We’re almost to the main gates when I remember the poor man they sent out. He’s the same as earlier, but this time, he’s drenched. When he sees me slowly driving toward him, he scowls.
Wincing, I give him a wave, avoiding eye contact as I roll through the gate.
Rowan doesn’t say much on the trip home, but that’s okay, because my thoughts are chaotic. At least the storm doesn’t follow us, and I don’t create any new ones.
By the time we pull into the parking garage, I’ve made a decision.
I turn to Rowan before I get out of the car. “Where can we find a dust pendant?”
“Kit, no,” Rowan says heavily.
“You heard the professor—he said it should be safe for the small amount we need.”
“I’m not going to risk your life because I’m too selfish to live with the consequences of my actions.”
“We’ll be careful.”
“We don’t even knowhowto be careful. Neither of us has ever attempted this before.”
Determined, I step out of the car. “No, but we’ll figure it out.”
Chapter 14
Exquisite Torture
It’s not until we’ve been back for about an hour that I remember something important.
I walk into the kitchen, curlers in my hair, and find Rowan on his favorite perch. “What do you mean your name is RowanNeilfellow?”
He blinks his golden eyes at me. “Why do you look like Medusa?”
“They’re not snakes—they’re curlers.”
“Did you forget what decade you were born in?”
“I need you to focus.”
“Yes, I’m related to Ash,” he admits, but it doesn’t sound like he likes it.
“But Ash is high fae.”
“I’m aware.”
“And you’re a mage.”
“I think we’ve established this already.”
Undaunted, I keep pressing. “What are you to the family? An uncle? A cousin?”
He stares at me, not impressed with the conversation. Finally, he says, “Cousin.”
“How distant?”
Before Rowan can answer, there’s a knock at the door.
My hands fly to my hair. “Who’s that?”
“How should I know? I’m in here with you.”
