I pursed my lips, annoyed that he’d stopped me from kissing him. “No, I can’t. But Gillie can! He can help. Go find Gillie. Tell him you’re my wolf. He’ll help you.”
His pretty mouth pulled down into a frown. “He won’t.”
I cocked my head. “Nua said Folk parents help their children find Ogma when they turn fourteen. Did your parents not help you find her? So you can get your second name?”
He shook his head jerkily, like his body was trying to fight the action.
“Why not?”
“So she can—”
His voice was tight, and once again he stopped speaking abruptly like he couldn’t get the words out. I felt bad for him. His mother didn’t sound very nice.
“I’m sorry.” I darted forward to kiss his mouth before he could stop me. “I wish I could tell you. Gillie will help. Go to Gillie.” Then I let out a great sigh and sat back. “I should go. I need to find her before they wear off.”
Before standing up, I gave the beautiful fae a wide, unfocused grin.
“Don’t stay away again for so long. I missed you.” As I stumbled unsteadily to my feet, I looked down at him still kneeling there, his pale face filled with despair. “Where’s your crown?”
He gazed up at me mournfully. “What crown?”
“Your crown.” I gestured at his head, then mine. “Our crowns. Are you keeping them safe?”
His brows twitched with confusion. “I—”
“What’s your name?”
He went silent, before his eyes tightened with grief. “Lonan.”
I nodded.
“That’s nice. Nice to meet you, Lonan.” I laughed like I’d said something hysterical and gave a little wave. “See you soon.”
I thought I heard him mumble, “I love you,” as I stumbled off, but I was already distracted by the swirling black mist that was reaching for me like grasping fingers between the trees.