The sun shone hot on the dirt path. Dragging my feet, as we marched back to the camp. Emery's words running circles in my head. All that stuff about pivotal pieces, potential. I was curious about what it meant, if there was anything behind it. There was so much I didn't know. So much I wanted to know.

"Is it scary? Diggery blinked through the sun, interrupting my thoughts. "Being hunted all the time."

I slowed my steps, fidgeting with my hands. He hadn't brought up my story in awhile. "I don't know. It's something I've gotten used to."

Diggery raised his eyebrows. "Has he ever gotten close to actually killing you?"

"I guess...close enough that I've seen him again." I shuddered at the image of the wizard's shape standing at the end of a shadowy road. Shivers leaving my arms, I cleared my throat, "I'm warned with enough time to get away."

"Did he really kill your family?"

"Diggery…" I gave him a wary eye, pushing down the dull ache. I wasn't ready to talk about my family. I didn't want to talk about them.

He waved his hands. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that. You don't need to answer."

I leaned my head back, staring into the sun. The question left my stomach in knots. "How about you tell me about your family instead?"

Diggery chuckled, nervous energy leaking through. "There's not much to say, my homelife wasn't good. Honestly if I never saw them again I wouldn't be upset."

How could he say that? I moved my eyes down, frowning at my shoes. I would give anything to see my family again, anything. To get even one more hug, one more smile, it would be the world. He would choose to never see them again. His family could be alive somewhere and he didn't care.

Diggery sighed, "I'm not going to apologize for it. That's just how it is."

I nodded, the dirt crunching under my footsteps. The look on his face told me enough. His experience of family was very different from mine. How could I judge him?

We reached a break in the road, the path winding off through the trees. Diggery's eyes lit up, laughter leaking out. "Race you to the creek." He smirked back at me.

I rolled my eyes. "This is a horrible idea."

He walked on ahead. "Get ready to lose then."

I narrowed my eyes. "Never." Barreling past him, I ran for the path. The two of us raced through the forest, dodging brambles and thorns. Laughing at the energy in the air, it felt so good to run. The brush scraping against my legs, I didn't dare slow. Diggery was gaining ground. He ran passed as we reached the creek.

I threw my shoes off, jumping into the stream. Stomping through the creek, my footsteps splashing Diggery.

"Hey!" he shouted, quickly ditching his shoes. Out for revenge he chased after me, throwing water my way. I danced around the waves, dodging his attacks. "Come back," he growled.

"No!" I called, climbing up on a rock. Diggery gave a devilish smirk, cupping his hands with water. He ran towards me, throwing the drops left in his hands at me.

I jumped off the rock, my feet slipping. Falling into the creek, Diggery tumbled in after me. Water splashing up over our heads. Both of us soaked, my stomach sore from laughter.

We waded to the shore, water dripping off of my hair and clothes. Resting by a log, I sat in the sunlight. Diggery wrung out the corner of his shirt, settling beside me.

Despite all the misadventures, today was a good day. One of the best in a long time. It was nice to have a break from the dreary day to day. Playing fetch for Malachi wasn't always fun.

The forest moved around us, so full of life. Sunlight peeking through the leaves, shining on my skin.The next time I had to run, maybe I'd live by a forest. I had better options than the barren landscape of the camp. I could go anywhere...yet nowhere would ever be safe. It was only a matter of time till I had to run again. I was sloppy in Euphoria. If Wren could deduce I worked for Malachi, it should be easy enough for Merle to make the connection. I'd just have to prepare myself to leave. That stirred up mixed feelings. For all the things I hated about this place, there were a few things I'd miss...

Diggery's hand slipped into mine, fingers intertwined. His eyes wide, burrowing into mine. What on earth? I pulled my hand loose, laughing. "What are you doing, Diggery?"

His face bright red, he took his hand back swiftly. "Nothing, sorry."

What was that about? Oh no. My mind buzzing, second guessing what I was seeing. That was absurd, there was no way. He avoided my eyes, his clothes still dripping wet. Diggery didn't, he couldn't. Except he must.

Diggery had a thing for me.

