’thavehamhandsinthekitchen.Scrambleuptheeggs,willyou,asI’venearlyfinishedtherest.”

Hewentovertothestovebesideher,pouredthebeateneggsfromthebowlintoaskilletwhereshe’dmeltedbutter.

“Allrightthen?”heasked.

Brannaleanedagainsthimamoment.“Iwillbe.”

Sheturnedtheheatoff

underthepotatoes,begantoscoopthemoutwithaslottedtoolontopapertowelstodrain.“Whydidn’tIfeelanyofit?”shewondered.“Isleptstraightthroughitall,neverknowingathing.”

“Whydidn’tI,orIona?”Fincounteredfrombehindher.“Itwasn’tour

dream;wedidn’thaveapartinit.”

“Iwasrightinthesamehouse,onlyjustdownthehall.Ishould’vesensedsomething.”

“Icanseeasyou’rethecenterofthisworldhowyou’redeservingapieceofallofit.”

Whensheroundedon

him,eyesflashing,narrowed,Ionasteppedup.“Stopit,juststopit,bothofyou.You’reeachblamingyourselves,andthat’sstupid.Neitherofyouisresponsible.Theonlyonewhois,isCabhan,soknockitoff.Myblood,mybrother,”sheaddedbeforethepair

ofthemcouldspeak.“Blah,blah,blah.Sowhat?We’reallinthis.Whydon’twefindoutexactlywhathappenedbeforewestartdividinguptheblame?”

“You’remarryingabossywoman,modearthair,”FinsaidtoBoyle.“Andasensible

one.Sit,Iona,andMearaaswell.I’llgetyourcoffee.”

Ionasat,foldedherhandsneatlyonthetable.“Thatwouldbeverynice.”

“Don’tbleeditout,”Mearawarned,andjoinedher.

AtBranna’sdirection,

Boylepiledeggsontheplatterwiththesausage,bacon,potatoes,friedtomatoes,andblackpudding.

HecartedittothetablewhileFinservedthecoffeeandConnorpouredoutjuice.

“Takeusthroughit,”FintoldConnor.

“Itstartedastheydo—asifyou’refullyawakeandawareandsomewhereelseallatonce.InClarewewere,thoughIdidn’tknowitatfirst.InClare,andinEamon’stime.”

Hewoundthroughthestoryastheyallservedthemselvesfromthehugeplatter.

“Ahart?”Brannainterrupted.“Wasitreal,ordidyoubringitintoit?”

“Iwouldn’thavethoughtofit.IfI’dwantedaguide,I’dhavepulledinRoibeard.Itwasamassivebuck,andmagnificent.Regal,andwithahidemoregold

thanbrown.”“Blueeyes,”Meara

added.“You’reright.They

were.Boldandblue,likeEamon’s,cometothinkofit.”

“Orhisfather’s,”Brannapointedout.“InSorcha’sbookshewriteshersonhashisfather’s

eyes,hiscoloring.”“Youthinkitwas

Daithi,”Connorconsidered,“orrepresentinghim.Hemightbegiventhatformtobenearhischildren,protectthemasbesthecan.”

“Ihopeit’strue,”Ionasaidquietly.“Hewas

killedridinghometoprotectthem.”

“ThehartthatmighthavebeenDaithi’sspiritguidedustowardthelight,andthelightwasEamon.Threeyearsinhistimesincewelastmet.Hewastaller,andhisfacefineddownasitdoeswhenyou’repassingoutof

childhood.He’sahandsomelad.”

NowhegrinnedatMeara.

“He’dsaythat,asItoldhimtheyfavoreachother.Differentcoloringtobesure,butyou’dknowthey’rekin.”

“HethoughtMearawasAine—agypsy,”

Connorexplained.“Onewho’dpassedthroughsometimebefore,andtoldhimthey’dseehomeagain.”

“That’sinteresting.Youhavegypsyinyourheritage,”Ionapointedout.

“Ido.”“AndFinnamedthe

fillyhechoseforAlastarAine.”

“Ithoughtofthat,andtakeitdoesn’tmeanIresembleahorse.”

“Ofgreatbeautyandspirit,”Finpointedout.“Thenamewashers—Ineverconsideredanother.ItwaswhoshewasthemomentIsawher.Sure

it’sinteresting,theconnections,theoverlaps.”

“It’sthatIfeltnothingwhilewetalked,thereoutsidethecottage.Nordidhe,”Connorconsidered.“Weaskedafterfamily.Itoldhimoftheshadowspell.Anditwaswhenheaskedif

we’dcomeinsidethatithappened.OneminuteIfeltnothing,thenIfelthimthere.Justthereaninstantbeforethewolfleapedoutoftheair.Andhefeltitaswell.”

“Youspunaroundtogether,likeoneperson,”Mearaadded.“Itwasallsofast.Connorpushedme

backbehindhim,butitwasn’tme,itwastheboy,hewanted.”

“AndsoshepushedEamonaside,exposedherself,andswungthesword.Notevenasecond,notimetothrowoutablockofanykind.Herammedherfull,clawedher.Herbloodandhisin

theair.Thehoundcharged.EamonandIjoined,andthegirlsrushedout.Itwastheywhothrewablock,stoppingmefromrushingforward,throwingwhattheyhadathim,soitwasmewhojoinedwiththemastherewasnothingelsetodointhosefew

seconds.Whatwehadwasenoughtogivehimpain,withKathel,Roibeard,andAlastargoingathimalongwithus.Hescreamedlikeagirl.”

“Hey!”Hemanagedagrinat

Iona.“Nooffensemeant.BetweenusandKathel,

Alastar’shoovesandRoibeard’stalons,hewentashe’dcome.Gone,vanished,leavingonlythestenchofhellbehindhim.AndMearableedingontheground.Andnottwominutes,whenIlookbackcalm,nottwominutesbetween.”

“They’veallbeen

short,haven’tthey?Somethingtoconsider,”Brannasaid.“Itmaybeheonlyhasenoughpowerforthoseshortburstswiththisspell.”

“Fornow,”Finadded.“Fornowiswhatwe

have.HehitchedontoConnor’sdream,slitheredintoittotrytogettheboy

—oroneofthesistersifthey’dgreetedyou,Connor.Hecan’tgetintothehouse,butintoadream,onceyou’vemovedoutofitsprotection...Icanseethis.Hecan’tgettotheminthattime,inthatplace,butcouldlinktothedreamtogothere.”

“Wheretheboywould’vebeenvulnerable,”Finadded,“inthehalfworldofactivedreaming.ThenCabhanwaitsontheedgesofit,waitstoattack—untilyouturnyourback.”

“Bloodycoward,”Boylemuttered.

“YousaidMeara

spilledhisblood.Where’syoursword?”Brannademanded.

“Athome.Ineverbroughtithere.’Twasjustinmyhandinthedream.”

“I’llgogetit,”Finsaid.“Wheredoyouhaveit?”

“It’sontheshelfintheclosetinmybedroom.I’ll

getyouthekeytotheflat.”Whenheonlysmiled,shesatbackagain.“Whichyoudon’tneedatall,doyou?Whichisathoughtthatneveroccurredtome.Anyofthefourofyoucouldwalkrightinasyouplease.”

“I’llbringit.Itwon’ttakebutafewmoments.”

“Iappreciatetherespect,asyouknowIdon’tapproveoftakingtheeasywaywhenabitofeffortandtimedoesthejob.But.”Brannasighed.“We’rebeyondthat,andit’sfoolishforyoutodriveintothevillageandback.”

Finmerelynodded.He

liftedhishand,andinaflashheldMeara’ssword.

Mearajolted,thenlaughedalittle.“Well,that’sbrilliant,andit’ssoraretoseeanyofyoudothatsortofthing,Isometimesforgetyoucan.”

“Fin’sabitfreerwithitthanBranna,”Boyle

pointedout.“Wealldon’thavethe

sameboundaries.”Finturnedthesword.“There’sbloodonit,andfreshenough.”

“Iwon’thavebloodorswordsatmytable.”Brannarose,tookitfromhim.“It’senoughtoworkwith.Istillhavesome

fromthesolstice.Butasyousaid,thisisfresh—andit’sfromhimwhenhewaswoundedduringashadowspell.”

“I’llcomeback,workwithyouassoonasIcangetaway,”Connortoldher.

“SowillI,”Ionaadded.“We’rereallybusythis

morning,butIthinkmybossesmightgivemesomeflextimethisafternoon.”

BoyleranahandoverIona’scapofhair.“Theymightbepersuaded.I’llbringMearabackaswellifyoucanuseus.Wecanbringfoodifnothingelse.”

“It’squiteabitelse.”Brannacontinuedtostudythesword.“Asthereisn’tenoughofthefancyFrenchstewtogofullaroundasecondtime.”

“We’llseetothatthen,Mearaandmyself,andcomebackaroundassoonaswecanclosethingsupatthestables.I’llsend

IonaoffsoonasIcan.”“I’llcomegether,”

Connorsaid.“Ithinkwe’rebacktonoonewanderingaroundontheirown,atleastforabit.Icanjuggletheschedulingandbeoffbythreeifthatsuits.”

“Wellenough.”“I’llstaynow.”There

wasabeatofsilenceasFinspoke.“Ifthatsuits.”

“Itdoes.”Brannaloweredthesword.“Thelotofyoucanputmykitchenbacktorights.I’llbeintheworkshopwhenyou’redone,”shesaidtoFin,andwalkedout.

M

13

EARASPENTMOSTOFHERNEXTFREEDAYATHER

mother’shelpingwiththe

lastofthepackingupforwhattheywereallcallingTheLongVisit.Andaspackingrequiredmakingdecisions—whatshouldbetaken,whatshouldbeleftbehind,whatmightbegivenawayorsimplytossedinthebin—Mearaspentmostofherfreedaywithathrobbing

headache.Decisions,andMeara

knewitwell,putColleenQuinninastateofditheringanxiety.ThesimplechoiceofwhethertotakehertrioofpamperedAfricanVioletsnearlybroughthertotears.

“Well,ofcourseyou’ll

takethem.”Mearastruggledtofindbalanceonathinmidwaylinebetweengoodcheerandfirmness.

“IfIleavethem,youandDonalwillhavethebotherofwateringandfeedingthem,andifyouforget...”

“Icanpromisenotto

forget.”Becauseshe’dtakethemstraighttoBranna,who’dknowhowtotendthem.“Butyoushouldhavethemwithyou.”

“Maureenmightnotwanttheminherhouse.”

“Nowwhywouldn’tMaureenwantthem?”Teeteringonthatthinline,

Mearapastedadeterminedsmileonherfaceassheliftedoneofthefuzzy-leafedplants,pregnantwithpurpleblooms.“They’relovely.”

“Well,it’sherhouse,isn’tit?”

“Andyou’rehermother,andthey’reyourplants.”

Decisionmade—byGod—Mearasetthemcarefullyinboxesshe’dbeggedoffthemarket.

“Oh,but—”“They’llridesafein

here.”Seventimessevenis—buggerit—forty-nine.“Andhaven’tyousaidplantsarelivingthings,andhowtheyrespondto

musicandconversationandaffection?They’dmissyouandlikelywilt,howevercarefulIwaswiththem.”

Inspired,Mearasang“OntheRoadAgain”asshetuckedballedpaperaroundthepots.AtleastthatgotaglimmerofasmilefromColleen.

“You’vesuchabeautifulsingingvoice.”

“Igotitfrommymother,didn’tI?”

“Yourfatherhasafine,strongvoiceaswell.”

“Hmm”wasMeara’sresponsetothatasshemultipliedinherhead.“Wellnow,you’llwantsomeofyourphotos,

won’tyou,toputaroundyourroom.”

“Oh.”Colleenimmediatelylinkedherfingerstogetherasshedidwhenshedidn’tknowwhethertoturnleftorright.“I’mnotsure,andhowwouldIchoosewhich.And—”

“I’llchoose,thenit’ll

beanicesurpriseforyouwhenyouunpack.Youknow,Icoulddowithsometea.”

“Oh.I’llmakesome.”“Thatwouldbegrand.”

Andprovidefiveminutesofpeace.

WithColleeninthekitchen,Mearaquicklysnatchedframedphotos—

capturedmomentsofthepast,ofherchildhood,ofhersiblings,and,thoughitdidn’tsitparticularlywell,ofherparentstogether.

Shestudiedoneofherparents,smilingoutwiththelushgardensofthebighousethey’doncehadsurroundingthem.Ahandsomeface,she

thought,studyingherfather.Afine,strappingmanwithallthecharmintheworld.

Andnospinewhatsoever.

Shewrappedthephototoprotecttheglassoftheframe,tuckeditinthebox.Shemightbeoftheopinionhermotherwould

bebetteroffwithouttheconstantreminderofwhathadbeen,butitwasn’therlifetolive.

Andthatlife,rightatthemoment,fitintotwosuitcases,ashouldertote,andthreemarketboxes.

Therewouldbemoreifthemovebecamepermanent—aword

Colleenwasn’treadytohear.Morepackingtodo,butmuchmorethanthat,Mearawassure,morelifetobelived.

Consideringthejobdone—ornearlyenough—shewentbacktothekitchen.Andfoundhermothersittingatthetinytable,weepingquietlyinto

herhands.“Ah,Ma.”“I’msorry,I’msorry.I

haven’tmadethetea.Ifeelatsea,Meara.I’velivedinCongandhereaboutsallmylife.Andnow...”

“It’snotfar.You’llnotbefar.”Sitting,Mearatookherhands.“Noteven

afullhouraway.”Colleenlookedup,

tearfully.“ButIwon’tseeyouorDonalasIdo.”

“It’sjustavisit,Ma.”“Imaynevercome

backhere.It’swhatyou’reallthinkingforme.”

Withlittlechoice,Mearashoulderedthe

guilt.“It’swhatwe’reallthinkingyou’llwantonceyou’retherealittlewhile.IfyoustayinGalwaywithMaureenandSeanandthekids,we’llvisit.Ofcoursewewill.Andifyou’renothappythere,you’llcomebackhere.Haven’tIsaidI’llseethecottageisrighthereforyou?”

“Ihatethisplace.Ihateeverythingaboutthisplace.”

Stunned,Mearaopenedhermouth,thenshutitagainwithoutanideawhattosay.

“No,no,that’snotright,that’snottrue.”Rockingherself,Colleenpressedherhandstoher

face.“Ilovethegardens.Ido.Iloveseeingthem,frontandback,andworkinginthem.AndI’mgratefulforthecottage,forit’sasweetlittleplace.”

Takingatissuefromherpocket,Colleendabbedawaythetears.“I’mgratefultoFinbar

Burkeforrentingittomeforfarlessthanafairprice—andtoyouforpayingit.AndtoDonalforstayingwithmesolong.ToallofyouforseeingsomeonerangmeeverydaytoseehowIwasdoing.Fortakingmeonlittleholidays.Iknowyou’veallconspiredso

I’llmoveofftoGalwaywithMaureenformyowngood.I’mnotaltogetherstupid.”

“You’renotstupidatall.”

“I’mfifty-fiveyearsold,andIcan’troastajointoflamb.”

Becausethatbroughtonanotherspateof

weeping,Mearatriedanothertact.“It’strueenoughyou’reabloodyterriblecook.WhenI’dcomehomefromschoolandsmellyourpotroastcooking,I’daskGodwhatI’ddonetodeservesuchpunishment.”

Colleengoggledforalongminute,tears

shimmeringonhercheeks.Thenshelaughed.Thesoundwasabitwild,butitwasalaughallthesame.

“Mymother’sworse.”“Isthatevenpossible?”“Whydoyouthink

yourgranddahiredacook?We’dhavestarvedtodeath.Andblessher,

Maureen’snotmuchbetter.”

“That’swhytheyinventedtake-away.”Hopingtostemmoreweeping,Meararosetoputthekettleon.“Ineverknewyouhatedlivinghere.”

“Idon’t.Thatwaswrongandungrateful.

I’vearoofovermyhead,andagardenI’mproudof.I’vegoodneighbors,andyouandDonalclose.I’vehatedit’sallIhave—another’spropertymydaughterpaystokeeparoundme.”

“It’snotallyouhave.”Howblindhadshebeen,Mearawondered,notto

seehowitwouldscorehermother’spridetoliveinarentalherchildpaidfor?

“It’sonlyaplace,Ma.Justaplace.Youhaveyourchildren,yourgrandchildren,wholoveyouenoughtoconspireforyourhappiness.Youhaveyourself,aterriblecook,butabrilliant

gardener.You’llbeaboontothosegrandchildren.”

“WillI?”“Oh,youwill.You’ll

bepatientwiththem,andsincerelyinterestedintheirdoingsandtheirthoughts.It’sdifferentwithaparent,isn’tit?Theyhavetoconsider

constantlywhethertosayyesorno,noworlater.Theyhavetodisciplineandenforceaswellasloveandtend.You’llonlyhavetolove,andthey’llsoakallthatuplikesponges.”

“Idomisshavingthemcloser,havingthetimetospoilthem.”

“Sohere’syourchance.”

“WhatifMaureenobjectstothespoiling?”

“ThenI’mofftoGalwaytokickherarse.”

ColleensmiledagainasMearamadethetea.“You’vealwaysbeenmywarrior.Sofierceandbrave.I’mhopingI’ll

havegrandchildrenfromyoutospoiloneday.”

“Ahwell.”“I’veheardyouand

ConnorO’Dwyerareseeingeachother.”

“I’vebeenseeingConnorO’Dwyerallmylife.”

“Meara.”Noavoidingit,Meara

thought,andbroughttheteatothelittletable.“We’reseeingeachother.”

“I’masfondofhimasIcanbe.He’safineman,andsohandsomeaswell.Agoodheartandakindnature.Hecomestoseemenowandthen,justtoseehowI’mfaring,andto

askifthere’sanylittlethinghecandoaroundtheplace.”

“Ididn’tknow,butit’slikehim.”

“Hehasawayabouthim,andthoughIknowthewayoftheworld,Ican’tapproveof...thatis,thesexbeforemarriage.”

HolyMary,Mearaprayed,havemercyandsparemefromthesextalk.

“Understood.”“Ifeelthesamewith

DonalandSharon,but...Aman’saman,afterall,andthey’llwantsuchthingswithorwithoutHolyMatrimony.”

“Asdowomen,Ma,andIhatetobreakthenewstoyou,butI’mawomangrown.”

“Bethatasitmay,”Colleensaidprimly,“you’restillmydaughter.AnddespitewhattheChurchsaysonsuchmatters,I’llhopeyou’llhaveacare.”

“Youcanresteasythere.”

“I’llresteasywhenyou’rehappyandmarriedandstartingafamilyinahomeofyourown.I’masfondofConnorasIcanbe,asIsaid,butit’safacthe’saneyefortheladies.Sohaveacare,Meara.”

Whensheheardthe

frontdooropen,Mearaoffereddesperatethanks.“Andhere’sDonalsettotakeyoutoGalway,”shesaidbrightly.“I’llgetanothercupforhistea.”

***

SHETHOUGHTTOGOHOME,

STAREATTHEWALLSUNTILSHEfeltlessfrazzledandguiltyandgenerallyoutofsorts.AndendedupdrivingstraighttoBranna’s.

Theminuteshe’ddashedintotheworkshop,shesawshe’dmadeamistake.

BrannaandFinstood

togetheratthebigworkcounter,theirhandspoisedoverasilverbowl.Whateverbrewitcontainedglowed,ahardorangelightthatswirledupathincolumnofsmoke.

Brannaheldupafingerofherfreehand,asignaltowait.

“Yoursandyoursandmeandmine,lifeanddeathtogethertwine.Bloodandtearscastandshedmixedtogetherthickandred.Fireandsmokewillbubbletrueandsealyourfatewiththisbrew.”

Itbubbledup,frothedover,avirulentorange.

“Damnit!”Branna

steppedback,fistedherhandsonherhips.“It’sstillnotright.Itshouldgored,bloodred.Murderousred,andthick.We’restillmissingsomething.”

“It’sdamnwellnotmyblood,”Finsaid.“I’vegivenyoualiteralready.”

“Afewdropsisall,don’tbesuchababy.”

Obviouslyfrustrated,Brannashovedatthehairshe’dbundledontopofherhead.“I’vetakenmineandConnor’sandIona’saswell,haven’tI?”

“Andthere’sthreeofyoutomyone.”

“Pluswhatwe’veusedfromthevialwehaveofhisfromthesolstice,and

whatwe’reusingfromthesword.”

“Youcanhavemineifyouneedit,”Mearaoffered.“OtherwiseitseemsI’mjustintheway.”

“You’renot.Itmightbewecanuseanothereye,anotherbrainonthis.Butwe’rehavingabreak

soIcanthinkonthis,”Brannadecided.“We’llhavesometea.”

“You’reupset,”FinsaidtoMearaasBrannamoppedupthecounter.“YousawyourmotherofftoGalwaytoday.”

“Justabitago,yes,andwithmuchoftheweepingandgnashingofteeth.”

“I’msorry.”ImmediatelyBrannacamearoundthecounter,rubbedMeara’sarm.“Iwasblockedoffinmyownfrustrationsanddidn’tgiveathoughttoyours.Itwashard.”

“InsomewaysmoreandinotherslessthanIexpected.Butaltogether

exhausting.”“I’vethingsIcoulddo

andleavethetwoofyoutotalk.”

“No,don’tgoonmyaccount.Andthisgivesmethechancetotalktoyouabouttherental.”

“It’snothingyouneedworryover.AsItoldyou,Icanholdituntilshe’s

decidedwhatshewantstodo.It’sbeenhersneartotenyearsnow.”

“It’sgoodofyou,Fin.Imeanit.”

Sayingnothing,Brannawalkedovertomakethetea.

“Ithinkshewon’tbeback—nottolive,”Mearasaid.“Ithinkthechange

willboosther.Thegrandchildren,particularlythegrandchildren,asshe’llbelivingwithsomeandclosertotherest.Addedtoit,Maureen’sSeanwillmakeafussoverher,ashe’salwayshadasoftspotthere.Andthefactis,she’snothappyonherown.Sheneeds

someonenotjustforconversationbutdirection,andMaureenwillgiveherboth.”

“Thenstopfeelingguiltyaboutit,”Finadvised.

“I’mwadinginitforabit.”Doingjustthat,Mearapressedherfingerstohereyes.“Shecriedso,

andsaidthingsIdidn’tknowwereinhermindorherheart.She’sgratefultoyou,Fin,forthecottage,fortheridiculouslylowrentyou’vechargedalltheseyears—andIneverthoughtshehadanyideaaboutthemoneyatall.Butshedid,she’sgrateful,andsoamI.”

“It’snothing,Meara.”“Itis,toher,tome.I

couldn’thavemanagedmyownrentandhersifhershadn’tbeencheaperthandirtevenwithDonalkickingin,andthenthere’dhavebeenmurderforcertain.Soyoukeptheraliveandmeoutofprison,soyou’lltakethe

gratitudethat’sgiven.”“You’rewelcome.”

Thenhewenttoher,drewherin,asshe’dstartedtocry.“Enoughnow,darling.”

“It’sjustshestartedcryingagainwhenDonalandIloadedherthingsintothelorry,andsheclungtomeasifIwere

goingofftowar.WhichIam,Isuppose,butshedoesn’tknow.Iswearshe’sturnedablindeyetowhatthreeofmyclosestfriendsareaboutalltheseyears,andnowisonlysomewhatconcernedthatConnorandIarehavingsexoutsideHolyMatrimony.”

Thoughhecouldn’thelpthesmile,Finrubbedherback.“Itsoundslikeaveryfulldayforyou.”

“Endingwithmebootingmyownmotheroutofherhome.”

“Youdidnosuchthing.Youhelpedherbreakachainthat’skeptherlockedherewhen

she’llbehappierinahousefilledwithfamily.I’llwagershe’llthankyouforitbeforetheyear’sout.Herenow,dubheasa,dryyoureyes.”

Hesteppedback,pattedhispockets,thenpulledoutahandkerchiefswirlingwithcolor,andmadeherlaugh.

“What’sallthis?”“Alwaysarainbow

afterthestorm.”Thenpluckedanenormousandbrightpinkdaisyfromherhair.“Andflowersfromtherain.”

“You’dmakeafeckingfortuneatbirthdayparties.”

“I’llkeepthatfor

backup.”“AndI’macomplete

git.”“Notatall.”Hegave

heranotherhug.“Onlyahalfagitatbest.”

HecaughtBranna’seyeoverMeara’shead.Andthesmileshesenthimstabbedstraightintohisheart.

***

SHEDRANKHERTEA,ATETHREEOFBRANNA’SLEMONbiscuits,andthoughsheknewnexttonothingofwritingspellsandmakingpotions,didherbesttohelp.

Shegroundherbsusingmortarandpestle—sage,fleabane,rosemaryforbanishing.Shemeasuredoutthedustofacrushedblackfluoritecrystal,snippedlengthsofcoppertwine,markingallamountspreciselyinBranna’sjournal.

BythetimeConnor

arrived,withIonaandBoylewithhim,alltheingredientsBrannaandFinhadchosenwereready.

“We’vefailedtwicewiththistoday,”Brannatoldthem,“sowe’llhopeit’struethirdtime’sthecharm.Pluswe’vehadMeara’shandinitthis

time,andthat’sforluck.”“Anapprenticewitch

areyou?”Connornippedherinforakiss.

“Hardly,butIcangrindandmeasure.”

“Didyouseeyourmotheronherway?”

“Idid,andmoppedherupaftershecriedherbuckets.Thencamehere

whereFinmoppedmeupinturn.”

“Behappy.”ThistimeConnorkissedherforehead.“Forshewillbe.”

“I’mclosertobelievingitasDonaltextedmenotanhouragotosayMaureen’sfamilygaveheraqueen’s

welcome,withstreamersandflowers,cakeandevenchampagne.IcanbealittleshamedfornotthinkingMaureenhaditinhertomakethefuss,butI’llgetpastthatthefirsttimeshepissesmeoff.Donalsaysshe’sgiddyasagirl—Ma,notMaureen,sothat’sacloudgone

fromovermyhead.”“We’llgoupandtake

herouttodinneroncewecangetawayeasy.”

Agoodheart,hermotherhadsaid.Andakindnature.

“You’dbetakingachanceasyou’rehavingsexwithherdaughteroutsideHolyMatrimony.”

“What?”“I’llexplainlater.I

thinkBrannawantsyourblood.”

“Fromall,”Brannacountered.“Aswetookfromallforthespellbeforethesolstice.”

“Itdidn’tfinishit.”BoylefrownedatthebowlasBrannacarefullyadded

ingredients.“Whyshouldthis?”

“Wehavehisblood—fromtheground,fromtheblade,”Finsaid.“Thataddshispowertoit,itaddsthedark,andthedarkwe’lluseagainsthim.”

“Cloaktheworkshop,Connor.”Branna

measuredsaltintothebowl.“Iona,thecandlesifyouwill.Thistimewe’lldoitalltogetheraswe’reallhere,andwithinacircle.

“Withinandwithout,”shebegan,“withoutandwithin,andherethedevil’sendwe’llspin.”Takingupalengthof

copper,shetwisteditintotheshapeofaman.“Inshadowshehides,inshadowswe’llbideandtraphistrueforminside.Theretoflameandburntoashinthespellwecast.”

Shesetthecopperfigureonthesilvertraywithvials,alongcrystalsphere,andheroldest

athame.“Wecastthecircle.”Mearahadseenthe

ritualdozensoftimes,butitalwaysbroughtatingletoherskin.Thewayawaveofthehandwouldsetthewideringofwhitecandlestoflame,andhowtheairseemedtohushandstillwithintheirring.

Thenstir.ThethreeandFinstood

atthefourpointsofthecompass,andeachcalledontheelements,thegodandgoddesses,theirguides.

AndthefireIonaconjuredburnedwhite,afootoffthefloorwiththesilverbowlsuspended

overit.Herbsandcrystals,

blessedwaterpouredfromBranna’shand—stirredbytheairConnorcalled.BlackearthsqueezedfromFin’sfistdampenedbytearsshedbyawitch.

Andblood.“Fromaheartbrave

andtrue.”Withherritual

knifeIonascoredBoyle’spalm.“Tomixwithmineasonefromtwo.”

Andscoredherown,pressedherhandtohis.

“Lifeandlight,burningbright,”shesaidassheletthemixedbloodslideintothebowl.

ConnortookMeara’shand,kissedherpalm.

“Fromaheartloyalandstrong.”Hescoredherpalm,his.“Joinwithminetorightthewrong.Lifeandlight,burningbright.”

BrannaturnedtoFin,startedtotakehishand,buthedrewitback,andpulleddowntheshoulderofhisshirt.

“Takeitfromthe

mark.”Whensheshookher

head,hegrippedherknifehandbythewrist.“Fromthemark.”

“Asyousay.”Shelaidthebladeon

thepentagram,hiscurseandheritage.

“Bloodthatrunsfromthismark,mixwithmine.

Whiteanddark.”Whenshelaidhercuthandonhisshoulder,fleshtoflesh,bloodtoblood,thecandleflamesshothigh,andtheairtrembled.

“Darkandwhite,powerandmight,lightandlifeburningbright.”

Thebloodraninathinriverdownherhand,into

thebowl.Thepotionboiled,churned,spewingsmoke.

“InthenameofSorcha,allwhocamebefore,allwhocameafter,wejoinourpowertomakethisfight.Wecasttheeoutofshadowandintolight.”

Shetossedthecopper

figureintothebubblingpotion,whereitflashed—orangeandgoldandredflame,aroarlikeawhirlwind,athousandvoicescallingthroughit.

Thenasilencesoprofoundittrembled.

Brannalookedintothebowl,breathedout.“It’sright.Thisisright.This

canendhim.”“ShouldIreleasethe

fire?”Ionaaskedher.“We’llleaveitto

simmer,onehour,thenofftheflameovernighttocure.AndonSamhain,wechokehimwithit.”

“We’redonefornowthen?”Mearaasked.

“DoneenoughsoI

wanttoclearmyheadanddrinkagoodglassofwine.”

“Wellthen,we’llbebackinaminute.Ijustneedto...”ShewasalreadypullingConnorfromtheroom.“JustneedConnorforamoment.”

“Whatisit?”Heworried,asshehada

deathgriponhishandwhileshepulledhimoutthebackoftheworkshop,throughthekitchen.“Areyouupset?Iknowtheritualwasintense,but—”

“Itwas.Itwas.Itwas.”Sheallbutchantedit,dragginghimonthroughthelivingarea,upthestairs.

“Wasittheblood?Iknowitcanseemharsh,butIpromiseyouit’sneededtomakethepotion,tobespellit.”

“No.Yes.Jesus.Itwasallofit!”Breathless,sheshovedhimintohisbedroom,thenbackagainstthedoortoslamit.

Thenshecoveredhis

mouthwithhers,allbutfusingtheirlipswiththeheatpouringfromher.

“Oh,”hemanaged,finallyclueinginassherippedhissweaterupandaway.

“Justgiveme.”Shepeeledofftheinsulatedshirtunderthesweater,latchedherteethonhis

bareshoulder.“Justgiveme.”

He’dhaveslowedthingsdown—abit—butshewasalreadyunhookinghisbelt,andwhatwasamantodo?

Hestartedtugginguphersweater—undressingawomanwasoneofthegreatpleasuresoflife—

gottangledupwithherverybusyhands.Heconsideredjustrippingitaway,then—

“Ah,tohellwithallthat.”

ThenextthingMearaknewshewasnaked,andsowashe.

“Yes,yes,yes.”Shegrippedhishair,assaulted

hismouth,moanedwithpleasurewhenhetookherbreasts.

She’dneverbeensowildwithlust,neverknownsuchquaking,roilingneed.Perhapssomethingintheswirlingair,thepulseofthefire,thestunningriseandmergingofpowersand

magickshadpunchedintoher.

Allsheknewwasshe’dhadtohavehimorgomad.

Hestilltastedofit,thatexoticflavorofmagick—potent,seductive,edgingtowardthedark.Shefelttheripplesofitstillworkinginhim,notyet

tampeddown.Andwantedthat,

wantedhim,wantedall.Hishandsweren’t

patientnow,butgreedyandroughandquick.Shewantedthataswell,cravedbeingtouchedandtakenasifhislifedependedonit.

Itfeltasifhersdid.

Hewhippedheraround,forcedherbacktothedoor.Shehadaninstanttolookintohiseyes—fierceandferal—beforehedroveintoher.

She’dthoughtshe’dgomadifhedidn’ttakeher,andnow,beingtaken,wentmad.

Herhips

jackhammered,challenginghimtomatchherferociouspace.Hernailsbitintohim—back,shoulders—herteethgnawedandscraped.Littlepains,quickandhot,thatfiredintoacrazedpleasurethatenslavedhim.Hisbloodbeathammerstrikesunder

theskin,sohethrustintoherharder,faster,deeperinabrutal,breathlessrhythm.

