“I don’t think that’s the answer,” Madeleine said around a lump in her throat. “And I don’t think you want to do that, do you?”

“I would. For you.”

That was the problem. If or when Hæra finally left Jorsay, it should be for her own sake, to embrace a new life, not because she felt she had no other choice. “I…I don’t think that’s the only way. I’m sure we can think of something.”

“Can we?” Hæra turned back to Madeleine, pain still in her eyes. “I want to believe so, because I’m greedy. I wondered if that would change now that I’m human, but it hasn’t. I want both the farm and you.”

I want that too. Madeleine almost strangled on the words. Anyone would call this crazy, but this summer had changed her. It had been painful and confusing, yes, but before Jonathan’s death, it had also been the happiest time in her life. She loved Ætlaquoy, the cliffs and beaches, even the terrifying standing stones. There were mysteries on Jorsay she could spend her life trying to unravel, never succeeding. The best mysteries were like that. Hæra was like that.

“I’m sorry,” Hæra said.

Startled, Madeleine asked, “Sorry for what?”

Hæra rolled back over and took one of Madeleine’s hands in a firm grip. She looked at them, joined, and traced a fingertip over the back of Madeleine’s hand. Following the veins. A couple of weeks ago, Madeleine had pricked her finger, and Hæra had tasted her blood. Madeleine had wanted her to. A sort of communion. Now they needed other things to share.

“Many things,” Hæra said. “I’m sorry I lied to you. I’m sorry for what I was going to do to you. Although—although I don’t know if I ever could have. But I thought I could.”

Hæra hadn’t properly apologized to her for any of that. Everything had been so overwhelming that Madeleine honestly hadn’t realized. Hearing the words now made her lungs expand again. Hæra’s look was haunted and intent.

“It hurt you, when you found out,” Hæra said.

It hurt now, remembering it. As much as she wanted to shield Hæra tonight, now was the time for honesty. Madeleine nodded wordlessly.

Hæra held her gaze, as one determined not to turn back or be afraid. “I never wanted to hurt you. I realize how that sounds. But of course I would have.”

“The Great Mare said you couldn’t have,” Madeleine replied. “I agree with her.”

“It might be dangerous not to.” Now Hæra was trying, and failing, to sound light. “Either that, or you have too much faith in me.”

“Faith’s sort of my thing.” Even though she looked at it from a different perspective now, to say the least.