Page 54 of The Poison Season

“Why can’t you hunt?”

“Because the ice freezes. Our songs might lure the animals out of their dens, but they could also bring an outsider across the lake. If we’re lucky enough to come across a deer or a rabbit, we can try to kill it, but our odds of success are much lower.”

“So Endlans don’t deliberately try to bring outsiders over?”

Her brow immediately furrowed. He’d offended her. He wished he could take back the words, but it was too late. “Why would we do such a thing? We’re not monsters.”

“I know that,” he said quickly. “Now. But some of the people in Bricklebury tell stories. One girl’s father was killed entering the lake. From the way I heard it, his death wasn’t an accident.”

She shook her head. “That person was wrong. We live on Endla for our own protection. We aren’t the ones indiscriminately killing people. What could we possibly stand to gain from that?”

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Jaren still regretting that he had ever mentioned Maggie’s father. But eventually, his curiosity got the better of him.

“Leelo, why do you think I was able to hear the singing and not cross?”

Her brow furrowed again, but this time he could see she was thinking. “Honestly, I have no idea.”

“Have you ever heard of that happening before?”

“No. But that doesn’t mean it never has. Which reminds me. The summer solstice festival is tomorrow night. There will be a lot of singing. It won’t be near here, but it’s important you don’t leave the cottage.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a little tuft of wool. “I thought you could put this in your ears, just in case.”

“Thank you. I won’t leave.”

She smiled, but there was a strain to it. “I don’t know when the boat will be repaired. I have another day off after the festival. I’ll check then.”

“It’s all right. I know you’re doing everything you can. And I truly am grateful.”

She fiddled with the wool in her fingers, stretching it out and then rubbing it between her palms back into a ball. “What were you doing that night you heard me singing?”

Jaren explained about how he got lost often, beginning when he was just a child. “I was only five the first time. We were visiting friends at their country home. My oldest sister was supposed to be watching Story and me, but she got distracted. I went outside, presumably just to explore near the cottage. But there was a frog hopping about in the grass, and I started following it. The next thing I knew, it was nearly dark.”

“Your poor parents. They must have been so frightened.”

“Terrified. Fortunately, I stayed put once I realized I was lost, and they found me a little while later. But despite how scared I’d been, I continued to do it. I don’t know why. It’s like I’ve always been searching for something, even subconsciously.” He hesitated, wanting to choose his words carefully. “I guess I don’t feel like I fit in, even though my family loves me and has always been supportive of me.”

Leelo had been sitting cross-legged, but she stretched her legs out now, so they were side by side with Jaren’s. As much as he hated how small the shack was most of the time, he was always grateful for the closeness whenever Leelo came. “I sometimes feel that way, too.”

“Really?”

She nodded. “The very fact that I helped you when I should have turned you in makes me unlike any other Endlan I know.”

“I understand how much you risked in helping me, Leelo. And I’m very grateful you did.”

They were quiet for a few minutes again, the air thick with unsaid words. It was taking all of Jaren’s strength not to ask if he could kiss her. He didn’t know what the conventions were on Endla, but Leelo had already told him she was expected to marry young. She could already be promised to someone else, for all he knew.

“How’s your leg?” Leelo asked suddenly, breaking the tension.

“It’s fine. Much better, in fact. The good news is that when we do get that boat repaired, I’ll be able to pull my weight. Not that you couldn’t handle it on your own.”

She laughed. “I’m strong, but I know my limits. I can’t get a boat to the shore on my own.” She pulled her legs up to her chest. “I should go. I won’t see you tomorrow, because of the festival. Do you think you’ll be all right until the day after?”

He wanted to tell her no. He wanted her to stay. He wanted to tell her that going even a few hours without seeing her was too long. He wanted her to slip away from the festival and spend that time with him instead. But he nodded because what he wanted was irrelevant. “Of course.”

He was waiting for her to leave, but she didn’t move. “Jaren, I...” She ran her hands over her braid, clearly anxious about something.

“What is it?”

“I like you. More than I should. I shouldn’t even say that. I’m not a good Endlan.”

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