Leelo gasped and sat back, her hand once again flying to her waist. He hadn’t even meant to say “you.” But her reaction confirmed what he suspected: that she was the one he’d heard singing that night. For the first time, he admitted to himself that he had been wrong about magic. It was as if an invisible string had been connecting them ever since he camped on the shore, and it had slowly, inevitably, reeled him in.

“I’m sorry,” he said, holding his palms out as if she were a cornered animal. “I’m sorry I put you in this position. And believe me, I want to get home as badly as you want me to leave. If you have any idea where the boat is, I can look for it myself. There’s no reason for you to get dragged down by my foolishness.”

She shook her head a fraction. “You’re not the only fool here.”

“What do you mean?”

She ignored him, tidying up her belongings with clipped, precise movements. She removed the blanket and laid it over him, though he could see that her hair and clothing were still damp. “I’ll get you out of here. Just promise me you’ll stay in the cottage, no matter what happens. If another Endlan sees you, I won’t be able to help you.”

“Am I safe here?” he asked, glancing at the windows as if the trees might reach through and snatch him any minute, the way the roots had done to that poor bird.

The fact that she didn’t answer immediately frightened him. “You’re an outsider on Endlan ground,” she said finally. “I don’t know if you’re safe anywhere on the island. But I do know you’re safer here than anywhere out there.”

It was hardly reassuring, but he knew it was the best she could do. And for now, he was trapped on enemy territory with no other allies. His family would be worried sick about him. He couldn’t help imagining his sisters and father, glancing at the door every time it rattled in the wind, wondering if it was Jaren, coming home from another one of his wanders.

He could feel his thoughts beginning to spiral, and he knew if she left now he’d never fall asleep. It was late, and she was probably expected back at her house, but he didn’t want to be alone.

“I have sisters,” he blurted.

She was so caught off guard she laughed a little. “What?”

He blushed and hoped she wouldn’t notice in the dim light. “I meant to ask if you have any siblings. I have three sisters.”

She was silent so long Jaren was sure she wouldn’t answer. “I have one brother,” she said finally, and then immediately pressed her lips together in a flat line.