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“Rhyanaes. An old fae city.”

She nodded. “I’ve heard of it. And this Byrgir, is he your boyfriend?” she asked.

I felt the heat rise to my face and I blushed. “No, just a good friend. He helped me get to Rhyanaes.” I kept my head down and my eyes on the tea I prepared, hoping she wouldn’t notice. Nothing like my mother asking about boys to bring back the shame and embarrassment with the bitter intensity of my teenage years.

She didn’t acknowledge my obvious reaction to his name. “And you have a home in Rhyanaes now?”

“We’re staying with a friend of his for the time. Lots of questions, Mother,” I said.

“Sorry, I’ve just been so worried about you, Hal. You’ve been gone a long time.”

“I know, and I’m sorry for that. But things have gotten more complicated since I left. I’m not just here for a visit. I have a lot of questions of my own.”

She looked up at me and opened her mouth to respond. No doubt to brush it off, act like she didn’t know what I was talking about. But she closed it again when she saw the look of determination on my face. There would be no more avoidance.

“Yes. Yes, I suppose you do.” My mother sighed. She poured boiling water into the teapot and placed the lid on it, then carried it into the living room. I followed with the mugs. Seemed like I’d still have to wrestle it out of her.

“You have a beautiful home,” Byrgir said as we entered. The tabby was now curled happily in his lap, purring as he stroked her. No doubt he had heard our conversation from the kitchen. Another trait of my family: Talking about others while they were within earshot as if they couldn’t hear you. At least she hadn’t said anything negative.

“Thank you,” my mother said, setting the teapot down on the table. I set an empty mug next to Byrgir, and he smiled at me in thanks.

“How long have you lived here?” he asked. “Must have taken years to build all this.”

Once again, I envied his confidence. His usual cool social grace, even amongst strangers in new places.

“Oh, twenty-three years now, I suppose. Just before Halja was born.”

“You’ve done beautiful work,” he said, looking around the house.

“Thank you.” She smiled kindly at him. “Feel free to have a look around once you’ve warmed up. And help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I’m sure Noirin will be in soon and can help you. But, if you don’t mind, I need to talk with my daughter.”

“Of course. Would you like me to leave?” He began to scoop the cat from his lap to stand.

“No, no, I’d rather take a walk.”

She then retrieved a wool sweater for herself and another dry one for me. One she had knit for me years ago, charcoal-gray with a lazuli and white pattern around the yolk. I loved that sweater. Byrgir made eye contact with me, a questioning look,asking without words if I was alright. I gave a small nod and followed my mother toward the door.

“We’ll be back in a bit,” I said to Byrgir. He raised his mug of tea to me and mouthedGood luck.

We walked in silence out the gate and down the road toward the sea cliffs. The rain had stopped and the sun had broken through scattering clouds, casting shadows on the deep gray-green of the storm stirred ocean.

Finally, I said, “I need to know the truth, Mother. Enough lies.”

She let out a long breath, keeping her eyes on the horizon. “I know. I should have told you everything a long time ago. And I will tell you everything now. But it will be easier for me if I can show you.”

We wove our way down the sea cliff trail to the rock ledges and small beaches of the liminal space between land and sea. She stopped on a rock ledge that sloped into the ocean. Waves lapped at its shore.

“I’m not human, Halja. As I’m sure you know.”

“I know,” I said with a nod, eyes on the ocean, just as hers were. “I’ve known since the day I found your sealskin.”

“And neither is your father,” she said. “Your real father. Which means you aren’t either. Not even half.”

Nothing could have prepared me for that sentence. A sharp pang of anxiety began to beat at my core. My stomach twisted, but I waited for her to continue.

“If you will allow me, I’ll show you my story,” she said.

“I think we’ve waited long enough.”