Kevin broke into a broad grin, which Aodhan returned with a perfect poker face. “Thanks, Aodhan.”
“What for?” Aodhan said blandly. “Off you go now. Show Ferghal you are becoming a model changeling, just as he desires. Not too perfect, mind. Let’s not have him start thinking he doesn’t need any more help taming you.”
Kevin hesitated, then darted forward. Aodhan looked startled as Kevin seized him around the waist. For an instant, his hand hovered above the boy’s shoulder, as he didn’t know how to react. Then he put his arm around Kevin, hugging him back.
After a moment, Kevin wriggled free again. His gaze flicked toward the curtain separating the sitting room from the bedchamber, where Cathy still stood hidden. His mouth opened as if to speak, and Cathy’s heart missed a beat—but then he turned away, slipping out the door with Noodle a faithful shadow at his heels.
When Cathy was certain he’d really gone, she pushed back the curtain. Without a word, Aodhan opened his arms. She leaned against his chest, breathing in his leather-and-paper scent, letting his silent strength enfold her.
“I meant what I said,” Aodhan murmured. “We are making progress, Cathy. I know how much it hurts you, seeing him like this. I wish I could offer you more comfort.”
Guilt slid through her. She didn’t deserve any comfort at all. No matter how many times Aodhan had tried to reassure her that the situation wasn’t her fault, deep down she knew that it was. She was Kevin’s mother. No magic should be stronger than that.
Cathy stepped back, pulling away from Aodhan’s embrace. She bent to pick up a half-burned candle. “I thought you weren’t going to tell him I was watching.”
Aodhan’s gaze lingered on her, a troubled crease furrowing his brow. Then he too went back to tidying up the remains of the ritual. “I didn’t. I didn’t have to. He’s an observant boy, Cathy. He knows you watch him every moment that you can.”
Fresh guilt twisted her stomach. “Then I have to stop. If he’s noticed, Ferghal might as well.”
“Ferghal expects you to spend time with Kevin. As far as he’s concerned, you’re working wonders. You heard him at dinner last night, blustering on about how much more docile Kevin has become, and congratulating himself for his own wisdom in bringing you here.”
“I should still be more careful.” She clattered candles together, trying to hide how her hands shook. “Whenever we’re outside, I can feel Eislyn watching me. She’s still suspicious, even if Ferghal isn’t. All it would take is one mistake, and—”
“Cathy.” Aodhan laid a hand on her wrist, over the mark of their bond, stilling her. “I know you. No matter how much it hurts to have Kevin look at you without recognition, staying away from him entirely would be even worse. All you’d achieve would be to punish yourself.” He paused, then went on, more cautiously, “In fact, it might help if you were more present.”
“No,” she said, before he could continue. “We’ve talked about this, Aodhan.”
“Then we need to talk about it again.” He raked his fingers through his hair, jaw tightening. “Herne knows Kevin is a paragon of stubbornness and bravery, but his attachment to Noodle may simply not be enough to allow him to break free from the glamour. We should at least explore the option of using a different focus for the ritual.”
“No,” Cathy repeated, more forcefully. She twisted free from his grasp. “Aodhan, you saw how much it hurt him just to try to remember the dog’s name. Can you imagine how much worse it might be, if you asked him to dredge up deeper memories? I’ve already failed him once. I won’t risk causing any further damage. I won’t.”
Aodhan blew out his breath, but bowed his head in acknowledgement. “Then I’ll keep working on the ritual. Try adding a few more fortification charms, or reinforce the support runes around the psychic link. I’ll figure something out.”
“I know you will.” Regretting her outburst, Cathy took his hand, interlacing her fingers through his. “I’m sorry. You’re working so hard, when all I’m doing is wafting around looking haughty. I just wish there was more I could do to help.”
“You’re keeping Ferghal distracted.” He kissed her knuckles. “In my opinion, I have the easier task. I would rather plant myself head down alongside the osses than endure that pompous ass’s company. He really is a butt.”
She laughed, squeezing his hand. “Careful. Kevin is corrupting you.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” He smiled. “He’s a remarkable person. Just like his mother.”
Heat crept up her cheeks at the compliment. “You’re the remarkable one. I’ve never seen Kevin take to anyone so fast. You’re so good with him.”
“It’s a pleasure to teach him. He has a warm heart and a quick mind.” He eyed her, expression turning a shade more serious. “That’s not all he’s inherited from you. You were right. He has a natural affinity for magic.”
“He’s a sorcerer? You’re sure?”
Aodhan nodded. “His power has yet to develop fully, of course, but the spark is there. Given time and proper training, who knows what he could become?”
“But he won’t get that training, back in my own world. Does that mean his magic will fade away?”
All traces of warmth vanished from Aodhan’s face. Even with their hands still intertwined, he suddenly seemed very far away. “I don’t know. It seems likely. You managed to repress your own talent, after all, and your power is far greater.”
Cathy wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that. “Oh.”
Aodhan tilted his head, eyebrows drawing together. “I’m waiting for you to finish that statement with ‘good.’ I thought you’d be pleased to put all traces of the fae world behind you.”
She met those remote, guarded eyes. “Not all of them.”