Jaren wasn’t sure why Lupin decided to confide in him about her life on Endla, but he was grateful that someone was willing to talk about it. Someone who knew the truth, not a bunch of silly stories.

They strolled around the market once, with Lupin pointing out the best vendors of various items and who to be wary of. “Never buy from him,” she said, gesturing to a man peddling what looked like ordinary copper pots and pans. “He’s a crook. And a smelly one.” Eventually she continued past the very last stall and guided Jaren into the forest.

“Don’t you need to help your parents?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder at the market and making eye contact with Story for just long enough to see the look of amusement on her face before they disappeared behind a veil of trees.

Lupin strode confidently into the forest without looking back. Jaren had the impression she rarely did. “They’ll be all right. To be honest, I needed a break. You’re not the only person in Bricklebury to look at me funny, Jaren Kask.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare.”

The corner of her mouth raised in a grin. “It’s all right. I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t been staring at you, too.” She glanced at Jaren and barely managed to stifle a laugh. “Don’t tell me the girls didn’t like you back in... Where did you say you were from?”

He was grateful for the change in subject, though the truth was, he had never paid much attention to girls back home. He had been too busy helping his family to go to school, let alone to court anyone. “I’m from Tindervale.”

“Ah, a city boy. No wonder you’re so out of your element here. Us mountain folk are known for our strange ways.”

Jaren studied Lupin from the corner of his eye. She had long, glossy hair the same color as the honey she sold, and her green eyes twinkled with what appeared to be good humor. But there was something about her sharp nose and high laugh that made her seem more than a little impish, like a woodland elf bent on mischief.

Not that he believed in elves.

They had come to the fork in the forest trail that led to other towns and eventually cities in one direction and deeper into the wood toward Lake Luma in the other. Lupin paused, as if she was waiting for Jaren to decide their direction.

He meant to choose the fork leading away from Endla. He already knew where the other fork led, and he had no desire to go back there. But somehow his feet decided otherwise. Lupin didn’t argue, just continued to watch him from beneath her lashes.