Page 40 of Innocent Until Proven Witch

"I know," he says, the answer immediate. "That's why I'm coming."

Something warm shifts inside my chest, and I look away before he notices. Unfortunately, Finn notices everything.

The first damaged ward sits near a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, its runes flickering weakly, the protective magic surrounding it barely holding together. I kneel beside the stone, and Finn remains nearby, watching, learning, the ocean crashing against the cliffs below.

The sound fills the silence as I place my hand against the marker. Magic flows beneath my skin, and the ward responds immediately, light spreading through the fractured runes as the damaged sections slowly begin repairing themselves. The process requires concentration, patience, energy, and by the time the final crack seals, I feel the drain settling into my muscles.

Finn notices subtly. "You okay?"

I rise slowly. "I'm fine."

His expression says he doesn't believe me. "I've seen people say that right before collapsing."

"I've been repairing wards for years."

"That's not what I asked," he says, the concern in his voice catching me off guard. I busy myself gathering supplies. Safer. Much safer.

"We should keep moving."

Finn studies me for a moment, then nods.

The next ward lies farther north, the walk between them stretching longer than expected. The cliffs narrow, the wind grows stronger, and conversation comes easier out here. Maybe because the ocean doesn't care about awkward silences. Maybe because there are no crowds watching. Maybe because I'm beginning to trust him.

The thought slips through my mind. Dangerous. Very dangerous.

Finn breaks the silence first. "What were you like as a kid?"

I blink. "What?"

He shrugs. "You know things about me."

"Very few things."

"Still more than I know about you."

I laugh softly. "That's because you're unusually nosy."

"I prefer observant."

"Those aren't the same thing."

"They're close," he retorts.

I nod, and Finn smiles, the expression lingering. Waiting. Unfortunately. "What exactly do you want to know?"

His grin widens. "Everything.

"Absolutely not."

"Worth a try."

I continue walking, the path curving around another section of cliff. The lighthouse remains visible behind us, steady, familiar, home. The thought makes something tighten unexpectedly.

Finn notices my expression. "What?"

I hesitate, then answer honestly. "I spent most of my childhood there."

He glances toward the lighthouse. "Just you and your grandmother?"