Page 148 of Heimlock

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The remainder of dinner goes off without a hitch. Everyone settles into their chairs — Trinte lets me keep “his” without additional fuss — and we all catch up. Fynn and Orliana seem to be doing well. What she doesn’t know is that in a couple of weeks, he’s proposing.

I’ve been a little concerned that it’s too soon; that they’re moving too fast. But they’re so damn happy. He dotes on her; she looks at him like he discovered the secret to baking bread. After the life she’s had, Orliana deserves to be this happy. To have a family that loves her. To feel safe.

Besides — love never moves at a logical pace.

When the meal’s finished and Trinte clears away the plates, the conversation steers toward the Cairanin. I hate talking about it. I hate to think about it. When the topic gets too serious, Orliana sends Joulian to bed.

Fynn and Trinte discuss strategy, using Dragon terms I don’t understand. Each minute passing pricks at my already-terrified heart. They’re talking about how to fly with injuries and how best to injure their father.

Probably sensing my growing distress, Talia taps me on the hand. “Let’s go outside for some fresh air?”

Trinte continues talking, but his eyes track me as I follow Talia and Orliana out of the kitchen.

When I’m outside, it feels like I can finally breathe. Inhaling the scent of peonies, I turn to the two most important women in my life. “This is crazy, right? It’s not just me? This is insane?”

Orliana grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’ve been thinking the same thing, but …” She grimaces, and I home in on the expression.

“But what?”

Orliana and Talia exchange a look before the former speaks. “It’s necessary. Trinte needs to do this. I’ve seen what’s inside him, and I think this could truly help him.”

“I’ve seen what’s inside him.”

Well, those words came out a touch too defensively. Why I’m feeling this way, I’m not sure. Maybe because I’m jealous that she can experience his emotions in a way I can’t. But also, I hate the idea of him being remotely the same since I started helping him. “Can you honestly tell me you haven’t seen any change in him these past weeks?”

They’re both quiet. Finally, Talia says, “His aura has shifted significantly; I’ll agree on that. I haven’t peeked at anything else, but he’s definitely doing better.”

“I also agree,” Orliana says quietly. “But he still needs it.”

“I know,” I say glumly, staring at the grass. “I’m just terrified for him.”

“Fynn’s confident,” Orliana shares, squeezing my hand. “He said they used to practice this for years. For fun, because they’re crazy.”

Tears burn my eyes. “But if something happens—”

“It won’t,” Talia says fiercely, grabbing my other hand. “Trinte is smarter, stronger, and younger. He has more to lose, with everything to gain.”

“That’s what he said, but I can’t help but be terrified, anyway.” I cry in earnest. The tears turn into a group hug, as we’ve done so many times.

The front door swings open. Trinte steps out, face contorted with terror. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

Fynn’s hovering right over his shoulder, scanning Orliana. Why do they look terrified?

I choke out a laugh through a sob. “I’m just sad that you’re such an idiot sometimes.”

He exhales, smiling. “That’s all? Baby girl, you have to get used to that.”

“He’s not kidding,” Fynn grumbles, grunting when his brother elbows him in the gut.

The hug breaks apart; Talia brushes a hand over my cheek. “We’ll be there. All of us will be.”

Trinte wraps me in a hug. “It’ll be okay, Firefly.”

I rub my tears into his shirt. “You better haunt me if you die.”

“I swear it,” he says with amusement.