I eye her offered limb for a moment before moving away from my sisters and sliding my hand into hers.
“Birdie,” I say, using the same name I gave Gabriel when we first met.
Was that only a handful of weeks ago? It feels like several lifetimes have passed since he and I first met. I suppose that when one’s life is constantly being threatened, time has a way of shifting.
One of the twins, Marie, I think, makes a startled sound, but she doesn’t correct me. I’m glad. I don’t want to risk giving out my true name to this stranger. Right now, thanks to the Wanted posters with my name and sketched likeness on them, it isn’t safe to be Wren Lilith Nightingale.
It may never be safe to use that name again. Yet another thing my Mark has taken from me.
My heart twists, and an unexpected pang of grief runs through me. Who knew there was so much weight behind a name? I’d shove it into my box to deal with later, but it’s broken. Smashed.
Just another problem to add to my growing pile.
Maia’s eyes sweep over my glowing Mark before she turns to the twins. “And who are you?”
A hitched breath comes from behind me. “I’m Violet,” says my more boisterous sister, edging out from behind me, “and this is Marie.”
My other sister peeks out from behind me, waving.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” Maia says, and she seems sincere. She steps back, chewing on her bottom lip before glancing at the Hunter. “But I must confess, Gabe, I’m a little confused.”
“Oh?” He lifts a brow.
“I thought you only needed one horse.” She frowns, crossing her arms. “And the supplies you asked for... I didn’t bring enough for all four of you.”
My brows crease as I try to follow what she’s saying.
Gabriel nods. “I know. That brings me to the second part of my favor.”
A beat of silence, and the air thickens. Unease swirls inside me.
“I wasn’t aware therewasa second part.” Maia glares at him, her voice tenser than before.
“Let me explain...” Gabriel steps towards the woods, gesturing for his friend to follow. After a moment, she does.
They confer behind a tree, their heads bent together, and I try to follow as best I can. Gabriel whispers something too low for me to hear. A moment later, Maia gasps, gesturing and shaking her head wildly.
“Maia, please. I need you to...” Gabriel growls, the rest of his words too hushed for me to hear.
Hissed words. Angry whispers.
The argument continues, and that bitter feeling writhes within me. This is a disagreement between two people who know each other very well, and I dislike that far more than I should. Violet and Marie whisper, but I don’t pay them any attention. My eyes are glued to Gabriel and hisfriend.
Several minutes pass before Maia sighs and rubs her temples. She glances our way, a solemn look on her face, before she nods.
“Fine, I’ll do it,” she says more loudly, moving towards us. “But you owe me for this, Gabe. What you’re asking won’t be easy.”
My hackles rise, and unease floods my veins. What in the gods’ names have they agreed to, and why does it feel like I should’ve been involved in the discussion?
Gabriel’s words from earlier race through my mind.I can’t let you go. Not again.
A chill runs through me, and I rub my arms. Why is Gabriel so invested in me?
“I know. Thank you, Ladybug. I’ll owe you one,” he says.
She huffs, rolling her eyes. “Well for starters, you can stop calling me that.”
He makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like a laugh. “I’ll see what I can do. You’ll let Theon know?”