I nearly tumbled off the log. My mind going crazy over every past conversation, every joke. It seemed so obvious now.

My face turned just as red as his. I'd never thought of Diggery like that, or had I? I was confused. What did I really feel for him anyway? I liked spending time with Diggery. I guess I found him good looking? It kinda made sense.

His head hung low, shoulders deflated. A lost hopeless gaze. I couldn't stand it, I cared about that boy too much. I reached for his hand, interlocking our fingers again.

His head darted up, eyes wide. "Phyn…." he whispered.

"What?" I chuckled, "I didn't know you felt that way about me."

"I do," his voice was deathly serious, "Ever since I met you." He stared down at our hands. "...Does this mean you feel the same way about me?"

"I don't know." I said, shrugging my shoulders. "I honestly didn't see this coming."

"Oh…" he mumbled, his face falling.

I shook my head, giving his hand a squeeze. "That doesn't mean I won't. I'm just clueless at this romantic stuff."

"It's okay, I know you are," he laughed, eyes brightening up again. "I've been trying to flirt with you for months."

"You have?" I buried my face in my hands. How had I been so stupid?

"Uh huh." He smirked, brushing a leaf from my hair. "Wasn't sure how much more obvious I could get, without telling you outright how beautiful you are."

If my face wasn't red before it certainly was now. I had never had a boy call me beautiful before, not seriously. I laughed, fidgeting with my hair. "I don't know about that."

"I do," he said, an intensity in his eyes. "You're perfect, Phyn."

I moved my eyes away. "Thanks." I smiled, that look staying on his face. "...We should head back." I stood, walking to my shoes.

"Alright, fine." He shook his head at me. "You never change, Phyn."

I frowned back at his smirk. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means, I'll happily walk back with you." He held his hand out to me, fingers outstretched. I hesitated, taking his hand. I was sure that wasn't what he meant.

Silently we trekked, back onto the path. Hand in hand, ducking under brush. It felt so strange, so different. Diggery staring at me with doting eyes. It was sweet, he was sweet, but I didn't know how this would all unfold.

If I had to run again would Diggery come with me? My life was looking over my shoulder, never knowing if I was safe . How could I ask anyone to live with that? I couldn't...I held his hand tighter, that thought leaving an ache. Would I always inevitably walk alone?

Reaching the road, we headed back towards the camp. The sun was still high, shining over the buildings. Crews returning, congregated around the dining hall. One of the little kids waved. I smiled, waving back. It was about time for another story tonight. I did owe them a happier one. Maybe I'd use one of Freya's stories.

Coming into the camp, I whispered to one of the boys about storytime. He stared up at me, bright eyed, running off to tell his friends. Once one kid knew, it went like wildfire.

Diggery let my hand go. "You're not going to crush their dreams again, are you?" He raised a skeptical brow.

"No, I told you I'd tell them a happy story. It's a folktale, starring the lute playing hero-" I stopped, the name of Freya's character stuck in my mind.

Diggery crossed his arms. "The lute playing hero, who?"

"Alexander Wren," I muttered. Did Wren know Freya? This was insane. How could he have the same name as Freya's hero?

"What's so significant about that?" Diggery asked.

"I met someone with that name recently, I wonder if he knew the person I got the story from."

How had I forgotten the name? Alexander Wren was a frequent character in her stories. If only I realized I could've asked him about her.

"Huh," Diggery said, staring off at the groups of people passing by. Crews and fractions of crews, going their own way. Malachi in the center of it all, he handed out little toffees to the children and some of the adults. Broad hand gestures, bright eyes, this week's haul must've been good. He patted the kid on the head, ruffling his hair. He headed our way.

"Well If it isn't my favorite pair," Malachi said, his tone oozing fake friendliness."Did you have a nice day out on the town? Heard the carnival was out, how fun."

"Ya, it was nice." I crossed my arms, trying to read behind the lines. What did he want?

Malachi laughed, "No need to look so stern, Phyn. Take a toffee, take two." He held them out to us, both Diggery and I snatching one from his palm. I wasn't going to pass up free candy.