Shecriedout,asoundthatjoinedshockandgreed.Andagain,thistimehisnamewithakindofwonder.Whenhegrippedherhips,liftedher,shelockedherlegs

aroundhiswaist.Heravagedherthroat,

filledhimselfwiththetasteofherashefilledherwithhislustuntilthelastfrayedtethersnapped.

Hebroke,sworehefelttheveryairshatterlikeglassasshetightenedaroundhim,asherfinalcrydiedoffintoa

shudderingsigh.Limp,theysliddown

tothefloorinasweatytangleoflimbs.

“God.MysweetGod.”Shedrewinairlikeadrowningwomansurfacing.

Strugglingforbreath,hemanagedagrunt,thenfloppedoffhertolieon

hisbackwithhiseyesclosedandhischestheaving.

“Isthefloorshaking?”“Idon’tthinkso.”He

openedhiseyes,staredattheceiling.“Maybe.No,”hedecided.“Ithinkweare—ormorewhatyoucouldcallvibrating.Thereareboundtobe

aftershocksafteranearthquake,I’mtold.”

Hereachedoutblindlytopather,andhishandlandedonherbreast.Afineplace.“Areyouallrightthen?”

“I’mnotallright.I’mamazingandamazed.IfeellikeI’vegoneflyingagain.Itwasthewayyou

looked—likeyou’dbeenlitupfromtheinside,andyourhairflyingaroundinthewindyou’dmade,andthepowerofitallbeatingliketribaldrums.Icouldn’thelpit.I’msorry,butIcouldn’tcontrolmyself.”

“You’reforgiven.I’maforgivingsortofman.”

Shesighedoutalaugh,laidahandoverhis.“Andnowhereweare,nakedandspentonyourfloor—andyourroom’sadisasterofamessasalways.”

Heturnedhishead,glancedaround.Notadisaster,exactly,hecalculated.Trueenoughtherewereshoesand

bootsandclothesandbooksscatteredaround.Andhe’dneverseenthepoint—asevereandsharpboneofcontentionbetweenhimandhissister—onmakingabedwhenyouwereonlygoingtogetbackinitagain.

Topleaseher,hewavedahand,hadthe

shoesandbootsandclothesandbooks—andwhateverelselayonthefloor—pileupinacorner.He’ddealwithitall—atsomepoint.

Butfornowhewavedhishandagain,hadrosepetalsrainingdown.Shelaughed,grabbedahandfulfromtheair,then

scatteredthemoverhishair.

“You’reafoolishromantic,Connor.”

“There’snotathingfoolishaboutromance.”Hedrewherover,pillowedherheadonhisshoulder.“There,that’saltogetherbetter.”

Shecouldn’targue,and

yet.“Weshouldgodown.They’llbewonderingwhatwe’reupto.”

“Oh,I’llwagertheyknowperfectlywellwhatwe’reupto.Sowe’lltakealittletime.”

Alittle,shedecided.“I’llneedmyclothesagain—fromwhereveryousentthem.”

“I’llgetthembacktoyou.Butnotquiteyet.”

Sheletherselfbecontentwithherheadpillowedonhisshoulder,andtheairfullofrosepetals.

A

14

SSEPTEMBERTICKEDONTOOCTOBER,BRANNAdragooned

ConnorandIonainto

helpingharvestthevegetablesfromherbackgarden.ShesetIonaonpickingthefatpeapods,Connortodiggingpotatoes,whileshepulledcarrotsandturnips.

“Itsmellssogood.”Ionastraightenedtosniffattheair.“Inthespringwhenweplanted,itall

smelledfreshandnew,andthatwaswonderful.Andnowitsmellsripeandready,andthat’sadifferentwonderful.”

ConnorsentIonaabalefulstareasheshoveled.“Saythatwhenshehasyouscrubbingallthis,andboilingorblanchingorwhateverthe

bloodyhellitis.”“Youdon’tcomplain

whenyoueatthemealsImakeallwinterwiththevegetablesIjarorfreeze.Infact...”

Shemovedover,pluckedaplumpplumtomatofromthevine,sniffedit.“I’veamindtomakemybluecheeseand

tomatosouptonight.”Knowinghisfondness

forit,BrannasmiledwhenConnorgavehertheeye.“That’sacannywaytokeepmeworking.”

“I’macannysort.”Harvestingputherina

finemood.Shemightpluckandpickthroughthesummer,butthebasics

ofbountyshe’djarupforthecomingwintergaveheralovelysenseofaccomplishment.

Andthework,asfarasBrannawasconcerned,onlyaddedtoit.

“Iona,youcouldpickagoodpairofcucumbers.I’llbemakingsomebeautycreamslater,and

I’llneedthem.”“Idon’tknowhowyou

managetodosomuch.Keepthehouse,agarden,cook,makeallthestockforyourshop—runabusiness.Plottodestroyevil.”

“Maybeit’smagick.”Enjoyingthescentofthem,thefeelofthemin

herhand,Brannaaddedmoretomatoestoherbucket.“Butit’sthetruthIlovewhatitisIdo,somosttimesit’snotmuchlikeworking.”

“Tellthattothemanwiththeshovel,”Connorcomplained,andwasignored.

“You’veplentydished

onyourownplate,”BrannasaidtoIona.“Youdon’tseemtomindspendingeachdayshovelingawayhorsedung,haulingbalesofhayandstraw,ridingaboutthewoodsnatteringtotouristswholikelyaskmostofthesamequestionsdaily.Addallthestudyingand

practiceyou’vedoneonthecraftsincelastwinterwhenyoucouldbarelysparkacandlewick.”

“Iloveitall,too.Ihaveahomeandaplace,apurpose.Ihavefamilyandamanwholovesme.”Liftingherfacetothesky,Ionabreatheddeep.“AndIhavemagick.Ionlyhad

hintsofthat,onlyhadNanasrealfamilybeforeIcamehere.”

Sheshiftedtothecucumbers,selectedtwo.“AndI’dlovetobeabletoplantalittlegarden.IfIlearnedhowtocanthings,thenI’dfeelI’ddonemypartwhenBoyleendsupdoingmostofthe

cooking.”“There’sroomenough

foroneatBoyle’s.Doyouplanonstayingthereonceyou’remarried?”

“Oh,it’sfinefornow.Morethanfineforthetwoofus,andclosetoeverythingandeveryonewewanttobecloseto.But...wewanttostarta

family,andsoonerratherthanlater.”

Brannaadjustedthestrawhatsheworemoreforthetraditionofitthanasablockfromthesunthatpeekedinandoutofpuffywhitecloudsonadaythatspokemoreofsummerthanfall.

“Thenyou’llwanta

house,andnotjustroomsoverFin’sgarage.”

“We’rethinkingaboutit,butneitherofuswantstogiveupbeingclosetoallofyou,orthestables,sowe’rejustthinkingaboutit.”Bendingbacktoherwork,Ionapickedabrightyellowsquash.“There’stheweddingto

planfirst,andIhaven’tevendecidedonmydressortheflowers.”

“Butyouhavewhatyouwantinmindforboth.”

“IhaveasortofvisionofthedressIwant.Ithink—Connor,fairwarning,asthiswillboreyoubrainless.”

“Thepotatoeshavealreadydonethat.”Hepluckedthemoutofshoveleddirtforthebucket.

“Anyway,Iwantthelongwhitedress,butIthinkmoreavintagestylethananythingsleekandmodern.Notrainorveil,moresimplebutstill

beautiful.Likesomethingyourgrandmothermighthaveworn—butabitupdated.Nanwouldgivemehers,butit’sivoryandIwantwhite,andshe’staller—and,well,it’snotreallyit,asmuchasI’dlovetowearafamilydress.”

Shepickedacherry

tomato,poppeditwarmintohermouth.“God,that’sgood.Anyway,I’vebeenlookingonline,togettheidea,andafterSamhain,I’mhopingyouandIandMearacangoonarealhunt.”

“I’dloveit.Andtheflowers?”

“I’vegonearoundand

aroundonthat,too,thenIrealized...Iwantyourflowers.”

“Mine?”“Imeanthelookof

yourflowers,yourgardens.”

Straighteningagain,Ionawavedahandtowardthehappymixofzinnias,foxglove,begonias,

nasturtiums.“Notspecifictypesorcolors.Allofthem.Allthatcolorandjoy,justthewayyoumanagetoplantthemsotheylookunstudiedandhappy,andstunningallatonce.”

“ThenyouwantLola.”“Lola?”“She’saflorist,hasa

placejustthissideofGalwayCity.She’sacustomerofmine.Isendhervatsofhandcreamasdoingupflowersismurderonthehands.Andshe’lloftenordercandlesbythegrosstogowithherarrangementsforawedding.She’sanartistwithblooms,Ipromise

you.I’llgiveyouhernumberifyouwantit.”

“Ido.Shesoundsperfect.”

IonaglancedtowardConnor.Hecrouchedonthegroundstudyingapotatoasifithadtheanswertoallthequestionsprintedonitsskin.

“IwarnedyouI’dbore

youbrainless.”“No,it’snotthat.Itgot

methinkingaboutfamily,aboutgardensandflowers.AndthebluebellTeaganaskedmetoplantathermother’sgrave.Ihaven’tdoneit.”

“It’stoomuchofarisktogotoSorcha’scabinnow,”Brannareminded

him.“Iknowit.Andstill,

it’sallsheasked.ShehelpedhealMeara,andallsheaskedwasthatIplanttheflowers.”

Settingdownherbucket,Brannacrossedovertohim,croucheddownsotheywereface-to-face.“Andwewill.

We’llplantthebluebell—ahectareofthemifthat’swhatyouwant.We’llhonorhermother,who’soursaswell.ButnoneofusaretogonearSorcha’sgraveuntilafterSamhain.You’llpromisemethat.”

“Iwouldn’triskmyself,andbydoingthatriskall.Butitweighson

me,Branna.Shewasjustagirl.Andwiththelookofyou,Iona.AndI’mlookingatyou,”hesaidtoBranna,“justlikeIlookedatSorcha’sBrannaugh,andIcouldseehowshe’dbeinanothertenyears,andseehowyouwereatherage.Therewastoomuchsorrowanddutyin

hereyes,astoooftenthere’stoomuchinyours.”

“Whenwe’vedonewhatwe’vesworntodo,thesorrowanddutywillbedone.”Shegavehisgrubbyhandasqueeze.“They’llknowitjustaswedo.I’msureofthat.”

“Whycan’twesee,

youandmetogether?AndwithIonathethree?Whycan’tweseehowitends?”

“Youknowtheanswertothat.Aslongasthere’schoice,theendisneverset.Whathehas,andallthat’sgonebefore,itblursthevision,Connor.”

“We’rethelight.”Ionastoodwithherbucketof

pods,gardensoilstainingthekneesofherjeans.AndtheringBoylehadgivenhersparklingonherfinger.“Whateverhecomeswith,howeverhecomes,we’llfight.Andwe’llwin.Ibelievethat.AndIbelieveitbecauseyoudo,”shetoldConnor.“Becausewithyourwhole

lifeleadingtothis,knowingitdid,youbelieve.He’sabullyandabastardhidingbehindpowerhebarteredforwithsomedevil.Whatweare?”Shelaidahandonherheart.“Whatwehaveisfromthebloodandfromthelight.We’llcuthimdownwiththatlight,

andsendhimtohell.Iknowit.”

“Wellsaid.Andthere.”BrannagaveConnorapoke.“That’sourownIona’sSt.Crispin’sDayspeech.”

“Itwaswellsaid.It’sjustamoodhangingoverme.Apromisenotyetkept.”

“Onethatwillbe,”Brannasaid.“Andit’snotjustthatanddiggingpotatoesthat’sputyouinamood—asouronethat’srareforyou.HaveyouandMearahadafight?”

“Notatall.It’sallgrand.ImightworryhereandthereatthewayCabhan’stakentoofine

aninterestinher.Whenit’soneofus,wehaveweaponforweapon,magickstomagicks.She’sonlywitandspine,andabladeifshe’scarryingone.”

“Whichservesherwell,andshewearsyourprotectivestones,carriesthecharmswemade.It’s

allwecando.”“Ihadherbloodonmy

hands.”Helookeddownatthemnow,sawthewetredofMeara’sbloodratherthanthegood,darksoil.“IfindIcan’tgetaroundit,getpastit,soI’maftertextingherahalfdozentimesaday,makingupsomefoolishreason,

justtobesureshe’ssafe.”“She’dknockyouflat

forthat.”“Iknowitwell.”“IworryaboutBoyle,

too.AndCabhanhasn’tpaidanyrealattentionthere.It’snatural,”Ionaadded,“forustohaveconcernsaboutthetwopeoplewecareaboutwho

don’thavethesamearsenalwedo.”ShelookedatBranna.“Youworry,too.”

“Ido,yes.Evenknowingthere’snothingwecandowehaven’tdone,Iworry.”

“Ifithelps,IpromiseI’mwithheralotduringtheworkday.Andwhen

shetakesoutagroup—eversincethewolfshadowedher—Ibraidacharmintoherhorse’smane.”

Connorsmiled.“Doyou?”

“Sheindulgesme,andsodoesBoyle.I’vebeenaddingthemtoallthehorsesasoftenasIcan

manage.Itmakesmefeelbetterwhenwehavetoleavethematnight.”

“Igavehersomelotiontheotherday,askedhertouseiteveryday,totestitforme.”NowBrannasmiled.“Icharmedit.”

“Theonethatsmellsofapricotsandhoney?It’slovely.”Hekissed

Branna’scheeks.“Sothat’sthanksonamagickalandaromanticsortoflevel.Ishould’veknownthepairofyouwouldaddprecautions.Forme,she’sneveroutofRoibeard’ssightunlessshe’sinmine.”

“Well,giveherovertoMerlinforanhourorso—

Finwouldbewilling.Andgohawking.”Withahandonhisshoulderforaboost,Brannarose.“Putthepotatoesinthelittlecellarandtakeyourhawkoutforabit.Iexpectyoucouldbothusethetime.”

“Whatabouttheboilingandblanchingandalltherest?”

“You’redismissed.”“Andthesoup?”Shelaughed,gavehim

alightknockontheheadwithherfist.“Here’smythought.TellBoyleI’llneedMearaaroundherein...”Brannalookedupatthebeamingsun,calculatedthetime.“Threehourswillwork.

Thentherestofyoushouldbeherebyhalf-six.We’llhaveyoursoup,andarocketsaladasI’llhaveIonacutitfresh,somebrownbread,andcreamcake.”

“Cake?Whatoccasionisthis?”

“We’llhaveacéili.It’slongpasttimewehada

partyhere.”Brushinghishandson

hispants,Connorpushedtohisfeet.“IcanseeIneedtodevelopasourmoodmoreoften.”

“Itwon’tworkasecondtime.Gostorethosepotatoes,gofindyourhawk,andbebackhereathalf-six.”

“I’lldoallthat.Thanks.”

Shewentback,pickedmoretomatoesasnowshe’dbemakingthesoupforsix,andglancedoveratIonaafterConnorhadgone.

“Hedoesn’tknowyet,”Ionasaid.“He’dtellyouifhedid.Youifnoone

else.Sohedoesn’tknowhe’sinlovewithher.”

“Hedoesn’tknowyet,buthe’scomingaroundtoit.Surehe’slovedherallhislife,sorealizingit’sanothersortoflovethanhelethimselfbelievetakessometime.”

Brannalookedtowardthecottage,thoughtof

him,thoughtofMeara.“She’stheonlyonehe’lleverwantalifewith,oralifetime.Othershaveandcouldtouchhisheart,butnonebutMearacouldbreakit.”

“Sheneverwould.”“Sheloveshim,and

alwayshas.Andhe’stheonlyoneshe’lleverwant

alifewith,oralifetime.Butshehasn’thisfaithinloveoritspower.Ifshecantrustherselfandhim,they’llmakeeachother.Ifshecan’t,she’llbreakhisheartandherown.”

“Ibelieveinloveanditspower.AndIbelievethatwhengiventhechoice,Mearawillreach

forit,holdontoit,andtreasureit.”

“IhopemorethanIhopeforalmostanythingelseyou’reright.”Brannaletoutabreath.“Meanwhile,thetwoofthemhaven’tyetfiguredwhynooneelseintheworldhasevermadethemfeelastheydonow.The

heart,it’safierceandmysteriousthing.Let’sgetallthisinside,scrubbedoff.I’llshowyouhowtostartthesoup,thenwe’llseehowmuchwecanjarbeforeMearacomes.”

***

SHEARRIVED,TIMELYANDOUTOFSORTS.

Onceshe’dstalkedthroughtothekitchen,shefistedherhandsonherhips,frownedattheshiningjarsofcolorfulvegetablescoolingonthecounter,thesoupsimmeringlowonthestove.

“What’sallthis?Ifyou’vecalledmeheretodokitchenwork,you’retobesorelydisappointed.I’vehadenoughworkaltogethertoday.”

“We’renearlydone,”Brannasaidpleasantly.

“I’mhavingabeer.”Mearacompletedherstalktothefridge,yankedouta

bottleofSmithwick’s.“Iseverythingallright

atthestables?”MearasnarledatIona.

“Allright?Oh,sureit’sbeenmorethanallrightwithushavingasummerdayinOctoberandeveryblessedsoulwithinfiftykilometersdecidingnothingwoulddobutthey

rideahorsetoday.IfIwasn’ttakingoutagroup,Iwasdoingrubdownsorhaulingsaddlesin,haulingthemout.”

Shewavedthebeerintheairbeforeopeningit.“Anddidn’tCaesartakeitinhisheadtobiteRufusonthearse,andthisafterItoldtheSpanishlady

ridinghimtogivethehorsessomespace.SothenIhadanearhystericalSpanishladyonmyhands,andIcanbarelyunderstandherasshe’shystericalinSpanish,anddoinghalfthetalkingwithherhandssothereinsareflyingaboutgivingCaesarthe

notionshewantsafinegallop.”

“OhGod.”Ionaspoiledtheattempttosoundconcernedbychokingoffalaugh.

“Ohsureit’sanamusementtoyou.”

“Onlyalittle,becauseIknowit’sallright,andyouwouldn’thaveputher

onCaesarifshecouldn’tride.”

“Forallherhysterics,sherodelikeabloodyconquistador,andIhaveasuspicionsheangledforthegallopallalong.Fortunately,IwasonyourAlastar,andcaughtupwithhereasy.Grinningwideshewas,thoughshe

triedtoturnthataroundwhenIgotholdofCaesar’sbridleandpulledhimup.AndIsweartoyou—”

Nowshepointed,facelivid.“Isweartoyouthetwohorseshadaheartylaughoveritall.”Shechuggeddownbeer.“AndafterthatoneIhadfive

teens.Fivegirlteens.AndthatIcan’ttalkaboutatallorImighthaveSpanishhystericsmyself.Andyou.”Shepointedagain,anaccusingjabatIona.“You’veafreedaytoplayaboutinthegardensasyou’resleepingwiththeboss.”

“I’msuchaslut.”

“Well,thereyouare.”Mearadrankagain.“Andthat’swhyIwon’tbedoinganykitchenworkorgardenwork,andifthere’sspellsorenchantmentstobedone,I’llrequireanotherbeerattheveryleast.”

Brannaglancedovertowardthejarsatatrioof

tinypops—asignthelidshadsealed.“That’sagoodsound.There’snoworkatall.We’rehavingthedayoff.”

ThistimeMearadrankslowly.“Hasshefallenunderaspellherself?”sheaskedIona.“Orhasshebeenintothewhiskey?”

“Neither,butthere

shouldbewhiskeylater.We’rehavingacéili.”

“Acéili?”“I’vethefirstofmy

harvestingdone,andthejarringaswell.We’vehadasummerdayinOctober.”Brannadriedoffherhands,laidtheclothout.“Sohaveyoursingingvoiceready,

Meara,andputonyourdancingshoes.I’minthemoodforaparty.”

“Areyousurethisisn’taspell?”

“We’veworkedandworried,plannedandplotted.It’stimewetookanight.We’llhopehehearsourmusic,anditburnshisears.”

“Iwon’targuewiththat.”Morecontemplativelynow,Mearatookanothersipofbeer.“Ihatetoriskspoilingthisraremoodofyours,butIshouldtellyouIsawhimtwicetoday—theshadow.Firstoftheman,andnextthewolf.Justwatching,nomore

thanthat.Butsureit’senoughtoplayonthenerves.”

“Hedoesitforthat,sowe’llshowhimhecan’tstopusfromliving.Andspeakingofjustthat,I’llneedyoubothupstairs.”

“You’refullofsurprisesandmystery,”Mearadecided.“Dothe

othersknowyou’reafterhavingaparty?”sheaskedastheystartedupstairs.

“Connorwillletthemknow.”

Brannaledthemintoherbedroom,where,unlikeConnor’s,everythingwasperfectlyinplace.

Shehadthelargestspace—builttoherspecificationswhensheandConnorexpandedthecottage.She’dpaintedthewallsadeepforestgreen,andwiththedark,tree-barktrim,sheoftenthoughtitwaslikesleepinginthedeepwoods.She’dchosenthe

artcarefully,followingfancywithpaintingsofmermaidsandfaeries,dragonsandelves.

She’dindulgedherselfwiththebed,withaCeltictrinityknotcarvedintoitshighhead–andfootboard.Agardenofpillowsmoundedonitsthickwhiteduvet.Achest,built

andpaintedbyhergreat-grandfathersatatitsfootandheldthemostpreciousofthetoolsofhercraft.

Shefetchedalonghookfromherclosetand,fittingitintothelittleslotintheceiling,drewdowntheatticdoorandsteps.

“Ineedtoget

something.I’llonlybeaminute.”

“Italwaysfeelssopeacefulinhere.”Ionawalkedtothewindowsthatlookedoutoverfieldsandwoodstotherollofgreenhillsbeyond.

“Theydogoodworkbetweenthem,BrannaandConnor.Ienvyheren

suitebathwiththatbigtubandthehectareofcounter.OfcourseifIhadthatmuchcounterinmybath,I’dclutteritup.Andhershas...”

Mearawenttothedoor,peekedin.“Aprettyvaseofcallalilies,fancysoapsinadish,threefatwhitecandlesongorgeous

silverholders.I’dsayitwaswitchcraft,butshe’sjustbrutalabouttidiness.”

“Iwishsomeofitwouldruboffonme,”IonasaidasBrannacamedownthestepswithabigwhitebox.“Oh,letmehelpyou.”

“I’vegotit,’tisn’theavy.”Shelaidthewhite

boxonthewhiteduvet.“Sowhenwetalkedaboutweddings,anddressesandflowersandallofthat,Ihadthisthought.”

Afteropeningthebox,shefoldedbacklayersandlayersoftissuepaper,thenliftedoutalongwhitedress.

Iona’sgaspwas

exactlythereactionshe’dhopedfor.

“Oh,it’sbeautiful.Justgorgeous.”

“Itis,yes.Mygreat-grandmotherworeitonherweddingday,andIthoughtitmightsuitforyours.”

Eyeswide,Ionatookaquickstepback.“I

couldn’t.Icouldn’t,Branna,itshouldbeforyou,foryours.Itwasyourgreat-grandmother’s.”

“Andshe’syourbloodaswellasmine.Itwouldn’tsuitme,thoughit’slovely.Thestyle’snotforme.Andshewaspetite,asyouare.”

Headcocked,Branna

heldthedressinfrontofIona.“I’llaskyoutotryiton—indulgemeinthat.Ifitdoesn’tsuit,ifitisn’twhatpleasesyou,noharmdone.”

“Tryitonthen,Iona.You’refrothingto.”

“Okay,okay!Oh,thisisfun.”Shebegantostrip,allbutdancingasshedid.

“IneverthoughtI’dbetryingonaweddingdresstoday.”

“You’vetheundersforahoneymoon.”MeararaisedherbrowsatIona’slacypalebluebraandmatchingpanties.

“I’veboughtanentirenewsupply.It’sproventobeanexcellent

investment.”ShelaughedasBrannahelpedherstepintothedress.

“Buttonuptheback,willyou,Meara?”BrannasaidasIonacarefullyslidherarmsinthethinlacesleeves.

“Thereareamillionofthem,andsotiny,andprettylikepearls.”

“ShewasSiobhanO’Ryan,whomarriedColmO’Dwyer,andwasanaunttoyourowngrandmother,Iona,ifI’vegotitallstraight.Thelength’sgoodasyou’llbewearingheels,Iimagine.”Brannafluffedthetiersoflace-edgedtulle.

“Itmight’vebeenmade

foryouthewayitfits.”Mearacontinuedtofastenbuttons.

“Oh,it’ssobeautiful.”SmilingatherselfinBranna’slongmirror,Ionabrushedfingertipsoverthelacebodice,downthetieredcolumnofskirt.

“There!That’sthelot,’

MearasaidasshedidupthelastbuttonsatthebaseofIona’sneck.“Youlookapicture,Iona.”

“Ido.Ireallydo.”“Theskirt’sperfect,I

think.”Nodding,BrannawalkedaroundIonaashercousinswayedthiswayandthattomaketheskirtsweep.“Soft,romantic,

justenoughfussbutnottoomuch.ButI’mthinkingthebodicecouldusesomealtering.It’sfartooold-fashionedandfartoomodest.Vintageisonething,coveringyoutothechin’sanother.”

“Oh,butwecan’tchangeit.You’vekeptitalltheseyears.”

“Whatcanbechangedcanbechangedbackagain.Turnaroundhereonce.”SheturnedIonaherself,puttingherbacktothemirror.“Theseshouldgo.”Brannasweptherhandsdownthesleeves,vanishingthem,glancedatMeara.

“Altogetherbetter

already.Andthebackhere?Don’tyouthink...”

BrannapursedherlipsasMearatracedalowvee,thenwithanod,traceditherselftoopenthebacktojustabovethewaist.“Yes,she’salovelystrongbackandshouldshowitoff.Nowthebodice.”

Headanglingthisway,thatway,BrannawalkedacirclearoundIona.“Perhapsthis...”Shechangedthebodicetoastraightlinejustabovethebreastswiththinstraps.

Mearafoldedherarms.“Ilikeit!”

“Mmm,butit’snotquiteright.”Thinking,

imagining,Brannatriedanoff-the-shoulderstyle,withahintofcapsleeves.SteppedbacktostudywithMeara.

Theybothshooktheirheads.

“CanIjust—”“No!”Andbothof

themsnappedoutthedenialasIonastartedto

peekoverhershoulder.“Thefirstyoudidwas

betterbyfar.”“Itwas,but...”

Brannaclosedhereyesamomentuntiltheimageformed.Thenopeningthem,shewavedherhandsslowlyoverthebodice.

“That!”Mearalaida

handonBranna’sshoulder.“Don’ttouchit.Letherlooknow.”

“Allright.Ifyoudon’tlikeit,you’veonlytosay.Turnaround,havealook.”

Andthelooksaiditall.Notjustacontentedsmilenow,butastunnedgaspfollowedbyaluminous

glow.Bride-whitelace

formedastraplessbodicewiththecurveofasweetheartneckline.Fromthenippedwaist,thelace-edgedtullefellinsoft,romantictiers.

“Shelikesit,”Mearasaidwithalaugh.

“No,no,no.Iloveit

morethanIcansay.Oh,Branna.”Tearsglimmerednowasshemethercousin’seyesintheglass.

“Thebackwasmynotion,”Meararemindedher,andhadIonaanglingtolook.“Oh!Oh,Meara.It’sfabulous.It’swonderful.It’sthemostbeautifuldressinthe

world.”Shespunaroundinit,

laughedthroughthetears.“I’mabride.”

“Almost.Let’splayabitmore.”

“Ohplease.”Asiftoprotect,Ionacrossedherarmsoverthebodice.“Branna,Iloveitexactlyasitis.”

“Notwiththedress,foritcouldn’tbemoreperfectforyou.Noveilyousaid,andIagree.Whataboutsomethinglikethis?”

SheranafingeroverIona’scapofsunnyhairsoIonaworearainbowoftinyrosebudsonasparklingband.“Thatsuitsthedress,andyou,I

think—andsomethingforyourears.YourNanmighthavejustthething,butfornow...”Sheaddedtinydiamondstars.

“Thatworkswell.”Adress,Branna

thought,suitedtotheshowerofsunlightandtheglimmerofthemoon.Suitedforadayoflove

andpromises,andanightofrejoicing.

“Idon’thavethewordstothankyouforthis.It’snotjustthedress—howitlooks,whichisbeyondanythingIhopedfor.Butthatit’sfromfamily.”

“You’remine,”Brannatoldher,“asisBoyle.”Sheslidanarmaround

Meara’swaist.“Ours.”“We’reacircleaswell,

wethree.”MearatookIona’shand.“It’simportanttoknowthat,andvaluethat.Beyondalltherest,we’reacircleaswell.”

“Andthat’sbeyondanythingIoncehopedfor.OnthedayImarryBoyle,

myhappiestday,you’llbothstandwithme.We’llstand,wethree,thethreeandallsix.Nothingcaneverbreakthat.”

“Nothingcanorwill,”Brannaagreed.

“AndnowIseewhyyoudecidedtocelebrate.Spanishhystericsbedamned,”Meara

announced.“I’minthemoodtosingandputmydancingshoeson.”

T

15

HEKITCHENSMELLEDOFCOOKING,ANDTHEPEATFIREinthe

hearth.Itglowedwith

light,shovingthebright,celebrationalglowagainstthedarkthatpressedagainstthewindows.Thedogstretchedbythefire,bigheadonbigpaws,watchinghisfamilywithanamusedeye.

Therewasmusic,fullofpipesandstrings,rollickingoutofthelittle

kitcheniPodwhiletheyputthefinishingtouchesonthemeal.Voicesmixedandmingled,songandconversationasConnorswungIonaaroundinaquickdance.

“I’mstillsoclumsy!”“You’renotatall,”he

toldher.“You’reonlyneedingmorepractice.”

Hetwirledheronce,andtwiceonherlaugh,thenpassedhersmoothlytoBoyle.“Giveheraspin,man.I’veprimedherforyou.”

“AndI’llbreakhertoeswhenItrodonherfeet.”

“You’relightenoughonthemwhenyou’veamindtoit.”

Boyleonlysmiledandliftedhisbeer.“Ihaven’thadenoughpintsforthat.”

“We’lltendtothataswell.”ConnorgrabbedMeara’shand,sentherawink,thenexecutedaquickcomplicatedstep,bootsclacking,clickingontheglossywoodfloor.

AndMearaangledher

head—asilentacceptanceofthechallenge.Mirroredit.Twobeatslatertheyclicked,stomped,kickedinperfectunisontothemusic,and,Ionathought,tosomeenergeticchoreographyintheirminds.

Shewatchedthemfaceeachother,torsosstraight

andstillwhiletheirlegsandfeetseemedtofly.

“It’sliketheywereborndancing.”

“Ican’tsayabouttheQuinns,”Fincommented,“buttheO’Dwyershavealwaysbeenmusical.Hands,feet,voices.Thebestcéilieshereaboutshaveforeverbeenhosted

bytheO’Dwyers.”“Magickal,”shesaid

withasmile.Hisgazeslidtoward

Branna,lingeredamoment.“Inallways.”

“AndwhatabouttheBurkes?Dotheydance?”

“We’vebeenknownto.Myself,Idobetteratitwithmyhandsona

woman.AndsinceBoyle’snotmakingthemove,I’mobligedto.”

HesurprisedIonabypullinghertohim,circlingherfast,thendroppingintostepsthattookthedanceintoahalftime.Afteramoment’sfumbling,shecaughton,matchedhimwellenough,

withhisarmsguidingher.“I’dsaytheBurkes

holdtheirown.”Whenhetwirledher

around,shelevitatedherselfafewinchesoffthefloorandmadehimlaugh.

“AsdoestheAmericancousin.I’mlookingforwardtodancingwith

youatyourwedding.ItmaybeI’llhavetobestandinginforthegroomonthat,whilehestandsonthesidelines.”

“NowIseeI’venochoiceinthematter,orfindmyselfshownupbyFinbarBurke.”

BoylesnatchedIonaaway,solvedtheissueof

hislesstalentedfeetbyliftingheroffhersandturningcircles.

AndBrannafoundherselffacingFin.

Connorsawthemoment,squeezedMeara’shandinhis.

“Willyou?”Finasked.“I’mabouttoput

dinneronthetable.”

Hesaid,“Once,”andtookherhand.

Theyhadaway,Connorthought,asmoothwayofflowingalongwiththemusic,intime,instep,asifthey’dbeenmadetomovetogether.

Hissoftheartachedforthem,bothofthem,foritwasloveashimmerin

theirsteps.Aroundthekitchen,theyturned,flowed,turned,eyesforeachotheronly,easyandhappyasthey’doncebeen.

Besidehim,Mearastoppedashehad,andleanedherheadagainsthisshoulder.

Foronelovely

moment,allwasrightintheworld.Allwasasithadbeenonce,howitmightbeyetagain.

ThenBrannastopped,andthoughshesmiled,thelovelymomentshattered.

“Wellnow,Ihopeyou’veallworkedupanappetite.”

