[This post is from Marin’s point of view.]
“Stop you from doing what?”
Neither of us had heard Seamus’s approach, much less realized that he’d jointed us just in time to hear Aoife’s stubborn declaration. She stared at him, startled, her eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights of a car.
She hasn’t discussed it with him.
Idly, I wondered who else she hadn’t made her intentions known to.
Does her boyfriend know?
Whether or not Gray knew and whether or not he thought it was a good idea wasn’t my problem. What she wanted to do, though—that was.
“Aoife’s decided to go after Hecate whether we want her to or not,” I said quietly, staring at Seamus.
For a long moment, he just stared back, blinking slowly. Then his gaze shifted to take in his cousin, who stood in front of him with a stubborn set to her jaw.
“Is that true?” he asked softly.
“I am not going to let her come after any of you again,” she said, sounding almost petulant, like a child who’s been caught with their hand in a cookie jar after they’ve been told they’ll spoil their dinner.
Seamus stared at her for a long moment before he shook his head slowly. His voice was mild, almost chiding as he spoke. “I won’t allow it, Aoife. It’s too dangerous, regardless of who you’ve managed to recruit to come along.” A brow arched. “Who have you convinced to come along?”
She glared at him. “You can’t tell me what to do.”
“I think I can,” he said quietly, stepping away from her and walking over to the fire to check the pot I’d been tending. “Stew, Marin?”
I nodded, glancing from him to Aoife. She just stood there, staring at him, as if she was waiting for an explanation. Just when I thought it wasn’t going to come, Seamus glanced back at her.
“I’m the head of our clan, Aoife. For the good of our surviving kin, you’re going to leave well enough alone. Am I clear?”
Hmmmm….
I wonder if that’ll work.
It’s a nice try either way.