Chapter 12

“You’re wrong,” Ainsley said quietly. “You weren’t alone.”

“Oh, yes I was. My mom lives in another city. I wouldn’t dare tell her what happened to me.”

“She knew.”

“What?” Callum snapped at him. “What did she know?”

“Everything. Your illness, Kevin. You don’t honestly think a mother would abandon her child like that, do you?”

“Then why didn’t she come?”

“She waited for you to call her.”

Callum gaped and let out a small sob. “Really?”

“Yes. She respected your decision. She wouldn’t simply barge into your life.”

“But she has the right.” Callum seemed close to bawling. “I felt so—so lonely.”

“I know. That’s why she asked me to watch out for you.”

“You—you were with me?”

“The whole time. And I know elves can die of broken hearts. I didn’t want that to happen to you. I wasn’t wasting any more time. I took you and brought you here.”

Callum’s sharp eyes were on him. “You mean you kidnapped me,” he said flatly. “And what do you mean you were with me the whole time?”