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“Stay away, Pearl.”
Henry flew out of the room before she could respond, sights set on the only room that could keep him. As soon as her soothing was gone, he felt his giant’s aggressiveness once more and knew that he had a limited time to spare. He reached the library in no time, slamming it shut and locking it with the new lock he had installed, guaranteed to keep him inside as long as he didn’t use his magic. If he transformed into a giant, his warlock would be disarmed, and he could kick and scream all he wanted—and Pearl and Martin wouldn’t be accidentally knocked down or hurt by his panicking beast.
He put on new clothes, found a couch, and collapsed on it, closing his eyes when his human form stayed intact. He braced himself as his limbs hardened, the giant still fighting its way through and determined to come out for longer. The knock at the door hardened the rest of his muscles, but the lock prevented Pearl from entering. He focused on himself, working on his beast and its determination, then quieting his roaring mind.
“It’s too much, isn’t it?”
Her voice was soft and against the door. He imagined her standing on the other end and knew she wouldn’t leave just because he was silent.
“Hmm.”
“I tried looking for Martin to ask him about the shadow, but I think he’s trying very hard to evade my presence—and I don’t think he’s ready to talk about it yet. But I also think he would tell me if what we did was dangerous, or against his vow to protect you.”
“Hmm.”
“Would you believe me when I say I’m going to discover what this shadow’s purpose is and why it did what it did? Would you trust me when I say I’m going to solve this new problem too?”
Emotion contracted his chest, but he willed it away. “Your task is solved. It’s no longer your problem. It’s up to me to find an excuse that my family will believe.”
“I can help you with that excuse. There’s only so much magic that the Council can monitor, and I can make them believe that they missed this one but we solved it.”
“Pearl…”
“Also, you still didn’t give your answer. If you believe me or not.”
“I believe you,” he blurted out, finding that easier to answer than the rest. But that was because he trusted her more than he trusted himself at this moment. “And I know how you operate. All that casualness you have? It’s a façade. You’re as stubborn and determined as your siblings, and you’re not giving up until you know the shadow’s how’s and why’s.”
“Thank you,” she said, taking it as a compliment. “Besides, as I said, it keeps me up at night, and I like my sleep.”
“Hmm.”
There was another, more contemplative pause.
“Open the door, Henry.”
“No.” His answer was firm and immediate.
“Are you going to open the door or am I going to blast it down?”
Heranswer was just as firm, though very casual. But he wasn’t fooled.
“Pearl…”
“As rich as you are, I don’t think you would approve of this door breaking, considering it’s an heirloom from who knows what century, and those locks must have cost you a fortune. It’s a good investment to keep the giant in cases of emergency, but you’re forgetting you’re dealing with a witch who has powerful potions at her fingertips, and has opened doors stronger than this…and look what I have in my hand now. Should I just open this and—”
The door was yanked open and he watched the triumph feather over her features. He scowled down at her, hand gripping the doorknob tightly.
“Are you always this stubborn?” he growled.
“Yes. But you’re not always this cranky. Or fearful.”
Reminded of why he had locked himself in the first place, Henry retreated a few steps until he was back on the couch, away from her. The caution set in when she lifted her chin and traced his steps, refusing to be turned away. But she stopped when he let his bubble form.
“I’m not scared of you,” he bit out. “I’m scared of what I would do to you.”
Her eyes widened, then softened. She eyed the bubble, then him, noting his form and trying to figure out what to say. Oddly enough, her presence was enough to lessen the battle in his system as his giant became more conforming to keeping itself inside.
“Do you know why I’m not fazed by the sight of you warring with your giant?” she asked, dragging a chair closer and sitting just outside his bubble. She waited expectantly until he spoke.
