I could see his decision to take my word. I tried not to read into it.
I was not lying. Willa could get here if she tried. And she needed to try. I helped her escape the fae once and that should have been enough. She should have known better. She should not have returned here. Even with him. Especially with him.
I had spent years hoping to see him, but now that he has come…I do not want him here. It is a death sentence for humans. I will get him out. Things will return to normal, except I would know that he is alive and safe.
Yes, Cearo. That will be enough.
Lie.
He sat near me, and my thoughts slammed to a halt, all jumbling together. My hand made a messy line that was not supposed to be there. Water reached for him. It was calm now, content to be close to him, but always trying to lean closer.
He leaned closer. Unconscious response to Water? No, I caught him trying to see my book. I shifted away. He watched me. He did not look impatient, as if he was waiting for me to speak. He watched as if I was interesting. I wanted to do the same to him, but I had had my turn earlier. Now it would make him ask why and other things. I did not want him to ask questions. I did not know how to answer them yet.
Stop staring, I told both of us. He did not listen.