Page 92 of Starrily

“You don’t have to. Not right now. I’ll understand.” In the end, it didn’t matter. His problem remained, regardless of what his name used to be and what life he used to live.

But he did wish that, at some point, she’d accept it. So that at least one person knew and understood. So that he could think about it and not feel so alone.

They sat in silence for a bit.

“If it is all true,” Callie finally spoke, “then what happened to Simon when you took over his body? Where is his soul?”

“That’s the part Shanna can explain. Will you come with me?”

Callie sat motionless for a few moments more. “All right.”

When they returned, Shanna was in front of the cabin, shifting from one foot to another. She waved awkwardly as they approached.

“Hi,” she said. “All good?”

Callie stayed silent.

“We’re working on it,” Simon said. “Could you explain the mix-up with the souls?”

“Of course.” From underneath her tunic, Shanna fished out a tacky golden heart-shaped locket. “Meet Simon.”

Callie raised her eyebrows. “You turned him into jewelry?”

“No! No, no.” Shanna giggled. “I’m notthatkind of a witch. Simon’s soul is in this locket. It inhabited it when I performed the ritual. I thought it was only a piece of his soul because I saw in the newspapers that Simon was alive. So I figured I messed something up and split his soul into two pieces, and one came to the locket, and the other returned to his body. Turns out I messed up even worse, and I pulled thewholeSimon in here and another soul into his body.” She made an awkward, apologetic smile at Simon. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he said. “You did save my life.”

“Is this why Simon—uh, this one,” Callie waved her hand at him, “now has problems?”

“What problems?” Shanna asked.

“The resurrection isn’t sticking,” he said. “I’m turning back into a ghost. Little by little. Before you showed up, I completely phased out for a few minutes.”

“Oh. Oh no.” Shanna looked genuinely sorry. “It might be. Because, you see—why it was so crucial for me to find you—Simon, the one in my locket, also has a problem, and I thought it was because of the split, and that reuniting this piece with your body would help, but—”

“What problem?” Callie asked.

“His soul is also fading.”

“He’s a ghost … and becoming more ghostly?” Callie said, uncertainly.

“He’s getting weaker. I’m afraid if he’s kept in this locket for much longer, he’ll disappear entirely.” Shanna rubbed her eyes. “And there’ll be no more Simon.”

From the corner of his eye, Simon caught Callie stealing a glance at him. They were both fading—but at least for now, he still had a body.

“So what did you mean to do by seeking us out?” Callie asked.

“I intended to join the two pieces of his soul. But there’s only one piece, so … I guess Simon’s soul needs to be reunited with his body, which will stabilize it.”

“Well, you can’t do that! It’s already occupied!” Callie said.

Simon felt a strange sense of satisfaction at her outburst. Could she still care for him, even after all the twists and turns and supposed betrayals?

“I can’t let Simon die,” Shanna said.

“And I’m not lettinghimdie!”

“Ladies.” Simon stepped between them, spreading his arms to keep them apart just in case. “May I suggest something?”