I rushed out of my room, checking all the usual rooms until I stopped in the library doorway. It was darker and colder than usual. There were candles lit behind and around the chairs, big metal stands with branches like trees spreading out, with small holders for candles all along them. But the fireplace was nothing but a small flame, and only by the candlelight and the shadows he created did I see Magnus, kneeling in front of it.

I went in and knelt beside him. He didn’t look at me. Didn’t move.

“You’ll hurt your eyes,” I said after a moment, “staring at the flames like that.”

“I’m afraid the position of Nagging Mother has been filled.”

I bit back a laugh. Now wasn’t the time. Or maybe it was, and I’d missed the opportunity to brighten his mood.

I rolled my sleeves up to my elbows and crept forward, reaching into the hearth to get the fire live again.

“You don’t want to use the tools?” Magnus asked.

“I trust myself.” I moved the wood until the flame caught again and began to thrive on its own.

I watched the flames dance, bright and wild like my heart. Enough stalling, Andi. “Kelela said she broke it off with you.”

Magnus made a small sound of confirmation. “She’s a smart woman.” A deep silence stretched. “Not sure how I attract such smart, caring women when I’m such a disaster of a man.”

“You’re not a disaster.”

He let out a small, bitter laugh. “I am, a little. You have to admit.”

“If you are, then … I suppose I like disasters.”

Finally, he looked at me. “After how foolish I’ve been, you still like me?”

“You’re not foolish.”

“Don’t be so generous, Andromeda. I prefer you honest.”

“I am being honest.” I hesitated, then stood up abruptly, my heart pounding. “U-um, yes. Well. We have a busy night. I should nap beforehand.”

But I didn’t leave the room. If anyone was the fool, it was I—I couldn’t speak, and yet I couldn’t bear to leave his side. I couldn’t imagine what he must’ve thought of me, seeking him out only to leave him in a rush.

He stood up beside me, and I wanted to both stay in his soothing presence, in range of his soft scent, and to drop dead.

“You have so many scars,” I heard him murmur, and turned to see that he was studying my arms. “You said Jember’s training was brutal, but I never expected…”