Twelve

ZORA'S POV

Finn held unusually still while I brushed his hair. He was better this morning, but I could still see the terror of last night lurking in his eyes.

"Off you go now," I said as cheerfully as I could. "The driver will drop you off at school but I promise to come pick you up myself. Freya will join you at school tomorrow. Is that okay?"

He nodded and glanced briefly at Freya who sat on the living room sofa looking a bit pale and wan.

"Off you go, Finn," she said and waved her hand imperiously in the direction of the door.

Finn rolled his eyes and shouldered his backpack.

"Bye, Mum."

I bent and he planted a kiss on my cheek. He was almost out the door when he hesitated, turned back, ruffled Freya's neatly combed hair, and ran outside before she could react.

Freya smiled and looked fondly after him. It felt as though she wanted to go after him but couldn't. I was still worried about her and that was why I did not want her to go to school today.

I wanted to take her to the