Page 69 of Vesuvius

FELIX

Felix’s plan revolved around a missing shoe. That should have been the first indicator that he was destined to fail. The second came from the knowing look Livia delivered him when he showed up at her door just after sundown.

She was sweeping the walk, still dressed in day clothes. Aurelia crouched on the stoop, rolling marbles between cobblestones, but the moment she saw Felix, she blanched like she’d seen a ghost and scampered inside. Livia glanced up at the slam of the door.

‘Oh, hello.’ Her face lit up, as if seeing Felix was the best thing that had happened all day. ‘Have you eaten?’

‘I—’

‘Of course not, you boys don’t look after yourselves.’ From her apron, she withdrew a half slab of flatbread. ‘Have this. Why are you holding a shoe?’

Surely Felix still had time to flee. ‘It’s why I’m here. Have you seen, uh . . .’

There. That look that said Livia knew exactly who Felix was and what he wanted.

Her smile turned sad. ‘No, love, but Aurelia told me what happened. I imagine he’s feeling quite low right now.’

Felix shifted his weight, palms sweaty where he gripped the sandal and the bread. It was fresh, baked by Nonna. How he’d become so acquainted with these people in only a few days, he couldn’t say. Maybe when he left, his piss-poor memory would work in his favour for once. Maybe soon he’d forget them all.

‘You know,’ Livia said, ‘it’s a good thing Loren has you.’

Oh, this was bad.

In truth, tonight was Felix’s worst escape attempt yet. After Loren had stepped on the block to speak, Felix fled, not able to stand the brewing fallout he sensed, the shift in the air pressing on his nerves. Attention, conflict – too risky to stick around for.

He hadn’t made it three paces from the Forum before he turned back. Each step from Loren’s side felt like wading too far from shore. He couldn’t leave, and this time it wasn’t the fault of city guards or Darius or the helmet. Felixwantedto stay. He wanted Loren safe, not torn apart by a pack of political dogs. Wanted Loren with both his shoes on.

That scared him more than magic or memory ever could.

Felix took a steadying breath. ‘I’m only returning his sandal.’

Livia still gave himthe look. ‘It isn’t about the shoe.’

‘Isn’t it?’

‘You should find him.’

‘I’m trying.

‘He could use a friend.’

‘Right,’ said Felix.

She hummed. ‘I was only a girl when my parents kicked me out,’ Livia said, the change in topic so abrupt, Felix felt dizzy. ‘I thought to myself, that was it for me. No more trusting. Care is hard to accept when all you’ve known is hurt. Until I moved here, and Nonna took me under her wing. She helped me open my shop. And I met someone else who proved me wrong. He’s gone, but you know what I learned?’

‘I don’t think I want to,’ Felix said, defences creeping higher.

He must have looked like a proper fool, standing on her step like that. Livia set her broom aside and pulled him into a crushing hug, squashing the bread. This type of touch set off alarm bells but, for once, he forced them silent.

‘I learned,’ said Livia, rubbing Felix’s back, ‘that love doesn’t mean losing yourself. You don’t have to sacrifice anything by letting someone in.’

‘It isn’t that easy.’ The admission burned. ‘Not for me.’

‘Your walls exist for a reason, I imagine. Start by finding someone willing to make the climb.’ Livia released him but kept a hand at his flaming cheek. ‘I meant what I said. I’m glad Loren found you. He’s a good boy, but he needs a tether.’

Only a mother could get away with saying these words. A little thrill shot through Felix that Livia had murmured them to him, as if he and Loren were more than two boys thrown together by bad luck.

‘Run along, love. You’ll find him.’ Livia ruffled his hair and swatted him away. She returned to her sweeping, and Felix returned to his search, and that was that.

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