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Theo looks back. “She likes us.”

My chest tightens. “We’ve known her for an hour.”

“Long enough.”

“That is romantic and totally irresponsible.”

“It’s true.”

I glance at Pepper. Her face is soft in sleep. The line between her brows has eased.

“She makes me solid,” I say.

“She makes you curious.”

“I was already curious.”

“Hopeful, then.”

That one hurts. I look toward the windows where the channel catches afternoon light. “I don’t want her choosing us because she thinks she can fix me.”

Theo’s hand stays warm at my neck. “Then we don’t ask her to.”

“What if she offers?”

“We tell her the truth and let her decide what she wants from us, not what she can do for us.”

“You make that sound simple.”

His voice lowers. “It’s not simple, but the choice is still hers.”

The answer settles into the oldest wound between us. Theo has spent years proving he can keep me safe. No matter what he says, that choice has cost him. I don’t want it to cost Pepper too.

Pepper stirs again and opens her eyes. For a moment, she blinks at the ceiling.

Then her gaze moves to Theo, to me, and finally to the room around her.

“Oh,” she says softly. “It wasn’t a dream.”

“No,” I answer. “I’m real.”

Her eyes drop to the blanket over her legs. “Did I fall asleep while holding evidence?”

“You did.”

“Embarrassing.”

“Adorable.”

Her cheeks turn pink.

Theo lifts the water bottle. “Drink.”

Pepper accepts it with both hands. “Thank you.” She takes several swallows, then pauses. “You refilled it.”

“I did,” I say.

A small smile appears. “That is one of my favorite kinds of magic.”