I move towards them, deciding that it’s best to leave my rudeness at the door, considering he might help Mushroom.

When I come to a stop in front of them, Olivia grins in the creepiest way possible, while he warmly smiles and extends his arm for a handshake.

I do the same, minus the smiling part.

“I’m Elias,” he says, breaking the silence as his hand seizes mine.

I nod, hiding the discomfort I feel under his stare. “Indigo.” As soon as the word leaves my lips, I take my hand from his grasp.

Olivia hugs me, and I pat her on the back. I expect him to say something about my unusual name or my eyes, but not a single comment about them slips from his mouth.

Instead, he says, “Well, let’s see what I can do for you.”

As Liv rushes off to the tree, leaving the two of us alone, I gesture for him to follow. He lets me take off first and then falls in step with me, his strong scent invading my senses.

“Livy really loves this tree,” he adds, keeping his gaze forward. “I really appreciate you letting her come here.”

The guy throws a quick glance my way, but I only shrug, hoping the gesture will communicate that I don’t mind her presence.

After we round the corner of the house, I peer at him to gauge his reaction. He doesn’t give much away. Only stands there, his massive shoulders filling the coat he wears as a swathe of wavy hair falls casually on his forehead.

The moment suddenly feels so personal. I only know Elias as a stranger, yet here he is in a place so intimate to me.

Elias mumbles something, drawing close to Mushroom. He lowers himself to the ground, gently touching the trunk with his fingers, running them along the bark in a slow back-and-forth motion.

I look at his sister, then back at him, utterly confused. Olivia shrugs, making herself comfortable beside the tree.

“He’s a dragon blood tree, native to Arabia. I think you can understand why he’s not doing well?” He looks up at me, waiting for a reply that most likely won’t come.

Arabia? I mean, I’d never seen this kind of tree before, but I didn’t think for a second that he wasn’t from here.

I remain silent, not knowing what to say anymore.

I feel guilty for not being more invested.

“This kind of tree usually lives in a harsh environment.” Elias stands up, watching my childhood memory-keeper as if it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever seen.

“What’s your diagnosis, doc?” Liv asks, mocking her brother.