“One night they came, and we repelled them. It wasn’t even that large an attack. Nothing like the one we suffered when you were with us. But afterwards, when we all gathered back together, he was just… gone.”
“Lil pursued them,” Elan said. “She never tells that part.”
“Many of us did, Elan.”
“Not like you.”
Lil shrugged.
“After Chapel, Lil has led us in his stead,” Elan continued. “She kept our community together. If not for her, it would’ve collapsed completely.”
“Elan is being generous,” Lil said. But Elan shook his head.
“No, I’m being honest. If not for her, I don’t think any of us would’ve survived.”
“What will you do now?” Gamble asked.
“Get well first, I hope,” Lil said. “After that, I have no idea.”
“You could come to Morningside,” Cass said. “I’m sure we could find a place for you there. For all of you.”
Lil made a little frown, but more from thought than displeasure at the idea. “I’m not sure how my people would adjust. That would be quite a shock.”
“It’s not like it used to be,” Wren said.
“And yet you fled it?” Lil asked. Cass and Gamble exchanged a quick glance.
Lil smiled gently. “You looked too much like a war party for me to believe you were just out for a visit.”
“It’s temporary,” Cass answered. “We’ll be returning soon.”
Lil dipped her head. She didn’t press for more information, but her eyes suggested she knew more than they’d shared. “We need some time to recover. Then we’ll see. It’s been years since I’ve been to a city.”
“We can exchange SNIPs, if you like. When it comes time to make a decision, you can always pim me.”
Lil nodded. “I’d like that. And what about you then? How many days do you think you’ll be with us?”
Gamble shook her head. “Not many. We don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re free to do as you wish, of course, but you’re no burden to us.”
“Just the same,” Gamble said.
“I understand,” Lil answered, and the tone of her voice suggested she really did.
They finished their meal together, with the conversation carefully directed away from any more discussion of future plans. Wren was finally able to provide some closure for Lil and the others, telling the full story of what had happened after he’d left their compound: of Mister Carter’s death at the hands of Dagon; of Three’s attempt to reunite Wren with his father and his sacrifice; and of Asher’s terrifying domination of the Weir, and of Cass’s return.
“It all seems so impossible,” Lil said. “And yet here you are. When Mister Carter didn’t return, we knew something terrible had happened, but…” She trailed off with a shake of head.
Both Lil and Elan had questions about the Awakened, which they asked diplomatically. It was clear they still weren’t fully comfortable with the idea or the implications, but they seemed to be genuinely making an effort to understand and to accept this new reality.
Cass wondered how much of the distance kept by the others here had to do exclusively with Painter and her. The more they all talked, the more she felt the group would’ve been welcomed far more had she not been accompanying them.
There was some discussion of the change in the Weir, a comparing of notes, though that proved of little use. What had caused it or what it meant remained a mystery to them all. Only, neither Lil nor Elan recalled having heard the Weir make the strange noise; Wick managed a fairly good impression of the uncanny “Spshhhh. Naaaah” — but no one recognized it.
Soon after they’d finished eating, Wren began to nod. Cass acted, and escorted him back to their room, and Painter took the opportunity to excuse himself as well.
There were still things Cass needed to discuss with Lil and with Gamble, but Wren didn’t want to be left alone.
“Can I stay with Painter for a little while?” he asked.
“I don’t think that’d be a good idea, sweetheart,” Cass said. “Painter might like to have some time to himself.” She tried to couch it in terms of what would be good for Painter, but in reality, she didn’t like the idea of leaving Wren alone with him. Not since his disappearing act.
“Just until you come back, I mean.”
“I can stay with you until you fall asleep, if you want.”
“He’s not going to hurt me, Mama,” Wren said. He looked at her with his big sea-green eyes, and they were steady and determined. “And I think it might help him. He talks to me sometimes.”
Cass still didn’t like the idea; Painter hadn’t really seemed himself lately, not since he’d confirmed Snow’s identity. But it was true he’d never shown any signs of doing any of them harm. On the contrary, he’d gone out of his way to aid them, and lost his home for it. And maybe he would open up to Wren. If it helped Painter get a hold of himself, it’d be worth it. Even if not, maybe it’d at least give them some insight into what was going on with him.
“We can ask,” she said. “But it’s his decision.”
Wren nodded. They crossed the hall and Cass knocked lightly, half-hoping Painter would be asleep already, or at least wouldn’t answer the door. But she heard him stir, and then the door cracked open. The room was dark, and he peered out with his glowing eyes.
“Didn’t wake you I hope,” she said.
Painter shook his head. “Not sleepy.”
“Wren was just wondering if you’d like some company for a little bit,” Cass said, wording it so it didn’t sound like she needed him to watch her son. She tried to give Painter every out to say no. “I figured you might want to be alone, though, and Wren understands. But I told him we’d ask, just in case.”
“No, sure,” Painter answered. He opened the door a little wider and stepped back. “It’d be n-n-n, it’d be nice.”
Cass gave it one last shot. “Are you sure? I know you’re exhausted, and it’s not going to hurt our feelings if you say no.”
“It’s no prrr-roblem. Really.”
Cass nodded, hoping her disappointment wasn’t too apparent. She turned to Wren and put her hands on his shoulders, turning him to face her. “Half an hour. Then to bed.”
“How about an hour?” he asked.
Cass sighed. She’d often wished that Wren had been more assertive; now she kind of missed the days when he’d just do whatever she asked without arguing. “Forty-five minutes. I’ll come back and check on you.”
Wren nodded. She bent down and kissed him on top of the head. Wren went into Painter’s room and sat on one of the beds, where Painter’s backpack was.
“Make sure he stays out of trouble,” Cass said.
“Yes, ma’am,” Painter said. Then he asked Wren, “You want the light on?”
“No, that’s OK. Unless you want it.”
Painter turned back and stared at Cass. After a moment, he cocked his head slightly and his eyebrows went up. Cass finally realized he was waiting for her.
“Alright,” Cass said. “I’ll be back in a little bit to get him.”
Painter nodded. Cass lingered a few seconds longer.
“I’m not g-g-going to rrrr-run off with him or anything,” Painter said softly.
Cass felt embarrassed, as if he’d guessed her mind. She gave a little laugh. “No, I know, of course not. I’m just… being a mom, I guess. Have a good time.”
“You too,” Painter said.
“I don’t know about that,” Cass said with a chuckle, and then she waved at Wren, who gave her an emphatic go away already look. “See you in a little bit.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Painter repeated, and he closed the door. It clicked shut, automatically locking. It took an effort for Cass to turn away from the door and to start walking back down the hall. He’d be fine. Just being a mom, indeed.