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“But—”

“One.”

Korinnae set the cup down and looked at Ria, who shook her head sympathetically but didn’t override him.

As they sat and ate, Korinnae pointed out people on the street and chattered easily to Ria, who laughed and asked questions while Asterion sat beside them silent as a stone. Once they were done, he mumbled something about bringing the bags back to the car and would catch up with them.

They continued shopping for the rest of the afternoon, and eventually they did get ice cream, much to Korinnae’s delight. Finally, Ria declared it was time to go home and Asterion’s face finally registered an emotion—one of relief. As they pulled out of the parking lot and drove back, Ria couldn’t help but think about the day’s events and that of the last few days.

Two thoughts came to mind: the first was that Asterion always checked on Korinnae, but never thought to ask more. He asked if she had eaten or slept, and accepted her one-word answers without pressing for more details. He followed her around, kept an eye out on her, yet he seemed skittish every time she tried to get close, which only sent her scuttling back. Asterion loved this kid, that much was obvious. Everything he did was to protect her, from hiding her magic to leaving the only life he’d ever known. But still, he held her at arm’s length, and Korinnae was starting to do the same.

And the second thought? Well, that was more complicated. She had also started to notice things she shouldn’t have and feeling things she had no business feeling. Like how he took the bags from her without asking. The way the back of his hand felt against hers in that brief moment. And how he’d reacted toward the cyclops.

She turned her attention back to driving and convinced herself it didn’t mean anything.

Chapter 5

Asterion

“No.”

“But, Uncle Astyyyy.”

“No.” Asterion didn’t even look up from the split log he was stacking beside the woodshed.

Korinnae let out a dramatic groan worthy of the finest stage performer. “But why?”

He set another log onto the pile before turning to face her. “I’m not getting you a mobile phone.”

Her ears drooped.

“You just want one so you can watch those dance videos, don’t you?”

“…Maybe.”

“Korinnae.”

“Uh, yeah?”

Despite himself, the corner of his mouth threatened to twitch.

“You know phones from Vale Crossing don’t have access to the Upperworld internet.”

“I know.”

“So there would be no videos.”

“Ria can get one for me.”

Asterion pressed his finger hard around the base of his horn. Of course, that was her solution.

“It would have magic.” He said it with enough finality that there was no room for negotiation.

The little calf folded her arms across her chest. “Hmph.” Then she spun on one hoof and stomped toward the house with all the righteous indignation her small body could muster, muttering under her breath about how unfair uncles were.

Asterion watched her disappear through the back door before letting out a long sigh.

Bollach.