Malachi slipped the toffees back in his pocket. He snapped his fingers, eyes brightening. "Here's an idea, how about you two come to my place for dinner? Diggery and I can get better acquainted and we can talk about your job tomorrow. That sounds nice, now doesn't it?"

I smiled. "Sure, we'll be there."

"Fantastic, I'll see you then," Malachi said, walking off, waving at the next group of people in his path.

Diggery crossed his arms. "Should you have said yes?''

"Malachi wasn't really giving us a choice." I frowned, watching him chat up another group. The last time he invited me to his house was the day he found out about my ability. If I knew the reason for this invitation it would be less intimidating.

Half-damp clothes sticking to my skin, I smelled like a creek. “How about we drop off our stuff and meet back in front of Malachi's place," I suggested, looking off down the path .

"Ok...but don't go in without me." Diggery pursed his lips.

"Of course, I won't." I patted his shoulder. "See you soon."

He hissed a sigh, waving me goodbye. Parting ways, I ran back to my cabin. Clunking up the steps, I threw my stuff on the floor. Changing into dry clothes, I hung the wet ones on my porch railing. They weren't nice enough for me to worry about them being stolen. Stumbling to put my boots back on, I shut the door behind me.

Down the backroad, weeds grown into the path. Sun setting against the sky, Malachi's house stood lit in the distance. An elegant white, surrounded by an overgrown garden. The nicest building on the property, it still somehow felt shabby. A closed off, unwelcoming place. Aside from the handful who work as staff, no one else went inside.

I waited for Diggery in the shadows, outside the eerie building. I didn't want to go in alone either. This place was creepy. Swatting a moth from my face, I leaned against the building. In a moment, Diggery emerged from the bushes. "Let's get this over with," he grumbled.

"Yes...right." I nodded, stepping up to the door. My fist hovering over the door, I didn't want to do this. Diggery's eyes on me, waiting. I shut my eyes, knocking on the door.

An elderly man opened the door. Bags under empty eyes, he pointed down the hall. "Master Malachi is waiting for you in the dining hall," he said.

We followed the strange doorkeeper, deeper into the house. Passing various rooms dark with shadows. Silk covered chairs, grand carved borders. Everything richly elegant, a touch eccentric. Not untouched by discolouration, peeling edges, and blemishes. A run down king’s palace. Malachi had interesting taste.

At the end of the hall, light shone from one room. Music floated from the doorway. An eerie tune, something like broken glass and spider webs. Diggery raised an eyebrow, mimicking the nervous feeling in my stomach. What had gotten ourselves into.

The butler opened the door, the light of the room overwhelming. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, gold trim overlaid. A huge mahogany table in the center of the room. How much money did Malachi actually have?

At the end of the room, Malachi played the piano. His hands dancing across the keys, I had no idea he played. He looked up from playing, his eyes flickered. Letting the notes run out, he ended his song.

Standing up, the bench slid. His arms outstretched, Malachi shouted, "Welcome! Glad you could make it!"

"Thanks for having us." I stepped back, looking over at the table. Cutlery set up in straight rows.

Malachi motioned to the chairs."Go on, take a seat."

Diggery slid his chair out, both of us sitting at the table. Stiffening silence, Malachi watching us carefully. The butler walked out, leaving the three of us alone.

"So...what's on the menu?" Diggery grinned, darting his eyes back to me.

Malachi stayed stone faced. "Tonight we're having Roast goose," he said, resting his elbows on the table. "...Such funny creatures, don't you think? Babbling on, and on. Saying things they shouldn't, to people they shouldn't. No wonder they get skinned and cooked up." Malachi leaned back in his chair, eyes trained on me.

I shrunk back in my seat. He was angry about something. "We are talking about the bird, yes?" I raised an eyebrow. "Sharing secrets with fowl seems like a mistake."

Malachi laughed, "Quite, too flighty to be trustworthy." He leaned his head towards the door. "But it does make for a good supper."

