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I think that’s magic. She fought to keep the realization off her face. Because I can’t forget now that I have fucking magic.
It wasn’t an evil feeling, but it was strong, as though there was a separate current in her body. She didn’t think it would physically keep her from telling her brother, but it was a warning.
“Fern!” Finley snapped, leaning across the table and pressing his palm to her forehead. “Are you sick? Seriously? You’re acting erratic. You never act erratic.” There was genuine worry in his eyes as he sat back down and Fern took a deep breath.
She closed her eyes for a second and shook her head, opting to reach for water. Fern took a sip and forced a small smile.
Her protective instincts for her siblings kicked in as she opened her mouth. Fern didn’t know anything about their family’s innate magical abilities. She couldn’t spring that on them without better understanding it.
That means going back to Calum.
Her heart fluttered. She ignored it.
“I’m sorry.” Fern’s voice was clear. “It’s the time change. I’m exhausted and seeing double. It’s so hard to get on the right schedule.”
Finley’s face brightened immediately. It almost hurt Fern how much he trusted her.
I’ll tell them everything as soon as I know enough about it to answer their questions.
“It’s a bitch, ain’t it?”
“The worst,” Fern nodded enthusiastically in agreement, but part of her was hollow. Finley launched into a dozen questions about how she was settling in and enjoying Scotland. Fern answered as vaguely as possible. They ordered some sandwiches, which Fern could only pick at, and Finley was all too eager to finish hers. Before long, Fern’s body grew tired. She was used to masking in some ways with most people, but not typically with her brother.
It made her feel sick.
“Well,” Fern reached into her purse and looked for her wallet, “I won’t last much longer. I’m going to get to bed at a decent hour.”
“I’ll get it.” Finley nodded towards her bag. “I’m going to meet some other friends here later.” They both stood, and he wrapped her up in a hug.
“You let me know if you need anything, you understand?”
Fern chuckled, “Yes, baby brother.”
“Hey,” he pulled away from her, “I’m serious. I know you’re used to taking care of us, but we’re all adults now. If you need anything, I want you to let me know.”
A lump formed in Fern’s throat, and she furiously blinked back tears.
Hold it together for a few more minutes.
“I will,” she smiled, “don’t have too much fun, Finny.”
Finley let out a bark of laughter and sat back down. “Live a little!”
Fern waved goodbye as she slipped out of the pub. She hated lying to her family, especially about something that could change everything for them.
To her credit, Fern made it back to the apartment in one piece. She fumbled with the door before bursting inside, dropping her purse where she stood. The door slammed shut, and she leaned against it, sinking down to the ground and burying her head in her hands.
Everything that she had been repressing broke like a dam. She burst into tears and held nothing back. Fern rarely allowed herself such displays of extreme emotion, but like drinking a glass of whisky before lunch, sometimes it was warranted.
Ever since their parents’ death, Fern couldn’t move an inch without feeling unimaginable pressure on her shoulders. Her time at the university was supposed to be an opportunity to do something for herself and put her wants first. Now she had been thrust into a different sort of spotlight that she wasn’t prepared for.
Fern didn’t notice the light coming from the living room or the tall, dark figure sitting in one of the armchairs. Until he cleared his throat.
“Ahem.”
Fern snapped her head up with a small shriek, her eyes taking a second to focus on the person sitting in the living room.
“Calum!” Fern snapped, getting up to her feet as her face contorted in anger. “What are you doing in my apartment?!” She crossed her arms over her chest but didn’t move.
