Page 56 of Crossing Between
Ruth shook her head. "Different ain't always better, honey."
She excused herself a few minutes later,claiming she needed her "morning nap," which was code for her favorite soap opera. Once she was gone, Kenji turned to me.
"What happened back there? You nearly collapsed when he hugged you." Kenji took my hand.
I hesitated, not wanting to voice my suspicions. "I don't know. Something felt wrong."
"Wrong how?"
"My magic," I struggled to find the words. "It pulled away from him. Like it was repelled or something."
Kenji's expression darkened. "Has that ever happened before?"
"Never," I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warm morning. "My magic has never reacted to Ryan that way. It's always recognized him as family, as safe."
"And now?"
"Now it's like," I swallowed hard. "Like it doesn't recognize him at all."
Kenji placed his hands on my shoulders, his touch grounding me. "Zoey, look at me. What are you thinking?"
I met his gaze, fear tightening my chest. "I don't want to believe it."
"Believe what?"
"That something's wrong with my brother," I whispered, the words tasting bitter.
Kenji pulled me against his chest, his arms encircling me protectively. "We'll figure this out. You're not alone in this, remember?"
I nodded against his chest, drawing comfort from his solid presence. "I know."
"Come on," he guided me back inside. "Let's get you warmed up."
In the living room, Kenji built a small fire in the old fireplace while I wrapped myself in a blanket on the couch. Theflames cast dancing shadows across the walls, reminding me of the lanterns in the meadow last night.
Kenji settled beside me, pulling me against his side. "Talk to me."
"It's not just my magic's reaction," I spoke slowly. "It's everything. The way he moves, the way he speaks. Even the way he looks at me. It was all slightly off, like someone trying to play a role they've only read about. What if..." I couldn't finish the thought.
"We don't know anything for certain yet," Kenji's voice was gentle but firm. "Let's not jump to conclusions."
"But if it is the Essencefeaster doing something to my brother?"
"Then we'll deal with it," he cut me off. "Together. But right now, you need to rest and recover your strength."
I knew he was right, but fear still gnawed at me. If the demon had somehow taken my brother, or worse, then nowhere was safe anymore.
Kenji seemed to read my thoughts. "I'm not leaving your side, Zoey. Not for a second."
His promise loosened some of the tension in my shoulders. I turned to face him, cupping his cheek in my palm. "Thank you."
His eyes darkened as he leaned into my touch. "For what?"
"For being here. For believing me."
"Always," he whispered, closing the distance between us.
His kiss was gentle at first, comforting rather than demanding. But as I pressed closer, seeking the warmth and safety he offered, the mood changed. Heat bloomed between us, driving away the cold fear that had gripped me since Ryan's was here.