A couple of servants rushed in, setting up to serve. A cart pulled in, laying down dishes in place. White gloves, quick and without error, the valet set down a dish in front of all of us. A young girl came around, pouring wine. A half glass each, she watched carefully, her hands struggling to hold it steady. She was so little, my heart aching for her. It scared me how young some of the kids were. It wasn't as if they had anywhere else to go. It was cruel.

Malachi picked up his fork, playing with his food. "So you two have been spending an awful lot of time together." He looked between us. "Are you guys some sort of couple?"

My face went red. "Does it matter?" I spat.

"No, no it doesn't," Malachi laughed, "I just need to know if he knows."

My jaw dropped, Diggery shuffling back in his seat. How did Malachi know that I told him about my gifting?

"So that's a yes." He sighed, resting his head in his hand. "You know you can tell me these things, pet. I'm quite forgiving when it comes to you."

An ironic thing to say, after the goose comment. "I'm sorry," I said, slouching my shoulders.

Malachi waved his hand. "I get it. Young love, it blinds us. I'm not thrilled, but I understand."

I snorted, not quite being able to picture a young Malachi in love.

He frowned, his knuckles white around the fork. "What really pains me is that you don't trust me. After everything I've done you," his voice carried a twinge of resentment.

Shivers tracing down my spine, I turned back to my food, refusing to look him in the eye.

Malachi leaned in towards Diggery. "Is she ever this cold to you? What a winter storm," he laughed, his smirk returning.

I tightened my fists under the table keeping my eyes low. I was sick of him patronizing me. Demanding manners, making rules, when he acted any way he wanted. I wasn't playing his games.

"I...don't know." Diggery cleared his throat, eyes wide.

"No matter," Malachi sighed, taking a good swig of wine. "Tomorrow, Phyn, you're off to Mirth."

I looked up, studying his eyes. What?

He set down his cup. "I have a package you need to pick up. Ask for a man named Silver at the Burgundy Inn. You can take Diggery with you, now that he knows. Just don't dawdle."

"Of course." I nodded, hiding my excitement. This might actually work in my favour. If Diggery could come with me, he could stay far from Lawrence. This could be a good solution.

Malachi pushed his plate aside. "You don't need to check in with me tomorrow, since we've discussed this already, but I want to emphasize promptness. This is important."

"Understood," I repeated.

Malachi frowned, looking back at the clock, "I think it’s about time for you to go. Story time's on tonight, right?"

I blinked, jumping to my feet. "Yes...that." I'd forgotten. Diggery standing, he followed me to the doorway. The dreary butler waiting outside the door, he led us back down the hall. The piano started up again, the song floating out with us.

Diggery stayed close. "That was really weird," he whispered.

"Malachi's always weird." I looked back at the dim glow of the room.

Diggery gave me a wary eye. "Everything's fine though?….He's not mad?."

"Ya, we're fine," I said, avoiding Diggery's eyes. I wasn't really sure. On the surface things seemed alright, but Malachi wasn't acting normal. I didn't know what was going on underneath.

We exited the house, out into the fresh air. Walking down towards the barn. Little voices carried through the air, talk and laughter. The barn glowed from the candles inside, I already had a crowd.

Stopping in front of the barn door, I peeked through the wooden slits, my stomach doing somersaults. Always nervous right before, I just needed to get up on stage. I'd feel better once I did.

Diggery smirked, resting his hand on the door. "Nervous?"

I nodded, shutting my eyes. He laughed, giving my hand a squeeze. "You'll do great."

"Sure…" I grumbled, taking a deep breath.

"You will, you always do," he said. I wasn't so sure. He let go of my hand, stepping to the door. "You ready?"

I nodded, the sound of the barn door sliding open. I peeked an eye open, greeted by an eruption of cheers. Kids sitting around with eager eyes, fidgeting on the floor. All squished together, leaning off crates and stacks of sleeping mats. I pushed myself forward, straight for the stage. Letting the faces blur out, I started running through the story in my mind. Turning on center stage, scanning over the room.

"Our story starts with a rusty old key," my voice quieted the room, my breathing steadied. "A key born out of blood and fire, it was said to open the very gate of sheol, death. An incredible legend, the key promised a chance to pull back someone from the grave. A life returned, if only one dared to face the gate.