Finmurmured

somethingtoher,inIrish,buttoosoftandlowforConnortounderstand.Hersmilefelltowardsorrowassheturnedaway.

“We’llhavemoremusicafterourmeal,andthere’swineaplenty.”Movementsbrisk,Brannaturnedthemusicdown.“Tonight’snotforworkor

worries.We’vefoodfreshfromthegardentonight,andourownIonamadethesoup.”

Thatpronouncementbroughtonalong,hushedsilencethathunguntilIonarolledoutalaugh.“Comeon!I’mnotthatbadacook.”

“Ofcourseyou’renot,”

Boylesaidwiththeairofamanfacingahard,unhappytask.Hewenttothestove,spoonedupatastestraightfromthepot.Sampled,liftedhiseyebrows,sampledagain.“It’sgood.It’sverygoodindeed.”

“Idon’tknowifamaninlove’stobetrusted,”

Connorconsidered.“Butwe’lleat.”

Theyateabountyfromthegarden,kepttheconversationlightandawayfromallthingsdark.Wineflowedfreely.

“Andhow’syourmotherfaringinGalway?”FinaskedMeara.

“I’mnotreadytosayshe’stheretostay,butclosertoit.Ihadatalkwithmysister,who’sthatsurprisedit’sahappyarrangement—fornowinanycase.Mymother’sworkinginthegarden,andkeepingitintrim.Andshe’sstruckupabitofafriendshipwitha

neighborwho’sakeengardenerherself.Ifyoucouldholdthecottageabitlonger—”

“Aslongasyouneed,”Fininterrupted.“I’veamindtodoafewupdatesthere.Whenyou’vetimeenough,Connor,wecouldtalkaboutabitofworkontheplace.”

“I’vealwaystimeenoughforthat.I’vemissedthechallengeandfunofbuildingandfixingsincewefinishedoffthecottage.Didyoutrulydothesoup,Iona,forit’smorethangood.”Sosaying,hetookanotherladlefromthetureen.

“Brannawatchedme

likeRoibeard,andtookmethroughitstepbystep.”

“I’mhopingyou’llberememberingthesteps,asI’llbeaskingyoutomakeitathome.”

Pleased,IonagrinnedatBoyle.“We’llhavetoplanttomatoes.I’mprettygoodwithagarden.We

couldtrysomenextyear—inpatiopots.”

“Suremaybewe’llfindsomethingwithabitoflandbythen,andyoucanhaveapropergarden.”

“Itmaybeyou’llbetoobusywithweddingsandhoneymoonsnextspringtoplanttomatoes,”Mearapointedout.

“Andwe’vemorethanenoughheretoshare,”Brannaadded.“Youhaven’tfoundaplacethatsuitsyoumorethanwhereyouare?”

“Notyet,andnohurryonit,”Boylesaid,glancingatIona.

“None,”sheconfirmed.“Welikebeingclosetoall

ofyou,andtothestables.Infact,we’rebothsetonstayingclose,sountilwefindsomethingthathitsallthenotes,welikejustwhereweare.”

“Buildingyourowntendstohitthosenotes,asI’vereasontoknow.”Finpouredmorewine,allaround.

“Youwroteabloodyoperawhenyoubuiltyourhouse,”Boylecommented.

“Surewhatfunitwastohaveahandinthat,”Connorremembered.“ThoughFinwasasfussyasyourauntMaryabouteverythingfromarunoftiletocabinetpulls.

“That’swhatmakesitasatisfyingendeavor,ifyou’reinnoparticularhurry.There’slandbehindmyownplace,”Fincontinued,“whereahousecouldbetuckednicelyinthetreesifsomeonelikedthenotionofthat.AndI’dbewillingtosellaparceltogoodneighbors.”

“Areyouserious?”Iona’sspoonclatteredagainstherbowl.

“Aboutgoodneighbors,yes.I’venowishtobesaddledwithpoorones,evenwithplentyofspacebetween.”

“Acottageinthewoods.”Eyesshining,IonaturnedtoBoyle.“We

couldbeexcellentneighbors.Wecouldbeamazingneighbors.”

“Whenyouboughtallthat,yousaiditwastokeeppeoplefromplantinghousesaroundyou.”

“Peopleareonething,”FinsaidtoBoyle.“Friendsandfamily—andpartners—there’sanother

thingentirely.Wecantakealookaroundsometimeoranotherifyou’veanyinterest.”

“Iguessnow’stoosoon,”Ionasaidwithalaugh.“ButthenIdon’thaveasingleideahowtodesignorbuildahouse.”

“Sureyou’reluckyyouhaveacoupleofcousins

whodo,”Connorpointedout.“AndIknowsomegoodworkmenhereandaboutifyoudecidetogothatway.Whichwouldsuitmedowntotheground,”headded,“ifI’veavoteinit.IcangohawkingbackthereasIdo,andhavethebenefitofstoppinginforabowlof

soup.”“Hethinkswithhis

stomach,”Mearacommented.“Buthe’srightenough.Itwouldbealovelyspotforacottage,andjustwhereyouwantittobe.It’safinenotion,Fin.”

“Afinenotion,buthe’syettotalkprice.”

FinsmiledatBoyle,liftedhisglass.“We’llgettothat—afteryourbride’shadalook.”

“Acannybusinessmanhe’salwaysbeen,”Brannasaid.“She’llfallinloveandpayanyprice.”Butshesaiditwithhumor,notsting.“Anditisafinenotion.More,it’ssaved

meaquandary,forthefieldbehindhereisforConnor.ButwithIonabeingfamily,I’vebeentornaboutit—eventhough...I’vewalkeditcountlesstimes,anditneversaidIona.IcouldneverseeyouandBoylemakingyourhomethere,thoughyou’dhavebeenin

sightofourown,andit’saprettyspotwithalovelyviewofthings.Inevercouldunderstandthewayofthat.NowIdo.You’llhaveyourcottageinthewoods.”

Sheliftedherglassinturn.“Blessedbe.”

***

BRANNABROUGHTOUTHERVIOLINAFTERTHEMEAL,ANDjoinedhervoicewithMeara’s.Onlyhappytunes,andlivelyones.Connorfetchedthebodendrumfromhisroom,addedatribalbeat.ToIona’ssurpriseand

delight,Boyledisappearedforafewmomentsandcamebackwithamelodeon.

“Youplay?”IonagapedatBoyle,atthelittlebuttonaccordionheheld.“Ididn’tknowyoucouldplay!”

“Ican’t,notanote.ButFincan.”

“Ihaven’tplayed,notanote,inyears,”Finprotested.

“Andwho’sfaultisthat?”Boyleshovedtheinstrumentathim.

“Playit,Fin,”Mearaencouraged.“Let’shaveaproperseisiún.”

“ThennocomplaintswhenImakeamuckof

it.”HeglancedatBranna.Afteramomentsheshrugged,tappedherfoot,andbegansomethinglightandjumpy.Withalaugh,Connordancedfingersandstickoverthecolorfuldrum.

Fincaughtthetimeandthetune,joinedin.

Musicrangout,paused

onlyformorewineoradiscussionofwhatshouldbenext.Ionascrambledupforanotepad.

“Ineedthenamesofsomeofthese!We’llwantsomeofthemattheweddingreception.They’resofulloffunandhappy.”Imaginingherselfinherperfectwedding

dress,dancingtoallthatlivelyjoywithBoyle,surroundedbyfriendsandfamily,shebeamedathim.“Thewayourlifetogether’sgoingtobe.”

AtMeara’slong,exaggeratedawwww,BoylekissedIonasoundly.

Sointhewarm,bright

kitchentherewaslaughterandsong,adeliberateanddefiantcelebrationoflife,offutures,ofthelight.

Outside,thedarkdeepened,theshadowsspread,andthefogslunkalongtheground.

Initsanger,anditsenvy,itdidwhatitcouldtosmotherthehouse.But

protectionscarefullylaidrepelleditsoitcouldonlyskulkandplotandrageagainstthebrilliance—searching,searchingforanychinkinthecircle.

Mearaswitchedtowatertowetherthroat,broughtaglassovertoBranna.Shefeltsuddenlytired,andalittledrunk.It

wasairsheneededmorethanwater,shethought.Aircoolanddampanddark.

“AfterSamhain,”Connorsaid,“we’llhavearealcéilie,invitetheneighborsandthoseallaroundasMaandDadid.NearChristmas,doyouthink,Branna?”

“Withatreeinthewindow,andlightseverywhere.Withenoughfoodtosetthetablesgroaning.I’veafondnessforYule,sothatwouldsuitme.”

ItwasrareforConnortoslideintohermind,buthedidnow.He’sclose,circling

close,pressinghard.Doyoufeelhim?

Brannanodded,butkeptsmiling.Themusicdrawshimlikeawasptothelight.Butwe’renotready,notaltogetherreadytotakehimon.Here’sachancetotry,

andweshouldn’tmisstakingit.

Thentelltheothers,thisway.We’lltrythechance,andhopesurpriseisenough.

Connorsaw,asBrannadid,thatFinalreadyfeltthatpressure,thosedarkfingersscrabblingagainstthebright.HesawIonajolt,justalittle,asheslidhisthoughtsintoherhead.

HerhandsqueezedBoyle’s.

HeglancedtowardMeara.

Theinstantherealizedshewasn’ttherehefelther,sawherreachouttoopenthefrontdoorofthecottage.

Thefeargrippedhisthroatlikeclaws,allbut

drawingblood.Heshoutedforher,inhismind,withhisvoice,andrushedoutoftheroom.

Nearlyhalfasleep,floatingontheshadowssoftanddim,shesteppedoutside.Here’swhatsheneeded,here’swhatshehadtohave.Thedark,thethickandquietdark.

Evenasshestartedtodrawinadeepbreath,Connorcaughtheraroundthewaist,allbutthrewherbackintothecottage.

Everythingshook—thefloor,theground,theair.Toherstunnedeyes,thedarkmistsoutsidethedoorbowedinwardasifsomethinglargeand

terriblepusheditsweightagainstthem.Boyleslammedthedooronit,andthedullroar—likeanangrysurf—thatrolledwithit.

“Whathappened?Whatisit?”MearashovedagainstConnor,who’dthrownhisbodyoverhers.

“Cabhan.Stayback,”

Brannasnapped,andflungthedooropenagain.

Astormragedoutside,theshadowstwisting,knotting.Underthemcameakindofhighshriekandarumblethatwasthousandsofwingsbeating.

“Bats,isit?”Brannasaidindisgust.“Tryas

youmight,”sheshouted,fistsclenchedathersides.“Tryyourworst,thentryagain.Butthisismyhome,andneverwillyoucrossthethreshold.”

“Jesus,”Mearawhisperedasthemiststhinnedenoughforhertoseethebats.Likealiving,undulatingwall,redeyes

gleaming,spikedwingsbeating.

“Stayhere.”Connorshoutedagainstthedin,thenleapeduptojoinhissister.Andwithhim,IonaandFinmovedtoformaline.

“Inourlightyou’lltwistandturn,”Connorbegan.

“Inourflameyou’llscorchandburn,”Ionacontinued.

“Heremergethepowerofoneandthree,”Finadded.

“Aswewill,somoteitbe,”Brannafinished.

Meara,draggedbackbyBoyle,watchedasthebatslitliketorches.Hated

herselfforcringingastheyscreamed,astheyburst,assmokingbodiestwisted.

Ashfelllikeblackrain,whippedintheterriblewind.

Thenallwentquiet.“You’renotwelcome

here,”Brannamurmured,thenfirmlyshutthedoor.

“Areyouhurt?”Withthedangerpassed,ConnordroppedtohiskneesbesideMeara.

“No,no.God,didIletitin?DidIopenusuptothat?”

“Nothinggotin.”ButConnorgatheredherup,pressedhislipstoherhair.“Youopenednothing

butthedoor.”“Ihadto.FeltI

couldn’tbreathe,andwanted—craved—thedarkandquiet.”Shaken,sheballedherhands,pressedthemtohertemple.“Heusedmeagain,triedtousemeagainstallofus.”

“Andfailed,”Ionasaid

crisply.“Heseesyouasweak.

Lookatmenow.”Fincroucheddowntoher.“Heseesyouasweakasyou’reawoman,andnowitch.Buthe’swrong,asthere’snothingweakaboutorinyou.”

“Andstillheusedme.”“Hewantedyoutogo

out,beyondtheprotectionsandcharms.”Connorbrushedherhairawayfromherface.“Hetriedtolureyouout,awayfromus.Nottouseyou,darling,buttoharmyou.Forhe’senragedbywhatwe’redoinghere.Themusic,thelight,thesimplejoyofitall.He’d

havehurtyou,ifhecould,foronlythat.”

“You’resureofit?Themusic,thelights?”MearalookedfromConnortoBranna,andback.“Wellthen.We’llplaylouder,andifyou’ddomeafavorconsidering,usewhatyouwilltomakethelightsbrighter.”

Connorkissedher,helpedhertoherfeet.“No,notabitofweakinoraboutyou.”

***

LATEINTOTHENIGHTWHENTHEY’DPLAYEDTHEMSELVESout,Connor

heldhercloseagainsthiminhisbed.Hecouldn’tseemtolethergo.Theimageplayedinhismind—thedazedlookonherfaceasshe’dsteppedfromlighttodark.

“It’smindtrickshe’susing,andhe’senoughofthem,enoughinhimtoslitherthroughthe

shields.”Ashespoke,hetracedafingeroverthebeadsshewore.“We’llworkonsomethingstronger.”

“Hedoesn’tgoafterBoylethesameway.IsFinright?It’sbecauseI’mnotaman?”

“Hepreysonwomenmore,doesn’the?He

killedSorcha’smantobesure,buthekilledDaithitotormenther,tobreakherheartandspirit.Andhetormentedheragainandagainoverthatlastwinter.Thehistoryofitsayshetookgirlsfromthecastleandaround.”

“Yetit’stheboy,Eamon,he’striedtoget

to.”“Takeouttheboy,and

he’dseethegirlsasmorevulnerabletohim.HewantsBrannaugh—boththeonewhowasandourown.IfeelitwheneverIlethimin.”

Sheshifted.“Lethimin?”

“Intomyhead—abit.

OrwhenI’mabletoslipthrough,ashedoes,andgetintohis.It’scold,andit’sdark,andsofullofhungerandrageit’shardtounderstandanyofit.”

“Butlettinghimin,evenforamoment,isdangerous.Hecouldseeyourthoughtsaswell,couldn’the—usethem

againstus?Againstyou.”“I’vewaysaroundthat.

Hedoesn’thavewhatIhave,oronlyawhisperofit.WhatEamonhasaswell,andhe’dlovetodraintheboyofhispower,takeitforhisown.”

Idly,hestrokedherhair,loosefromitsbraid.

Despiteall,hefoundhimselfoddlycontenttojustbewithher,bodieswarmandclose,voiceshushedinthedark.

“HebotheredussolittlebeforeIonacame.WithFinhe’sbeenrelentlesssincethedaythemarkburnedintoFin’sshoulder.”

“Heneverspeaksofit,ourFin,orrarely.”

“Tomehedoes,”Connortoldher,“andsometimestoBoyle.Butno,eventhenit’srare.ThingschangedallaroundwhenCabhan’smarkcameonhim.AndchangedallaroundagainwhenIonacame.He

pushedatherthoseweeks,asshewasnotonlyawomanbutsonewandinexperienced,justlearningallshehadinherandhowtouseit.Hethoughtherweakaswell.”

“Sheprovedhimwrong.”

“Asyouhavemorethanoncealready.”He

kissedherforehead,hertemple.“Buthewon’tstoptrying.Harmingyouharmsusall.Thathecanseewellenough,evenifhecan’tunderstandit,ashe’sneverlovedinthewholeofhisexistence.Howisit,doyouthink,toexistforsolong,somanylifetimes,andneverknow

love,givingit,beinggivenit?”

“Peoplelivewithoutit—ordoforonelifetime—anddon’ttormentandkill.”

“I’mnotmeaningitasanexcuse.”Nowheproppeduponhiselbowtolookdownather.“Hecanbespellawomanand

takeherbody,andherpowerifshehasit.Lustingwithoutlove—withoutanyloveforanythingoranyone—that’sthedark.Thosewhogothroughtheirtimewithonlythat?Ithinktheymustbesadcreatures,orevilones.It’stheheartthatgetsusthroughthe

hardtimes,andgivesusjoy.”

“Brannasaysyourpowercomesthroughyourheart.”Lightly,Mearatracedacrossonit.

“That’sherthinking,andit’strueenough.Icouldn’tbeifIcouldn’tfeel.Hefeels.Lustandrageandgreed,with

nothingtolightenit.Takingwhatwearewon’tbeenough.Itwillneverbeenough.Hewantsustoknowthedarkheknows,tosufferinit.”

Itmadeherwanttoshudder,soshestiffenedherselfagainstit.“Youfoundthatinhismind?”

“Someofit.SomeI

canjustsee.Andforamomenttonight,Iknewwhathefelt—anditwasakindofterriblejoythathewouldtakeyoufromme,fromus.Fromyourself.”

“Youwereinsideme—inmyhead.Henevercalledmyname,notthistime,butyoudid.Iheardyoucallmyname,andI

stoppedforjustaninstant.IfeltlikeIstoodontheedgeofsomething,pulledinbothdirections.ThenIwasunderyouonthefloor,soIdon’tknowwhichwayI’dhavegone.”

“Iknow,andnotonlybecausethere’snoweaknessinyou.Because

ofthis.”Heloweredhishead,metherlipslightly,lightlywithhis.“Becauseit’smorethanlust.”

Nervesrose,ashiverofwingsinherbelly.“Connor—”

“It’smore,”hewhispered,andtookhermouth.

Soft,sosoftandtender,

hislipscoaxingherstogive,seducingdegreebyachingdegree.Ifhispowercamefromtheheart,heuseditnow,saturatingherinpurefeeling.

Shewouldhavesaidno—no,itwasn’tthewayforher,couldn’tbetheway.Buthewasalready

glidingheralongonthesweet,ontotheshimmer,intotheshine.

Hishands,lightasair,skimmedoverher,andevenwithsuchadelicatetouchkindledheat.

Quiet,soquietandstirring,hiswordsaskinghertobelievewhatsheneverhad.Totrustwhat

shebothfearedanddenied.

Inlove,itssimplicity,itspotency.Itspermanence.

Notforher.No,notforher—shethoughtit,butdriftedonitssilkyclouds.Whathegave,whathebrought,whathepromised,wasirresistible.

Foramoment,foranight,shegaveherselftoit.Gaveherselftohim.

Sohetook,butgently,andgavemoreinreturn.

He’dknown,intheinstantshe’dstoodbetweenCabhan’sdarkandhislight,he’dknownthefulltruthoflove.He’dunderstooditcame

weightedwithfear,andwithrisks.He’dknownhemightbelostinthemazeofit,acceptedhewouldworkthroughitsshadows,drawonitslightandlivehisliferidingitsups,itsdowns,itsstretchesofsmooth,itssuddenbumps.

Withher.Alifetimeoffriendship

hadn’tpreparedhimforthischange,thistidalshiftfromeasylovetowhathefeltforher.

Theone.Theonly.Andthishewouldcherish.

Hedidn’taskforthewordsback—theywouldcome.Butfornowheryieldingwasenough.

Thosebreathysighs,thetremors,thethick,unsteadybeatofherheart.

Sheroseup,swimmingupandoverawaveofpleasuresoabsoluteitseemedtofillherbodywithpurewhitelight.

Thenitwashimfillingher,givinghermore,andmoreandmoreuntiltears

blurredhervision.Asshepeaked,assheclungforgloriousmomentstothatbrightandbrilliantedge,sheheardhisvoice,onceagain,inhermind.Thisismore,hesaidto

her.Thisislove.

***

“WHYDOESITMAKEYOUSOUNEASY?”

“What?”Mearastaredathim,thenlookedaround.“Wherearewe?Is—IsthatSorcha’scabin?Arewedreaming?”

“Morethanadream.Andloveismorethanthelieyoutrytobelieveitis.”

“It’sSorcha’scabin,

butitstandsunderthevinesthatgrowaroundit.Andthisisn’tthetimetotalkaboutloveandlies.Didhebringushere?”

Shedrewhersword,gratefulthedreamthatwasn’tadreamprovidedit.

“Love’sthesourceofthelight.”

“Themoon’sthesourceofthelight,andwecanbegladit’sfullwhereverandwheneverweare.”Sheturnedaslowcircle,searchingshadows.“Ishenear?Canyoufeelhim?”

“Ifyoucan’tyetbelieveyouloveme,youshouldbelieveIloveyou.

I’venevertoldyoualie,ornotonethatmattered,inyourlife.”

“Connor.”Shesheathedhersword,butleftherhandonthehilt.“Haveyoulostyoursenses?”

“I’vegainedthem.”Hegrinnedather.“It’syoursenseslostbecauseyou

haven’tthenervetopickthemupandholdthem.”

“I’mtheonewiththeswordsomindwhatyousayaboutmynerve.”

Heonlykissedherbeforesheshovedhimaway.“Notaweakthinginoraboutyou.Yourheart’sstrongerthanyouthink,andit’sgoingtobe

mine.”“I’mnotgoingtostand

here,ofallplaces,andtalknonsensewithyou.I’mgoingback.”

“That’snottheway.”Connortookherarmassheturned.

“Iknowthewaywellenough.”

“That’snottheway,”

herepeated.“Andit’snotyettime,asherehecomesnow.”

Herfingerstightenedonthehiltofhersword.“Cabhan.”

Connorstilledherswordhandbeforeshecoulddraw,andtookthewhitecobbleoutofhispocket.Itglowedlikea

smallmooninhispalm.“No.It’sEamonwho

comes.”Shewatchedhimride

intothelittleclearing,notaboynow,butaman.Veryyoung,buttallandstraightandsolikeConnorherheartjerked.

Heworehishairlongerandbraidedback.He

camequietlyastrideatough-lookingchestnutwho,tohereye,couldhavegallopedhalfwayacrossthecountywithoutlosingitswind.

“Goodeveningtoyou,cousin,”Connorcalledout.

“Andtoyouandyourlady.”Eamondismounted

smoothly.Ratherthantetherthehorse,hesimplylaidthereinsoveritsback.Thewaythechestnutstood,likeacarvedstatueinthemoonlight,itwasclearitwouldn’tstrayorboltawayfromitsmaster.

“It’sbeensometimeforyou,”Connor

observed.“Fiveyears.Mysisters

andtheirmenbideatAshford.Brannaughhastwochildren,asonandadaughter,andanothersoncomesanyday.Teaganiswithchild.Herfirst.”

Helookedtothecabin,thenovertohismother’sgravestone.“Andso

we’vecomehome.”“Tofighthim.”“’Tismyfondestwish.

Butheisinyourtime,andthatisatruththatcannotbedenied.”

Tallandstraight,withthehawk’seyearoundhisneck,Eamonlookedoverathismother’sgraveagain.

“Teagancameherebeforeme.Shesawtheonewhowillcomefromher.SawherwatchingwhileTeaganfacedCabhan.Wearethethree,thefirst,butwhatweare,whatwehave,wewillpasstoyou.ThisisallIcansee.”

“Wearesix,”Connor

said.“Thethreeandthreemore.Mylady,mycousin’sman,andafriend,apowerfulfriend.”Andsincetheboywasnowaman,Connorthought,thetimehadcometospeakofit.“OurfriendFinbarBurke.HeisofCabhan’sblood.”

“Heismarked?”Like

Meara,Eamonlaidahandonthehiltofhissword.

“Throughnoactofhisown,nowishofhisown.”

“ThebloodofCabhan—”

“Iwouldtrusthimwithmylife,andhave.Iwouldtrusthimwiththelifeofmylady,andIloveherbeyondreason—though

shedoesn’tbelieveit.Wearesix,”Connorrepeated,“andheisoneofus.WewillfightCabhan.Wewillendhim.Iswearit.”

ConnordrewMeara’sswordand,takingit,steppedovertothegravestone.Hescoredhispalm,letthereddripontotheground.“Iswearby

mybloodwewillendhim.”

Hereachedinhispocket,unsurprisedtofindthebluebell.Heusedtheswordtodigasmallhole,andplantedit.“Apromisegivenandkept.”

Hestirredtheairwithafinger,pulledthemoistureoutofit,andletbloodand

waterpourontheground.Steppingback,he

watchedwiththeothersastheflowergrew,andthebloomsdoubled.

“Irodeawayfromher.”Eamonstaredatthegrave.“Therewasnochoice,anditwasherwillandherwish.NowIcomehomeaman.WhateverI

cando,whateverpowerisgivenme,Iwilldo,Iwilluse.Apromisekept.”HeheldoutahandtoConnor.“IcannottrustthisspawnofCabhan’s,butItrustyouandyours.”

“Heismine.”Eamonlookedatthe

grave,attheflowers,atthecabin.“Thenyouare

six.”Hetouchedhisamulet,thetwinofConnor’s,thenthestoneontheleatherbindingConnorhadgivenhim.“Allweareiswithyou.Ihopewe’llseeeachotheragain,whenthisisdone.”

“Whenit’sdone,”Connoragreed.

Eamonmountedhis

horse,thensmiledatMeara.“Youshouldbelievemycousin,mylady,aswhathespeaks,hespeaksfromhisheart.Farewell.”

Heturnedhishorse,rodeoffasquietlyashe’dcome.

Mearastartedtospeak—andwokewithajoltin

Connor’sbed.Hesatbesideher,a

halfsmileonhisfaceashestudiedhisbloodiedpalm.

“JesusChrist.Youneverknowwhereyou’llendupwhenyouliedownbesidethelikesofyou.Mindyourself!You’llgetbloodonthesheets.”

“I’llfixit.”Herubbedpalmtopalm,stanchedtheblood,closedtheshallowwound.

“Whatwasthatabout?”shedemanded.

“Abitofavisitwithfamily.Somequestions,someanswers.”

“Whatanswers?”“I’mafterfiguringthat

out.Buttheflower’splanted,asTeaganaskedofme,sothat’senoughfornow.Helookedfineandfit,didn’the,ourEamon?”

“You’dsaysoasyou’vearesemblance.Cabhanwouldknowthey’dcomeback.”

“Theydon’tendhim,

butneitherdoesheendthem.Liketheflowers,that’senoughtoknowfornow.It’sforustoend,Iknowthataswell.”

“Andhowdoyouknow?”

“Ifeelit.”Hetouchedafingertohisheart.“ItrustwhatIfeel.Unlikeyouforinstance.”

Afteranimpatientglancesheshovedoutofbed.“Ihavetogotowork.”

“You’vetimeforabitetoeat.Youneedn’tworryasthere’snotenoughtimeformetopokeatyouproperlyaboutmyfeelingsandyours.Butthere’llbetimeforthat

soonenough.Iloveyoutodistraction,Meara,andwhileitcomesasasurprisetome,I’mhappybeingsurprised.”

Shegrabbedupherclothes.“You’reromanticizingthewholebusiness,andcobblingitalltogetherwithmagicksandrisksandbloodand

sex.Iexpectyou’llcometoyoursensesbeforelong,andfornow,I’musingtheloo,andgettingmyselfreadyforwork.”

Shemarchedoff.Hegrinnedafterher,

amusedhehadsuchafineviewofherbacksideasshestalkedthroughthedoorofthebathheshared

withIona.He’dcometohis

senses,hethought—thoughithadtakenmostofhislifetogetthere.Hecouldwaitforhertocometohers.

Meanwhile...Hestudiedhishealedpalm.Hehadsomethinkingtodo.

W

16

OMENWEREACONSTANTPUZZLETOCONNOR’Smind,

buttheirmysteriesand

secretwaysaccountedforsomeoftheirunendingappealtohim.

Heconsideredthewomanheloved.Courageousandstraightforwardastheycameonallmatters—exceptthoseoftheheart.Andtheresheturnedasfearfulasatrappedbird,

andjustaslikelytoflyoffandawaygiventhesmallestopening.

Andyetthatheartheldstrongandloyalandtrue.

Apuzzle.He’dspookedher,no

questionofthat,withhisdeclarationoffeelings.Helovedher,andforhimtruelovecameonceand

lastedforever.Still,ashe’drathersee

herflyfree—fornow—thanbatterherselfagainstthecage,herousedBoyle.

HavingBoylegointothestableswithMeara—earlierthaneitherneededtobe—accomplishedtwothings.She’dhavehisfriendwithher,andthe

threewouldhavesometimetotalkalone.

Rainblewacrossthetreesandhills,shiveredagainstthewindows.Heletthedogout,walkedouthimself,circlingthecottage—asthey’ddonethenightbefore—checkingtobecertainnoremnantsofCabhan’s

spellremained.Hissister’sflowers

bloomed,bold,defiantcolorsagainstthegloomwiththegrassbeyondthemathickgreenblanket.Andallhefeltintheairwastherain,wasthewind,wasthestrong,clearmagickshe’dhelpedlighthimselfinaring

aroundwhatwastheirs.Whenhepausedat

Roibeard’slean-to,thehawkgreetedhimwithalightrubofhisheadtoConnor’scheek.Thatwaslove,simpleandeasy.

“You’llkeepaneyeout,won’tyou?”Connorskimmedthebackofhisknuckledownthehawk’s

breast.“Sureyouwill.Takesometimeforyourselfnow,andhaveahuntwithMerlin,forwe’reallsafeforthemoment.”

Inanswer,thehawkspreadhiswings,lifted.Hecircledonce,thensoaredtothewoods,andintothem.

Connorwalkedaroundagain,wentinthroughthekitchendoor—holdingitopenasKathelcameupbehindhim.

“Doneyourpatrol,haveyouthen?AndsohaveI.”Hegavethedogalongstroke,arubalongtheears.“Idon’tsupposeyou’dgoupandgiveour

Brannaanudgetogetmeoutofmakingbreakfast?”

Kathelsimplygavehimalookasdryasanyhoundcouldmanage.

“Ididn’tthinkso,butIhadtotryit.”

Acceptinghisfate,Connorfedthedog,freshenedthewaterinthebowl.Helitthefires,in

thekitchen,inthelivingroom,evenintheworkshop,thenhadtocalculatehecouldstallnomore,andgotdowntoit.

Hesetbaconsizzling,slicedupsomebread,beatupeggs.

HewasjustpouringtheeggsintothepanwhenIonaandBrannacamein

together—Ionadressedforwork,Brannastillinhersleepclotheswiththatbefore-my-coffeescowlinhereyes.

“Everyone’supsoearly.”Knowingtherules,IonaletBrannagettothecoffeefirst.“AndBoyleandMearaalreadygone.”

“Shewantedtochange,

andpromisedBoyleshe’dfixhimsomebreakfastfortakingheraround.”

“Mindthoseeggs,Connor,you’llscorchthem,”Brannasaid,asshedidwheneverhemadebreakfast.

“Iwon’t.”“Whyisityouhaveto

turnuptheflameto

hellfiretocookeverybloodything?”

“It’sfasteriswhy.”Anddamnit,henearly

didscorchthembecauseshe’ddistractedhim.

Hedumpedthemonaplatewiththebacon,tossedonsometoast,thenploppeditallinthemiddleofthetable.“If

you’dstirredyourselfsooner,youcould’vemadethemtoyourliking.Nowyou’lleatthemfrommine,andyou’rewelcome.”

“Itlooksgreat,”Ionasaidbrightly,andfingercombinghercapofbrighthair,sat.

“Ah,don’tpanderto

himjustbecausehe’smadeameal,andforthefirsttimeinweeks.”Brannasatwithher,gaveKathel’searsascratch.

“It’snotpanderingifyou’rehungry.”Ionafilledherplate.“We’regoingtogetcancellationstoday.”Shenoddedtowardthesteady,soaking

rain.“Notonlyrain,butacoldone,too.NormallyI’dbesorryaboutthat,buttodayIthinkwecouldallusetheextratime.”

Shesampledsomeeggs.Theywerevery...firm,shedecided.

“Ifit’sasslowasIthinkitmaybe,”shecontinued,“Icanprobably

getoffearly.Icancomeworkwithyou,Branna,ifyouwant.”

“I’vesomestocktofinishupasIdidn’tworkonityesterday.I’llneedtogetitdoneandrunitintotheshop.ButI’llbeherebynoon,I’dthink.FinandI’vefinishedthechangestothepotionwe

usedonthesolstice.It’sstrongerthanitwas,butthespellneedswork,asdoesthetiming,andthewholebloodyplan.”

“We’vegottime.”“Thedaysclickby.

Andhe’sgrowingbolderandbolder.Whathetriedlastnight—”

“Didn’twork,didit

now?”Connorcountered.“Whatarehisdevilbatsnowbutashblownbythewind,washedbytherain?Anditgavemeanotionortwo,thewholebusinessofit.”

“You’veanotion,haveyou?”Brannaliftedhercoffee.

“Ihave,andastoryto

tellaswell.IlookedforEamonindreams,andheforme.Sowefoundeachother.”

“Yousawhimagain.”HenoddedatIona.“I

did,andpulledMearaintoitwithme.Hewasaman,abouteighteen,ashesaidithadbeenfiveyearssincehe’dlastseenme.

