“Marshall.”
“Marshall from the garden store?” I ask numbly, realizing he’s entered this conversation several times. They must have been friends.
Ryder nods, staring at Rowan like a disappointed father. The elf I thought I knew is gone. He’s solemn now, the sparkle missing from his eyes.
“I don’t want anyone else to know,” Rowan finally says. “There’s nothing you can do to help, so what’s the point?”
“The point is letting people know you didn’t abandon them, Rowan.”
A crash of thunder startles me, and I jump in my seat.
“Kit.” Rowan returns to the back of my chair. “If you cry, it’ll start pouring. Then Ash will know you’re upset, and he’ll run over like your pompous knight in shining armor. And no one wants that.”
I laugh because his voice is gentle despite the snarky words—concerned even. “I’m trying not to cry. I’m sick of crying.”
“Come on.” He head-butts my shoulder. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. This isnotfine.”
Ryder watches us, a grim expression on his face. “How much magic do you need?”
“No,” Rowan says immediately. “It’s too dangerous. You could blow yourself up.”
“Then we better get it right the first time.”
A knock at the door makes me grit my teeth.
“Now you’ve done it,” Rowan mutters, but he sounds resigned. “You might as well let him in.”
I cross the tea shop, trying to get control of myself. Ash steps inside as soon as I open the door, catching my shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
“Why didn’t you tell me Ryder’s magic was scarred?”
“He didn’t know,” Ryder says wryly. “But thanks for sharing.”
I glance at the elf over my shoulder, wincing. “Sorry.”
He shrugs, resigned.
“It’s not going to work,” I tell Ash. “Siphoning my magic, turning Rowan back—all of it.” I hiccup back tears that are growing more insistent.
And then the rain begins.
Ash drops his hands. “I told you this was a fool’s mission. I’ve been looking for an answer for years with no success.”
Feeling defeated, I let my head fall forward, resting my forehead against his chest.
“I don’t like that,” Ryder mutters to Rowan.
“Neither do I.”
“Ignore them,” I say to Ash, staring resolutely at the floor.
“I have been for years.” But he takes a step back, separating us like he’s uncomfortable with this public display of affection. “I have to go back to my office. Do you want to come with me?”
“I want to talk to Ansel.”
“His shop doesn’t close for several hours.”
