“What?” he said, opening his eyes. Seeing the look on my face, understanding came over his features. “Willow, no – don’t even think it. It’s got nothing to do with you; I started getting them years ago.”

I swallowed. Just that morning, Alex and I had managed half an hour alone here in his room together; we’d almost been able to forget anyone else was around. “But to get one now, when you haven’t had one for over a year...”

“Yeah, that might have a little more to do with being responsible for this mission, and everyone’s lives. Not making out with my girlfriend.” He reached for my hand. “Willow, you’re not hurting me. I promise. It’s just this stupid thing that happens sometimes—” He cringed again and went silent. His slight stubble looked inky black against the sudden pallor of his face.

“It’s not gone yet?” Fear was curling through me.

“No, it won’t be gone for hours.” He gave my hand a slight tug, tried to smile. “Hey. That was nice, what you were doing before.”

I started stroking his head again, trying hard to believe that this really was just a coincidence. After a few minutes, Alex turned his head on my lap and kissed my wrist. “I’m sorry I spoke to you that way before,” he murmured. “Really. I was way out of line.”

His eyes were so beautiful; stormy skies reflected in a blue sea. My fears started to fade, looking into them. You’re panicking, I told myself. He’s gotten migraines in the past, and he’s stressed out of his mind right now. He’s right. It’s got nothing to do with you.

I ran my fingers through his dark hair. “I wasn’t trying to argue with you in front of everyone,” I said softly. “It’s just that we’ve always decided things together.”

“I know,” he said. “We still do – I need you, Willow. But this time it’s different. I don’t want you going anywhere near the cathedral unless we don’t have a choice; it’s too dangerous.”

I hated pressing the point when he was in so much pain, but I had to say it: “Even if we could find out more information about the Council? So that we know for sure what to expect?”

“How likely is that, though? I’ve never known you to get anything specific just from being inside a place. The most I’ve ever seen you get is feelings.”

“I know, but there could still be a chance, even if it’s a tiny one. Alex, if it wasn’t me – if it was someone else on the team who was half-angel—”