Madeleine brushed her fingertips against the little crucifix she wore. It felt heavier than usual around her neck.

Behind her, Hæra said brusquely, “Let’s see Jonathan before we go to the village. He’ll have his fry-up ready.”

Ah. Jonathan. Yes. Someone else, someone not Hæra, yes.

Blessedly, at the mention of an old man and his fry-up, her arousal began to cool. She pulled her phone from her pocket with a shaking hand and checked the time. It was nearly nine in the morning. “This late?”

“He had a lie-in. He’s been tired this last week. Says he’s been having odd dreams and doesn’t sleep well.”

The worried note in Hæra’s voice made Madeleine turn her head. Hæra’s expression, whatever it had been, was concerned again. She frowned a little.

Then Hæra’s eyes snapped up, locking on to Madeleine’s once more like teeth closing around a throat. “I’ve never dreamed,” she said.

Madeleine needed a moment to get her breath back. “You’ve told me.”

“I don’t sleep, dream, or feel the cold. And…” Hæra’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t ask.”

Without thinking, Madeleine touched her crucifix again and felt her pounding heart beneath.

“Remember that,” Hæra said, and stalked through the bedroom door.

The air was brisk, the wind sharp, and by the time she’d finished the walk from the cottage to Jonathan and Hæra’s flat, Madeleine was back to herself somewhat.

Whoever herself was these days. At least it was someone who could smile at Jonathan when she and Hæra entered the kitchen and say, “Good morning.”

Jonathan looked up from the stove. He didn’t seem like a man who’d been plagued with “odd dreams.” Rather, he had a big smile on his face. “Good morning,” he said cheerfully as he pushed bacon around in a frying pan. The grease popped and hissed. “All moved in, Madeleine?”

“Yes, not that there was much to move. Just my suitcase.”

Hæra opened the door of the fridge and bent down. “She likes the new bed.”

Madeleine’s face flamed, but thankfully Jonathan was looking at the pan again. He said, “Ah, good! Couldn’t see forcing a lady to sleep on Jim’s…well, never mind that. You’re going into the village?”

For a moment, Madeleine was unsure. Hæra had said she’d go earlier, but she was clearly unhappy with Madeleine now. Did that mean the trip was cancelled? She could have slapped herself. Was she planning to curtail a trip just because Hæra might not go with her for once? That was ridiculous.

“Yes,” she said, her voice a little sharper than she meant it to be. She cleared her throat. “After breakfast. Thanks for inviting me.”

Jonathan grinned again. “My pleasure. Sit down, sit down.”