Page 68

Fae's throat tightened. She did not know how to answer such a thing.

Haruko-san studied her for a moment longer, gaze kind but sharp, as though seeing more than she had said aloud.

"I know all is not well with your lifemate," he said gently. "I do not ask. I do not judge." He seemed to search for the right words. "But if there is a way to dissolve that bond, and if that is what you wish, then I will do everything in my power to make it happen."

Fae gathered her things quietly.

Haruko-san stopped her at the gate. "No classes today," he said, a faint smile softening his mouth. "We will resume tomorrow."

Inside, Issa's voice rang out through the open door as she pressed more food into Kenji's bowl. "Eat," she said. "You're too thin. Sit. No, there. Eat that, too."

Haruko-san watched them through the open door, wonder shining in his eyes.

"I have never seen her so happy," he said softly. "Nor so beautiful." He turned to Fae. "You have given us our lives back."

The words followed her as she stepped outside with Aiko right behind her.

They had gone only a little way when Kenji jogged after her. "Let me walk you home," he said quickly, as if afraid she might refuse.

She nodded.

They didn't get far.

People stopped them—neighbors, shopkeepers, old acquaintances. Hands touched Kenji's arm, his shoulder, his hair, as though to reassure themselves he was solid. Each time they asked where he had been, he answered vaguely. Away. Lost. Not ready to say.

At the far end of the street, Fae saw a woman pause.

She wore the garb of a blacksmith, sleeves pushed up, forearms slick with sweat, hair pulled back severely. She stared at Kenji.

He noticed her and stared back.

Something passed between them—recognition, pain, a fracture long healed wrong.

Without a word, as if he were insignificant, the woman turned and marched away.

"Ruri," Kenji whispered under his breath.

The mixed-breed girl he had rescued from the forest. The one who had been in love with him. The one he never saw clearly.

Fae glanced at him.

"That's Ruri," he said quietly.

He sighed, long and weary, and they walked on.

The crowded street thinned, then emptied.

Finally, Fae stopped when she reached the narrow alley which led to her house.

"There is no amulet, is there?" she asked, though she already had guessed the answer.

Kenji's shoulders slumped and he bowed his head. "No."

She laughed, but there was no humour in it. "You lied to me." She pressed a hand to her chest. "You gave me hope. You made me think this…this diseased bond could be broken—that there was a chance I could be free. You were conning me from the start."

"I'm sorry," he said at once. "I truly am."

"I need some time alone," she said, already turning away.