“Is it happening?” I ask her.

“No,” she whispers. “Couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d check on you. Uh, you’re wet!”

“It’s sweat.”

I went downstairs briefly this afternoon in search of food and to say hello to Guy, who generously cooked me a hamburger. Scarlett was napping on the couch. We haven’t actually seen each other since I took the tonic.

“You look awful.”

“People keep telling me that like it’s useful information.”

“Yeah, well, try being pregnant. People say the wildest shit to you.”

I scooch back so she can sit.

“Is the stuff that bad?” she asks.

“Honestly, it almost nets even with the transformations because it lasts longer, and I have to do it multiple days.”

“Mm,” she says, frowning.

“It’s like when you watch one of those medication commercials and they’re like ‘Side effects may include heartburn, nausea, bleeding out of your asshole, and demonic possession.’ It’s like ‘Is it really worth it?’ I don’t know. Most lore either points to this or silver. I kind of wonder . . .”

“What?”

“The guy at the occult shop said something like there’s truth in all lore but it’s not what it seems. And just . . . I feel like maybe with the silver—”

“Quick reminder. You put on a bracelet and were unconscious for three days.”

“But maybe if I had it on when I transformed, I’d just pass out somewhere. The bracelet burned through my skin but not my fur. My fur was fine. That could mean something.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s a terrible idea. Not to mention dangerous. I don’t like it, Rory. Please.”

“All right, all right. I’ll stick with the wolfsbane and see what happens. I don’t know what else to do. Maybe the vault would work, but without control over the wolf, it’s a gamble. And would require telling Ian.”

“When do you plan on doing that?”

“Good question.”

“The anticipation is worse than the confession in my experience,” she says, squeezing my hand. “If you see a future with him, and I know you do, you need to tell him. I don’t know how he’ll react, but I know he loves you. He’s always loved you. Which is strange, because I was right there, identical and with a much better personality.”

“Room for argument there, but thanks. Very reassuring.”

She yawns. “I should go back to bed before Matty wakes up and panics.”

“All right,” I tell her. “Night, Scarlett.”

“Good night, Rory,” she says, but she hovers in the doorway, thumbing the latch.

“Yes?”

“I just worry about you. I need you to be safe,” she says, her voice breaking. “But I do trust your judgment. I want you to know that. I made mistakes in the past, doubting you.”

“Scarlett—”

“If you want to take the wolfsbane. If you want to try silver. Whatever you want to do, I support you. I trust you. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Cross my heart. Now go get some rest.”