HisBrannaughhastwochildrenwithathirdtocome,andTeaganiscarryingherfirst.”

“Shewaspregnant—Teagan,”Ionaadded,“whenIsawher,inmyowndream.”

“Iremember,sothiswouldhavebeenformethesametimeintheir

worldasitwasforyou.Itwas,formeasforyou,atSorcha’scabin.”

“Youknowbetterthantogothere,”Brannasnapped,“indreamsorno.”

“Ican’ttellyouintruthifitwasmydoingorhis,forIpromiseyouIdon’tknowevennow.ButI

knewweweresafethere,forthattime,orIwouldhavepulleditback.Iwouldn’thaveriskedMearaagain.”

“Allright.Allrightthen.”

“They’dcomehome,”hecontinued,andlatheredtoastwithjam,“andthatwasbittersweet.They

knowthey’llfightCabhan,andtheyknowtheywon’twin,won’tendhim,ashe’shereinourtime,ourplace.Itoldhimweweresix,andthatoneofoursixhadCabhan’sblood.”

“Anddidthatfloatwell?”Brannawondered.

“Heknowsme.”

Connortappedahandonhisheart.“Andhetrustsme.Sointurn,hetrustsmine,andFinismine.HehadthependantIgavehimaswellastheamuletweshare.Ihadthelittlestonehegaveme,andwhenItookitout,itglowedinmypalm.Youhadtherightofthat,

Branna.Ithaspower.”“Well,Iwouldn’tputit

inaslingandplayDavidtoCabhan’sGoliath,butit’sgoodtokeepitwithyou.”

“SoIdo.Andmore,Ihadthebluebell.”

“Teagan’sflower,”Ionaadded.

“Iplantedit,feditwith

myblood,withwaterIdrewfromtheair.AndtheflowersbloomedthereonSorcha’sgrave.”

“Youkeptyourword.”Ionabrushedahandoverhisarm.“Andyougavethemsomethingthatmattered.”

“Itoldhimwe’dendit,asIbelievewewill.AndI

thinkIknowsomethingthatwemissedonthesolstice.Music,”hesaid,“andthejoyofit.”

“Music,”IonarepeatedevenasBrannasatback,speculationinhereyes.

“Whatdrewhimherelastnight,soenraged,sobold?Ourlight,yes,andwe’llhavethat.Ourselves,

ofcourse.Butwemademusic,andthat’salightofitsown.”

“Ajoyfulnoise,”Ionasaid.

“Itisthat.Itblindshim—withthatrageagainstthejoy.Whycouldn’titbindhimaswell?”

“Music.Wemademusicthatnightlast

spring,doyouremember,Iona?JustyouandIandMearahere.Ibroughtoutmyfiddle,andweplayedandsang,andhelurkedoutside,allshadowsandfog.Drawntoit,”Brannasaid,“drawntothemusicevenashehatedit—hatedthatwehaditinustomakeit.”

“Iremember.”“Oh,Icanworkwith

this.”Branna’seyesnarrowed,herlipscurved.“Aye,thiswillbesomethingtostirintothepot.It’sagoodthought,Connor.”

“It’sbrilliant,”Ionasaid.

“Itendtoagreewith

that.”Grinning,Connorshoveledinthelastofhiseggs.

“I’msureMearasaidthesame.”

“Shemay,whenItellher.Ionlycamearoundtoitthismorning,”headded,“andshewasinafiredhurrytogetonherway.”

“Whywasthat?I’ve

stillgotnearlyahalfanhourbeforeIhavetogettowork.”Andbecauseshedid,Ionaroseforasecondcupofcoffee.“Ifshe’dwaited,BoyleandIcould’ve...Oh.”Hereyesrounded.“Didyouhaveafight?”

“Afight,no.Shewentintoafastretreat,asI

expectedshewould,whenItoldherIlovedher.BeingMeara,it’lltakeherabitoftimetosettleintoitall.”

“Youfigureditout.”Dancingback,Ionawrappedherarmsaroundhimfrombehindhischair.“That’swonderful.”

“Itwasn’tamatterof

figuring...Maybeitwasthat,”hereconsidered.“Andshe’ssomesloweroncomingtotheconclusion.She’llbehappierwhenshedoes,andsowillI.Butfornow,there’sacertainenjoymentinwatchinghertrytosquirmaroundit.”

“Haveacare,Connor,”

Brannasaidquietly.“It’snotastubbornnatureorahardheadthatholdsherback.It’sscars.”

“Shecan’tliveherlifedenyingherownheartbecausehershiteofafatherhadnone.”

“Haveacare,”Brannarepeated.“Whatevershesays,whatevershethinks

shebelieves,shelovedhim.Sheloveshimstill,andthat’swhythehurt’snevergoneallthewayquiet.”

Irritationwalkeduphisspine.“I’mnotherfather,andsheshouldknowmebetter.”

“Ohno,darling,it’sthatshe’safraidsheis—

she’slikeherfather.”“Bollockstothat.”“Ofcourse.”Branna

rose,begantoclear.“Butthat’stheweightshecarries.AsmuchasIloveher,andshelovesme,I’veneverbeenabletoliftitaway,notaltogether.That’sforyoutodo.”

“Andyouwill.”Iona

pushedawayfromthetableagaintohelp.“Becauselove,ifyoujustdon’tletgo,beatsanything.”

“Iwon’tbelettinggo.”Ionapausedtokissthe

topofhishead.“Iknowit.Theeggsweregood.”

“Iwouldn’tgoasfarasthat,”Brannasaid,“but

we’lldothewashingupsinceyoucooked...afterafashion.”

“That’sfinethen,asIneedtocallRoibeardinandgetontowork.”

Hegothisjacketfromthepeg,andacapwhiledishesclattered.“Idoloveher,”hesaidasthewordsfeltsofine,“Iloveher

absolutely.”“Ah,Connor,yougreat

git,soyoualwayshave.”Hewentoutintothe

rainthinkinghissisterwasright.Sohealwayshad.

***

AFOULMOOD,ANEDGYMANNER,ANDATENDENCYTOsnipeequaledanassignmenttothemanurecompostpile.

Afilthydayforafilthyjob,Mearathoughtasshechangedintoheroldestmuckboots,switchedherjacketforoneofthethickerbarncoats.But

thenagainshewasfeelingfairlyfilthy.Andsinceshecouldn’tdenyshe’dpickedafightwithBoyle—aftersnappingatMick,snarlingatIona,andbroodingherwaythroughtherestofthemorning—shecouldn’tblameBoyleforbanishinghertoshitduty.

Butshedidinanycase.He’dgivenherguided

toIona—hardysoulsfromthemidlandswhoweren’tputoffbythesoddingrain.Mickhadaringlesson,sothesoddingraindidn’tmatterforthat,notabit.NordiditmattertoPatty,whowascleaningtack,ortoBoyle,who’d

closedhimselfoffinhisoffice.

Soitwaslefttohertotromparoundinthesoddingrain,andtothemajesticturningoftheshitpile.

Shewrappedascarfaroundherneck,pulledacaplowonherhead,andclompedherwayout—

cartingashovelandalongmetalstick—wellbehindthestablestowhatwasnot-so-lovinglyreferredtoasShiteMountain.

Astableofhorsesproducedplentyforthemountain,andthisby-product—ifshewantedtouseafancyterm—hadto

bedealtwith.Andwiser,eco-mindedsoulsdidmorethandeal.Theyused.

Itwasaprocesssheapprovedof,onnormaldays.Ondaysshewasn’tpissedoffattheworldingeneral.Ondayswhenitwasn’trainingfeckingbuckets.

Manure,properlytreated,becamecompost.Andcompostenrichedsoil.SoFinandBoylehadbuiltanarea—farenoughtheodorsdidn’tcarryback—todojustthat.

WhenshereachedShiteMountain,shecursed,realizingsheleftheriPodandearbudsback

atthestable.Shewouldn’tevenhavemusictodistracther.

Allshecoulddowasmutterasshepulledtheold,emptyfeedbagsoffthebigpile,andbegantousetheshoveltoturnthemanure.

Propercompostrequiredheattokillthe

seeds,theparasites,toturnmanureintoarichadditive.Itwasajobshe’ddonecountlesstimes,soshecontinuedautomatically,addingfertilizertohelpbreakdownthemanure,turningtheouterlayersintotheheartandtheheat,makingasecondpile,adding

ventilationbyshovingthestickdowndeep.

Atleastshedidn’thavetodragoutthehoseasthesoddingrainaddedallthewaterrequiredtothemuckymix.

Muckymix,shethought,puttingherbackintoit.That’sjustwhatConnorhadtossedthem

into.Whydidhehaveto

bringloveintoit?Loveandpromisesandnotionsoffuturesandfamilyandforever?Hadn’titallbeengoingwell?Hadn’ttheybeendoingfineandwellwithsexandfunandfriendship?

Nowhe’dsaidallthose

words—andsaidmanyoftheminIrish.Adeliberateploy,shethoughtassheshoveledandturnedandspread.Aploytotwistupherheart.Aploytomakehersighandsurrender.

He’dmadeherweak—hehad,hehad—andshedidn’tknowwhattodowithweakness.Weakness

wasanenemy,andhe’dsetthatenemyonher.Andmore,he’dmadeherafraid.

Andshe’dstarteditall,hadn’tshe?Oh,sheonlyhadherselftoblameforthesituation,forthetroubleitwasboundtocauseallaround.

She’dkissedhimfirst,

shecouldn’tdenyit.She’dtakenhimintoherbed,changingwhattheyweretoeachother.

Connorwasaromantic—she’dknownthataswell.Butthewaythemanflittedfromwomantowoman,shecouldn’tbeblamedentirelyforneverexpectingproclamations

oflove.Theyhadenoughto

dealwith,didn’tthey?ThetimetoAllHallow’sEvegrewshortereveryday,andiftheyhadatrueandsolidplanforthat,she’dyettohearit.

Connor’soptimism,Branna’sdetermination,Fin’sinnerrage,Iona’s

faith.Theyhadallthat,andBoyle’sloyaltyaswellasherown.

Butthosedidn’tamounttostrategyandtacticsagainstdarkmagicks.

Andinsteadofkeepinghisbrainfocusedonfindingthosestrategiesandtactics,Connor

O’Dwyerwasbusytellingherthingslikeshewasthebeatofhisheart,theloveofallhislifetimes.

InIrish.InIrishwhilehedidimpossiblethingstoherbody.

Andhadn’thelookedherstraightintheeyeinthemorning,aftertheywokefromthatstrange

dreamworld,andsaidstraightouthelovedher?Grinnedather,she

thoughtnow,steamingup.Asifturningherworldupsidedownwasafineandfunnyjoke.

Sheshould’veknockedhimoutofbedontohisarse.That’swhatsheshould’vedone.

She’dsetthingsrightwithhim,byGodshewould.Becauseshewouldn’tbeweak,notforhimoranyone.Shewouldn’tbeweakandafraid.Wouldn’thaveherhearttwistedupsoshemadepromisesshe’donlybreak.

Shewouldn’tlet

herselfbecomesoftandfoolishlikehermother.Helplesstocareforherself.Shamedandmourningthebetrayaldealtlikeanaxeblowbyaman.

More—worse—shewouldn’tletherselfbecomecarelessandselfishlikeherfather.A

manwhowouldmakepromises,evenkeepthemaslongashislifestayedsmooth.Whowouldheartlesslybreakthem,andtheheartsofthosewholovedhim,whentheroadroughened.

No,she’dbenoman’swife,noman’sburden,noman’sheartbeat.

EspeciallynotConnorO’Dwyer’s.

Because,Godhelpher,shelovedhimfartoomuch.

Shefeltasobrisingup,brutallychokeditback.

Atemporarything,shepromisedherselfasshespreadthebagsoverthecompostpilesagain.This

kindofburningintheheartcouldn’tlast.

Noonecouldsurviveit.

She’dbeherselfagainsoon,andsowouldConnor.Andallthiswouldbelikeoneofthosestrangedreamsthatweren’tdreams.

Shetoldherselfshe

wassteadiernow,thatthephysicallaborhaddonehergood.She’dgoback,smooththingsoverwithMick,especially,andtheothersaswell.

“You’vedoneyourpenance,”shesaidoutloud,steppedback,turned.

Andherfathersmiled

ather.“Sohereyouare,my

princess.”“What?”Abirdsanginthe

mulberrytree,andtherosesbloomedlikeafairyland.Shelovedthegardenshere,thecolors,thescents,thesoundsofthebirds,thesongofthe

fountainasthewaterpouredintothecirclingpoolfromajugheldbyagracefulwoman.

Andlovedalltheoddcornersandshadedbowerswhereshecouldhideawayfromhersiblingsifshewantedtobealone.

“Lostindreamsagain,

anddidn’thearmecalling.”Helaughed,thebigrollofitmakingherlipscurveevenastearsstunghereyes.

“Youcan’tbehere.”“Aman’sentitledto

takeaprettydayofftobewithhisprincess.”Smilingstill,hetappedthesideofhisnosewith

hisindexfinger.“Itwon’tbelongbeforealltheladsinthecountywillstartcomingaround,thenyouwon’thavetimeforyouroldda.”

“Ialwayswould.”“That’smydarling

girl.”Hetookherhand,drewherarmthroughthecrookofhis.“Mypretty

gypsyprincess.”“Yourhand’ssocold.”“You’llwarmitup.”

Hebegantowalkwithher,aroundthestonepaths,throughtherosesandthecreamycupsofcallalilies,theachingblueoflobeliawiththesunshoweringdownliketheinsideofabrokenpearl.

“Icamejusttoseeyou,”hebegan,usingthatconfidentialvoice,addingtheslywinkashedidwhenhehadsecretstotellher.“Everyone’sinthehouse.”

Sheglancedtowardit,thethreefinestoriesofbrick,paintedwhiteashermotherhadwished.More

gardenssurroundedthelargeterrace,thenledtoasmoothgreenlawnwherehermotherlikedtohaveteapartiesingoodsummerweather.

Alltinysandwichesandfrostedcakes.

Andherroomthere,Mearathought,lookingup.Yes,herroomright

there,withitsFrenchdoorsandlittlebalcony.AJulietbalcony,hecalledit.

Soshewashisprincess.

“Whyiseveryoneinthehouse?It’ssuchabrightday.Weshouldhaveapicnic!Mrs.Hannigancouldmakeup

somebridies,andwecanhavecheeseandbread,andjamtarts.”

Shestartedtoturn,wantedtoruntothehouse,calleveryoneout,buthesteeredheraway.“It’snotthedayforapicnic.”

Foramomentshethoughtsheheardrain

drummingontheground,andwhenshelookedup,itseemedashadowpassedoverthesun.

“Whatisthat?Whatisit,Da?”

“It’snothingatall.Hereyouare.”Hebrokearosefromthebush,handedittoher.Shesniffedatit,smiledasthe

softwhitepetalsbrushedhercheek.

“Ifnotapicnic,can’twehavesometeaandcake,likeaparty,sinceyou’rehome?”

Heshookhisheadslowly,sadly.“I’mafraidtherecanbenoparty.”

“Why?”“Noneoftheothers

wanttoseeyou,Meara.Theyallknowit’syourfault.”

“Myfault?Whatis?WhathaveIdone?”

“Youconsortandconspirewithwitches.”

Heturned,grippinghershouldershard.Nowtheshadowmovedoverhisface,hadherheartleaping

infear.“Conspire?Consort?”“Youplotandplan,

havingtruckwithdevil’sspawn.You’velainwithone,likeawhore.”

“But...”Herheadfeltlight,dizzyandconfused.“No,no,youdon’tunderstand.”

“Morethanyou.They

aredamned,Meara,andyouwiththem.”

“No.”Pleading,shelaidherhandsonhischest.Cold,coldlikehishands.“Youcan’tsaythat.Youcan’tmeanthat.”

“Icansayit.Idomeanit.WhydoyouthinkIleft?Itwasyou,Meara.I

leftyou.Aselfish,eviltrollopwholustsforpowershecanneverhave.”

“I’mnot!”Shock,likeablowtothebelly,staggeredherbackastep.“Idon’t!”

“YoushamedmesoIcouldn’tlookuponyourface.”

Thesobscamenow,thenagaspasthewhiteroseinherhandbegantobleed.

“That’syourownevil,”hesaidwhenshethrewittotheground.“Destroyingallwholoveyou.Allwholoveyouwillbleedandwither.Orescape,asIdid.Ileftyou,

shamedandsickened.“Doyouhearyour

motherweep?”hedemanded.“Sheweepsandweepstobesaddledwithadaughterwhowouldchoosethedevil’schildrenoverherownblood.You’retoblame.”

Tearsrandownhercheeks—ofshame,of

guiltandgrief.Whensheloweredherhead,shesawtherose,sinkinginapuddleofitsownblood.

Andrain,sherealized,fallingfastandhard.

Rain.Sheswayedalittle,

heardthebirdsinginginthemulberry,andthefountaincheerfully

splashing.“Da...”Andthecryofahawk

torethroughtheair.Connor,shethought.

Connor.“No.I’mnotto

blame.”Drenchedbytherain,

freedbythecryofthehawk,sheswungoutwith

theshovel.Thoughshetookhimbysurprise,heleapedbacksoitwhooshedbyhisface.

Afacenolongerherfather’s.

“Gotohell.”Sheswungagainbutthegroundseemedtoheaveunderherfeet.Asitdidshesworesomething

piercedherheart.Onhersharpcryof

pain,Cabhanbaredhisteethinavicioussmile.Andhespilledintofog.

Shemanagedashakystepforward,thenanother.Thegroundcontinuedtoheave,theskyturnedandturnedoverherhead.

Fromadistance,throughtherainandthefog,sheheardsomeonecallinghername.

Onestep,shetoldherself,thenanother.

Sheheardthehawk,sawthehorse,agrayblurspeedingthroughthemists,andthehoundstreakingbehindhim.

ShesawBoylerunningtowardherasifdevildogssnappedathisheels.

Andastheworldspunandspun,shesawwithsomeamazementConnorleapoffAlastar’sbareback.

Heshoutedsomething,buttheroaringinherheadmuffledthesound.

Shadows,shethought.Aworldofshadows.

Theyclosedinandswallowedher.

Sheswamthroughthem,chokedonthem,drownedinthem.Sheheardherfatherlaugh,butcruelly,socruelly.You’retoblame,

selfish,heartlessgirl.You

havenothing.Youarenothing.Youfeelnothing.I’llgiveyoupower,

Cabhanpromised,hisvoiceacaress.It’swhatyoutrulywant,whatyoucovetandcrave.Bringmehisblood,andI’llgiveyoupower.Takehislife,andI’llgiveyouimmortality.

Shestruggled,triedtoclawherwaythroughtheshadows,backtothelight,butcouldn’tmove.Shefeltbound,weigheddownwhiletheshadowsgrewthicker,thickersoshedrewtheminwitheverybreath.

Everybreathwascolder.Everybreathwas

darker.Dowhatheasks,her

fatherurgedher.Thewitchisnothingtoyou;you’renothingtohim.Justbodiesgropinginthedark.Killthewitch.Saveyourself.I’llcomebacktoyou,princess.

ThenConnorreachedforherhand.Heglowed

throughtheshadows,hiseyesgreenasemeralds.Comewithmenow.

Comebackwithme.Ineedyou,aghra.Comebacktome.Takemyhand.You’veonlytotakemyhand.

Butshecouldn’t—didn’thesee—shecouldn’t.Something

snarledandsnappedbehindher,butConnoronlysmiledather.Sureyoucan.Myhand,

darling.Don’tlookbacknow.Justtakemyhand.Comebackwithmenow.

Ithurt,ithurt,toliftthatheavyarm,tostrainagainstbindingshecouldn’tsee.Butthere

waslightinhim,andwarmth,andsheneededbothsodesperately.

Weeping,sheliftedherarm,reachedoutforhishand.Itwaslikebeingpulledbyherfingertipsoutofthickmud.Beingdraggedacentimeteratatime,andpainfully,whilesomeopposingforce

pulledherback.I’vegotyou,Connor

said,hiseyesneverleavinghers.Iwon’tletyougo.

Thenshefeltasifsheexploded,acorkoutofabottle,intotheclear.

Herchestburned,burnedasifherhearthadturnedintoahotcoal.

Whenshetriedtodrawinair,itsearedupintoherthroat.

“Easynow,easy.Slowbreaths.Slow.You’rebacknow.You’resafe.You’rehere.Shhnow,shh.”

Someonesobbed,wrenching,heartrending.Ittookherminutesto

realizethesoundscamefromher.

“I’vegotyou.We’vegotyou.”

SheturnedherfaceintoConnor’sshoulder—God,God,thescentofhimwaslikecoolwaterafterafire.Heliftedher.

“I’mtakingherhomenow.”

“Myhouseiscloser,”sheheardFinsay.

“She’llbestayingatthecottageuntilthisisfinished,butthanks.I’mtakingherhomenow.Butwillyoucome?Whenyoucan,willyoucome?”

“YouknowIwill.Weallwill.”

“I’mwithyounow,

Meara.”SheheardBranna’svoice,feltBranna’shandstrokeherhair,hercheek.“I’mrightherewithyou.”

Shewantedtospeak,butnothingcameoutbutthoseterrible,tearingsobs.

“Gowiththem,”Boylesaid.“Gowiththem,Iona.

Itshouldbethethreewithher.I’llseetoAlastar.Takethelorryandgowiththem.”

“Comesoon.”Mearaturnedherhead

enoughtoseeIonarunningforBoyle’slorry,climbingbehindthewheel.Runningthroughtherain,throughthemists

whiletheworldrockedbackandforth,backandforthlikethedeckofashipinastorm.

Andthepaininherchest,inherthroat,ineverypartofherburnedlikethefiresofhell.

Shewonderedifshe’ddied.Ifshe’ddieddamnedasthefatherwhowasn’t

herfatherhadsaid.“Shhnow,”Connor

saidagain.“You’realiveandyou’resafe,andyou’rewithus.Restnow,darling.Justrestnow.”

Onhiswords,sheslippedintowarmsleep.

S

17

HEHEARDVOICES,MURMURING—SOFT,SOOTHING.SHEfelt

hands,stroking—light,

gentle.Itseemedshefloatedonawarmpalletofairwiththescentsoflavenderandcandlewaxallaround.Bathedinlight,sheknewpeace.

Murmuringbecamewords,garbledandindistinct,asifspokenthroughwater.

“It’srestsheneeds

now.Restandquiet.Letthehealingdoitswork.”Branna’svoice,soweary.

“She’ssomecolorback,doesn’tshe?”AndConnor’s,anxious,shaky.

“Shedoes,andherpulseissteadyagain.”

“She’sstrong,Connor.”NowIona,abithoarseasiffromsleepor

tears.“Andsoarewe.”Thenshedriftedagain,

floating,floatingintocomfortingsilence.

Wakingwaslikeadream.

ShesawConnorsittingbesideher,eyesclosed,hisfaceilluminatedbytheglowofthecandlesallaroundtheroom.Itwasas

ifhe’dbeenpaintedinpale,luminousgold.

Herfirstconsciousthoughtwasitwasridiculousforamantobethathandsome.

Shestartedtosayhisname,butbeforeshecouldspeakit,hiseyesopened,lookeddirectlyintohers.Andsheknew

bythecolor,theintensityofthegreen,morethanthecandlelightilluminatedhim.

“Thereyouare.”Whenhesmiledtheintensityfaded,anditwasonlyConnorandcandlelight.“Liestillandquiet,justforamoment.”

Heheldhishandsover

herface,closedhiseyesagain,asheskimmedthemdown,overherheart,backagain.“That’sgood.That’sfinenow.”

Heremovedsomethingfromherforehead,hercollarbone,leavingthefaintesttinglebehind.

“Whatisthat?”Wasthathervoice?Thatfrog

croak?“Healingstones.”“WasIsick?”“Youwere,butyou’re

doingwellnow.”Heliftedheralittle,

removedstonesfromunderherback,underherhands,puttheminapouchandclosedittightly.

“HowlongwasIasleep?”

“Oh,neartosixhoursnow—notlonginthegrandscheme.”

“Sixhours?ButIwas...Iwas...”

“Don’tlookforityet.”Histone,brisk,cheerful,hadherfrowning.“You’llbeabitfoggyyet,andfeel

weakandshaky.Butit’llpass,Ipromiseyou.Andhere,you’lldrinkthisnow.Brannaleftitforyoutodrink—andallofit—assoonasyouwoke.”

“Whatisit?”“What’sgoodforyou.”Heproppedherupon

pillowsbeforetakingthestopperfromaslimbottle

filledwithredliquid.“Allofthat?”“All.”Heputthebottle

inherhands,cuppedhisownaroundthemtoguideittoherlips.“Slownow,buteverydropofit.”

Shepreparedformedicine,andinsteadsippedthecoolandlovely.“It’slikeliquid

apples,blossomsandall.”“That’ssomeofit.All

now,darling.Youneedeverydrop.”

Yes,morecolorinhercheeksnow,Connorthought.Andhereyeswereheavy,butclear.Notblindandstaringasthey’dbeenwhenshe’dsuccumbedtoCabhan’s

spell,whenshe’dlainlifelessonthewetgrass.

Theimageflashedbackintohismind,madehishandsshake.Sohepusheditaside,lookedathernow.

“You’llhavesomefoodnext.”Ittookeveryounceofwilltokeephisvoicesteadyandcarvea

littlecheerintoit.“Branna’smadeupsomebroth,andwe’llseehowyoudowiththatandsometeafirst.”

“IthinkI’mstarving,butIcan’treallytell.IfeelI’monlyhalfhere.Butbetter.Thedrinkwasgood.”

Shehandedhimback

thebottle;hesetitasideascarefullyasamanplacingabomb.

“Foodnext.”Hemanagedasmilebeforehelaidhislipsonherforehead.Thensimplycouldn’tmove.

Shefelthimtremble,reachedforhishand.Hegrippedherssohardshe

hadtobitebackagasp.“Itwasbad?”

“It’sfinenow.All’swellnow.OhGod.”

Hepulledhertohim,sotight.He’dhavepulledherinsidehimifhecould.“It’sallrightnow,it’sallfinenow,”hesaidoverandover,tocomforthimselfasmuchasher.

“Idon’tknowhowhegotpasttheprotection.Itwasn’tstrongenough.Ididn’tmakeitstrongenough.Hetookthenecklacefromyou,andIneverbelievedhecould.Hetookitaway,andstoleyourbreath.Ishould’vedonemore.Iwilldomore.”

“Cabhan.”Shecouldn’tquiteremember.“Iwas...turningthemanure.Thecompost.Andthen...Iwasn’t.Ican’tseeitclear.”

“Don’tfret.”Hebrushedatherhair,athercheeks.“It’llcomebackwhenyou’restronger.I’llmakeyouanother

necklace,astrongerone.I’llhavetheothershelpme,aswhatIdidwiththeotherwasn’tenough.”

“Thenecklace.”Shereachedupwhereitshouldhavehungaroundherneck.Remembered.“It’sinmyjacket.Itookitoff,didn’tI?”

Asshestruggledto

remember,Connorslowlyeasedaway.

“Youtookitoff?”“Iwasthatmad.Itook

itoff,stuffeditinmyjacketpocket.IsnappedatpoorMick—andeveryoneelseaswell,soBoyle...Yes,Boylesentmeouttothecompostpile.Iputononeofthebarncoats,left

myownjacketbehind.”“Youweren’twearing

itatall?AndthepocketcharmsImadeyou?”

“Inmypocket—inthejacketIleftinthestables.Ididn’tgiveitathoughtbecause...Connor.”

Hestoodabruptly,andinhisfaceshesawonlycoldrage.

“Youtookitoff,leftitbehindbecauseIgaveittoyou.”

“No.Yes.”Itwasallsuchamuddle.“Iwasn’tthinkingproperly,don’tyousee?Iwassoangry.”

“BecauseIloveyou,youwereangryenoughtogoout,withoutprotection.”

“Iwasn’tthinkingofitthatway.Iwasn’tthinkingatall.Iwasstupid.Iwasbeyondstupid.Connor—”

“Wellthen,it’sdone,andyou’resafeenoughnow.I’llsendBrannaupwiththebroth.”

“Connor,don’tgo.Please,letme—”

“Youneedthequietnowtofinishthehealing.I’mnotabletobequietnow,soIcan’tbewithyou.”

Hewentout,closedthedoorbetweenthem.

Shetriedtogetup,butherlegssimplywouldn’tholdher.Nowshe,awomanwho’dprided

herselfonherstrength,herhealth,hadtocrawlbackintobedlikeaninvalid.

Shelayback,breathunsteady,skinclammy,andherheartandmindspinningwiththeconsequencesofonecarelessactdoneintemper.

WhenBrannacameinwithatrayshecouldhaveweptwithfrustration.

“Where’shegone?”“Connor?Heneeded

someair.He’sbeensittingwithyouforhours.”

Brannaarrangedthetray—aninvalid’straywithfeetsoitwouldsitoverthelapofthesick

andtheweak.Mearastaredatitwithabsoluteloathing.

“You’llfeelstrongeraftertheteaandbroth.It’snaturaltobeshakyandweakjustnow.”

“IfeelI’vebeensickhalfmylife.”Thenshelookedup,clearedherownfrustrationsenough

toseethefatigueandworryinBranna’seyes.“I’mpooratit,aren’tI?Neverbeensickmorethanafewhours.You’veseentothat.Youalwayshave.I’msosorry,Branna.I’msosorryforthis.”

“Don’tbefoolish.”Eyesweary,hairbundled

upmessily,Brannasatonthesideofthebed.“Herenow,havesomeofthebroth.It’sthenextstep.”

“Inwhat?”“Gettingbackto

yourself.”Sinceshewantedthat

—shecouldn’tmendthingswithConnorwhenshecouldbarelylifta

spoon—shebegantoeat.Thefirsttastewaslikeambrosia.

“IthoughtIwasstarved,butIcouldn’treallyfeelmuchofanything.It’swonderfultofeelhungry,andthisisbrilliant.Ican’tpieceitalltogether.Irememberit,mostofit,clearenough

untilIstartedbacktothestables,thenitgoesdim.”

“Onceyoufeelyourselfagain,you’llremember.It’sakindofprotection.”

“OhGod.”Mearasqueezedhereyesshut.

“Istherepain?Darling—”

“No,no—notthatkind.

Branna,Ididsomethingsostupid.Iwasupset,inablacktempersoIjustcouldn’tthinksensible.Connor—well,hesaidhelovedme.Thekindoflovethatleadstomarriageandbabiesandcottagesonthehill,anditjustthrewmeintoupheavalaltogether.I’mnotfitfor

thatsortofthing—everyoneknowsit.”

“Nooneknowsanythingofthesort,butIwon’targueyouthinkit.Youshouldstaycalm,Meara.”BrannastrokedahandalongMeara’sleg.“Resteasynowtohelpyourselfbewellagain.”

“Ican’tbecalmand

resteasywhenConnor’sgoneoffasmadatmeashe’severbeen.Andworse,evenworse.”

“Whywouldhebemadatyou?”

“Itookitoff,Branna.”Herfingersrubbedatherthroat,wherethenecklaceshouldbe.“Iwasn’tthinking,Iswear.Iwas

justcaughtupinthetemper.SoItookoffthenecklacehegavemeandpusheditintomypocket.”

Thehandstrokingtosoothestilled.“Thebluechalcedonywiththejadeandjasperbeads?”Brannasaidcarefully.

“Yes,yes.Ijustshoveditintomypocket,along

withthecharms.AndIwaspickingfightswitheveryonewithinarm’sreachuntilBoylehadenoughofme.Hesentmeouttothecompost,andasit’sfilthywork,anditwasrainingbuckets,Iswitchedmyjacketforabarncoat.Ididn’tthink—didn’tevenrememberI’d

takenthenecklaceoff,yousee.Iwouldn’thavegoneoutwithoutit.Iswear,eveninamad,Iwouldn’thavedonethatpurposely.”

“Youtookoffwhathegaveyououtoflove,whathegaveyoutoprotectyou,whatheloves,fromharm.Youcutthroughhis

heart,Meara.”“Oh,Branna,please.”

ShesobbedinairasBrannarose,walkedtothewindowtostareoutatthedark.“Pleasedon’tturnmeaway.”

Brannaspunback,herowntemperbrightinhereyes.“That’sacoldandcruelthingtosay.”

AllthecolordroppedoutofMeara’scheeksagain.“No.No.I—”

“Coldandcruelandselfish.You’vebeenmyfriend,mysisterinallbutbloodsincemyfirstmemory.ButyoucouldthinkI’dturnyouaway?”

“No.Idon’tknow.I’msoconfused,sotwistedup

inside.”“Thetearsaregoodfor

you.”Voicebrisknow,Brannanodded.“Youdon’tshedthemoften,andthey’regoodforyounow.Akindofpurging.Therearefivepeopleinthishouse—no,that’snottrueasIonaandBoylehavegoneoffnowthatyou’re

awaketopackupyourthingsforyou.”

