Page 100 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

Love always,

Da

Thea

I’ve had more to drink than I normally would, and I can’t stop smiling.

So many people know my name and insist on speaking with me or shaking my hand. I’ve hardly had a moment to myself, and Zeph dragged Kerboros away, all amped up to discuss the idea of choosing delegates among the wild fae. I hugged Tara earlier, and right now, I’m having a surprisingly pleasant chat with Rosa. She even apologized for her part in deceiving us.

“I owed Zeph, you see. And while I didn’t support what they were doing, I understood the need for secrecy. Liskaal had eyes everywhere.”

“I get it,” I say, gracious because I lose nothing by being generous.

And isn’t that usually the case?

“That’s lovely to hear. I know that I can be rather”—she pauses, as if seeking the right word—“candid. Not everyone’s cup of tea. And I don’t have many friends. So…”

“You have one in me,” I tell her.

A delighted smile splits her somber face. “I knew it! I’ll visit once you’re settled in Winter. If I’m welcome?”

“Anytime you like.”

“Well, I can see people lining up behind me, so I won’t keep you.”

“Thea.”

My knees buckle a bit, and I catch myself on the table nearby. I whirl, recognizing Tempest’s distinctive voice. “You’re awake! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“It’s all right. Not your fault. I do faint from time to time anyway.”

“Tara said you seemed sick.” It’s not a question, but they seem to take it as one.

Tempest sighs. “In fact, I am. I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret, but…”

Since they pause, I fill the silence with a question I must ask, even if the answer hurts. “Have you recovered from what I did to you? And can you ever forgive me?”

Since Olive explained what I needed to be doing, I’ve finally lost the sense that I’m slowly starving to death, the infinite, underlying hunger that plagued me since childhood. In a gathering like this, I skim like a bird across the water, and the mood lightens. There’s no anger anywhere, only joy, and I’m full to bursting.

“Already forgiven and forgotten,” Tempest says. “And you forced me to rest. I feel better than I have in a while, but my outlook isn’t good.”

I suspect that’s what they didn’t say before. “Is there anything I can do? We have good healers in Winter. My dad might know someone too. Mudge knows everyone.” I use his name in case Tempest doesn’t know who my dad is.

“I’ve seen dozens of healers, and no one has any clue what’s the matter with me. Since I come from rather a rare lineage, that doesn’t aid matters.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Olive eases up to my right side. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. I just wanted to congratulate you, Thea. But I did hear something about a mysterious illness, and well…”

“That’s your area,” I guess.

“Yes,” she says baldly. “I know this is a party, but I’d love to pick your brain.” She’s locked on to Tempest, eager to help.

This is why she became a doctor.

“And if you’re experiencing any physical pain at all, I can ease it without you suffering ill effects. It’s a perk of the energy-transfer process.” She makes it sound…beneficial, as if she doesn’t see it as receiving undue rewards.

Maybe I’ve been looking at this the wrong way my entire life. Kerboros even said that he felt happier when I ate up his anger.