Gwen Jay tensed beside me as my family engulfed us in a hug. I hugged them back, noticing Erik and Maeve were here with my parents, but Bridget wasn’t. They released us, chatting so fast all I could do was nod. “Your mark is healing nicely!” My dad pointed to Jay’s neck; a cheery grin spread across his face. It was healing nicely, a soft pink and almost completely sealed. Much better than the angry red of a few days ago. “I think it’ll be fully healed in a few days.” Jay grinned, glancing at me. My cheeks burned and I glanced away, knowing exactly why his mark had started to heal. Maeve winked at me and took a sip of her drink as our family spread out a bit. “Shall we sit and drink?” My mom pulled out a chair. Drinks were spread out on the circular table, along with a few appetizers.

