The Poison Season(71)

Her eyes flickered with pain at the mention of Tate. “We would be a danger to him out there. That’s why he had to leave. Because Endlan magic could hurt him. Because my magic could.”

“You would never hurt him, Leelo.”

She tensed. “You haven’t seen a drowning. You don’t know what this Forest is capable of.”

“I know you.”

Leelo softened at his words, but there was doubt in her voice. “We’ve known each other for such a short time, Jaren.”

“I’ve spent more time with you than I’ve spent with anyone outside my immediate family in my entire life. Please don’t diminish what we have because you’re afraid. I’m afraid, too.”

She sighed in frustration. “You’re asking me to go against everything I’ve ever known.”

“That’s not what I’m doing.”

She shook her head. “I’m starting to wonder if you really understand what I’ve been telling you. Endla protects us, but it also protects you. Do you think my people would have spent generations on a small island if we had a choice in the matter?”

“Leelo, up until a few months ago, I’d never even heard of Endla. If your people were so dangerous, the news would have traveled to Tindervale. You have so little experience—”

She leaped to her feet, nearly smacking her head on the ceiling. “So that’s what you think about me? That I’m some sheltered, gullible child?”

“No. That’s not what I mean at all.” Jaren attempted to run his fingers through his hair, but they snagged painfully on the knotted strands. “This wasn’t how this was supposed to go.”

Leelo crossed her arms over her chest, staring down at him with suspicion. “How what was supposed to go?”

He raised up onto his knees slowly, afraid one wrong move would send her running. “Don’t you think it’s at least possible that the world has changed in the years since your ancestors came here? I’m not saying you don’t have reason to be afraid. I’m only saying that staying here will be difficult, too.” He sighed, wishing he could find the perfect words to convince her that he wanted what was best for her, that this wasn’t just a selfish request. “I’m sorry. I know it’s foolish. I just don’t want to lose you.”

She took a deep breath, sinking down next to him on the floor. After a moment, she managed a small smile and cupped his face in her hands. “I don’t want to lose you, either.” She kissed him gently. “And I do love you. Very, very much.”

“You do?”

She nodded. “Of course.”

His fear and sadness faded in the wake of her words. He smiled and keeled over as if he had fainted with happiness, and it was only somewhat exaggerated.

She laughed and poked him in the ribs. “What about me?”

“Eh, you’re all right.”

Her mouth dropped open and she was about to punch him playfully, but he caught her hand and pulled her close, smoothing her hair from her face. “I love you beyond measure, Leelo...” He thought for a moment. “I don’t think you ever told me your last name.”

“Hart,” she said softly. “Like a stag.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then the tip of her nose. “As I said, Leelo Hart. Beyond measure.”



Chapter Forty-Two


Leelo cut her way through the Forest, hoping to get back to her house before dark. Jaren’s question—would she go back to the mainland with him—played over and over again in her mind. Her initial reaction had of course been to say no. It was a ludicrous suggestion; she could never leave Endla, not just because she’d spent her entire life believing the outside world was wicked, but because she couldn’t leave her family.

But then she thought of Fiona, how weak she’d been lately. Sage was moving out soon anyhow, and Leelo had secretly hoped Ketty might go with her. It wasn’t that Leelo wouldn’t miss her cousin, but she didn’t think Ketty’s presence was good for Fiona. If she only had the two of them to provide for, Leelo was certain she could do it all on her own. She would learn to weave and take over for Mama. Without Watcher duty, she would have plenty of time to get it all done.

And then there was her brother. Mama, Leelo, and Tate could all live together out there. And wasn’t that everything she wanted? That, and to stay with Jaren?

But leaving Endla would mean she would never be able to sing again, and that thought was perhaps the most painful of all. She touched her throat, trying to imagine never letting her songs pour out of it. Maybe she’d eventually stop feeling the desire. Maybe, but she couldn’t count on it. And that would endanger everyone around her, including Jaren.

Up ahead, Leelo heard the sound of someone tromping through the woods. From behind, she recognized Isola’s short brown hair, and she trotted to catch her. She was about to call out to her friend when she noticed that Isola wasn’t alone.

She covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her gasp. Sage was in front of Isola, standing on her tiptoes to peer over the rim of Isola’s basket. “Gathering, you say? A little late for berries. A little early for mushrooms.”

Isola glanced around the Forest like she’d rather be anywhere than here. “I’m gathering herbs, if you must know.”