The setting sun inched closer to the mountain in the distance, replacing sections of blue sky with shades of orange and gold. The lampposts lining the street flickered on, and other lights blinked on among the rows of tents and market stands, some using oil and others magic.
“It’s nearly time for the lanterns,” Briar said.
“Someone looks excited,” Maddox said, eyes on me. “Do you have a specific wish you hope will be granted?”
“A wish?”
“Yes.” Briar guided us through the square and toward the park filled with magnolia trees, the blossoms vibrant even in the fading daylight. “You write your wishes down and send them with the lantern when it lifts into the air. It’s believed that by sending it away, you’re also ridding yourself of negativity and ensuring good luck for the coming months.”
“That’s a nice thought,” I said. “We had something similar in my old worl—er, kingdom. We did it at the end of the year though.”
“The space of time between one season and another holds magic powerful enough to grant wishes,” Briar then said. “Or so many believe.”
Wishes. Like the one I spoke when clutching the stone. The one that sent me to Bremloc.
Lupin.
I searched the crowd for him. He had said he’d meet me during the festival, to either reverse my wish and send me back to my old life or to make it official and allow me to stay in this world forever. That’s when I caught a glimmer of pale blond hair.
Lupin met my gaze from between the magnolia trees and tipped his head to me. He then turned and walked toward the edge of the park, disappearing among the thick greenery.
He wanted me to follow him.
Sneaking away from Maddox and Briar unnoticed was impossible. Even amidst their current banter session—something about which snack I’d prefer between chocolate-covered pecans and caramel candy—their gazes occasionally darted to me. Always aware of me. I could invite them along, but that would require a ton of explaining. An explanation they may or may not believe. Or accept.
“Um.” I wrung my hands together. “Will you guys be okay if I step away for a few minutes?”
“Where are you going?” Maddox asked.
“Over there.” I nodded to the denser section of trees.
“Why?”
“Just… because.”
Briar frowned. “If there’s somewhere you wish to go, we’ll accompany you.”
“No, it’s okay. I can go by myself. But I won’t be gone long, and I promise I won’t fall or hurt myself in any way. Or, you know, get kidnapped.”
“I’m going with you,” Maddox said without hesitation.
Briar watched me for a second before looking at Maddox. “We can’t smother him. He’s not a child.”
“You say smothering, and I say protecting. Or have you forgotten all the times he’s returned from a trip to the woods covered in scrapes and cuts?”
“Please,” I said, voice breaking a bit. “I… I need to do this alone.”
What Maddox saw in my expression right then? I didn’t know. But he accepted whatever it was and gave a curt nod. “We’ll be waiting here for you. Be careful.”
“I will.” I kissed both of them on the lips before turning away. I felt their gazes on me as I walked in the direction Lupin had gone.
The path through the trees was short and led to a small pond. Lily pads floated on top of the gleaming surface, reflecting the glow of lightning bugs. Trees with long branches touched the edge of the water, and thick vines with small white flowers grew between them.
“Good evening,” Lupin greeted me from where he stood on the grassy bank, one hand behind his back and the other at his side. “I take it you have an answer for me?”
“Yeah.” I joined him on the bank and stared across the water. “But first, I want to apologize.”
“For what?”
