“Have faith.” Haera pulled up parallel to the van and reversed her car. “My sense of perception is excellent.” She checked the mirrors as she backed into the space—which, admittedly, would be a tight fit. “Not as good as when I’m in my real form, mind you. Then I can see from all sides.”

She waited for Madeleine to say a horse would have a hard time driving a car in other ways. Madeleine didn’t. She was silent.

Hæra focused on backing the car expertly into the space. When she put it in park, she gave Madeleine a triumphant grin. “See? Perfect.”

“Let’s go.” Madeleine unbuckled her seat belt with unsteady hands. She wasn’t looking at Hæra. “Hurry, please.”

Now Hæra’s skin prickled for a different reason. Madeleine wasn’t just upset. She was afraid. Hæra could smell it on her. But why? There was nothing to hurt her here. No threats were visible on the street. Hæra’s lips pulled back over her teeth anyway; her fingers curled tightly on the steering wheel. Better than reaching out and grabbing the frightened woman trying to escape the car.

It was too late anyway. Madeleine was out of the car, and there was nothing for Hæra to do but follow her.

As she did, she glanced in the window of the Sunrise Café. To her surprise, she saw a man with black hair and brown skin looking through the window too, but not at Hæra. Rather, he was looking after Madeleine with two raised eyebrows. He’d clearly noticed her haste.

That wasn’t remarkable. You noticed people when they seemed distressed. But something about the man’s expression stopped Hæra in her tracks. He didn’t just look curious—he seemed a little upset himself. He frowned.

Hæra realized that she and Madeleine had never been to the Sunrise Café during their little trips to the village, or even gone near it. That was surprising, since Thornhill was so small. But Madeleine always cut across the street or chose routes that went other directions, sometimes taking side streets even if they were less efficient. Had she been avoiding this place?

The man glanced up and saw Hæra looking at him. His frown vanished, replaced with surprise.

Knowing she ought to chase Madeleine, Hæra spent a precious few moments staring back at him. Her brows drew together, and knowledge shivered through her. This man had recognized Madeleine.

Had he frightened her? If so, there was no time for the dire retribution he deserved. Hæra would make sure he suffered it later. For now, she had to chase Madeleine down.