Walking past the bathroom, I pause in front of it to listen in. Salka’s singing again, and her voice is pretty in there.

  ‘Huh, she tends to sing more when in a very good or bad mood… I think this one counts as good? I’m not sure.’

  Moving on so as to not get caught, I head into our room. It was mine, but since we’ve begun dating, we just share the one.

  It’s nice, sleeping together, or at least cuddling when we can’t sleep. And it does help the nightmares a little bit, I think.

  Going into the closet to get clothes to wear to bed, I wonder for a moment how Yuna must be doing. She said she was going to see her old family, so maybe they’re treating her well. Her and Oraxia.

  Wiping my tears, I chuckle a bit sadly. “Wow, I didn't think I’d end up missing the giant spider. But here we are.”

  Trying to grab a thin shirt to wear to bed as pajamas, one of Sal’s that are oversized, I bump against a shelf I haven’t touched in a month, before something hits my head from above.

  “Ow! What was that…” Rubbing my head, I crouch down and pick up the offending object… a journal. And it looks like one Mira might’ve had… huh.

  When did this get here?

  Opening it up, it’s not Mira’s handwriting. {Ugh, my head hurts. Mira’s spell hurts my head a lot. It was worth a shot, seeing if I couldn’t find Yuna with it, but it isn’t worth it. Besides drawing her attention again and risking truly having my soul torn apart, it also runs the risk of my mind splitting without that. She’s just too vast.}

  ‘Huh… too vast? Mind splitting? What is she on about? Is this why she was dazing off again lately? I thought it was just from the guilt of Yuna leaving.’ Blinking in realization, I fight a small scowl off my face. ‘And Mira’s spell? She used her true name for a spell too? Isn’t that a terrible idea?!’

  Sitting in the bed, I continue to read. {Well, guess I should write this down to offload a bit. Her spell lets me see the souls in things, their desires. Who they miss the most, what they want to do with them, how they want it done, and how to be them. It’s… well, I guess that’s not quite it. More like… looking at Lumi, I can see Yuna in her shadow. Smiling and sharing what she and Oraxia saw, hugging and cuddling her into her chest, and even faint hints of getting a kiss on the cheek when I look harder. But it’s overwhelming in the cafe, I see and hear these things from everyone now.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Fuck, I hope it fades soon.}

  Frowning, I put the book back. ‘She saw that? What? I… I mean I can’t lie, those things do make me feel excited a bit, and long for her back, but still.’

  Hearing the door open, Salka walks in and looks at me for a few moments, dazing out, before shaking her head and sitting next to me. “What’s up?”

  Looking up at her, I frown and cross my arms, annoyed she hid this from me. “You used magic without telling me.”

  Freezing, she looks around, before her tail wilts and she nods. “Yeah… I did. Didn’t need to worry you.”

  “Well you could’ve told me. I could’ve helped.”

  “...you read my journal, didn’t you?”

  Giving her a slight nod, I uncross my arms and look up at her, worried she’ll be upset. Instead… she just looks away, her leg tapping erratically. “It’s fine. Just… using arcane magic always has risks. Truths that are better left unseen. Realizing you’re just an ant, or seeing that which we weren’t ever meant to see, could drive someone mad.”

  Stomping up to her, I speak firmer. “So you should’ve told me, and I would’ve helped how I could. Even if helping would’ve been staying out of sight for a few days.”

  “No… that’s not fair. Besides… that’s a punishment, not a help. I need you around me.”

  Looking up at her, I see her eyes looking down at me… but her ears are flicking in the air. As if someone is speaking nearby, but I know nobody else is. So… “You still see it, right?”

  Eyes turning to face behind me, at my shadow, she nods. “Yeah… it’s always Yuna related one way or another. She’s always on your mind, right?”

  Tail wilting, I nod and lean into her side. “Of course. She’s been my only family for… years. Since shortly after Mom died. Even if I… had someone before then, Yuna was my lifeline through it all. And now, I feel like I threw it away.”

  “Don’t. When she comes back… and she will… then you can tell her everything you want, and make sure she won’t run again. Alright? You’ll get your chance.”

  My voice grows to a whisper. “...even if that means you get less attention?”

  “Even if it means that I get less attention. I’ll just give her attention with you.”

  Smiling despite the somber mood, I nuzzle into her chest, purring quietly. “Thanks.”

  “Of course.” Feeling her kiss my head, I relax into her more. At least… whatever I end up deciding, I know she’ll be on my side.

  ___

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