She tried hard not to notice anything about him, but the details pushed themselves on her, anyway. His skin was the same medium brown as hers, and he seriously needed to comb his messy black hair.

Asha, though, giggled and flipped her hair behind her. “If I were not already a princess, I would make a wonderful president, I agree.”

Sameer’s smile faded. “I wasn’t sure you’d come back.”

“Have I let you down yet?” Tsking, Asha nudged Tanvi forward. “This is Tanvi. She lives in Nagalok and finds herself in desperate need of a holiday. Perhaps to the infamous Cheesesteak Corner?”

“Nice to meet you,” Sameer said. “I’m Sameer.” But his gaze went right back to Asha. “Come in. Both of you.”

Asha glided past Tanvi, up the step, and into the house. Not knowing what else to do, Tanvi trailed after her.

The crystal chandelier in the foyer rocked slightly, reminding Tanvi of something. She snatched at it, but it slipped out of reach like stray dream wisps.

Being inside the house made her skin feel funny in a way she couldn’t put a name to. The compact layout and the family portraits on the walls . . .

“My parents won’t be home until ten, and my sister’s got rehearsal,” Sameer said.

“Alas, I can only stay long enough for you to feed me.” Asha mimed wiping away tears. “I will be expected back for the festivities.” She tweaked his nose before darting into the kitchen. Sameer joined her, leaving Tanvi in the foyer with only her disorientation for company.

His voice drifted out to her. “I think my mom made blueberry lemonade. Want some?” Liquid splashed into a glass, once, twice. “What about you, Tanvi?” he called.

“No,” she replied, still trying to pin down all the weird sensations. She peeked into the kitchen. Asha and Sameer stood close together, their heads touching, and watched something on his phone. They both laughed, and Asha kissed his cheek.

Tanvi was putting off harvesting for this?

“I told Binh about you,” Sameer said. “But he says pictures, or it didn’t happen, and you won’t let me take any.” He held up his phone to her, and she instantly switched into snake form, dropping to the floor. The glass she’d been holding vanished with her. “Okay, okay! I won’t take any, I promise.”

Asha changed back into her human shape. “Some things are better an enigma, do you not agree? This way, you need not share the wonder of my company!” Sipping her lemonade, she leaned against his side. “Have you made any progress on the film? Found any new sites?”

“I wish,” said Sameer, and even Tanvi could tell how irked he was. “I had these great ideas—I know I did—but when I woke up the other morning, there was this gap. I can’t remember.”