Page 33 of The Violet Raven

Dealla scolds him lightly. “Casey, don’t you have work to do?”

“Not before I find out what’s so interestin’,” he says, grinning as he leans against the table.

I hesitate, chewing the inside of my cheek, then I sigh and begin recounting the fragments of the dream—each image disjointed but vivid. I mention the scar, and how I’ve never known where it came from.

The teasing drops from Casey’s face in an instant, replaced by concern. “You truly dinnae remember?” he asks, frowning now.

“Aye,” I murmur. “I can’t make myself any plainer, Casey.”

He shifts, his arms crossing as something in him goes distant—like he’s stepping into another time. “It was no a dream, Triona. We were playing—just runnin’ around like we always did. One minute, you were beside me, and the next… you were gone.”

“How did you find me?”

“It wasna me. It was Finn,” he says softly. “Shortly after he arrived here for the first time.”

The words land heavily, making me question how I could forget something so important.

Dealla’s brow furrows as she looks between us. “I’ve never heard this story.”

Casey glances at her, the teasing edge fading from his voice. “Finn’s father died. He didnae have anywhere else to go. Ma’s a distant relative of his, and they took him in without question.”

He pauses, shifting his weight, the memory clearly lingering. “He was only about fourteen. Thin as a reed. Quiet. There was a look in his eyes even then—like he’d seen more than a boy ever should. Seemed he was just… holdin’ it all in, tryin’ not to break.”

Dealla nods slowly, her expression softening as she absorbs the weight of this revelation. “I can’t say that I’ve ever thought to question the how or why of his presence. Him being here has always just felt so right.”

Casey nods his agreement. “Finn had only just arrived—barely said two words—but the second he heard you were missin’, he took off after you. No one asked him to. He just went. Like he knew where to find you.”

His voice grows quieter. “And the moment he came back with you in his arms, the sky just… flipped. Darkened so fast we thought we’d lose our way. It was the strangest thing I’ve ever seen. Ma and Da said it was the worst storm they’d ever witnessed—rain hammerin’ down in sheets, lightning crackin’ across the sky like it was splittin’ the world in two.”

A cold unease coils in my chest.

Then Casey’s lips twitch slightly, easing the weight. “Finn watched over you the rest of the night. Callan and I thought it odd at the time, but once we learned how rough his life had been…”

Dealla leans in again, brow furrowed. “How do you mean?”

I glance at Casey, then speak up before he can. “Finn’s father used to beat him black and blue. And often.” I pause, swallowing hard. “For someone who’s been through so much, he’s one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known.”

Casey nods, his expression softening. “Protectin’ you just felt right to him. Hell, you were the only person he spoke to for days after that. He was such a timid thing back then. It’s a shame you dinnae remember that day. I’m certain it’s the only time I’ve ever seen Callan cry.”

“Callan cried? And I missed it?” I exclaim, feigning disappointment.

“Aye… we were terrified. All of us.”

I can feel the impact of that statement—of a memory I don’t have, but one that clearly shaped them all. I watch him lean back slightly, as if the memory presses too close and he needs to breathe again.

“Well,” he finally says, exhaling, “I’ve talked enough for now. Ye ken where to find me if you want more stories.”

He glances at Dealla. “You keep Triona out of trouble, all right? It’s a full-time job.”

Dealla smirks. “I’m not sure anyone can manage that.”

Casey strides over to me in a few easy steps.

“C’mere, you daft thing,” he mutters fondly, and leans down to press a quick, warm kiss to my forehead.

I roll my eyes, but I don’t pull away.

“Oh, and before I forget,” he adds, straightening again, “Ma’s looking for you. Said to meet her in her bedchamber.”