Page 109 of Unravel Me

It's so loud and busy, the energy so joyful and excited, that I sit there for a moment, unsure what I'm supposed to do now. Eat and sip my hot tea?

Or should I try to speak with Mauro? But an intimate conversation is nearly impossible in all the commotion around us.

When I glance at him, I find that, of course, he’s mostly watching me, only occasionally looking up at the colorful fountains and geysers of light bursting across the sky.

Damn, I'm wrestling with myself. I want to ask him all the questions churning inside me, and I want clear answers, but I simply can't bring myself to blurt them out right now, amid all the hubbub.

I turn my gaze toward the sky once more, and suddenly I see something rising into the air… Uh? What could those be? They look like the things I saw on my first day here, something like light, colorful little spirits carrying sparklers and filling the sky with a swirling cloud of color. Wow. As if the atmosphere wasn't magical enough already!

"Fairies?" I blurt out, not really addressing anyone in particular, but Emilio answers me.

"Yep. Get used to this town having plenty of surprises to offer." He winks at me through the openings in his mask.

"Is Dalio one of them too? I think I saw him in town the day I arrived, when he shifted into a fairy."

"Yep. Dalio’s father married someone from their lineage. That fairy gene, let’s call it that, is very strong, and Dalio inherited it."

"Wow. I'm not even going to ask what other kinds of creatures live here."

Silvio, who has been listening to our conversation, adds, "Sweetheart, it would take me hours to tell you about everyone who lives here. This town really is a sanctuary for magical ABOs. I believe you'll feel soon at home here… among your own kind."

What is he talking about? More of those strange hints? I press my lips together. This time, I'm not going to stay silent.

"Among my own kind?" I mutter. "Do you know something about me that maybe I don't?"

Silvio lowers his voice. "I think you know, but you grew up in a place where you couldn't develop your gift, far from the environment where you truly belonged, and your true nature never had a chance to reveal itself."

"How do you know things like that? I haven't even told anyone about it!"

"You see, I'll put it this way: nature cannot be deceived. When I look, I see. It doesn't matter how many layers cover the truth."

Another round of fireworks rises into the air, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Then something like a magical animation of an enormous deer appears in the sky.

The deer runs across the heavens, its massive antlers shining with dazzling light. People cheer, and many of them turn to look toward Renato.

A moment later, I feel Mauro's hand squeeze mine gently.

He points toward the dance floor and makes a small gesture that I take to mean an invitation.

Well, why the hell not? I feel a bit stirred anyway. If we're going to have fun, we might as well go all in.

"I hope I've got enough energy left to dance," I say with a slight edge to my voice, my conversation with Silvio having definitely knocked me out of my zen and added even more mysteries to the pile. "But maybe we should pick something slow?" I mutter. I’ve probably already regained enough strength to dance more energetically, but for some reason, I’d rather just sway on the dance floor… in his arms.

Mauro nods, and we wait for the lively, upbeat song to end.

The next one is luckily very slow and gentle.

Still holding Mauro's hand, I step onto the dance floor.

We're definitely one of the tallest couples here. Mauro slowly wraps his strong arm around me, and we begin to rock gently across the dance floor to the music.

And again, as always when he touches me, that spell washes over me, that sweet enchantment, and shivers run down my spine.

But then I lift my gaze, and beneath his mask, his forest-green eyes look at me in a way they never have before.

There's a strange sadness in them.

Almost ache, as if he wants to tell me something, as if he's been waiting for this moment but is afraid of it at the same time.