The gravel in his voice softening. “Use them wisely, Angeline.”

“Happy you know that, Malcolm.”

He dipped his chin, determination crystallizing like tempered steel. “I’ll return. With every soul intact.”

When I tried to grasp the pendant he lifted it just out of reach, a brief flash of mischief piercing the seriousness. “Ah, no. You’ll wear it properly.”

The chain hung cool against my collarbone, his fingertips grazing my nape — too deliberate a touch, too lingering. I took the opportunity to murmur, “If you run into Nathaniel, do give him a smack upside the head for me.”

Malcolm’s mouth flickered into some infuriating half-smirk, undimmed by the stakes. “Why...