I stiffened at the mention of him.
“It was hard on all of us when he left. When Grandmama cast that curse, and he suddenly decided to get a new wife, a new family.”
I swallowed. Last I’d heard, he was living on the coast, had two daughters who were his pride and joy. Just like we’d been his pride and joy once, before we lost our magic and he lost interest in us.
“But it was hardest on you.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks at the memory of waking up early in the morning to see Father walking out of our house, carrying a suitcase full of all his clothes. I’d been so confused. When I’d asked him where he was going, he’d said not to worry. He was going on a short trip, but he’d be back soon.
He’d given me a gentle punch to the arm, told me to be brave, and then he was gone. I never saw him again. At first, I’d been in denial. Mama hadn’t seemed surprised. But I was so sure he would return to us. To me.
“I don’t think you’re afraid of Witch Superior, Elspeth,” Adelaide said. “I don’t even think you’re afraid of us having to leave the Witchlands. It wouldn’t be pleasant, but we’d survive. We always do.”
I pawed at the tears. “Then what do you think I’m afraid of?”
Her gaze filled with sympathy. “I think you’re afraid of being hurt again.”
I looked ahead at the dusty road, the breeze swirling the dust in the air. Fields of bright yellow flowers surrounded us on both sides, the mountains far in the distance. We usually headed south this time of year, where the weather was warmer.
“Well, why didn’t you stay, then? Why didn’t you tell Elm the truth if you think all of this is just some misguided fear of mine?”
Adelaide put a hand on my arm. “I don’t think it’s misguided. We are at risk. We could get forced from the only homeland we’ve ever known. But sometimes, I think that risk is worth taking. Elspeth, you’vedone so much for our family. You’ve spent your life protecting us. But you’ve also spent a lot of your life guarding your heart so closely that you don’t let anyone in.”
I swallowed. “I let Johanes in.”
“You never opened up to him. Not truly. You told him your secret eventually, only because Mama talked you into it. But you never let him in, and he never tried to break down your walls. Not like Draven.”
I sucked in a sharp breath at the mention of his name. “What do you even know about me and Draven?”
“You do realize he and Elm are best friends,” Adelaide said. “Apparently, Draven talks to Elm about you. About how caring you are. About how much he admires the way you lead your family, protect them. About how even Georgie likes you.” Adelaide let out a soft laugh. “Georgie doesn’t even like Elm, so he was a little jealous that you somehow won her over.”
“She’s feisty and headstrong, and I guess maybe that reminds me of someone.”
Adelaide tapped her chin. “I wonder who.”
I shoved her, realizing she spoke the truth. “You’re right,” I admitted. “I am scared. What if Draven finds out our secret and doesn’t want me anymore?”
Just like our father. Just like Johanes.
“He might not,” Adelaide said, and my heart squeezed. “But what if he does? What if he loves you with his entire heart? When he’s talked to Elm about you, he hasn’t mentioned your magic once. He hasn’t even seen it.”
Because it didn’t exist.
“Everything he’s mentioned about you are things that he has seen.” Adelaide put her hand over my chest. “He loves what’s in your heart. And I think you might love him too.”
I gasped. No. I’d only known him for a few months. It had taken nearly a year for me to realize I loved Johanes.
Then again, Draven was nothing like Johanes.
I sniffled. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Yes, you do,” Adelaide said. “You’re just scared to do it.”
“Your sister is right,” Mama called.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re eavesdropping?”
“More like you’re talking very loudly,” Auggie yelled.
