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It doesn’t seem very nice. The humans place a lot of importance on these ceremonies. Lunar clacked her beak.

Do not even consider interfering. Not yet.

But it would save them being upset. It seems so unkind, the bird argued.

It’s for their own good. You know this. We stick to the plan, and work with the magic. You are new here. You still need to learn to trust things. They will work out as they must and should. The humans know that.

But it’s causing stress. Especially for Katie, Lunar tried again. I still don’t see why we can’t tell them.

If the magic wanted them to know, they would know, Mist replied with cat logic. If they do not yet know, it is because they are not supposed to.

But why?

Probably Hudsbury is still working to align things. Stop fussing so much. For everything that we do for them, and all the times we magic kin have intervened, the humans are not blind, mewling newborns in need of coddling. Mist twitched her tail. We stick to the plan and do not interfere. She fixed the bird with a stare that reminded her of exactly why felines and feather-kin avoided each other outside of Hudsbury and its magic.

Fine. Lunar used a handy crystal to rub her beak, making sure it was sharp. Not to attack, but just because it felt right to do. But it still seems unfair to people who have been so nice to me. Katie gives me treasures and treats.

It is for their own good, Mist replied, twisting to better enjoy the sun. You know this.

Fine.

Honestly. Mist sprawled out. I do not know how they would get anything done without us.

That does seem to be the case.

7

‘I really am so sorry about this, Amrita.’

‘Jamie, it’s fine,’ she told him honestly, ignoring the little flutter of disappointment. When she’d seen his calls, pulling her away from the party, she’d hoped he’d been able to get away early – that he was waiting for her in reception.

But no such luck.

‘It’s a shame you couldn’t make it to the sangeet, but you’ll be here tomorrow. That’s the important day. And we did know tonight was going to need a lot of luck. It just wasn’t in.’

‘I’m leaving as soon as I hang up. My suit and bag are in my car, and I’ve got the wedding gift. Are you sure about me giving them cash? It seems a little impersonal.’

‘Trust me, it’s not. And, bright side, at least with you missing the sangeet you won’t have to pin the money to my cousin.’

‘I’ve not even met her yet. I wouldn’t do that anyway.’ Jamie chuckled.

‘With my aunties, you might not have had a choice.’

‘That’s a scary thought to keep me occupied for the next two hundred-some miles.’

‘Take care and drive safe.’

‘I will. I’ll see you soon, Amrita.’ There was a pause, a slight hesitation like he might want to say something more. ‘OK. I’d best get going. The sooner I’m on the road, the sooner I’ll be there.’

‘I can’t wait to see you.’

‘Me neither.’ She was sure she could hear his smile from there.

She tried to sneak back into the sangeet, hoping the music and thumping dhols that made the air vibrate would be enough to mask her reappearance, but no such luck. Her nani’s sister spotted her and called her over, beckoning imperiously, knowing she would be obeyed. All the women of her grandmother’s generation were obeyed – not doing so was unthinkable.

Sighing inwardly, Amrita pasted on a smile. She loved her family – she truly did – but they could be a lot at times.

‘Where have you been, Beta?’