“Packupmy—”“Quiet.I’venot

finished.Thosefivepeopleloveyou,andnotoneofusdeservesyou’rethinkingwewouldstopbecauseyou’vedonesomethinghurtful.”

“I’msorry.I’msorry.”

“Iknowyouare.ButI’mhere,Meara,standingbetweenyouandConnor,lovingyouboth.Heblamedhimself,yousee,fornotgivingyoustrongerprotection.”

“Iknow.”Hervoicehitchedandshookoneveryword.“Hesaid.Iremembered.Itoldhim.

Heleftme.”“Helefttheroom,

Meara,youidjit.He’sConnorO’Dwyer,asgoodandloyalandtrueamanasthereeverwas.He’snotyourbleedingfatheroramananythinglikehim.”

“Idon’tmean...”Itfloodedback,theforce

andclarityofitleavinghergaspingforair.

“Calm.Becalm.”Brannarushedtoher,grippedherhands,pushedherwillagainstthepanic.“Youwillbecalm,andbreatheeasy.Inmyeyes,lookinmyeyes.There’scalm,andthere’sair.”

“Iremember.”

“Calmfirst.Noharmcomeshere,andnodark.Wescriedthecandles,laidtheherbsandstones.Hereissanctuary.Hereiscalm.”

“Iremember,”shesaidagain,andcalmly.“Hewasthere.”

“You’llletyourselfsettleabit,andasmuchas

Iwanttoknowitall,we’llwaituntilwe’realltogether.You’llonlyhavetotellitonce.”

AndConnor,Brannathought,deservedtohearitall.

“Whatdidhedotome?Canyoutellmethat?Howbadwasit?”

“Drinkthebrothfirst.”

Impatient,andstrongeralready,Mearajustliftedthebowl,drankitdownstraight.AndmadeBrannalaughalittle.

“Nowyou’vedoneit.”“Tellme—Oh!”Itwaslikeajoltof

electricity,oragood,quickorgasm,oradirecthitbyalightningbolt.

Energyshotstraightintoher,rockingherback.

“Whatisthat?”“Somethingyou’re

meanttodrinkslowly,butleaveittoyou.”

“IfeelIcouldsprintallthewaytoDublin.Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.We’lljustleavethisfor

later.”Cautiousnow,Brannamovedtheteaoutofreach.

“Icouldeatacowandstillhaveroomforpudding.”ButshereachedforBranna’shand.“I’msorry.Truly.”

“Iknowit.Truly.”“Tellme,willyou,

whathedidtome?Wasit

poison,likeConnor?”“Itwasn’t,no.You

wereopenanddefenseless,andhewouldknowit.Heusedhisshadows,andIthinkitblockeditallforatime.Buttheyclearedenough,forhecan’tkeepthatbox,asConnorcalledit,shuttightforlong.Thelotof

uswerecoming.He’dhaveknownthataswell,soheactedquicklyandwithcruelty.Thespellhecast,youcouldcallitakindofSleepingBeauty,butit’snotsoprettyasafairytale.It’sakindofdeath.”

“I...Hekilledme.”“No,it’snotsoclean.

Hetookyourbreath;hestoppedyourheart.It’sakindofparalysisthatanyonewhodidn’tknowwouldtakefordeath.Withoutintervention,itcouldlastfordaysorweeks.Evenyears.Thenyouwouldwake.”

“Like,what,azombie?”

“Youwouldwake,Meara,andyouwouldbemad.Youwouldclawordigyourwayoutifyoucould,ordieraving.Or...hewouldcomeforyou,atatimeofhisownchoosing,andmakeyouhiscreature.”

“ThenIwouldbedead,”Mearadeclared.

“AllthatIamwouldbegone.Hecouldn’thavedonethistomeifI’dworntheprotectionConnorgaveme.”

“No.Hecouldhurtyou,hecouldtrytodrawyoutohim,buthecouldn’tcastsuchaspellonyouwhenyou’reprotected.”Shepauseda

moment.“ItwasConnorwhobreathedlifebackintoyou.Hereachedyoufirst.Hebroughtyouback—yourbreath,yourheart.Thentherestofuscametogetherashepulledyououtofthesleep.Eveninthosefewminutes,Meara,you’dbeendrawndeep.Youcouldonlysoband

sob,andshake.Hehadtoslideyouintosleepagain,healingsleep,soyoucouldbecalmwhileweworked.”

“Thecandles,thestones,theherbs.Thewords.Iheardyou—youandConnorandIona.”

“Finaswellforabit.”Fivepeoplewholoved

her,Mearathought,allsickandafraidbecauseshe’dbeenfoolish.

“Hecould’vebrokenus,becauseIwaschildish.”

“That’strueenough.”“I’mshamedandsorry,

Branna,andsoI’llsaytoall.ButifIcouldspeakwithConnorfirst.”

“Ofcourseyoushould.”

“Couldyouhelpmecleanupabit?”Shemanagedawobblysmile.“I’vebeenabitdead,andprobablylookit.”

***

BECAUSEITCONTINUEDTORAIN,CONNORSATINBRANNA’Sworkshop,drinkinghissecondbeerandbroodingatthefire.

WhenFinwalkedin,hescowled.“You’dbewisetofeckoff.I’mnotfitcompany.”

“That’sapity.”Findroppedintoachairwith

abeerofhisown.“Yousaidshe’dwakedandwasbetter—butlittleelse.Branna’syettocomebackdown,andasIonaandBoylejustcameinwithcasesofherthings,I’dliketoknowjustwhatthebloodyhellbettermightbe.”

“Awake,aware.She

drankthepotion,andhercolorwasgoodwhenIlefther.”

“Allrightthen.”Fintookasipofbeer,waitingfortherest.Whenitdidn’tcome,hepreparedtoprythelidoff,thenBoylecamein.

Andbetteryet.“Ihauledclothesand

bootsandChristknows,enoughforamonthormorethatIonaswearsisallessential.ThenIwasdismissed,whichisjustfinewithme.”

Hedroppeddown,asFinhad,withabeer.

“Brannasaidshe’dralliedwell,andwashavingashower.Ahellof

athing,ascarelikethat.Ahellofathing.”Hedrankdeepfromthebeer.“Isentheroutthere.Shewassnappishandsnarly,andI’dhadenoughofit,andsentherofftoShiteMountain.Ishould’vekeptherinside,workingontack.Ishouldn’thave—”

“It’snotyourfault.”Connorshovedup,pacedaround.“Don’ttakeanykindofblameonthis,forit’snotyours.Shetookitoff.ItoldherIlovedher.AndtothinkIwasentertainedatthewayshestormedaboutafter,claimingshehadtogettothestablesstraightaway.”

“So,that’swhyIlostafullhour’ssleepthismorning.And,”Boyleadded,“that’swhatcrawledupherarselikeascorpion.”

“Shetookwhatoff?”Finasked,circlingback.

“Thenecklace,thebluechalcedonywithjasperandjadeIgaveherfor

protection.Shetookitoff,wentoutwithoutit,becauseItoldherIlovedher.”

“Ah,God.”Finrolledhiseyesheavenward.“Women.Womendrivementomadness,andisthereanydoubtastowhy?Why,thequestionshouldbe,dowewant

themaboutwhentheydevilusateveryturn?”

“Speakforyourownwomen,”Boylesuggested.“I’mmorethanfinewithmyown.”

“Giveittime,”Finsaiddarkly.

“Ah,feckoff.Shewasinatemper,”Boyleadded,watchingConnor.

“Itwasfoolishandreckless,but,well,assomeonewho’satemperofhisown,it’stheeasiestthingintheworldtodothefoolishandrecklesswhencaughtupinone.”

“Wecouldhavelosther.”

“Thatwillneverhappen,”Finvowed.

“Shewasgone,formoments—thatmightaswellhavebeenyearsforme.”ItshookConnor,bellydeep,tothinkit.Toknowit.“Yousawityourself,Boyle,asyoureachedhersecondsafterIdid.”

“Andinthosesecondsitfeltasiftheblood

drainedoutofmybody.IwantedtostartCPR,andyoutossedmebackwithaflickofyourhand.”

“I’msorryforthat.”“Noneed.Youknew

whatneededtobedone,andIwasintheway.Youbreathedlightintoher.I’veneverseenthelike.”

Seeingitagain,Boyle

tookabreathofhisown.“You’restraddlingour

girlontheground,callingoutforgodsandgoddesses,andyoureyes,Isweartoyou,wentneartoblack.Andthewind’swhirling,theotherscomerunning,andyouliftedyourarmsup,likeamangrabbingontoalifeline.

Andyoupulledlightoutoftherain,pulleditoutoftherain,intoyourselfsoyouburnedlikeatorch.Thenyoubreatheditintoher.Threetimesyoudidthat,burninghottereverytimesoInearexpectedyoutogotoflame.”

“Threetimesisneeded,”Finsaid.“With

fireandlight.”“AndIsawherdrawin

air.Herhandmoved,justabitinmine.”Boyletookanotherlongdrink.“Christ.”

“Ioweyouall,”Mearasaidfromthedoorway.Shestoodwithherhandsclasped,herhairloose,andhereyesfilledwith

emotion.“IhavetoaskifIcouldhaveamomentalonetospeaktoConnor.Justafewmoments,ifyouwouldn’tmind.”

“Ofcoursenot.”Boylegotupquickly,movedtoher,huggedherhard.“Youlookfine.”Drawingback,hegaveherbackaheartypat,thenwalked

straightout.Fingotupmore

slowly,studyingthetearsswirlinginhereyes.Hesaidnothingatall,butkissedherlightlyonthecheekbeforegoingout.

Connorstoodwherehewas.“DidBrannagiveyouleavetobeupandabout?”

“Shedid.Connor—”“It’sbestifyoutell

whathappenedtoall,atonetime.”

“Iwill.Connor,please,forgiveme.Youhavetoforgiveme.Icouldn’tbearitifyoudidn’t,couldn’tbearknowingIruineditall.Iwaswrong,ineverywaywrong,and

I’lldoanything,anythingyouneedorwantorasktomendthiswithyou.”

Hershame,hersorrowpouredout,allbutpooledathisfeet.Andstillhecouldn’tbringhimselftomovetowardher.

“Thenanswermeonequestionwithtruth.”

“Iwon’tlietoyou,

whateverthetruthcosts.Ineverhaveliedtoyou.”

“DidyoutakeoffwhatIgaveyoubecauseyouthoughtImighthaveusedittoholdyou,tokeepyouwithme,tomakeyoufeelforme?”

Shockrippedthroughthesorrow,pushedheronestumblingstepback.

“Ohno,Godno.Youwouldneverdosuchathing.Iwouldneverthinkanysuchthing,neverofyou.Never,Connor,onmylife.”

“Allright.”That,atleastthat,stanchedtheworstofableedingheart.“Becalmagain.”

“Itwastemper,”she

said,“temperand...fear.Honest,behonest,”sheorderedherself.“Fearmorethananything,andthatsparkedthetemper,andtogethertheroarofitmademeblindanddeaftoanysortofsense.Isweartoyou,IswearInevermeanttogooutwithoutit.Iforgot.Iwassoturned

aroundandwoundup,thatwhenBoylebootedmeout,IchangedjacketswithoutathoughtI’dleftalltheprotectionintheother.”

Shehadtostop,pressherfingerstohereyes.“Readme.Goinhere—”Shemovedherfingerstohertemple.“Readmy

thoughts,foryou’dfindthetruth.”

“Ibelieveyou.IknowwhenIhearthetruth.”

“Butwillyouforgiveme?”

Wasitashardforhertoask,hewondered,asforhimtoaccept?Hethoughtperhapsitwas.Andstilltheyneededto

clearitallbeforetheanswers.

“Igaveyousomethingthatmatteredtomebecauseyoumattered.”

“AndIwascarelesswithit,andwithyou.Carelessenoughtocostusall.”Shetookasteptowardhim.“Forgiveme.”

“Igiveyoulove,Meara,ofthekindI’venevergiventoanother.Butyoudon’twantit.”

“Idon’tknowwhattodowithit,andthat’sadifferentthing.AndI’mafraid.”Shepressedbothhandstoherheart.“I’mafraidbecauseIcan’tstopwhat’shappeninginme.

Ifyoudon’tforgiveme,ifyoucan’tforgiveme,Ithinksomethinginsidemewoulddieofgrief.”

“Iforgiveyou,ofcourse.”

“You’remorethanIdeserve.”

“Ah,Meara.”Hesighedit.“Loveisn’taprizegivenonmerit,or

somethingtobetakenbackwhenthere’samistake.It’sagift,asmuchforthegiverastheonewho’sgivenit.Thedayyou’lltakeit,holdit,youwon’tbeafraid.”

Heshookhisheadbeforeshecouldspeak.“It’senough.You’remorewearythanyouknow,and

you’vestillataletotell.Youshouldsit,andwe’llseewhatBranna’scookedupas,Jesus,it’sbeenalongtimesincebreakfast.”

Whenhecrossedtoher,shereachedforhishand.“Thankyou.Forthelight,forthebreath,formylife.Andthankyou,

Connor,forthegift.”“Wellnow,that’sa

start,”hetoldher,andledherbacktothekitchen.

***

SHETOLDTHESTORYHALTINGLYWHILESHEDUGINTOTHEspaghettiand

meatballs—aparticularfavorite.Itseemedshecouldn’tgetenoughtoeatordrink—thoughshefoundevenafewsipsofwinemadeherunsteady.

“You’lldobetterwithwatertonight,”Brannatoldher.

“Ithinkpartofmeknewitwasn’treal,butit

lookedandfeltandsmelledandsoundedsoreal.Thegardens,thefountain,thepaths,justasIrememberthem.Thehouse,thesuitmyfatherwore,thewayhetappedhisfingertothesideofhisnose.”

“Becausehebuiltthespellonyourthoughtsand

images.”Finpouredhermorewater.

“Thewayhecalledmeprincess.”Mearanodded.“Andhowitcouldmakemefeellikeonewhenhepaidspecialattentiontome.Hewas...”

Itpainedhertospeakofit.“Hewasthefuninourhome,yousee.His

biglaugh,andhowhe’dslipusextrapocketmoneyorabitofchocolatelikeitwasasecretshared.Iworshipedhim,andthatallcameback,thosefeelings,aswewalkedaroundthegardenwithabirdsinginginthemulberrytree.”

Shehadtostopa

moment,gatherherself.“Iworshipedhim,”sherepeated,“andheleftus—leftme—withneverabackwardglance.Sneakingofflikeathief,andindeeditturnedouthewasjustthat,ashetookeverythingofvaluehecouldwithhim.Butthere,inthegardens,itwasall

asithadbeenbefore.Thesunshining,andtheflowers,andfeelingsohappy.

“Thenheturnedonme,soquickly.He’dleftbecauseofme,hesaid,becauseIwasfriendswithyou.I’dshamedhimbyconsorting,conspiring—heusedthosewords—

withwitches.Iwasdamnedforit.”

“Atrick,usingsomeofyourthoughtsagain,”Brannaexplained,“thentwistingthem.”

“Mythoughts?ButIneverthoughtheleftbecausewewerefriends.”

“Butyou’vethought,morethanonce,his

leavingwasyourfault.Idon’thavetoslipintoyourmindtoknowit,”Connoradded.

“Iknowit’snottrue.I’mmeaningIknowhedidn’tleavebecauseofme.”

“Andstillitcanmakeyoudoubtyourself.”Ionasentheralookof

understanding.“Makeyouwonder,whenyou’refeelinglow,whatitisaboutyourselftheycan’tlove.Iknowhowitis,andhowharditistoacceptsomeonewhoshouldloveyouabsolutely,doesn’t.Ornotenough.Butitwasn’tme,anditwasn’tyou.Itwasthem,thelack

inthem.”“Iknowit,butyou’re

right.Sometimes...Therosehegavemebegantobleed,andhesaidIwasawhoreforlyingwithawitch.ButIcertainlyneverhadbeforemyfatherleftus.AndGod,cometoit,themanwastoomuchofacowardever

tosaysuchthingstoanyone’sface.”

Shepaused,stareddownatherplate.“Hewassoweak,myfather.It’shardadmittingyoulovedsomething—someonesoweak.”

“Wecan’tchooseourparents,”Boylesaid,“anymorethantheycanchoose

us.Wealljusthavetomuddlethroughbestwecan.”

“Andloving...”Connorpauseduntilsheliftedhereyestohis.“It’sneversomethingtobeashamedof.”

“WhatIlovedwasanillusion,asmuchaswhatIsawtoday.ButIbelieved

inboth,forawhile.Andwiththis,today,Ifeltthingschangewhenhesaidthosethingstome,thosehardthingshe,forallhisflaws,wouldneverhavesaid.Iheardtherainagain,andIheardRoibeard,andIknewhimforalie.Ihadtheshovel.Ihadn’twhenIwalked

withhim,butnowIdidagain.Iswungitathim,swungitathishead,buthewasquick.Iswungitagain,buttheworldstartedtoturnandrock.Andyou,Connor,ridinguplikeademononAlastar,andBoylerunningfromthestables,andKatheland...He

smiledatme—Cabhannowandnothinglikemyfather.”

Shesawitclearlynow,thatcruellyhandsomefacesmiling.“Anditfeltlikesomethingstabbedmyheart—sosharpandcold—ashesmiledandswirledawayinthefog.”

“Blacklightning,”

Boylestated.“That’swhatitlookedliketome,justaflashofitfromthestonehewears.”

“Ididn’tseeit.”Mearaliftedherwaterglass,draineditagain.“Itriedtowalk,butitwaslikeswimmingthroughthemud.Ifeltsickanddizzy,andIcouldn’tfeeltherain

nowastheshadowsclosedsothick.

“Icouldn’tgetoutofthem,couldn’tseemtomove,couldn’tcallout.Andtherewerevoicesintheshadows.Myfather’s,Cabhan’s.Threats,promises.I...Hesaid,hewouldgivemepower.IfItookConnor’slife,he’d

givemeimmortality.”Shegropedfor

Connor’shand,comfortedwhenhetookit.“Icouldn’tgetout,anditallgotdarkeranddarker.Icouldn’tspeakormove,asifboundup,anditwassobittercold.Thenyouwerethere,Connor,talkingtome,andthere

waslight.Youwerethelight.Youtoldmetotakeyourhand.Ididn’tknowhow,butyousaidtotakeyourhand.”

“Andyoudid.”“Ididn’tthinkIcould,

ithurtso.ButyoukeptsayingIcould.Kepttellingmetotakeyourhandandgowithyou.”

Shelinkedfingerswithhimnow,astronggrip.

“WhenIdid,itwaslikebeingpulledoutofapitwhilesomethingfoughttodragmeback,pulledoutandout,andthelight,itwasblinding.ThenIfelttherainagain.Ithurt,everything,allatonce.Mybody,myheart,

myhead.Theshadowswerehorrible,butIwantedtogobackwhereIdidn’tfeelthepain.”

“Partofitwasshock,”Brannasaid.“Andwhathe’dusedtotakeyou.Thentheabruptyankback.It’swhyConnorputyoutosleep.”

“Ioweyouall.”

“We’reacircle,”Boylebegan.“Nothing’sowed.”

“No,Ido.Oweyouforcomingforme—andyes,anyofuswouldfortheother.AndIoweyoumyapologyforbeingsofoolishastogivehimthechancetotakeme.Anddoingthatputusallatrisk.”

“It’sdone.”Boylereachedover,pokedhershoulder.

“Itis,”Brannaagreed.“Nowyou’llhavesometeaandquietupinbed.”

“I’vesleptenough.”“Notnearlyenough,

butyoucantakeyourteaoutbythefireuntilyou’rereadytogoup.”

“I’lltuckyouup.”MearafrownedatFin.

“Icanmovemyarsefromheretothere.”

“Nowthen,you’renotafteranargumentaftersuchafineapology,areyou?”Hesettleditbygoingaroundthetable,pluckingherrightoutofherchair.“You’rea

sturdygirl,MearaQuinn.”“Oh,amInow?”HeshotConnoragrin

overhisshoulder,cartedherintothesofa.Hegavethefirealittleboostwithafingerflick,thensetherdown,pulledtheprettythrowoverherwhilesheeyedhimbalefully.

“Ihatebeingtended.”

“SodoI,likepoison.That’swhyI’mdoingit.Youdeserveabitofapinch.”

“Goonthen,makemefeelguiltierthanIalreadydo.”

“Noneedforthat.”Hesatdown,justaboveherhip,gaveherabriefstudy.Andpulledtheblue

chalcedonyoutofhispocket.“Ithoughtyoumightwantthis.”

“Oh.Howdidyou—”“Itwasaquicktripto

thestablestofetchyourjacket,andthisoutofthepocket.”Hedangleditbytheband.“Doyouwantitorno?”

“Ido,verymuch.”

Helaiditaroundherneckhimself.“Havemoreofacarewithit,andwithhim.”

“Iwill.”Shelookedup,intohiseyes.“Iswearit.Thankyou.Thankyou,Fin.”

“You’rewelcome,andmaybewe’llseeifthere’sanycakestogowiththat

tea.”Hestartedout,glanced

back.Sheheldthestonesinherpalm,strokedthemgentlywithafinger.

Love,hethought.Itcouldmakeyouafoolorahero.Orbothatonce.

M

18

EARAWOKEINCONNOR’SBED.ALONE.THREE

WHITEcandlesglowedin

clearglassdomesonhisdresser.Somemagickalhealththing,shesupposed—asthescentoflavender—sprigsofitunderthepillowalongwithmorecrystals—waslikelymeantforhealthandrestfulsleep.

Thelastsheremembered,asshe

scannedback,she’dstretchedoutonthesofadownstairs,tuckedinbyFin,waitingfortheotherstocomeinfortheirtea.

Shewonderediftheyhad.

Itannoyedhershe’ddroppedoffagainlikeasickchild.Andannoyedhermoretofindherself

aloneinbed.Whensheeasedoutof

bed,shefoundherlegsalittlewobbly,whichaddedathirdannoyance.She’dfeltsostrongafterdrinkingthebroth,founditloweringtorealizeshewasn’tfullyrecovered.

Someonehadchangedherintohernightwear,

andthatwasloweringaswell.

Shewalked,abitdrunkenly,intothebath,peeredatherselfinthemirroroverthesink.Well,itwasGod’sholytruthshe’dlookedbetter,butshe’dlookedworse.

Shefrownedasshesawhertoothbrush,the

creamssheused,othertoiletriestuckedneatlyintoabasketonthenarrowcounter.

They’dmovedherin,hadn’tthey,whilesheslept.Justpackedherup,settledherinwithoutsomuchasaby-your-leave.

Thensherememberedwhy,andsighed.

Shedeservedit,andhadnogroundtostandon.She’dputherselfandeveryoneelseatrisk,giventhemhoursofworry.No,shewouldn’tquestionthedecision;shewouldn’tcomplain.

ButshewoulddamnwellfindConnor.

Shecrackedopenthe

doorleadingtoIona’sroom.IfBoyleandIonahadgonetoBoyle’s,astheydidmostnightsnow,Connorwouldbeusingthisroom.Thoughheshouldbeusinghisown,withher.

Rainpattered,andwithoutevenahintofmoonlightshewaitedfor

hereyestoadjusttothedarkbeforeshetiptoedintotheroom.Sheheardbreathing,movedcloser.ShehadamindtojustcrawlrightinwithConnor,andthey’dseewhathehadtosayaboutit.

Thenassheleanedoverthebedforacloser

look,sheclearlysawIona,tuckedupwithBoyle,herheadonhisshoulder.

Asweetpicture,shethought—andaprivateone.Butbeforeshecouldbackaway,Ionawhispered,“Areyoufeelingsick?”

“Oh,no,no,I’msorry.”Mearahissedit

out.“Sosorry.Iwoke,andIcameinlookingforConnor.Ididn’tmeantowakeyou.”

“It’sallright.He’sonthesofadownstairs.Doyouneedanything?Icanmakeyousometeatohelpyousleepagain.”

“IfeellikeI’vesleptaweek.”

“Andsomeofushaven’tsleptthroughonebloodynight,”Boylemuttered.“Goaway,Meara.”

“I’mgoing.I’msorry.”Shewentoutthrough

thehalldoor,heardtherumbleofBoyle’svoice,themurmurofIona’slaughbeforesheshutit

behindher.Fineforthem,she

thought,allcurledupwarmtogether,andhereshewassneakingaroundinthemiddleofthenighttryingtofindherman.

Shewashalfwaydownthestepsbeforeitstruckher.

Herman?Whenhad

shestartedthinkingofConnoras“herman”?Shewasfuddledup,thatwasall,justfuddledupfrommagicksdarkandlight.Shewasn’tthinkinganywayatall,notclearly,andshouldprobablygostraightbackuptobed.

Sleepitalloff.Butshewantedhim,

thatwasthehellofit.ShewantedherheadrestingonhisshoulderasIona’swasonBoyle’s.

Shemadeherwaydown.

He’dwrappedhimselfupinthethrowonthesofathatwastooshortforhimsohisfeetendedupproppedonthearmofit,

andhisfacehalfsmashedintothepillowangledontheotherarm.

Theonlywayamancouldbeneartocomfortableunderthecircumstanceswouldbebydrinkinghimselfunconsciousfirst.Sheshookherhead,setherhandsonherhips,and

wonderedhowhemanagedtolooksofeckingadorable,considering.

They’dbankedthefiresoitburnedlowwithsimmeringcoalsredasabeatingheart.Thelightflickeredoverhim,addingabitofthedeviltotheadorable.

Regardless,shehadsomewordstosaytohim,andhewasabouttohearthem.

Shestartedforward,eyesonhisface,andtrippedoverthebootshe’dtossedaside.

Shelandedonhim,hardandfull,gettinganelbowinthebellyforher

trouble.Sothefirstwordshesaidtohimwasoof.

Andhisresponsewasamuttered,“Whatthefuck!”asheleveredup,grabbedhershouldersasifpreparedtogiveheragoodtoss.Thenhesaid,“Meara?”andpushedthehairoutofherface.

“Itrippedoveryour

giganticbootsandintoyourbonyelbow.”

“Youmayhavecollapsedoneofmylungs.Here.”Heshiftedher,managedtositwithherhalfsprawledoverhislap.

Itwasfarfromthewayshe’dintendedthingstogo.

“Areyoufeelingsickthen?”

Evenasheliftedahandtoherbrowasiftocheckforfever,shebatteditaside.“WhyiseveryonethinkingI’msick?I’mnotsick.Iwoke,that’sallthereistoit.IwokeasI’vesleptmostofadayandhalfanightaway.”

“Youneededto,”hesaid,altogetherreasonable.“Doyouwantsometea?”

“IcanseetomyownteaifI’minthemoodforbloodytea.”

“Sureyou’reinsomemoodortheother.”

Tearswantedtofighttheirwaythroughthe

annoyance,andshewouldn’thaveit.“Yousaidyou’dforgivenme.”

“Idid.Ihave.Herenow,you’recold.”

Shebattedagainashestartedtowrapthethrowaroundher.“Leaveoff,willyouleaveofffussingoverme.”Thoseinsistenttearskeptpushingup,

shocking,shaming,stupefyingher.“Justleaveoff.”

Shetriedtopushaway,rollupandoff,buthewrappedhisarmsaroundher,heldherin,heldhertight.“Justcalmyourselfdown,MearaQuinn.Bestillamoment.Bequietamoment.”

Theeffortoftryingtopullawayexhaustedher,leftheroutofbreathandeverclosertotears.“Allright,I’mcalm.”

“Notyet,butinamoment.Takeabreathortwo.”Herockedhergently,lookedtowardthefire,boostedtheflames.

“Don’ttendtome,

Connor.Itmakesmewanttoblubber.”

“Blubberawaythen.It’sallreaction,Meara,allnaturalfromwhatwasdonetoyou,andwhatneededtobedonetocounterit.”

“Whenwillitstop?”“It’slessthanitwas,

isn’titnow?Andwillbe

evenlessinthemorningwithmorecalm,morerest.Haveabitofpatience.”

“Ihatepatience.”Helaughed,brushed

hislipsoverherhair.“ThatIknow,butyouhaveit.I’veseenitmyself.”

Butshehadtodigand

digdeepforit,Mearathought.Connorsimplyownedit,likethecolorofhiseyes,thetimbreofhisvoice.

“Idon’thateyourpatience,”shemurmured.

“That’sgoodtoknowasitwouldbeahardthingtoridmyselfofittopleaseyou.Tellmenow,

didsomethingwakeyou,ordidyouwakenatural?”

“Ijustwaked,andyouweren’tthere.”Sheheardit,thepetulanceinhervoice.Shecouldonlyhopethatwaspartofthereactionaswell,orelseshe’dlearntohateherselfbeforemuchlonger.

“Ifyouforgiveme,

whyareyousleepingdownherewithyourfeethangingovertheendofthesofa?”

“Youneededquietandrest,that’sall.”Becausehetrustedhercalmnow,hemanagedtoshiftthembothsotheywedgedtogetherinthecornerofthesofa,lookingtoward

thefire.“Youwereasleepbeforewebroughtoutthetea,andneverstirredwhenIcarriedyouup,andBrannagotyouinyournightclothes.It’shealing,darling,thesleep’sahealingthing,andyourmindandbody,evenyourspirittookwhatitneeded.”

“Ithoughtyoudidn’twanttobewithme,andIhuntedyoudowntofightaboutit.”

“ThenI’mgladyoutrippedovermybootsasthisisnicerthanafight.”

“I’msorry.”“There’snoneedto

keepbeingsorry.”Hetracedafingeroverthe

stonesaroundherneck.“Finwenttothestables

andgotitforme.”“Iknow.”“Iwon’ttakeitoff

again.”“Iknow.”Trust,patience,

forgiveness.No,shedidn’tdeservehim,shethought,andpressedher

facetohisthroat.“Ihurtyou.”

“Youdid,yes.”“Howdoyouloveso

easy,Connor?Sofreeandeasy.Idon’tmeanhowitalwayswaswithus,orhowitisforyouwithBranna.”

“Well,I’mnewwithitmyself,soIdon’tknow

forcertain.Icansayitwaslikeholdingsomethingyou’vehadsolongandisjustanotherpartofyou.Thentiltingthatsomethingalittle.Youknowhowyouholdapieceofglass,thenchangetheanglejustabit,anditcatchesthesun,makesthatbeam?You

cankindleafirethatway,justtiltingtheglass.Somethinglikethat,andwhatwasalreadytheretippedandcaughtallthelight.”

“Itcouldtipanotherway,andloseitagain.”

“Whywoulditwhenthelight’ssolovely?Doyouseethefirethere?”

“Ido,ofcourse.”“Allittakesisabitof

tending,astir,morefuel,andit’llburndayandnightandnightandday,giveyoulightandwarmth.”

“Youcouldforgettostirit,orrunoutoffuel.”

Laughing,henuzzledatherneck.“Thenyou’d

becareless,andshameonyouforit.Loveneedstending,iswhatI’msaying.It’ssomeworktokeepthelightandthewarmth,butwhywouldyouwanttobecoldinthedark?”

“Noonewouldwantto,butit’seasytoforgettotendthings.”

“Iexpectsometimesbothtend,andothertimesonemaytendmoreastheotherforgetsforabit,thenitmightshiftoveragain.”

Itwasallamatterofbalance,hethought,withsomecareandefforttossedin.

“What’seasyisn’t

alwayswhat’sright,anditmaytakeareminderhereandthere.Overitall,Meara,I’veneverknownyoutojustsettleontheeasy.You’veneverbeenafraidofthework.”

“WhatIcanliftorcarryorcleanorputmybackinto,no.Butemotionalworkisanother

matter.”“Ihaven’tseenyou

shirkonthatareaeither.Youdon’tcredityourselfnearenough.Friendshipstaketendingaswell,don’tthey?Howhaveyoumanagedtoremainsuchgood,strongfriends,notonlywithme,butBranna,Boyle,Fin,nowIona?

Thenthere’sfamily,”hesaidbeforeshecouldcomment.“Andfamiliestakeconsiderabletending.You’vedonemorethanmanywouldforyours.”

“Yes,but—”“Andgrumblingabout

itdoesn’tmatter,”hesaid,anticipatingher.“It’sthedoingthatcountsatthe

endoftheday.”Hekissedherbetween

theeyes.“Trustyourself.”“That’sthehardpart.”“Wellthen,practice.

Youdidn’tlearnhowtorideahorsebystandingbackandwonderingifyoumightfalloff.”

“I’veneverinmylifefallenoffahorse.”

“There,youseemypointinitall.”

Itwasherturntosmile.“Aren’tyouthecleverone?”

“Thatmakesyoutheluckyone,tohavesuchaclevermaninlovewithyou.Withpatienceenoughtoletyoupracticeuntilyoucatchup.”

“Itmakesmyheartshakewhenyousayit,”sheadmitted.“Itmakesmesoafraidwhenyousayittomemyheartshakes.”

