Just stay with me a minute. Even if we didn’t stay, I’d have to get used to being around people and their ghosts. No way was I living my life all cooped up like before.

I gripped Tair’s sleeve, relaxing into him. I could barely see the tables surrounding us, but he was like an island in the storm. All the craziness just slipped around his shoulders. And touching him felt totally natural, which was weird, but not something I wanted to change.

Focusing on my breath, I tried to sift through the ghosts. Before I got far, my stomach groaned.

Tair’s laugh rumbled against me. Should I get us something?

Cake. Like two whole cakes. I pressed my hands to my temples. I’d probably only be able to eat one piece, but on principle, I was going to need a whole lot of sugar to cope with everything.

I’ll be right back. Tair slipped me onto the bench and squeezed my shoulder before stepping away.

Ghosts teemed as soon as he was gone.

I put my head down and tried to take deep breaths. I had to get used to it, but cheese and rice. Why did so many of the Ravens have such dark pasts and terrible futures?

When Tair slipped in next to me, my head jolted up.

“Are you hanging in there?” He asked as he passed a tray to me.

“Kind of.” I’d been watching over the Ravens for years, but being here with them was way more compelling than expected. I was still getting too much chaos to see which futures were likely, but I couldn’t sit back watch them all die.

Tair drummed his fingers against the table. I didn’t like not knowing what he was thinking and we were really overdue for a talk about our own future. It wasn’t going to be an easy topic, but I had a feeling it would keep me locked in the present.

Kicking off my shoe, I wriggled my toes up his pant leg under the table.

He lifted a brow.

I shrugged. I don’t want anyone to overhear.

Fair enough.

I chewed at the inside of my cheek, reluctant to start, but Tair beat me to the punch. He touched my cheek, just ticklish brush of his fingers. I’m not mad at you.

Even though I’m the mastermind?

You were a child. Eva didn’t have to listen to you, and she didn’t have to lie to me.

Relief washed over me in a dizzy wave. So we stay together?

Yes. Tair’s voice sounded firm and warm. I’d like to get to know you better.