But the way Dagny had explained it to me, it didn’t sound that bad. Elof had brought an Ögonen into his lab, and they did something like what Sunniva and Tove had done with me back in Förening. Dagny lay down, the Ögonen put their hands on her head, and in their attempt to restore her memories, she’d overheated—dramatically enough that she had singed off her eyebrow and required healing for internal injuries.

“You don’t know that,” Pan replied.

“I know that she’s fine now,” I persisted. “And I’m stronger than her.”

His jaw set, and he inhaled deeply through his nose. Then, almost quietly, he said, “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Neither do I.” I gave him a weak smile, but that did nothing to assuage the worry darkening his eyes. “I survived the Lost Month. I think I can survive remembering it.”

“The Älvolk magic is very old and very powerful. It’s not something to combat lightly,” Jem advised.

“I won’t,” I assured him before Pan could latch on to his comment. “And Elof would not let me do anything like that.”

“So that’s what you’re doing today?” Pan asked. “Contacting Elof?”

“Yes,” I said, as if that had been my plan all along and not something that had just occurred to me when Pan suggested it. “That, and helping everyone get settled.” I motioned around.

Jem took that as a cue and went into the living area to join Eliana in her dance.

“So brunch is off the table,” Pan said.

I walked over and leaned back against the counter beside him. “Dagny and Sumi went to get food and supplies. I’m sure there’ll be enough for one more.”

“Thanks.” He hesitated, holding my gaze heavily, and I once again marveled at the beauty in the depth of his warm, dark eyes. “But I think you’ve already got your hands full here.”

I tentatively put my hand on his. “There’s always room for you.”

“Ulla, can I talk to Hanna again?” Eliana asked loudly.

They’d already chatted for an hour that morning, and so I wasn’t depriving her when I told her, “Not right now. Can we talk about it in a little bit?”

“Fine,” she said, but her expression turned poutier than normal. She always looked kinda pouty because her bottom lip was slightly larger than the top, but now she was especially sour.

“Actually, I should head out, so you can talk about it now,” Pan said, and stepped away from the counter.

“Pan, you don’t have to go,” I said.

“I know,” he assured me. “I thought I’d hit up Calder and see if I can find any books that might help us figure out what the Älvolk are up to.” He looked back at me. “You can see me out, though, if you want.”