“Thenyou’lltellmewhenitstopsshakingandgrowswarminstead.Nowtrytosleepagain.”

“Here?”“Here’swhereweare,

andwe’recozy,aren’twe?Andthefire’snice.Doyouseethestoriesinthefire?”

“Iseethefire.”“There’restoriesinthe

embers,intheflames.I’lltellyouone.”

Hespokeofacastleonahill,andabraveknightonawhitestallion.Ofa

warriorqueenskilledwithbowandswordwhorodetheskyonagoldendragon.

Allsofanciful,shethought,andsoprettyshenearlysawwhathedrewwithhiswords.

Andshedriftedofftosleepagainwithasmileonherface,andherhead

pillowedonhisshoulder.

***

ITTOOKTHREEDAYSBEFORESHEWASABLETOBEUPANDawakemorethandownandasleep.Shespentthewholeofthefirstdayinbed,onthesofa,or

doingwhatsmallchoresBrannawouldassignher.Butbythesecond,shefeltabletoreturntothestablesforpartoftheday,helpwithgrooming,feeding.

Andmadeherapologiestohercoworkers.

Bythethird,she’d

foundMearaagain.Itfeltsogoodshesang

assheshoveledshit.“Lookatyou,giving

Adelearunforhermoney.”

“Thewoman’sgotabrilliantthroat.”Mearapaused,smiledbackatIonawholeanedontheopenstalldoor.“SureI

neverreallyunderstoodthatsayingabouthowatleastyouhaveyourhealth.Neverreallysickadayinmylife.Astrongconstitutionandabestfriendwho’sawitchwithexceptionalhealingpowerssawtothat.NowthatI’vebeendown,I’mlearningtogivethanksfor

beingupagain.”“Youlookgreat.”“Andfeelevenbetter.”Mearawheeledthe

barrowoutofthestall,andIonasteppedintosweepitout.Withtheirchangedpositions,Mearaglancedright,left,tobecertaintheywerealone.

“SinceI’mbetter,will

youtellmehowbaditallwas?”

“Youdon’tremember?Youhadallthedetailsbefore,onceyoucameoutofit.”

“No,Iremember.WhatI’mmeaningishowbadwasit,Iona?Howclosedidhecometodestroyingme?Ididn’tfeelright

askingBrannaorConnorbefore,”sheaddedwhenIonahesitated.“ButI’monmyfeetnow,andI’maskingyou.Knowingthewholeofit’sthelastofthehealingIthinkI’llneed.”

“Itwasverybad.I’veneverdealtwithanythinglikethatbefore.Well,I

don’tthinktheothershadeither,buttheyknewmoreaboutit.Thefirstmoments,fromwhatBrannatoldme,werecritical.Thedeeperyouwentunder,theharderitwouldbetobringyouback,andthemorelikely...therecouldhavebeenakindofbrain

damage.”“Amadness.”“Ofakind,Ithink.

Andmemoryloss,apsychosis.BrannasaidConnorreachingyousoquicklymadeallthedifference.”

“Sohesavedmylife,andmysanityaswell.”

“Yes.Afterthat,the

nexthourortwowerecriticalpoints.Brannaknewjustwhattodo,orshebluffedreallywellwhilebarkingoutorderstoConnorandme.Ididn’trealizehowscaredIwasuntilwewerefinished;itwasalljustdo,anddonow.ThenFincameandhavinghimaddedtoit.

AndBoyle.Hesat,heldyourhandrightthroughtheritual.Ittookoveranhour,andyouweresowhiteandpaleandstill.Thenyourcolorstartedtocomeback,notmuch,butalittle.”

“I’mmakingyoucry.Idon’tmeantomakeyoucry.”

“No,it’sokay.”Ionadashedthetearsaway,andtogethertheycutthebindingonthefreshbale.“Yourcolorcameback,andBoylesaidhefeltyourfingersmoveinhis.Andthat’swhenIrealizedhowscaredI’dbeen—whentheworst,accordingtoBranna,wasover.”

“Heputmedownhard,”Mearasaidassheloosenedthestrawwithapitchfork.“That’satickinhiscolumn.”

“Maybe,butwebroughtyouback,andhereyouarespreadingfreshstrawforSpud’sstall.That’sabiggertickinours.”

Thesilverlining,Mearamused.Ionacouldalwaysfindone.Andmaybeitwastimeshestartedsearchingthemoutherself.

“I’mafterkeepingitthatway.I’llbeputtinginsometimewithmysword.Ineedthepractice.”

Neededpractice,she

thoughtastheymovedtothenextstall,onmanythings.

***

CONNORDIDSOMECLEANINGOFHISOWN,BUTWHATHEconsideredend-of-the-daywork.Birds

mustbefed,andaswithhorses,theirareacleanedregularlyofdroppings.Accordingtohispersonalcalendaritwastimeforthehawks’bathtobecleanedandsanitized.

Hewantedthelabor.He’dneededthesheerphysicalityandmindlessroteofitthelastdayorso

whileMeararecovered.Ittookefforttomaintainhisowncalm,forhersake,toaddsomecheertokeepherspiritsupwhenshe’dbeenweakenedandtired,andsounlikeherself.

Withsomewomenyoubroughtflowersorchocolate.WithMeara—notthatsomeblossoms

andcandywereoutofplace—shedidbetterwithbitsandpiecesofvillagegossip,ortalesofwork,ofthepeoplewho’dcomebytheschoolsorstables.

He’ddonehisbesttosupplyher,toprophisbootsup,liftapintandregaleherwithstories—someofwhichhe

embellished,othershemadeupofwholecloth.

Andwhathe’dwantedtodowashuntCabhandown,todarethebastardtoshowhimself.Hewantedtowhipawindsofierceitwouldrendhisbonesandfreezehisblood.

Thethirstfor

vengeanceransostronghewasconstantlyparched.

Andknewbetter,Jesus,knewbetter,hethoughtashescrubbedthetubwhilethebirdsperchedandwatchedhim.Butknowingandfeelingweren’tthesamethingatall.Hecouldhopethatthe

laborburnedthethirstoutofhim.

Thenhesawher,walkingacrossthewidegravelyard.Helefteverything,wentoutandthroughtomeether.

“Whatareyoudoingwalkingaboutalone?”hedemanded.

“Icouldaskthesame

ofyou,butasIknowwhatyou’llsaytothatIwon’tandavoiditall.IonaandBoyledroppedmeoffbeforetheywenttoCongforapintandameal,soIhaven’tbeenaloneatall,asI’mnotnow.”

Sheglancedaround.“You’relateatthis,aren’tyou,Connor?Where’s

everyoneelse?”“Wefinishedupthe

lasthawkwalk,andIsentthelotofthemon.Brianhadsomestudyingforthisonlineclasshe’staking,andKyrahadherselfahotdate.Andfortherest,Ithoughttheycoulduseanextrahourfree.”

“Andyouwantedsome

timealonewithyourfriends,”sheaddedwithanodtowardthehawks.

“Therewasthataswell.Ihavetofinishuphere,sinceI’vestarteditall.”

“I’llcomebackwithyou,ifthat’sallright.Thenyou’llgivemealiftbacktothecottage.”

Hewalkedherback.Thebirdsruffledabitatthevisitor,gaveheralongstare.

“Ihaven’thadtimetovisitmuchinthelastmonths,”shecommented.“Theyoungonesdon’tknowme,ornotwell.”

“They’llcometo.”Hegotbackdowntofinish

thecleaning.“How’dthedayallgoforyouthen?”

“Justasitshould.Itookouttwoguideds.”Sheangledherheadathissharplook,pulledoutthestonessheworefromunderherscarf.“AndIonainsistedItakeAlastar—andshebraidedfreshcharmsinhismane.Isaw

nothingbutthewoodsandthetrail.Iwon’tbereckless,Connor.Formyownsake,yes,butalsobecauseIneverwanttoputyouortheothersthroughwhatIputyouthroughoncealready.”

Shepausedamoment.“Ineedtheworkandthehorsesasyouneedthe

workandthehawks.”“You’reright.Ihope

hefeltyou.Ihopehefelthowstrongandableyouare,despitehim.”

Hebegantofillthetub,listenedtothewaterpour.

“YouthinkIdon’tknowyou’reangry,”shesaidquietly.“ButIdoknowit.I’mangryas

well.I’vewantedtoendhim,always,becauseit’sneeded,becauseofyouandBrannaandFin.ButnowIdon’tonlywanttoendhim—Iwanttogivehimpainandmiseryfirst,toknowhesuffers.Idon’ttellBrannaasshe’dneverapprove.Forherit’sonlyaboutrightandwrong,

lightanddark—birthrightandblood.AndIknowthat’showitshouldbe,butIwanthispain.”

Fromhiscrouch,helookedupather.“Iwouldgiveittoyou,andmore.Iwouldgiveyouhisagony.”

“Butwecan’t.”Hunkeringdownbeside

him,shetouchedhisarmlightly.“BecauseBranna’sgottherightofit,andbecauseitwouldchangeyou.Toseekrevengeonly?Toseektocausepainandsufferingtopayhimbackforwhathedidtome?Itwouldchangeyou,Connor.Ithinkitwouldn’tchange

me,butthat’sthelackinme.”

“It’snotalackatall.”“It’showI’mbuilt,so

we’llallhavetolivewithit.Butyou’rethelight,andthere’sreasonforthat.Endhim,itmustbedone.Butitmustbedoneasitshouldbedone.Andifthere’spain,it’sbecauseit

hadtobe,notbecauseyouwilledit.”

“You’vedonesomethinkingonthis.”

Hemeasuredouttheadditives,thenashealwaysdid,stirredthewaterwithhishandsoverthesurface,addingthatlightshespokeof,forthehealthandwell-beingof

hisbirds.“God,yes,andfartoo

muchonit.Andinthinkingfartoomuchonit,IcametounderstandyouneededtoknowIfeltasyoudo,butitisn’twhatIwantfromyou,orformyself.Iwantwhatweare,thesixofus.Iwantustoberight.Andwhen

weendhim,andit’sdone,forustoknowwewereright.Iwantnoshadowsoverus,noshadowsoveryou.That’srevengeenoughforme.”

“Iloveyou,Meara.Ilovethatyou’dunderstandthis,comecleartoit,andtellme.I’vebeentorn,inawayI’veneverbeen.”

“Don’tbe.KnowI’mtellingyouwhat’sinmyheart.Iwantustoberight.”

“Thenwewillbe.”Satisfied,relieved,she

nodded.“Andit’stimetotalkofitallagain.Iknowyou’veallletitgothelastfewdays.”

“Youweren’tuptoit.”

“I’mmorethanuptoitnow.”Shepushedup,flexedherbicepstomakehimsmile.“Sowe’lltalkagain,thesixofus.”

“Tonight?”“Tonight,tomorrow

nightifneedbe.We’llseewhattheotherssay.”

“I’llfinishupthen.”Helookedather,smiled.

Forsomewomenitwasflowers,hethought,orchocolate.

ForMeara?“Holdyourarmsout.”“What?WhywouldI?”“BecauseIaskyou.

Holdyourarmsout.”Sherolledhereyes,but

didasheasked.Hestretchedhishandstoward

thebirds,theyoungones,senthisthoughtstothem.

Withtheflowofhishands,theylifted,asoftwhooshofwings—theyounghawks—androseuptocircleher,tomakeherlaugh.

“Holdstill,anddon’tworryaboutyourjacketoryourskin,I’vetakenthat

inthemeasure.”“What—Oh!”Theylandedlightand

gracefulalongheroutstretchedarms.

“We’vetrainedthemwell,thoughthisisn’tintheirlessons.Stilltheydon’tseemtomindit.Andthey’llknowyou,Meara,nowtheywill.”

“They’rebeautiful.They’resobeautiful.Whenyoulookintheireyesyouthinktheyknowmorethanwedo.Somuchmore.”

Shelaughed,andatthesoundofit,theterriblethirstthathaddoggedhimfordaysfinallyeased.

T

19

HEYHADTEA,WITHWHISKEYFORTHOSEWHOWANTEDit,inthe

livingroomofthecottage.

Brannasetoutaplateofgingerbreadbiscuitsandconsideredherdomesticdutiesdone.

“Wheredowebegin?”shewondered.“DowestillagreeonSamhain?”

“Itgivesusafortnight,”Boylepointedout.“AndfromwhatIcanseewecouldusethetime.

But...”“But.”Finoptedfor

whiskeyandpouredhimselftwofingers,neat.“He’scomeatushard.Weweren’treadyforhim,andthat’sclearenough.”

“Itwasmyfault.”“Faultisn’tthepointof

it,Meara,”Fininterrupted.“Helurksand

slithersaboutathiswill,andcouldcomeatanyoneofusinamomentofvulnerability.He’sbeenatIona,andnowatyou.Fromthepatternofit,ifwedon’tendthis,he’llgoatBrannanext.”

“Lethimcome.”Brannacalmlytookasipoftea.

“You’refartoococksureofyourself,”Finsnappedback.“Arroganceisn’tpoweroraweapon.”

“You’veneverhadtroublewrappingyourselfinitgoodandtight.”

“Stop.”Connorstretchedhislegsout,shookhishead.“Thepairofyou.Savethepokes

andbarbsforwhenwe’vetimeforthem.HemaywellgoatMearaagain,butshewon’tbefoolishasecondtime.”

“Myoathonthat.”“Andit’sjustaslikely

hecouldtakeapassatBoyle,orFinormyselfifhesawanopportunity.”

Riskinghavingan

accusationofarrogancetossedathim,Connorshrugged.“AndthoughIthinkFin’sright,ifhetiresofgoingforMeara,he’llturnhisattentionsonBranna,knowingthatdoesn’tspeaktowhatwedo,whenwedoit,andhowwesendhimontohellforallanddone.”

“He’sright.Protectingourselves,that’sdefense—andit’sessential,”Ionaadded.“Butit’souroffensethatneedstobeperfected.”

“She’sbeenwatchingmatcheswithme.”Boylegaveheraquickgrin.“Wewereclosethelastwewentforhim,senthim

offbleedingandhowling.Butitwasn’tenough.Whatwillbe?”

“Thepotion’sstrongerthanitwas,andthatmakesitarisk.Onewe’llhavetotake.”FinflickedaglanceatBranna,gothernod.

“Wethoughttotakehimbysurpriseonthe

solstice,”Connorpointedout,“andhetookus.Eventhen,asBoylesaid,wegotclosetoit.IfwemakeourstandatSorcha’scabin,he’llhavetheadvantageofshiftingthetime,andwecouldn’tknowwhenhe’dtakeus,orifhecould,ashedid,managetoseparateusso

we’dendupscattered,usingpowertoreformagain.”

“Ifnotthere,”Mearaasked,“where?”

“It’saplaceofpower,forusaswellashim.Ithinkitmustbethere.Butyou’reright,Connor,”Brannaadded.“Wecan’tbeseparated.I’mthinking

thethreeasaunit,andFin,Boyle,andMearaasanother—andthosejoinedinawaythatcan’tbebroken.Thiswecando—andthiswewilldothistime.”

“Canweblockhimfromthetimeshift?”Ionawondered.

“Wecould,Ithink,if

weknewhowhedoesit.Buttocountersuchaspell,we’dneedtheelementsofit.It’sworkingblindthere,”Brannasaidinfrustration.

“Weshiftfirst.”Connorleanedforward,tookabiscuit.“You’renottheonlyonewhocanstudyandponderand

plot.”HegesturedtowardBrannawiththebiscuit,thenbitin.“Butyou’retheonlyonewhocanmakesuchbrilliantgingerbread.Wetaketheoffensive,andshiftfromthestart.”

“Andhow,scholar,shouldwefindthewaytodothat—whichwilltake

considerabledoing—wouldwelurehimtowhenweare?”

“Weknowthewaytodoitalready,”heremindedhissister.“Ionadiditherselfwhenshe’dnomorethangottenhertoedippedinherownmagickalwaters.”

“Idid?”Afterablink,

Ionapumpedherfistintheair.“Go,me.”

“I’vedoneitmyself,”headded,“aloneandwithMeara,andmetourlong-agocousins.”

“Dreamtravel?”Brannaputdownherteacup.“Oh,Connor,that’sarecklessthing.”

“It’srecklesstimes,

andwe’dhavetobesmartaboutit.”

“It’sbloodybrilliant,”Finsaid,andearnedConnor’sgrin,Branna’sscowl.

“He’stalkingofcastingadreamnetoverthesixofusatonce.”

“Iknowit.That’swhat’sbloodybrilliant.

He’dhavetobeonthesamelevel,wouldn’the,tocomeatus?Anditwouldbeinthetimeandplaceofourchoosing.”

“Hecouldn’tturnitonus,”Connorpointedout,“ashewouldn’tknowtheelementsofthespellwecast,anymorethanweknowtheelementsofhis.

It’shimwho’dhavetocometous,andhe’dlosethepowertoshiftourground.”

“Givemeamoment.”Boyleliftedahand,thenusedittoscratchhishead.“Areyousayingwe’dgoagainstCabhaninoursleep?”

“Adreamspell’s

differentfromnaturalsleep.It’snotlikeyou’relyingtheresnoringthemoff.You’vedoneabitofityourself,”Connorrecalled.“PulledinwithIonaintoherdream—anddidn’tyougivethebastardagoodpunchinthefacewhileyouwereatit?”

“Idid,andwokewithhisbloodonmyknuckles.Butadreambattle?I’veacceptedallthelotofyoucandoasI’velivedwithitmostofmylife,butthisstrainsthetether.”

“He’dneverexpectit,”Mearaspeculated.“Canitreallybedone?”

“Allsixatonce,and

withnooneleftbehindatthewheelyoucouldsay.”Strugglingtolookatthepros,thecons,thebalanceofthem,Brannashovedbothhandsthroughherhair.“Sureit’snothingI’veeverdone.I’dbeeasytryingitwiththethree,facinghimoffthatway,andthethreeofyouback

here—Finatthatwheelforcertaintosteerusbackshouldwelosebalanceordirection.”

“It’sthesixofus,”Mearasaiddecisively,“ornotatall.”

“Meara,I’mnottalkingthisthroughinthewayofinsultingyou.Anyofyou.Butdreamcastingsix

together,andtwoofthemwithoutpowers.”

“Notsococksurenow?”Finasked,withjustalittlebite.

“Oh,feckoff,”Brannasnapped.

“Andbackatyou,darling,forsuggestingthatIorBoyleorMearawouldstaybacklike

obedientpupswhileyouwagedthewar.”

“That’snotmymeaning.”

“It’showitfeels.”MearaturnedtoConnor.“Andyou?”

“Thesixofus,”hesaidwithouthesitation,“ornoneatall.”

“Allornone,”Boyle

agreed.“Yes.”Nodding,Iona

tookhishand.“Ifanyonecanworkouthowitcanbedone,Branna,it’syou.”

“Ah,Jesus,bloodyhell,letmethink.”Sheshovedtheteacupaside,pouredwhiskey—moregenerouslythanFinhad.

Shetosseditbacklikewater.

“I’vealwaysadmiredyourheadforwhiskey,”Finsaidassheshovedtoherfeettopace.

“Bequiet.Justbequiet.Sixatonce,”sherepeatedasshepaced,“inthenameofMorrigan,it’smadness.Andtwoof

themarmedwithnothingbutwitandfistandswordforallthat.AndoneofthembearingCabhan’smark.Justshutupaboutit,”shesnappedatFin,who’dsaidnothingatall,“it’sfact.”

“They’rearmedwithmorethanwitandfistandsword,andhavemore

thanamarkunearned.”Connorspokequietly.“Theyhaveheart.”

“DoyouthinkIdon’tknowit?DoyouthinkIdon’tvalueit,aboveall?”Shestopped,closedhereyesamoment.Sighed.“You’veturnedthisupsidedownonme,Connor.Ineedtowork

mywaythroughit.It’snotlikeoneofusgoingintoamagickaldreamandtakingalongtheonelyingwithus,theonewe’vebeenintimatewith.Andthathasitsownrisks,asbothBoyleandIonaknowwell.”

“It’snot,no.Thiswouldbeadeliberateand

consciousthing,aplannedthing,acastingofourown.”Connorliftedhishands,spreadthem,palmsup.“Withasmanyprotectionsaswecanbuildintothespell.Butthere’llberisks,yes,butriskshoweverwegoaboutit.AndonSamhain,whentheVeilthins,isthe

perfecttimeforthis.”Herose,wenttoher,

tookherhands.“You’dleavethembehindifyoucould—andIwouldaswell.That’sforloveandfriendship—andbecausethisisaburdenanddutythatcametous.Toyou,tome,toIona.Nottothem.”

Hekissedherhands

lightly.“Butthatwouldbewrongforsomanyreasons.We’reacircle,threebythree.Itwasalwaysmeanttobethesixofus,Branna.Ibelievethat.”

“Iknowit.It’scleartomeaswell.”

“Youfearyou’llfailthem.Youwon’t.You

won’t,andtheburdenofitisn’tyoursalone.”

“We’veneverdoneitbefore.”

“I’dneverfloatedsomuchasafeatherbeforeIcamehere,”Ionaremindedher.“Andnow?”

Sheliftedherhands,palmsup.Thesofawhere

shesatbesideBoylerosesmoothly,soundlessly,didaslowcircle,thenloweredbacktotheground.

“Fairplaytoyou,”Finsaid,amused.

“Youtaughtme,youandConnor.YouopenedmetowhatIhaveandwhatIam.We’llfigure

outhowtodoit,anddoit.”

“Allright.Allright.Ican’tstandoneagainstfive.Anditisabloodybrilliantidea.Recklessandfrighteningandbrilliant.IknowapotionIcouldtinkerwiththatshouldwork,andwe’llwritethespell—andI’ll

needeveryhourofthatfortnight.”

“Andyouhaveustohelpyoutinker,”Connorpointedout.

“I’llneedyouallaswell.Still,I’dbeeasierifwehavewhatwouldbeakindofcontroloutsidethedreamnet.”

“Wouldtheyhavetobe

righthere—withus,Imean?”Mearaasked.

“Physicallyyou’remeaning?”Connorglancedoverather,considered.“Idon’tseewhy.”

“Thenyouhaveyourfather,thetwoofyou.Andthere’sIona’sgrandmother.That’sblood

andpurposeshared,isn’tit?Andloveaswell.”

“Andmorebloodybrilliance!”Onalaugh,ConnorturnedtoMeara,pluckedherstraightoutofherchairtospinheraround.“Thatwoulddo,anddoverywell.Branna?”

“Itcould—no,it

would.AndifI’dclearedthebuzzingoutofmyhead,I’dhaveseenit.Iona’sNan,ourda,and...”

SheturnedtoFin.“YourcousinSelena.Wouldshebewilling?Three’sabetternumberthantwo,andgivesitallpowerandbloodfrom

eachofus.Threewouldbalance,I’dthink,shouldweneedtoberightedagain.”

“Shewouldbemorethanwilling.She’sinSpain,butI’llcontacther.I’llspeakwithheraboutit.”

“Thenthatpart’ssettled.I’llstudyonit.”

“Ihavebeen,”Connortoldher.“Thepotion,toopenthevision,sharedbyallinsidetheritualcircle.Bestdoneoutside,intheair.Wetakeourguidesaswell,thehorse,thehound,thehawk.”

Brannastartedtospeak,reconsidered.“Youhavestudiedonit.”

“Ihave.Fin,yourhorse,yourhawk—andIdon’tsupposeyoucancomeupwithahoundinthenextfortnight?Threeforthree.”

“Ihaveone.IhaveBugs.”

“LittleBugs?”Ionabegan,thinkingofthebarndogatthebig

stables.“Littleasyouare,

gameasyouare.Threeforthree,”Finrepeatedwithanod.“HorseforBoyle,hawkforMeara,hound,suchasheis,forme.It’swellthought,Connor.”

“It’syouwhomustlinkthemtotheothers,asthey

comefromyou.”“SoIwill.”“Andsoinsidethe

circle,ourcircleandourguides,”Connorsaid.“Ourcircle,thesix,handsjoinedasthespellisspoken,asthespelliscast.Andmindslinkedaswell,whichIwilldo.Minds,hearts,hands

linked,andwegotogether,onthedream,tothenightofAllHallow’sEve,toSamhain,intheyearSorcha’sBrannaugh,Eamon,andTeaganreturnedtoMayo.”

“Theirpresenceaddspower.”Brannasatagain,reachedforacookieherself.“Thenightthe

Veilthins.Wemaydrawtheirpower,andSorcha’swithours.No,hecouldneverexpectthis.There’stimeenoughtoperfectthepotionandthespell.Andthen,todrawhimthere.That’sforMeara.”

“It’sforme?”Brannahuffedather

brother.“Youhaven’t

spokentoherofit.”“Betweenonething

andtheother,no.It’syouhewantstousethisgo,”Connortoldher,“soit’syouwho’llusehim.You’llsinghimthere.”

“Sing?”“Music,light,joy—

emotions.Flamestohismoth,”Connorexplained.

“Whenhecomes,itmustbeasquickaswecanmakeit,givinghimnotimetoslipawayagain.”

“Wegomuchaswedidonthesolstice,”Brannabegan.

“No.”NowFinpushedtohisfeet.“Wefailedthere,didn’twe?”

“Wehaveanew

strategy,astrongerweapon.”

“Andifheonceagainmanagestodrawthethreeapartagain,evenifonlyforamoment?Ifthespell,theritual,theend,mustcomefromyou,thenhemustbeheldoffwhileyoucasthimout.Weengagehim.Boyle,

Meara,andI.Wecosthimbloodandpainbefore.We’lldoworsethisround.We’lldoworsewhileyoudowhat’sbest.”

“Doyouwanthisend,Fin,ordoyouwanthisblood?”

“Iwantboth,andsodoyou,Branna.Youcan’tsheditforgainorfor

joy.”“Norshouldyou.”“AndIwon’t.We

won’t.Butwe’llsheditandworseindefenseofthethree.Indefenseofthelight.Ifthere’sjoyinitaswell?Awitchisstillhumanforallthat.”

“I’mwithFinonit,”Boylesaid.“Iona’smine.

Andallofyoumyfamily.I’llstandforher,foryou.Iwon’tstandback.”

“They’vesaidwhatI’dsay.”Mearashrugged.“Sothat’sdone.”Shesetherhandsonherknees.“So,asIhaveit,inafortnight’stime,we’llall—includinghorses,hounds,hawks,go

dreamingourselvesbackafewcenturies.I’llsing,andlikethePiedPiper’stunetorats,thatwilllureCabhan.Threeofusfight,threeofuscastthespelltodestroyhim.Whenthejob’sdonewetakeourbows,thenwakeupbackherewhereweshouldtakeanotherbowforcertain,as

we’vevanquishedevil.ThenIsupposeweshouldallgotothepubforapint.”

“Thatputsitallinanutshell,”Connordecided.

“Allrightthen.Ithinkthereshouldbewhiskeyallaroundaswe’reallravinglunatics.”Shelet

outabreath,pickedupabiscuitandbitin.“Butatleastoneofusdoesindeedmakebrilliantgingerbread.”

Amused,Connorpouredwhiskeyallaround,liftedhisglass,tappedittoMeara’s.“Whetherwe’revictoriousorbuggered,there’sno

fiveothersI’dratherstandwith.Sofuckitall.Sláinte.”

Andtheydrank.

***

THEYHADWORKTODOANDPLENTYOFIT.BRANNABARELYleftherworkshop.

Ifhernosewasn’tinaspellbook—Sorcha’s,hergreat-grandmother’s,herown—shewasatherworkcountertestingpotionsorwritingspells.

Whenthelifearoundthemallowed,Connorjoinedher,orIonaorFin.Mearafoundherselfinthepositionoffetching,

carrying,cooking—orsplittingthatchorewithBoyle.

Asoftenasshecouldshepulledoneofthemoutforswordpractice.

Andallwatchedthewoods,thefields,theroadsforanysign.

“It’sbeentooquiet.”Mearaeasilyparried

Connor’sadvanceononeoftherareoccasionsshemanagedtodraghimawayfromworkorwitchcraft.

“He’swatching,andwaiting.”

“That’sjustit,isn’tit?He’swaiting.I’vebarelyseenashadowofhimfordaysnow.He’skeeping

hisdistance.He’swaitingforustomakethemoveasheknowswe’veonetomake.”

Shethrust,feinted,thenswungup,nearlydisarminghim.

“You’renotpayingattentionintheleast,”shecomplained.“Ifthesebladesweren’tcharmedI

could’veslicedyourearoff.”

“ThenI’donlyhalfhearyourvoice,andthatwouldbeapity.”

“Weshouldgoathim,Connor.”

“We’veaplan,Meara.Patience.”

“It’snotaboutpatience,butstrategy.”

“Strategy,isit?”Hetwirledhisfreehand,stirredalittlecycloneofair.Whensheglancedtowardit,hemovedin,andhadhisswordtoherthroat.“How’sthat?”

“Well,ifyou’reaftercheating—”

“AndCabhanwillplaynicely,ofcourse.”

“Pointtaken.”Shesteppedback.“WhatI’msayingisweshouldfeint.”Shejabbed,shifted,jabbedagain.“Makehimthinkwe’vegoneathim,lethimscoreapointortwo.He’llthinkwe’vemadeourmove,sohewon’texpectitwhenwedo.”

“Hmm.That’s...interesting.Haveyouanythinginmind?”

“You’rethewitch,aren’tyou,soyouandyourlikewouldhavetocomeupwiththeritualofit.”

Loweringhersword,sheworkedthroughwhatshe’donlyhalfbakedin

herhead.“Butwhatifwedidit

nearhere—nearthecottagewherewecouldretreat,asretreatwouldbepartofit.Lethimthinkhe’sroutedus.”

“That’sahardswallow,butIseewhereyou’regoing.Comeonthen.”Hegrabbedher

hand,pulledherintotheworkshopwhereBrannafunneledapaleblueliquidintoaslimbottle.Ionacrushedherbswithmortarandpestle.

“Meara’sanidea.”Eyebrowsdrawn

together,Brannafocusedontheliquidslidinggracefullyintothebottle.

“I’mstillworkingonthelastideathat’scomearound.”

“It’sperfect,Branna.”IonastoppedasBrannaslidacrystalstopperintothebottle.

“Andhowmanydreamspellsforsix,andtheirguides,haveyoucast?”

“Thiswillbemyfirst.”

ButIonasmiled.“Andit’sperfect.Youshouldhaveseenthestars,”shetoldConnorandMeara.“Tinybluestarsrisingup,circlingaroundthecauldronasshefinishedit.”

“Ithinkit’sright.”Brannarubbedthesmallofherback.“Iaddedthe

amethystasyousuggested,Connor,andIthinkit’sright.Itneedstocureoutofthelightforatleastthreedays.”

Sheliftedit,carrieditovertoacupboard.

“Letmemakeyousometea,”Ionabegan,butBrannashookherhead.

“Thanks,butno.I’ve

hadenoughteatheselastdaystodomeforsixmonths.I’maftersomewine.”

“Thenwe’llhavesomewinewhileyouhearMeara’sidea.Better,don’tyoufeellikecookingsomething?”Connortriedoutawinningsmile.“Aren’t

youfeelingalongingforyourownkitchen,darling?Thisisthesortofideathatgoeswellwithagoodbowlofsoup,andthefullcircleofus.”

Mearagavehimashove.“Ithinkit’sagoodidea,anditshouldbeheardbyeveryone.ButIcanmakethesoupwhile

yousitandhaveyourwine.”

“I’llmakeit,becausedespitethefactthatmybrother’sthinkingwithhisbelly,Idomissmykitchen.We’vevegetablesinthegardenstill.”ShepointedatConnor.“Gofetchsome.”

“What’syour

pleasure?”“Anyandall.I’llmake

itupasIgo.Andsinceyou’vehadsomefineidea,Meara,youcantellmeofitwhileIhavethewine.Idon’tseewhyIshouldwaitfortheothers.Leavethat,Iona.We’llgetbacktoit.Let’shavealittlekitchentime.”

Mearathoughtshewasdoingsomemakingitupasshewentaswell.Andbythetimeeveryonearrived,she’drefinedthingsabit.

“So,”shefinished,“bydoingsomethingnowwithoutanyrealstakeinwinning,we’dhavehimthinkingwe’dmadeour

attack,bungledit,oratleastfailedatit.We’reforcedtoretreattothecottage—wherewe’reprotected.Confused-like,youknow?Andbitter.Ifwe’vehadourarsehandedtous,hewouldn’tthinkwe’dlaunchanotherattackinamatterofdays.”

“Ifwegohalfway,hecoulddorealdamage,”Boylepointedout.“Whynotgofull-out?”

“Westillneedthetimeleftfortheplanwesettledon.I’vebeenworkingthespellaroundthenightwechose,”Brannaexplained.“Iwouldn’twanttotryitonanother.Itmustbe

Samhain.”“Herpointisbylosing

wehaveabetterchanceofwinning.”ConnorgaveBoyleabumpontheshoulder.“AndIknowlosing,evenbydesign,goesdownhard.”

