"Exactly." He shakes his head at me. "Untamable. That's what my mom would call you."

I toss a piece of grass at him. "That makes me sound like the crazy ocean with all its sirens and storms."

A funny look flashes across his face. "Why do you think I love it so much?"

Mr. Holm and Holm Manor bear only slight responsibility, liability, and legal obligation for the future societal changes that may result from your female children believing it is within their power and right to become whomever and whatever they desire.

"Lira," I say, "I don't suppose you'd be kind enough to translate?"

"I've never been accused of kindness before."

"People don't tell secrets because someone needs to know them. They do it because they need someone to tell."

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

He shrugs. "What I do best."

"Getting on my last nerve ?"

"Saving you," he replies picking up his sword. "This is the second time. Not that I'm counting."

“You are a little heartless today, aren’t you?”

“Never,” I say. “There are seventeen under my bed.”