"Alexander Wren was a simple lute player, an ordinary peasant. He had lost the love of his life, stolen from him by a vicious plague. He thought she was lost forever. But one day his fortunes changed.

"A gift for a song, this unusual key ended up in his hands. He knew the legends and stories, he knew what they meant. Alexander journeyed to find the gate of death, traversing great landscapes, hidden places. His quest ending deep in cursed lands, he found the gate, hidden at the top of a tower. Guarded scores of guards, it was impossible to reach, for most.

"This young lute player's songs bordered on extraordinary. An enchanting quality to his music, he could pull even the most fearsome warrior into a deep sleep. So he played his lute, stepping over the sleeping guards, he climbed the stairs.

“The gate was waiting for him at the top, but it was not quite what he had expected. A large circle of glass hung against the wall, a chain locked around it. He slowly approached, turning the key in the lock. The chains falling from the gate, the image changed. Peering inside, he expected to see his love. A ferocious monster greeted him instead, a great dragon with the teeth of a lion and blazing gold eyes. An army of souls behind him, a swirling sea.

"The creature pounced from the mirror, Alexander jumping back. Spotting a sword hanging on the wall, he swung the mirrored blade. The monster was quick, covered in tough scaly armour. Alexander couldn't win this fight, not with strength alone.

"Struggling against the creature, he broke away, picking his lute back up. He played a song, a song he wrote for his love. The creature cried out in pain, grimacing at the music. Alexander tiptoed towards the monster, finishing his last note. Throwing the lute, he picked back up the sword. Plunging the sword in its throat, he slayed the creature, throwing the body of a monster back into the mirror.

"A single soul slipped away from the sea, drifting closer. Alexander bit back tears, it was his love. Reaching back, he took her arm, pulling her from the mirror. She was free. The souls inside hissed, the army rushing closer, Alexander swung the chain back around the gate. Locked shut, the image disappeared, reflection returned.

"Alexander Wren left the tower, his love by his side. Running past the guards, they were together again. Never leaving each other's side til the day they died," my voice trailed off, a smile slipping across my lips. "And that's our story. Goodnight!"

I raised my arms to the audience's applause. Smiling faces, cheers, I stepped towards the side door. "Thanks Phyn!" someone shouted. I gave a wave before slipping out. Chuckling to myself, I took a breath in the night air.

Diggery ducked his head out, joining me. "I told you, you'd be great," he said, taking his hands in mine. His eyes staring into mine.

"Thanks." I smiled, dancing around his eyes. "Off to Mirth tomorrow and you get to come with me."

He nodded, smirking. "Ya, I'm going to have to prepare myself, trouble likes to follow you."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't ask trouble to follow. I'd be happy if it left me alone for good."

"I'll put up with trouble for you," his voice low, the moonlight shining off his honey gold hair. He cleared his throat, "...I guess this is goodnight then." His eyes drifted down to my lips. He leaned in, closing his eyes. My heart racing, pounding in my head. I stepped back. Diggery blinked, his face going beat red. He scratched his head, looking away.

What was I doing? Why was I so awkward about this? I hid my face in my hands, peeking out through my fingers. This was just so fast. "I'm sorry..."

Diggery shook his head. "Gosh Phyn, don't be. I'm the one who launched my mouth at your face." He took a deep breath. "...I promise, I'll be less of an idiot in future."

"You're not an idiot Diggery," I said, taking his hand again. This was just very overwhelming.

He pressed a kiss on my forehead instead, smirking back at me. "Are you saying that on record?"

I swatted his shoulder. "You're ridiculous."

"As long as you still like me." He shrugged, stepping back towards the barn.

"Goodnight, Diggery," I growled at him, a smile slipping out.

He grinned back, disappearing inside. That dumb smile stuck on my face, I couldn't get rid of it. As bad as a love sick puppy. I was happy. In this moment everything was right.

Voices murmuring through the boards, one of the older kids shouted to quiet the others. Candles flickered and dimmed, my eyes drawn to the stars. Back along the dusty road, I walked to my cabin, the starlite camp looking a little less dreary.