“We’dhavetomakeitflashy.Hewon’tbefooledbysomethingthatlooks

weakandtossedtogether.”ButFinsmiled.“Andwecouldgiveplentyofflash.Fireandstorm,quakeandflood.Wethrowtheelementsathim.Itwouldn’tberight—notonitsowninanycase,butitwouldbeloudandstronganditwouldfeelbloodyfierce.”

“Acalltotheelements.”NowBrannabegantosmile.“Oh,wecouldmakeitfierceindeed.Evenrockhimonhisheelsabit.We’dneedtoshield,forwe’veneighborshere.Thefield—therisebehindthegardens.”

“That’sfartherthanI’d

thought,”Mearabegan.“Ifwe’regoingtoberouted,that’salongroadtoretreatandsafety.”

“Wedon’tretreat,”Connorsaid.“Atleastnotatarun.Wefly.”

“Fly?”Mearaletoutalongbreath.“IthinkI’llhavesomemorewineonthatnotion.”

“Thatmakesastatement,too.”Ionadidthehonorswiththewine.“We’redefeated,andhavetoflytosafety.Whenwouldwetryit?”

“We’reonawaningmoon.”Connorglancedtowardthewindow.“Thatcouldbeuseful.I’dlikeagoatittonight,butIthink

closertotherealattack.Twonightsmore?Ifwegetanysingesfromit,we’dhavetimetomendthem.”

“Twonightsmore.”Brannawalkedovertostirhersoup.

***

EVENAFEINTREQUIREDPLANNING.

Thethreeaddedmoreprotectionaroundthehouse.IfCabhanbelievedthemweakened,hemighttrytocomeinforthecoupdegrace.Theycouldn’taffordasinglechink.

Mearathoughtofitasakindofplay.Though

somewouldbescripted,andshe’dgoneoverherpartofitadozentimesandmore,somewouldhavetobewrittenanddeliveredonthespot.

“I’mnervous,”sheconfessedtoConnor.“MorenervousthanIwasonthesolstice.”

“You’llbefine.Weall

will.Rememberdefenseisthefirstgoalhere.Offenseisjustahappybonus.”

“It’snearlytime.”Asiftowarmthem,sherubbedherhandstogether.“Hemaynotevencome.”

“Ithinkhewill.He’llbelieveyou’reweak,andthatwe’refractured.He’llseeachance,wanttotake

it.It’sfamilyhedoesn’tunderstand,andthebondsoffriendship.Buthe’llunderstandwhatwelurehimwith.”

Hetookherhand,walkedwithherintotheworkshopwheretheothershadalreadygathered.

Evenforthis,Meara

thought,theritualmustbekept.

Sotheylightedtheritualcandles,watchedwhilethesmokefromthecauldronroseinapaleblue.

Brannatooktheritualcupsheplacedinthecircle,andspokewordsfamiliarnow.

“Thiswedrink,onecupforsix,fromhandtohandandmouthtomouthtofixwithwineourunity.Sixhearts,sixmindsasonetonightaswepreparetowagethisfight.Sipone,sipall,andshoweachonehereanswersthecall.”

Threetimesthey

passedthecup,handtohand,mouthtomouth.

“Acirclearewe,tworingsformingonethreebythree.Tonightweaskforstrengthandpowertoseeusthroughthedarkhour.FourelementswewillcalltobringaboutCabhan’sfall.Fire,earth,water,airwe’llstirintoaragingsea.

Aswewill,somoteitbe.”Thethreeclosedthe

circle.“We’reready.The

circle’sbeencast,thespellbegun.Ifwehavetimetocastacircleontherise,somuchthebetter.”BrannalookedatMeara.“You’llknowwhentostart.”

Shehopedso.Theywalkedtothe

rise,carryingcandles,cauldron,weapons,andwands,shieldedfromsight—butforCabhan’s.Connortoldherthey’dleftawindowforhim.

Astheytoppedtherise,hereachedforherhand.Shepulledsharplyaway.

Andtheplaybegan.

I

20

TOLDYOUTOSTAYCLEAROFME.”“Ahnow,Meara,it

wasjustapintinthepub.”

“Talkrunslikeariver,Connor,soIknowjusthowyouspentyourtimeinthepub.”Shesenthimalookofabsolutedisgust.“AndwhileIwasbarelyabletostandafterwhatwasdonetome.Onyouraccountdonetome.”

“Jesus,Meara,itwasjustabitofaflirt.Some

conversation,abitoffun.”

“Haveallthefunandconversationyouwant,butdon’tthinkyou’llcomecozyinguptomeafter.”Deliberatelyshequickenedherpace.“Iknowyourways.Whobetter?”

“Whatdoyouwant?”

Hehunchedhisshouldersastheyclimbedthegentlerise.“Ineededabitofabreather,isall,afterbeingcoopedupdayafterdayinthecottageorslammedwithworkattheschool.Youcoulddolittlebutsleepforhoursatago.”

“Andwhywasthat?”Shestopped,roundedon

him.“It’syouandyourmagicksputmeflat,isn’tit?”

Heplantedhisfeet,glaredbackather.“It’smeandmymagickssavedyourbleedinglife!”

“AndwhileIwasclingingtothatlife,you’reoffconversingwithAliceKeenanatthepub.”

“Enough,enough,enough!”Brannablastedatbothofthem.“There’snotimeforthis.Didn’tItellyoumystarcharthastonightasourbestchancetofinishthis?Wecan’tdowhatneedsdoingwiththetwoofyousnipingateachother.”

“I’mhere,aren’tI?”

Mearajerkedupherchin.“I’mhereputtingmylifeonthelineyetagainbecauseIsaidIwould.Ikeepmyword.Unlikesome.”

“Amanbuysagirlapint,andsuddenlyhe’saliar?”

“Laythecandles,Connor.”Brannashoved

themathim.“Andfocusonwhat’sathand.Bythegods,couldn’tyouhavewaitedtillwe’ddonethisbeforesniffingaroundAliceKeenan?”

Onanoutragedhiss,Mearadumpedherpackontheground.“Oh,soit’sfineandwellforhimtorunaroundbehindme

afterI’vebeenuseful?”“That’snotwhatI

meant,”Brannasaid,hertonesharp,dismissive.“Stopactingthegom.”

“NowI’mthegom?Youwouldtakehispart,evenknowinghewasoffwiththatsleveen.”

“Stop,willyouallstop?”Ionaputherhands

overherears.“Beststayoutofit,”

Boyleadvised.“Ican’tstayoutofit.

They’remyfamily,andIcan’ttakeanymoreofthissnipingandbickering.Givemethose.”ShesnatchedthecandlesfromConnor,begantosecuretheminacircleonthe

rise.“Howcanweworktogether,dowhatwe’veallsworntodo,ifwe’refighting?”

“Easyforyoutosay.”Mearaslammedahandonthehiltofhersword.“Whenyou’veBoyleactingthelapdogforyouateveryturn.”

“I’mnoone’sdog,

Meara,andmindyourself.”

“Didn’tItellyoutonightwasn’tthetime?”Findrewhisathameoutofitssheath,examineditinthelightofthewaningmoon.

“IfIsaidup,you’dsaydown,”Brannashotback.“Forthespiteofit.”

“Andwasn’tityouwhosaiditmustbethesolstice?Andhereweare,monthslater,atyourbiddingagain.”

“AndIwonderstillhowmuchyouheldbackthatnight.Ifmybiddingwasdone,youwouldneverbehere,youwouldneverbewithus.”

“Branna,that’stoomuch.”Connorlaidahandonhershoulder.He’scoming,hetoldher,toldtheothers.Fast.

“Toomuchornotenoughhardlymattersnow.We’rehere.”

Brannasweptherhandout,lightedthecandles.Shesetthebowlatthe

northmostpoint.Behindher,Connor

touchedhisfingerslightlytoMeara’s.

Shedrewinabreath,andbracedforit.

Fogdropped,athickcurtain,andwithitcameabitter,bone-deepcold.Aroaringrippedthroughit,shiveredoverthehigh

grass.Evenasshedrewher

sword,Connorwhippedheraside.

Shefeltsomethingstreakbyher,grazingherarm,leavingafrigidburnofpainbehind.Shedidn’thavetofeignthefearandconfusion.Bothroseupinherlikeaflood.

ThenConnor’svoicesoundedinherhead.I’mwithyou.Iloveyou.

Shespun,movingback-to-backwithBoyle,readiedtoattackordefend.

ThegroundtrembledunderherfeetasFincalledtoearth.

“Danu,goddessand

mother,byyourpowerwillthisearthquakeandshudder.”

Evenprotectedbytheritual,Mearanearlypitchedforwardwhenthegroundheaved.

“OnAcionna,onManannanmacLirIcall,”Brannashouted.“OnCabhan’sheadyourwrath

willfall.”Rainpouredoutofthe

sky,asifsomedeityhadturnedthecourseofaragingriver.

Throughthefog,thedeluge,shesawglowingstreaksofblackwinginglikearrows.Andtohershock,thefoghissed.Itcurledaroundherleglike

asnake.Instinctivelysheslicedoutatit,rentit.Blackbloodsplatteredfromthemists.

Ballsoffirecatapultedout,burningtheblackarrowstocinderonIona’scall.“PoweroffireinBrighid’snametoscorchthedarkwithlightandflame.”

ShefeltBoylelurch,whirledtodefend,andsawhimhackatathornytendriloffogstrikingtowardFin.

Shedoveunder,slicedandstruck,thenhadtoclingtothegroundasitheavedupunderher.

“Sidhe,heedyourservant,yourson,and

withyourbreathbringhisdamnation.”

ShewatchedConnor,aflamewithintheflameslifthisarmshigh.Asshestruggledtoherfeetshesawtheboilingskyaboveopen.Andwhirl.

Camethelightning,spearingoutofthedarktostrikethequakingearth.

Eventherainsparkedwithfire.ShesawIonafall,sawBoylespringovertolifther.Flamesshotfromherhandsatthewolf,attheman,atthetwisting,snakingbranchesoffog.

Shefoughtherwaythrough,backtowardthecirclewherethecandles

stillglowedlikebeacons.BacktowardConnor,who’dgrippedBranna’shand,thenIona’s,sothethreeofthemlit,candlesthemselves.

Ithowled,thewolf.Itlaughed,theman.Thecandles,waxand

witch,sputteredandbegantodim.

“Pullitback!”Brannashouted.“We’velostit.We’velostthenight.It’sdrainedfromus.Flee,whilewecan.”

ConnorgrippedMearaaroundthewaist—stronghands,facefierce,sheenedwithsweat,withblood.“I’llsteerclearofyouafterIsaveyourlifea

secondtime.”Spinningthroughthe

air,showersofstars,sparksoffire.Lightsobrilliantshehadtosqueezehereyestight,turnherhead.

Falling,toofast,toofast,sothespeedsuckedtheairfromherlungs.

Thenextsheknewshe

wassprawledoverConnoronthekitchenfloorwithhisheartgallopingunderherlikearunawayhorse.

Aterribleroarsweptover,around,rattlingthewindows.Greatfistspoundedatthedoors,thewalls,sothecottageshook.ForamomentMearabracedforitto

collapseontheirheads.Thentherewassilence.Theotherslay,like

survivorsofsometerriblesmashup.KathelleapedoverhertoBranna,lickedatherface,whined.

“I’mallright,therenow.We’reallright.”

“Thatshouldconvincehimwe’dgonetowar

tonight,asitbloodywellconvincedme.”ConnorstrokedMeara’shairasheshiftedher.“Areyouhurt?”

“Idon’tknow.Idon’tthinkso.You’rebleeding.”

Heswipedhisfingersoveragashonhistemple.“Didn’tdodgefast

enough.”“Here,letmeseetoit.”

Brannascootedover.“Iona—”

“Iknowwhatyouneed.”Assherantowardtheworkshop,Mearatuggeduphertrouserleg,sawthelividbruisecirclingjustaboveherankle.

“Here,letmeseetothat.”EvenasBrannatendedhim,Connorreachedout,laidhishandsonthebruising.

“Thefog—itturnedtosnakes.Andthorns.Itgrewthorns.”

“Notthorns,teeth.”Fin,hisfaceshinywithsweat,satonthekitchen

floorwithhisbackbracedagainstacupboard.

“You’rehurt.AbitofthatforConnor’shead,”BrannasnappedtoIonaasshepusheduptogotoFin.“Seethatit’sclearandclean.Wereyoubitten?”shedemandedofFin.

“I’mjustwinded.”

Shepressedherhandtohischest.“It’smore.Letmesee.”

“I’lltendtomyselfwhenI’vemybreathback.”

“Oh,bollocks.”Withaflashofherhand,shestrippedhimtothewaist.

“Ifyou’reaftergettingmyclothesoff,wecould

dowithsomeprivacy.”“Shutit.”Shelooked

overhershoulder,spokeurgently.“Iona,thebalm!”

“I’llseetomyself,”Finbegan.

“I’llputyouunderifyoudon’tbestill,bequiet.YouknowIcanandwill.Connor,Ineedyou.”

“Howbadisit?”Hesawforhimself

whenhepushedacrossthekitchenfloor.

RawandblackpuncturewoundsrandownbothsidesofFin’storso,asifamonstrousjawhadclosedoverhim.

“They’renotdeep.”Branna’svoicestayedlow

andsteady.“Thankthegodsforthat.Andthepoison...”Shelookedupsharply.“Whatdidyoudotostopthespreadofit?”

“I’mhisblood.”Breathinglabored,Finspokeslowly,almosttooprecisely.“Whathemakesfromhisweakensinmine.”

“There’spain,”Connorsaid.

“There’salwayspain.”ButhehissedoutabreathasBrannaworkeddeeper.“ChristJesus,woman,yourhealing’sworsethanthewound.”

“Ihavetodrawitout,weakenedornot.”

“Lookatme,Fin,”

Connorordered.“I’lltakemyownpain,

thanks.”Connormerelygripped

Fin’sjawinhishand,turnedhishead.

He’stakingthepain,Meararealized.TakingFin’spainsothehealinggoesquickly.Andso,sheknew,Brannacouldn’t

takeitherself.Boylegotoutthe

whiskey,soshestoodtofetchglasses.Thensittingontheflooragain,passedthemoutwhenBrannasatback,nodded.

“Thatwilldo.”“Abitmoreofadust-

upthanwereckonedon.”MirroringFin,Connor

leanedbackagainstthecupboards.Hisownfaceshonenow,fromthesweatoftheeffort,ofthepain.“Butwesingedhisassmorethanabit,andwe’resafeandwhole.”

“He’llthinkwe’recowed,”Brannasaid.“He’llthinkwe’rebickeringamong

ourselves,lickingourwounds,questioningifweshouldevertrysuchathingagain.”

“Andwhenwegoathimintwodays’time,we’llburnhimtoashesbeforeheknowswe’vedupedhim.Afineshow,oneandall.”Heliftedhisglass.“Anotionof

brilliance,Mearamydarling,andonethatmayhaveturnedthetidegoodandhard.It’shardlyawonderIloveyou.”

Hedrank,asdidtheothers,butMearaheldherglassandstudiedhim.

“Notasteforyourwhiskey?”heaskedher.

“I’mwaitingformy

hearttoshake.ItmaybeI’minabitofshock.Whydon’tyoutellmeagain?We’llseeifitgetsthrough.”

Hesethisglassaside,walkedoveronhiskneestowhereshesatonthefloor.“Iloveyou,Meara,andeverwill.”

Shedownedthe

whiskey,settheglassdown,roseuponherkneestofacehim.“No,it’snotshaking.Butreally,whatsortofweakandfoolishheartshakesinfearoflove.Willyours?”Shelaidherhandonhischest.“Let’sseeifitdoes.Iloveyou,Connor,andeverwill.”

“Itmayhavestoppedforasecond.”Heclosedhishandoverhers,heldittohim.“Butthere’snofear,there’snodoubt.Doyoufeelthat?It’sdancing,withjoy.”

Shelaughed.“ConnorO’Dwyerofthedancingheart.I’lltakeyou.”Shethrewherarmsaround

him,methismouthwithhers.

“Wouldyoulikeustomovealongthen?”Boylereplied.“Givethetwoofyouyourprivacythereonthekitchenfloor?”

“I’llletyouknow,”Connormurmured,thenwentbacktokissinghislove.

Hestood,pluckedherup,sweptherup,gaveheratosstomakeherlaughagain.“Onsecondthought,we’llgetoutofyourway.”

Hecarriedherfromtheroomonmorelaughter.

“It’swhatyou’vealwayswanted,”FinsaidtoBranna.

“WhatIknewcouldbe,feltshouldbe,andyes,whatIwanted.”Sheletoutasigh.“I’llputonthekettle.”

***

LATER,WRAPPEDUPWITHMEARAINBED,THEHOUSE

QUIETaroundthem,andmoonlightcomingthroughthewindow,Connoraskedher.

“Wasitthebattlethatdidit?Theknowingoflifeanddeaththatsteadiedyourheart?”

“Youtookhispain.”“What?Who?”“Downinthekitchen.

Thoughhedidn’twantitofyou,youwouldn’tlethimhurt,soyoutookFin’spain.Ithought,That’swhoheis,downintoit.Amanwho’dtakeonthepainofafriend—oranyoneelseforthatmatter.Amanofpower,ofkindness.Offunandmusicandloyalty.Andhe

lovesme.”Shelaidahandonhis

cheek.“I’velovedyouaslongasIcanremember,butIwouldn’tletmyselfhaveit,havethatgiftyouspokeof,orgiveit.Thatwasfear.

“AndIthought,whenIwatchedyoutonight,inthehorribleheatofbattle,

inthebrightlightsofthekitchen,howcanIletmyselfbetooafraidtohavewhatIlove?WhydoIkeepconvincingmyselfImightbelikemyfather,orletwhathediddefinethewholeofmylife?IoweCabhanadebt.”

“Cabhan?”“Hethoughttohurtand

shameandshakemebybringingtheimageofmyfathertome.Andhedid,rightenough,butthatwasfromme.AndseeingplainwhatIheldinme,Icouldstartseeingthetruth.Hedidn’tleaveme,ormymother,ortherestofus.Helefthisownshameandhismistakesandfailures

becausehecouldn’tstandandlookattheminthemirror.”

“Youalwaysstand,youalwayslook.”

“Itry,butIdidn’tlookfromtherightangle.Ididn’tletmyselftiptheglass.It’smymotherwhostayed,withtheshameheleftherwith,wholived—

inherownditheringway—withmistakesandfailuresthatwerehis.Andshestood,andstayed,formeandmyfamily,evenafterweweregrown.She’shappynow,freeofthatwhethersheknowsitfullyornot.I’mfreeofitaswell.SoIoweCabhanadebt.Butitwon’tstop

mefromdoingallIcantosendhimtohell.”

“ThenIowehimadebtalongsideyou.Andwe’llsendhimtohelltogether.”

***

ITWASHARDOVERTHENEXTTWODAYSOUTSIDEOF

THEcocoonofthecottagetostophimselffromradiatingjoy.Hehadtogoabouthiswork,andavoidcontactwithMearauntiltheywereinsidethatsanctuary.

HefeltCabhanprobingonceortwice,butlightly,cautiously.Andtherewerebruisesthere,ohyes,

they’dgiventhebastardafewbruisesforhistrouble.

He’dcomeintoitweakerthanhe’dbeen—andthinkingtheircircledamagedwhenitwasstrongerandmorevitalthanithadeverbeen.

Andyet.“Youhavedoubts,”he

saidtoBranna.Onlyhoursremained,sohe’dcomehometohelphoweverhecould.

“It’sagoodscheme.”“Andstill?”Shetookoutthedream

potion,paddeditcarefullyinasilverboxthathadcomedownthroughtheirfamily,placingit

alongsidethebloodredbrewshehopedwouldendCabhan.

“Afeeling,andIdon’tknowifit’satrueone.IwonderifIwassoconfidentonthesolsticethatnowIdoubtwhenit’stimetotryagain.Orifthere’strulysomethingI’mnotseeing,notdoing

thatneedsseeing,needsdoing.”

“It’snotonlyonyourshoulders,Branna.”

“Iknowit.WhateverFinthinks,Iknowthatverywell.”Shegatheredthetoolsshe’dcleansedandcharmedtowrapinarollofwhitevelvet.

Sheopenedadrawer,

tookoutasmallersilverbox.“Ihavesomethingforyou,whatevertonightbrings.”

Curious,heopenedit,sawthering,thedeepglowoftherubyinhammeredgold.“Thiscametoyou,downfromourgreat-grandmother.”

“Nowit’syoursifyou

wantitforMeara.She’smysister,andthatbindonlytightenswhenyougiveherthering.Anothercircle,anditshouldbehers.Butonlyifit’swhatyouwant.”

Hecamearoundtheworkcounter,drewherin.“Afterthenight’sdone.Thankyou.”

“Iwantitended,nowmorethanever.IwanttoseeyouandMearamakeyourlivestogether.”

“We’llendit.We’remeantto.”

“Yourheart’stalking.”“Itis,andifyourhead

wasn’ttalkingsobloodyloud,you’dhearyourown.”Hedrewherback.

“Ifyouwon’ttrustyourheart,trustyourblood.Andmine.”

“Iam.”Hegatheredhisown

toolsandreadiedhimselfforthenighttocome.

Theymetatthebigstables,andatFin’srequest,ConnorsaddledAine,thewhitefillyFin

boughttobreedwithAlastar.

“IthoughtFinwastakingBaru,hisstallion.”

ConnorglancedbackatMeara.Sheworesturdyboots,roughpants,athickbeltwithherswordandsheathcarriedonit.HeknewIonahadbraidedcharmsinherhair.

Andsheworehisnecklaceoveraflannelshirt.

“Soheis.We’retotakeAine,andIonaandBoyletakeAlastar.Thethirdhorsemakesthegettingthereeasier.”

“Sowe’reridingtoSorcha’scabin.”

“Inaway.You’re

preparedforwhat’stocome?”

“AswellasIcanbe.”Hereachedacrossthe

saddleforherhand.“We’llcomethroughit.”

“Ibelievethat.”Together,theyledthe

horseouttojointheothersinthepalelightofacrescentmoon.“Once

we’rethereitmustgoquickly,withoutamissedstep.Myfather,Iona’sgrandmother,Fin’scousin,they’llhaveaholdofthings,andthey’llbringusbackshouldthingsgowrong.”

“You’llbringmeback,”shesaid.

Oncehe’dmounted,

sheswungupbehindhim.HeglancedatBoyleandIonaalreadyonarestlessAlastar.

Wantstobegoing,hedoes,tobedoing.

HesawFingatherupthelittlemutt,mounttheblackstallion,thenholdhishanddowntoBranna.

“It’shardforher,”

Connormurmured.“Togowithhimthisway.”

“Hardforhimaswell.”ButBrannamounted,

thensignaledtoKathel.Thehoundracedoff.OverheadRoibeardcalled,andFin’sMerlinanswered.

“Holdontome,”Connoradvised,andthe

threehorsesleapedforwardinagallop.

Thentheyflew.“SweetJesus!”

Meara’sbiglaughfollowedtheexclamation.“Thisisbrilliant!Whyhaven’twedonethisbefore?”

Thewindstreamedby,coolanddamp,while

cloudswinkedoverthemoonandawayagain.Theairfilledwiththescentofspiceandearth,ofthingsgoingboldbeforetheysettleddowntorest.

Theyflew,ridingtheairabovethatearth,intothedeep,andstraightthroughthevinesto

Sorcha’scabin.“Quicklynow,”

Connortoldher.Hehadtoleaveherto

movetoBrannaandIona,tocastthecircle,ahundredcandles,thebowls,thecauldron.

Brannaopenedthesilverbox,removedthedreampotion.

“Spiritsrideuponthisnight.Wecometojointhemwithourlight.Inthisplaceandinthishour,wecalluponbrightthingsofpower.Wearethethree,andarethreemore.Togetherwewalkthroughthedoorandintothedreamingtheretofindthemeaningofourdestiny.

Sowedrinkonebythreeandonebythree.”

Shepouredthepotionintoasilvercup,lifteditup.Loweredit,sipped.

“Body,blood,mind,andheart,intothedreamingwedepart.”

ShepassedthecuptoFin.Hesipped,repeatedthewords,andthento

Iona,andaroundthecircle.

Ittastedofstars,Connorthoughtashetookhisturn,onebythree.

Hejoinedhands,hissister’s,Meara’s,andwithhercirclesaidthewords.

“Withright,withmight,withlightweseekthenight.Adreamwalk

backintime,Cabhan’seviltounwind.TothetimeofthereturnofSorcha’sthree.Aswewill,somoteitbe.”

Therewasn’tafloatingashe’dexperiencedbefore,butakindofswimmingthroughmistsandcolorswithvoicesmurmuringbehind,

before,andimagesjustontheedgesofhisvision.

Whenthemistscleared,hestoodashehadbeen,withhiscircle,andhishandclaspedwithMeara’s,hisotherwithBranna’s.

“Didwegoback?”“Lookthere,”Connor

saidtoMeara.

Vinescoveredthecabin,butitstood.Andbluebellsbloomedonthegroundbeneaththegravestone.

Thehorsesstoodwiththehawksonbranchesabovethem.KathelsatcalmasakingbesideBranna,whileBugsquiveredalittlebetween

Fin’sboots.“We’reallhere,aswe

shouldbe.You’llcallhimnow,Meara.”

“Now?”“Start,”Branna

confirmed,andtookoutthevialfilledwithred.“Drawhimin.”

Insidethevialbrilliancepulsedand

swirled.Liquidlight,magickfire.

“Inthecenterofthecircle.”Connortookherbytheshoulders,kissedher.“Andsing,whateverhappens.”

Shehadtosteadyherself,calmherheart,thenopenit.

She’dchosenaballad,

sanginIrishthoughhedoubtedsheknewthemeaningofallthewords.Heartbreakingtheywere,andasbeautifulasthevoicethatliftedovertheclearing,intothenight,andacrossallthedreamingtime.

He’daskhertosingitforhim,hedecided,when

theyweredonewithdarkthings,whentheywerealone.Shewouldsingitagain,forhim.

“Hehears,”Finwhispered.

“It’sanightthatcallstoblackandwhite,todarkandlight.He’llcome.”

Brannasteppedoutofthecircle,thenConnor,

thenIona.“Whateverhappens,”

Connorsaidagain.“Sing.He’scoming.”

“Aye.”Finsteppedoutofthecircle,leavingBoyletoguardMeara.

Hedrewasword,andsetittoburning.

Itcameonthefog,ashadowthatbecamea

wolf.Itstalkedtowardthelineoffourwitches,thenwhirledandleapedatthecircle.

BoyleblockedMeara’sbodywithhis,butthewolfleapedbackfromthefireballIonathrew.

Itpacedtheclearing,eyedthehorsesuntilAlastarpawedtheground,

thenitroseuptoaman.“Doyouthinktotry

formeagain?Doyouthinktodestroymewithsongandyourweakwhitemagick?”HewavedahandandtheflameonFin’ssworddied.

Finsimplyliftedit,caughtthefireagain.

“Tryme,”Fin

suggested,andsteppedforwardinfrontofthethree.

“Myson,bloodofmyblood,youarenotmyenemy.”

“Iamyourdeath.”Finleapedforward,swingingout,butcleavedonlyfog.

Theratscame,aboilingfloodofthem,red

eyesferal.Thosethatstreamedtothecirclescreamedastheyflashedintoflame.ButMearasawoneofthecandlesgutterout.

Nowshedrewherswordandsang.

Ainereared,hoovesflashing.Hereyesrolledinfear.Fingrabbedher

reins,usedtheswordtosetaringoffirearoundher.Whilethetwostallionscrushedtherats,thehawksdivedforthem.

Thebatsspilledoutofthesky.

Connorsawanothercandlewinkout.

“He’sattackingthecircletogettoher.Itmust

benow,Branna.”“Wehavetopullhim

closer.”Connorthrewhishead

back,calledthewind.Thetorrentofittorethroughthosethinwingsuntiltheairfilledwithsmokeandscreaming.

Meara’svoicewaveredasasingletwistedbody

fellatthecircle’sedge,andathirdcandlewentout.

“Steady,girl,”Boylemurmured.

“I’msteady.”Drawinginair,sheliftedhervoiceoverthescreams.

“I’llsliceopenyourthroatandripyourheartoutthroughit.”Cabhan,

hiseyesnearlyasredashisstone,threwblacklightningatthecircle.

Boyletookanopening,jabbedthroughwithhisknife,drewfirstblood.Theexplosionofairknockedhimback.Thebloodonthetipofhisknifehitthegroundandsizzledblackaspitch.

“Ithastobenow,”Connorshouted,andbeganthechant.

Thepowerroseup,clearheat.Againheheardvoices,notonlyMeara’sandIona’s,butothers.Distant,murmuring,murmuringthroughthethinningVeil.OverthemMeara’ssongrang,filled

hisheartwithmore.Finswepthisswordso

thecandlesreignited,sotheflamesranstraight.

Theratsturnedaway,flowingtowardthethree.Cabhandroppedtoallfours.ThewolfchargedKathel.

ConnorfeltBranna’sfear,turnedwithheras

didIonatoshootpowertowardthewolf.Butthegroundheavedunderit—Fin’swork.Kathel’sjawssnappedoverthewolf’sshoulder,andRoibearddived.

Itscreamed,foughtitswaycleartoruntowardthetreesbeyondtheclearing.

“Cutitoff,”Connorshouted.“Driveitback.”ButhisheartstoppedwhenbothBoyleandMeararanclearofthecircletojoinFin.

Itdartedright,turnedand,desperate,begantocharge.Meara’sswordflamed.Thetipofitscorchedfurbeforethe

wolfchecked,turnedagain.

Outofthecornerofhiseye,Connorcaughtmovement.Heglancedover,sawthreefiguresbythecabin.Awaveringvision,astheirvoicesstruggledtoreachthroughtheVeil.

Thenheknewonlyhis

sister,Iona,onlythethreeandthehotrushofpower.

Shesuspendedthevialinfrontofthem,andwithhandslinked,mindslinked,powerslinked,theyhurtledittowardthewolf.

Thelightexploded,athousandsuns.Itchargedintohim,throughhim.

“Bythepowerofthreeyouareended.Withourlightyourdarkisrended.Withourlightthiswebisspun,withourbloodyouareundone.Nolife,nospirit,nomagicksleftforthee.Aswewillsomoteitbe.”

Thelightflashedagain,brighterstill.Itbloomed

inhiseyes,simmeredinhisblood.Andthroughit,again,hesawthreefigures.Oneheldoutahandtohim,reaching.Reaching.

Thentheyweregone,andsowasthelight.Thedarkfell,liftedonlybymoonglowandthecircleofcandles.Breakinghis

linkwiththethree,ConnorrushedtoMeara.

“Areyouhurt?Anywhere?”

“No,notabit.”“Youweren’ttostop

singing,youweren’ttostepoutofthecircle.”

“Mythroatgotdry.”Shesmiled,herfacesmearedwithsoot,and

threwherarmsaroundhim.“Didweendit?Didweendhim?”

“Givemeamoment.”Ashandbloodlitteredtheground,tinysplotchesofblackstillburned.“Bythegodswhat’sleftofhimshouldbehere.Givemeamoment.”

“He’snot.Icanfeel

him.”Finswipedbloodfromhisface.“Icanfeelhim,Icansmellhim.Icanfindhim.Icanfinishhim.”

“Youcan’tleavetheclearing.”Brannagrabbedhisarm.“Youcan’toryoumaynotgetback.”

Facefierce,Finwrenchedhisarmfree.

“WhatdifferencedoesitmakeifIendhim,endthis?”

“Thisisn’tyourplace.”“Anditisn’tyour

choice.”“Norcanitbeyours,”

shesaid,andflunghimbackintothecircle.“Connor.”

“Bloodyhell.”

Withconsiderableregret,herushedFin,pinnedhim,andgotafistinhisfaceforthetroublebeforeBoylejoinedin.

“Quickly.”BrannalaidahandonConnor’sshoulder,tookMeara’shand,noddedtoIonaasthemengrappledontheground.

Sheclosedhereyes,brokethespell.

Throughthedarkandlightagain,throughthecolorsandmiststotheclearingwiththeruinsofacabinandthecallofanowl.

“Itwasn’tforyoutostopme.”

“Notonlyher,”Connor

said,rubbinghisjawasheeyedFin.“Itwasforallofus.Wecan’tdowithoutyou.”

“Canyoubesure?”Mearademanded.“Canyoubesurewedidn’tfinishhim?”

Sayingnothing,Finstrippedoffhiscoat,yankedthesweaterunder

itoverhishead.Themarkonhisshouldershowedrawandred,beatinglikeaheart.

“Whatisthis?”Brannademanded.“Youfeelhispain?”

“Yourbloodsawtothat.He’swounded,butwhocansayifit’smortal.Icouldhavefinished

him.”“Ifyou’dleftthe

clearing,you’dhavebeenlost,”Connorsaid.“You’rewithus,Fin.Yourplace,yourtimeishere.Wedidn’tfinishhim.IfelthimaswellbeforeBrannabrokethespell.Butnothere,notnow.Andthistime,we’ve

somebumpsandbruisesandnothingmore—ifwe’renotcountingyourfistinmyface—andhe’sbatteredandbleedingandtorn,halfblindaswell—Igotthatmuch.Hemaynotsurvivethenight.”

“Icaneasethepain.”Finonlystaredat

Branna.“I’llkeepitall

thesame.”“Fin.”Ionastepped

forward,rosetohertoestocuphisfaceinherhands.“Modearthair.Weneedyouwithus.”

Afteramoment’sstruggle,Finloweredhisforeheadtohers,sighed.“Ahwell.”

“Weshouldgoback.”

MearahandedBugstoFin,wherethedogwiggledinhisarmsandlappedathisface.“Wemaynothavefinishedit,butwedidgoodworktonight.Andformyself,Isangmythroatdryasthemoon.”

“It’snotfinished.”Brannacrossedoverto

Sorcha’sgravestone,tracedafingeroverthewordscarvedthere.“Notyetfinished,butitwillbe.Iswearitwillbe.”

Theymounted,filthy,weary.Connorhungback,justabit,lookingoverhisshoulderattheclearingbeforetheywentthroughthevines.“Isawthem—I

needtotelltheothers.”“Sawwho?”“Thethree.Sorcha’s

three—theshadowsofthem.Eamonwithasword,Brannaughwithabow,Teaganwithawand.Somepartofthemwasthere,camethroughandintothedreaming.Theytriedtogetthroughtous.”

“Wecouldhaveusedthem—morethantheirshadows.”

“That’sthetruthallaround.”HeturnedAinetowardhome.“Ithought,foramomentandmore,Ithoughtwe’ddoneit.”

“SodidI.YouwantedtogowithFin.Wantedtogowithhimandfinishit,

whateverthecost.”“Idid,butIcouldn’t.”“Becauseitwasn’t

meant.”“Morethanthat.I

couldn’tleaveyou.”HestoppedAinesohecouldturntoher,touchherface.“Icouldn’tandwouldn’tleaveyou,Meara,notevenforthat.

“I’vesomethingforyou.”

Heduginhispocket,pulledoutthesilverbox,openeditsotherubypulledatthemoonlight.

“Oh,but,Connor—”“It’safinering,and

I’llseethatitfits—asyoufitme,andIfityou.It’scomedownthroughthe

family.BrannapassedittomesoIcouldgiveittoyou.”

“You’reproposingtomeonhorsebackwhenwebothsmellofbrimstone?”

“Itstrikesmeasromanticandmemorable.Lookhere.”Hesliditontoherfinger,gaveitalittletap.“See,itfits,asI

said.You’llhavetomarrymenow.”

Shelookedatthering,backathim.“IsupposeIwillthen.”

Hecaughtherinakissassweetasitwasawkward.

“Holdonnow,”hetoldher.

Andtheyflew.

***

SEEKINGITSLAIR,ITCRAWLEDOVERTHEGROUND,MOREshadowthanwolf,morewolfthanman.Itsblackbloodscorchedtheearthbehindit.

Itknewonlypainandhateandaterriblethirst.

Andtheterriblethirstwasvengeance.

KeepreadingforanexcerptfromthenewestbookfromNoraRoberts

THECOLLECTOR

AvailablefromG.P.Putnam’sSons

SHETHOUGHTTHEY’DNEVERLEAVE.CLIENTS,ESPECIALLYnewones,

tendedtofussanddelay,revolvingonthesameloopofinstructions,contacts,commentsbeforefinallyheadingoutthe

door.Shesympathizedbecausewhentheywalkedoutthedoortheylefttheirhome,theirbelongings,andinthiscasetheircat,insomeoneelse’shands.

Astheirhousesitter,LilaEmersondideverythingshecouldtosendthemoffrelaxed,andconfidentthosehands

werecompetentones.Forthenextthree

weeks,whileJasonandMaceyKilderbrandenjoyedthesouthofFrancewithfriendsandfamily,LilawouldliveintheirmostexcellentapartmentinChelsea,watertheirplants,feed,waterandplaywiththeir

cat,collecttheirmail—andforwardanythingofimport.

She’dtendMacey’sprettyterracegarden,pamperthecat,takemessagesandactasaburglarydeterrentsimplybyherpresence.

Whileshedid,she’denjoylivinginNew

York’stonyLondonTerracejustasshe’denjoyedlivinginthecharmingflatinRome—whereforanadditionalfeeshe’dpaintedthekitchen—andthesprawlinghouseinBrooklyn—withitsfriskygoldenretriever,sweetandagingBostonterrier

andaquariumofcolorfultropicalfish.

She’dseenalotofNewYorkinhersixyearsasaprofessionalhousesitter,andinthelastfourhadexpandedtoseequiteabitoftheworldaswell.

Niceworkifyoucangetit,shethought—andshecouldgetit.

“Comeon,Thomas.”Shegavethecat’slong,sleekbodyonehead-to-tailstroke.“Let’sgounpack.”

Shelikedthesettlingin,andsincethespaciousapartmentboastedasecondbedroom,unpackedthefirstofhertwosuitcases,tuckingher

clothesinthemirroredbureauorhangingtheminthetidywalk-incloset.She’dbeenwarnedThomaswouldlikelyinsistonsharingthebedwithher,andshe’ddealwiththat.Andsheappreciatedthattheclients—likelyMacey—hadarrangedaprettybouquet

offreesiaonthenightstand.

Lilawasbigonlittlepersonaltouches,thegivingandthegetting.

She’dalreadydecidedtomakeuseofthemasterbathwithitsroomysteamshoweranddeepjettub.

“Neverwasteorabusetheamenities,”shetold

Thomasassheputhertoiletriesaway.

Asthetwosuitcasesheldnearlyeverythingsheowned,shetooksomecareindistributingthemwhereitsuitedherbest.

Aftersomeconsiderationshesetupherofficeinthediningarea,arrangingherlaptop

soshecouldlookupandoutattheviewofNewYork.Inasmallerspaceshe’dhavehappilyworkedwheresheslept,butsinceshehadroom,she’dmakeuseofit.

She’dbeengiveninstructionsonallthekitchenappliances,theremotes,thesecurity

system—theplaceboastedanarrayofgadgetsthatappealedtohernerdysoul.

Inthekitchenshefoundabottleofwine,aprettybowloffreshfruit,anarrayoffancycheeseswithanotehandwrittenonMacey’smonogrammedstationery.

Enjoyourhome!—Jason,Maceyand

Thomas

Sweet,Lilathought,andsheabsolutelywouldenjoyit.

Sheopenedthewine,pouredaglass,sippedandapproved.Grabbingher

binoculars,shecarriedtheglassoutontheterracetoadmiretheview.

Theclientsmadegooduseofthespace,shethought,withacoupleofcushychairs,aroughstonebench,aglasstable—andthepotsofthrivingflowers,theprettydropsofcherrytomatoes,the

fragrantherbs,allofwhichshe’dbeenencouragedtoharvestanduse.

Shesat,withThomasinherlap,sippingwine,strokinghissilkyfur.

“Ibettheysitoutherealot,havingadrink,orcoffee.Theylookhappytogether.Andtheirplace

hasagoodfeeltoit.Youcantell.”ShetickledThomasunderthechinandhadhisbrightgreeneyesgoingdreamy.“She’sgoingtocallande-mailalotinthefirstcoupledays,sowe’regoingtotakesomepicturesofyou,baby,andsendthemtohersoshe

canseeyou’rejustfine.”Settingthewineaside,

sheliftedthebinoculars,scannedthebuildings.Theapartmentcomplexhuggedanentirecityblock,andthatofferedlittleglimpsesintootherlives.

Otherlivesjustfascinatedher.

Awomanaboutherageworealittleblackdressthatfithertall,model-thinbodylikeasecondskin.Shepacedasshetalkedonhercellphone.Shedidn’tlookhappy,Lilathought.Brokendate.Hehastoworklate—hesays,Lilaadded,windingtheplotin

herhead.She’sfedupwiththat.

Acouplefloorsabove,twocouplessatinalivingroom—art-coveredwalls,sleek,contemporaryfurnishings—andlaughedoverwhatlookedlikemartinis.

Obviouslytheydidn’tlikethesummerheatas

muchassheandThomasorthey’dhavesatoutsideontheirlittleterrace.

Oldfriends,shedecided,whogettogetheroften,sometimestakevacationstogether.

Anotherwindowopenedtheworldtoalittleboyrollingaroundonthefloorwithawhite

puppy.TheabsolutejoyofbothzingedrightthroughtheairandhadLilalaughing.

“He’swantedapuppyforever—foreverbeingprobablyafewmonthsatthatage—andtodayhisparentssurprisedhim.He’llremembertodayhiswholelife,andoneday

he’llsurprisehislittleboyorgirlthesameway.”

Pleasedtoendonthatnote,Lilaloweredtheglasses.“Okay,Thomas,we’regoingtogetacouplehoursofworkin.Iknow,Iknow,”shecontinued,settinghimdown,pickingupthehalfglassofwine.“Most

peoplearedonewithworkfortheday.They’regoingouttodinner,meetingfriends—orinthecaseofthekillerblondeintheblackdress,bitchingaboutnotgoingout.Butthethingis...”Shewaiteduntilhestrolledintotheapartmentaheadofher.“Isetmyown

hours.It’soneoftheperks.”

Shechoseaball—motion-activated—fromthebasketofcattoysinthekitchencloset,gaveitarollacrossthefloor.

Thomasimmediatelypounced,wrestled,batted,chased.

“IfIwereacat,”she

speculated,“I’dgocrazyforthat,too.”

WithThomashappilyoccupied,shepickeduptheremote,orderedmusic.ShemadeanoteofwhichstationplayedsoshecouldbesureshereturnedittotheirhousemusicbeforetheKilderbrandscamehome.Shemoved

awayfromthejazztocontemporarypop.

House-sittingprovidedlodging,interest,evenadventure.Butwritingpaidthefreight.Freelancewriting—andwaitingtables—hadkeptherheadjustabovewaterherfirsttwoyearsinNewYork.Aftershe’dfalleninto

house-sitting,initiallydoingfavorsforfriends,andfriendsoffriends,she’dhadtherealtimeandopportunitytoworkonhernovel.

Thentheluckorserendipityofhouse-sittingforaneditorwho’dtakenaninterest.Herfirst,MoonRise,hadsold

decently.Nobust-outbestseller,butsteady,andwithanicelittlefollowinginthefourteen-to-eighteensetshe’daimedfor.ThesecondwouldhitthestoresinOctober,soherfingerswerecrossed.

Butmoretothemoment,sheneededtofocusonbookthreeofthe

series.Shebundledupher

longbrownhairwithaquicktwist,scoopandtheclampofachunkytortoiseshellhingeclip.WhileThomasgleefullychasedtheball,shesettledinwithherhalfglassofwine,atallglassoficedwaterandthemusicshe

imaginedhercentralcharacter,Kaylee,listenedto.

Asajuniorinhighschool,Kayleedealtwithalltheupsanddowns—theromance,thehomework,themeangirls,thebullies,thepolitics,theheartbreaksandtriumphsthatcrowded

intotheshort,intensehighschoolyears.

Astickyroad,especiallyforthenewgirl—asshe’dbeeninthefirstbook.Andmore,ofcourse,asKaylee’sfamilywerelycans.

Itwasn’teasytofinishaschoolassignmentorgotothepromwithafull

moonrisingwhenagirlwasawerewolf.

Now,inbookthree,Kayleeandherfamilywereatwarwitharivalpack,apackthatpreyedonhumans.Maybealittlebloodthirstyforsomeoftheyoungerreaders,shethought,butthiswaswherethepathofthestory

led.Whereithadtogo.Shepickeditupwhere

Kayleedealtwiththebetrayaloftheboyshethoughtsheloved,anoverdueassignmentontheNapoleonicWarsandthefactthatherbeautifulblondnemesishadlockedherinthesciencelab.

Themoonwouldrise

intwentyminutes—justaboutthesametimetheScienceClubwouldarrivefortheirmeeting.

Shehadtofindawayoutbeforethechange.

Liladivedin,happilyslidingintoKaylee,intothefearofexposure,thepainofabrokenheart,thefurywiththe

cheerleading,homecomingqueening,man-eating(literally)Sasha.

Bythetimeshe’dgottenKayleeout,andinthenick,courtesyofasmokebombthatbroughttheviceprincipal—anotherthorninKaylee’sside—dealtwiththe

lecture,thedetention,thestreakinghomeasthechangecameonherheroine,Lilahadputinthreesolidhours.

Pleasedwithherself,shesurfacedfromthestory,glancedaround.

Thomas,exhaustedfromplay,laycurledonthechairbesideher,and

thelightsofthecityglitteredandgleamedoutthewindow.

ShefixedThomas’sdinnerpreciselyasinstructed.WhileheateshegotherLeatherman,usedthescrewdriverofthemulti-tooltotightensomescrewsinthepantry.

Loosescrews,toher

thinking,wereagatewaytodisaster.Inpeopleandinthings.

Shenoticedacoupleofwirebasketsonrunners,stillintheirboxes.Probablyforpotatoesoronions.Crouching,shereadthedescription,theassuranceofeasyinstall.Shemadeamentalnoteto

e-mailMacey,askifshewantedthemputin.

Itwouldbeaquick,satisfyinglittleproject.

Shepouredasecondglassofwineandmadealatedinneroutofthefruit,cheeseandcrackers.Sittingcross-leggedinthediningroom,Thomasinherlap,sheatewhileshe

checkede-mail,sente-mail,scannedherblog—madeanoteforanewentry.

“Gettingontobedtime,Thomas.”

Hejustyawnedwhenshepickeduptheremotetoshutoffthemusic,thenliftedhimupandawaysoshecoulddealwithher

dishesandbaskinthequietofherfirstnightinanewspace.

Afterchangingintocottonpantsandatank,shecheckedthesecurity,thenrevisitedherneighborsthroughthebinoculars.

ItlookedlikeBlondiehadgoneoutafterall,

leavingthelivingroomlightonlow.Thepairofcoupleshadgoneoutaswell.Maybetodinner,orashow,Lilathought.

Thelittleboywouldbefastasleep,hopefullywiththepuppycurledupwithhim.Shecouldseetheshimmerofatelevision,imaginedMomandDad

relaxingtogether.Anotherwindow

showedapartygoingon.Acrowdofpeople—well-dressed,cocktailattire—mixedandmingled,drinksorsmallplatesinhand.

Shewatchedforawhile,imaginedconversations,includinga

whisperedonebetweenthebrunetteintheshortreddressandthebronzedgodinthepearlgraysuitwho,inLila’simagination,werehavingahotaffairunderthenosesofhislong-sufferingwifeandhercluelesshusband.

Shescannedover,

stopped,loweredtheglassesamoment,thenlookedagain.

No,thereallybuiltguyonthe...twelfthfloorwasn’tcompletelynaked.Heworeathongashedidanimpressivebumpandgrind,aspin,drop.

Hewasworkingupanicesweat,shenoted,as

herepeatedmovesoraddedtothem.

Obviouslyanactor/dancermoonlightingasastripperuntilhecaughthisbigBroadwaybreak.

Sheenjoyedhim.Alot.Thewindowshowkept

herentertainedforahalfhourbeforeshemade

herselfanestinthebed—andwasindeedjoinedbyThomas.SheswitchedontheTVforcompany,settledonanNCISrerunwhereshecouldliterallyrecitethedialoguebeforethecharacters.Comfortedbythat,shepickedupheriPad,foundthethrillershe’dstartedontheplane

fromRome,andsnuggledin.

***

OVERTHENEXTWEEK,SHEDEVELOPEDAROUTINE.THOMASwouldwakehermoreaccuratelythananyalarmclockatseven

preciselywhenhebegged,vocally,forhisbreakfast.

She’dfeedthecat,makecoffee,watertheplantsindoorsandout,havealittlebreakfastwhileshevisitedtheneighbors.

Blondieandherlive-inlover—theydidn’thavethemarriedvibe—argued

alot.Blondietendedtothrowbreakables.Mr.Slick,andhewasgreattolookat,hadgoodreflexes,andawholebasketofcharm.Fights,prettymuchdaily,endedinseductionorwildburstsofpassion.

Theysuitedeachother,inherestimation.Forthe

moment.NeitherofthemstruckLilaaslong-haulpeoplewithherthrowingdishesorarticlesofclothing,himducking,smilingandseducing.

Gameplayers,shethought.Hot,sexygameplayers,andifhedidn’thavesomethinggoingon,ontheside,she’dbevery

surprised.Thelittleboyandthe

puppycontinuedtheirloveaffair,withMom,Dadornannypatientlycleaninguplittleaccidents.MomandDadlefttogethermostmornings,garbedinawaythatsaidhigh-poweredcareerstoLila.

TheMartinis,asshethoughtofthem,rarelyusedtheirlittleterrace.Shewasdefinitelyoneoftheladies-who-lunch,leavingtheapartmenteveryday,latemorning,returninglateafternoonusuallywithashoppingbag.

ThePartiersrarely

spentaneveningathome,seemedtorevelinafranticsortoflifestyle.

AndtheBodypracticedhisbumpandgrindregularly—toherunabashedpleasure.

Shetreatedherselftotheshow,andthestoriesshecreatedeverymorning.She’dworkinto

theafternoon,breaktoamusethecatbeforeshedressedandwentouttobuywhatshethoughtshemightlikefordinner,toseetheneighborhood.

ShesentpicturesofahappyThomastoherclients,pickedtomatoes,sortedmail,composedaviciouslycanbattle,

updatedherblog.Andinstalledthetwobasketsinthepantry.

Onthefirstdayofweektwo,sheboughtagoodbottleofBarolo,filledinthefancycheeseselections,addedsomeminicupcakesfromanamazingneighborhoodbakery.

Justaftersevenintheevening,sheopenedthedoortothepartypackthatwasherclosestfriend.

“Thereyouare.”Julie,winebottleinonehand,afragrantbouquetofstarliliesintheother,stillmanagedtoenfoldher.

Sixfeetofcurvesandtumbledredhair,Julie

BryantstrucktheoppositeendofLila’saverageheight,slimbuild,straightbrownhair.

“YoubroughtatanbackfromRome.God,I’dbewearing500SPFandstillendupgoinglobsterintheItaliansun.Youlookjustgreat.”

“Whowouldn’tafter

twoweeksinRome?Thepastaalone.ItoldyouI’dgetthewine,”LilaaddedwhenJulieshovedthebottleintoherhand.

“Nowwehavetwo.Andwelcomehome.”

“Thanks.”Lilatooktheflowers.

“Wow,someplace.It’shuge,andtheview’sa

killer.Whatdothesepeopledo?”

“Startwithfamilymoney.”

“Oh,don’tIwishIhad.”

“Let’sdetourtothekitchensoIcanfixtheflowers,thenI’llgiveyouatour.Heworksinfinance,andIdon’t

understandanyofit.Heloveshisworkandpreferstennistogolf.Shedoessomeinteriordesign,andyoucanseeshe’sgoodatitfromthewaytheapartmentlooks.She’sthinkingaboutgoingpro,butthey’retalkingaboutstartingafamily,soshe’snotsureit’stherighttime

tostartherownbusiness.”“They’renewclients,

right?Andtheystilltellyouthatkindofpersonaldetail?”

“WhatcanIsay?Ihaveafacethatsaystellmeallaboutit.SayhellotoThomas.”

Juliecrouchedtogreetthecat.“Whata

handsomefacehehas.”“He’sasweetheart.”

Lila’sdeepbrowneyeswentsoftasJulieandThomasmadefriends.“Petsaren’talwaysaplusonthejobs,butThomasis.”

SheselectedamotorizedmouseoutofThomas’stoybasket,

enjoyedJulie’seasylaughasthecatpounced.

“Oh,he’sakiller.”Straightening,Julieleanedbackonthestone-graycounterwhileLilafussedtheliliesintoaclearglassvase.

“Romewasfabulous?”“Itreallywas.”“Anddidyoufinda

gorgeousItaliantohavemadsexwith?”

“Sadlyno,butIthinktheproprietorofthelocalmarketfellforme.Hewasabouteighty,giveortake.Hecalledmeunabelladonnaandgavemethemostbeautifulpeaches.”

“Notasgoodassex,

butsomething.Ican’tbelieveImissedyouwhenyougotback.”

“Iappreciatetheovernightatyourplacebetweenjobs.”

“Anytime,youknowthat.IonlywishI’dbeenthere.”

“Howwasthewedding?”

“IdefinitelyneedwinebeforeIgetstartedonCousinMelly’sHamptonsWeddingWeekFromHell,andwhyI’veofficiallyretiredasabridesmaid.”

“Yourtextswerefunforme.Iespeciallylikedtheone...‘CrazyBrideBitchsaysrosepetals

wrongshadeofpink.Hysteriaensues.MustdestroyCBBforthegoodofwomankind.’”

“Italmostcametothat.Ohno!Sobs,tremors,despair.‘Thepetalsarepink-pink!Theyhavetoberose-pink.Julie!Fixit,Julie!’Icameclosetofixingher.”

“Didshereallyhaveahalf-tontruckloadofpetals?”

“Justabout.”“Youshouldhave

buriedherinthem.Bridesmotheredbyrosepetals.Everyonewouldthinkitwasanironic,iftragic,mishap.”

“IfonlyI’dthoughtof

it.Ireallymissedyou.Ilikeitbetterwhenyou’reworkinginNewYork,andIcancomeseeyourdigsandhangoutwithyou.”

Lilastudiedherfriendassheopenedthewine.“Youshouldcomewithmesometime—whenit’ssomeplacefabulous.”

“Iknow,youkeepsaying.”Juliewanderedasshespoke.“I’mjustnotsureIwouldn’tfeelweird,actuallystayingin—OhmyGod,lookatthischina.Ithastobeantique,andjustamazing.”

“Hergreat-grandmother’s.Andyoudon’tfeelweirdcoming

overandspendinganeveningwithmewherever,youwouldn’tfeelweirdstaying.Youstayinhotels.”

“Peopledon’tlivethere.”

“Somepeopledo.EloiseandNannydid.”

JuliegaveLila’slongtailofhairatug.“Eloise

andNannyarefictional.”“Fictionalpeopleare

people,too,otherwisewhywouldwecarewhathappenstothem?Here,let’shavethisonthelittleterrace.WaituntilyouseeMacey’scontainergarden.HerfamilystartedinFrance—vineyards.”

Lilascoopedupthe

traywiththeeaseofthewaitressshe’doncebeen.“Theymetfiveyearsagowhenshewasovertherevisitinghergrandparents—liketheyarenow—andhewasonvacationandcametotheirwinery.Loveatfirstsight,theybothclaim.”

“It’sthebest.First

sight.”“I’dsayfictional,butI

justmadeacaseforfictional.”Sheledthewaytotheterrace.“TurnedouttheybothlivedinNewYork.Hecalledher,theywentout.Andwereexchanging‘Idos’abouteighteenmonthslater.”

“Likeafairytale.”

“WhichI’dalsosayfictional,exceptIlovefairytales.Andtheylookreallyhappytogether.Andasyou’llsee,she’sgotaseriouslygreenthumb.”

Julietappedthebinocularsastheystartedout.“Stillspying?”

Lila’swide,top-heavy

mouthmovedintoapout.“It’snotspying.It’sobserving.Ifpeopledon’twantyoulookingin,theyshouldclosethecurtains,pulldowntheshades.”

“Uh-huh.Wow.”Juliesetherhandsonherhipsasshescannedtheterrace.“You’rerightaboutthegreenthumb.”

Everythinglushandcolorfulandthrivinginsimpleterra-cottapotsmadetheurbanspaceacreativeoasis.“She’sgrowingtomatoes?”

“They’rewonderful,andtheherbs?Shestartedthemfromseeds.”

“Canyoudothat?”“Maceycan.I—asthey

toldmeIcouldandshould—harvestedsome.Ihadabig,beautifulsaladfordinnerlastnight.Ateitouthere,withaglassofwine,andwatchedthewindowshow.”

“Youhavetheoddestlife.Tellmeaboutthewindowpeople.”

Lilapouredwine,then

reachedinsideforthebinoculars—justincase.

“Wehavethefamilyonthetenthfloor—theyjustgotthelittleboyapuppy.Thekidandthepuparebothincrediblyprettyandadorable.It’struelove,andfuntowatch.There’sasexyblondeonfourteenwho

liveswithaveryhotguy—bothcouldbemodels.Hecomesandgoes,andtheyhaveveryintenseconversations,bitterargumentswithflyingcrockery,followedbymajorsex.”

“Youwatchthemhavesex?Lila,givemethosebinoculars.”

“No!”Laughing,Lilashookherhead.“Idon’twatchthemhavesex.ButIcantellthat’swhat’sgoingon.Theytalk,fight,pacearoundwithlotsofarmwavingfromher,thengrabeachotherandstartpullingoffclothes.Inthebedroom,inthelivingroom.Theydon’thavea

terracelikethis,butthatlittlebalconydealoffthebedroom.Theybarelymadeitbackinoncebeforetheywerebothnaked.

“Andspeakingofnaked,there’saguyontwelve.Wait,maybehe’saround.”

Nowshedidgetthe

glasses,checked.“Ohyeah,baby.Checkthisout.Twelfthfloor,threewindowsfromtheleft.”

Curiousenough,Julietookthebinoculars,finallyfoundthewindow.“Ohmy.Mmmm,mmmm.Hedoeshavesomemoves.Weshouldcallhim,invitehimover.”

“Idon’tthinkwe’rehistype.”

“Betweenuswe’reeveryman’stype.”

“Gay,Julie.”“Youcan’ttellfrom

here.”Julieloweredtheglasses,frowned,thenliftedthemagainforanotherlook.“Yourgaydarcan’tleapover

buildingsinasingleboundlikeSuperman.”

“He’swearingathong.Enoughsaid.”

“It’sforeaseofmovement.”

“Thong,”Lilarepeated.“Doeshedance

nightly?”“Prettymuch.Ifigure

he’sastrugglingactor,

workingpart-timeinastripclubuntilhegetshisbreak.”

“He’sgotagreatbody.Davidhadagreatbody.”

“Had?”Juliesetdownthe

glasses,mimedbreakingatwiginhalf.

“When?”“Rightafterthe

HamptonsWeddingWeekFromHell.Ithadtobedone,butIdidn’twanttodoitatthewedding,whichwasbadenough.”

“Sorry,honey.”“Thanks,butyou

didn’tlikeDavidanyway.”

“Ididn’tnotlikehim.”“Amountstothesame.

Andthoughhewassonicetolookat,he’djustgottentooclingy.Whereareyougoing,howlongwillyoube,blahblah.Alwaystextingme,orleavingmessagesonmymachine.IfIhadworkstuff,ormadeplanswithyouandotherfriends,he’dgetupsetorsulky.

God,itwaslikehavingawife—intheworstway.Nodismeanttowives,asIusedtobeone.I’donlybeenseeinghimforacouplemonths,andhewaspushingtomovein.Idon’twantalive-in.”

“Youdon’twantthewronglive-in,”Lilacorrected.

“I’mnotreadyfortherightlive-inyet.It’stoosoonafterMaxim.”

“It’sbeenfiveyears.”Julieshookherhead,

pattedLila’shand.“Toosoon.Cheatingbastardstillpissesmeoff.Ihavetogetthatdowntomildamusement,Ithink.Ihatebreakups,”sheadded.

“Theyeithermakeyoufeelsad—you’vebeendumped;ormean—you’vedonethedumping.”

“Idon’tthinkI’veeverdumpedanyone,butI’lltakeyourword.”

“That’sbecauseyoumakethemthinkit’stheiridea—plusyoureally

don’tletitgetseriousenoughtoearntheterm‘dump.’”

Lilajustsmiled.“It’stoosoonafterMaxim,”shesaid,andmadeJulielaugh.“Wecanorderin.There’saGreekplacetheclientsrecommended.Ihaven’ttriedityet.”

“Aslongasthere’s

baklavaforafter.”“Ihavecupcakes.”“Evenbetter.Inow

haveitall.Swankapartment,goodwine,Greekfoodcoming,mybestpal.Andasexy...oh,andsweaty,”sheaddedassheliftedtheglassesagain.“Sexy,sweatingdancingman—

sexualorientationnotconfirmed.”

“Gay,”Lilarepeated,androsetogetthetakeoutmenu.

***

THEYPOLISHEDOFFMOSTOFTHEWINEWITHLAMBKABOBS—

thendugintothecupcakesaroundmidnight.Maybenotthebestcombination,Liladecided,consideringhermildlyqueasystomach,butjusttherightthingforafriendwhowasmoreupsetaboutabreakupthansheadmitted.

Nottheguy,Lila

thoughtasshedidtheroundstochecksecurity,buttheactitself,andallthequestionsthatdoggedthemindandheartafteritwasdone.

Isitme?Whycouldn’tImakeitwork?WhowillIhavedinnerwith?

Whenyoulivedinacultureofcouples,itcould

makeyoufeellesswhenyouwereflyingsolo.

“Idon’t,”Lilaassuredthecat,who’dcurledupinhisownlittlebedsometimebetweenthelastkabobandthefirstcupcake.“I’mokaybeingsingle.ItmeansIcangowhereIwant,whenIwant,takeanyjobthat

worksforme.I’mseeingtheworld,Thomas,andokay,talkingtocats,butI’mokaywiththat,too.”

Still,shewishedshe’dbeenabletotalkJulieintostayingover.Notjustforthecompany,buttohelpdealwiththehangoverherfriendwasboundtohavecomemorning.

MinicupcakeswereSatan,shedecidedasshereadiedforbed.Socuteandtiny,oh,they’relikeeatingnothing,that’swhatyoutellyourself,untilyou’veeatenhalfadozen.

Nowshewaswireduponalcoholandsugar,andshe’dnevergettosleep.

Shepickedupthe

binoculars.Stillsomelightson,shenoted.Shewasn’ttheonlyonestillupat...Jesus,onefortyinthemorning.

SweatyNakedGuywasstillup,andinthecompanyofanequallyhot-lookingguy.Smug,LilamadeamentalnotetotellJuliehergaydarwas

likeSuperman.Partycouplehadn’t

madeittobedyet;infactitlookedasthoughthey’djustgottenin.Anotherswankdealfromtheirattire.Lilaadmiredthewoman’sshimmeryorangedress,andwishedshecouldseetheshoes.Thenwasrewardedwhen

thewomanreacheddown,balancingahandontheman’sshoulder,andremovedonestrappy,sky-highgoldsandalwitharedsole.

Mmm,Louboutins.Lilascanneddown.Blondiehadn’tturned

inyeteither.Sheworeblackagain—snugand

short—withherhairtumblingoutofanupdo.Beenoutonthetown,Lilaspeculated,anditdidn’tgoverywell.

She’scrying,Lilarealized,catchingthewaythewomanswipedatherfaceasshespoke.Talkingfast.Urgently.Bigfightwiththeboyfriend.

Andwhereishe?Butevenchanging

anglesshecouldn’tbringhimintoview.

Dumphim,Lilaadvised.Nobodyshouldbeallowedtomakeyousounhappy.You’regorgeous,andIbetyou’resmart,andcertainlyworthmorethan—

Lilajerkedasthewoman’sheadsnappedbackfromablow.

“OhmyGod.Hehither.Youbastard.Don’t—”

Shecriedoutherselfasthewomantriedtocoverherface,cringedbackasshewasstruckagain.

Andthewomanwept,

begged.Lilamadeoneleapto

thebedsidetableandherphone,grabbedit,leapedback.

Shecouldn’tseehim,justcouldn’tseehiminthedimlight,butnowthewomanwasplasteredbackagainstthewindow.

“That’senough,that’s

enough,”Lilamurmured,preparingtocall911.

Theneverythingfroze.Theglassshattered.

Thewomanexplodedout.Armsspreadwide,legskicking,hairflyinglikegoldenwings,shedroppedfourteenstoriestothebrutalsidewalk.

“OhGod,God,God.”

Shaking,Lilafumbledwiththephone.

“Nine-one-one,whatisyouremergency?”

“Hepushedher.Hepushedher,andshefelloutthewindow.”

“Ma’am—”“Wait.Wait.”She

closedhereyesamoment,forcedherselftobreathe

inandoutthreetimes.Beclear,sheorderedherself,givethedetails.

“ThisisLilaEmerson.Ijustwitnessedamurder.Awomanwaspushedoutafourteenth-storywindow.I’mstayingat...”Ittookheramomenttorememberbeforeshecametothe

Kilderbrands’address.“It’sthebuildingacrossfromme.Ah,tothe,tothewestofme.Ithink.I’msorry,Ican’tthink.She’sdead.Shehastobedead.”

“I’mdispatchingaunitnow.Willyouholdtheline?”

“Yes.Yes.I’llstayhere.”

Shuddering,shelookedoutagain,butnowtheroombeyondthebrokenwindowwasdark.

•••

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