I let out a rattling sigh. It’s cold here. My skin is prickly with goosebumps. “It’s just been difficult. Being away from home. Not being able to go to work, or see you, any of that. I’ve missed you so much.”
There’s a beat of silence on the other line. “Kinz, honey, is there something you want to tell me?”
I bite my lip. “Well…”
“This is about Daniil, isn’t it? You’re in love with him, aren’t you?””
I take a deep breath, and look down at the house-in-the-cliff way down below me. I can see Isla lounging by the birdbath, sketching idly. Daniil is sitting a few yards away from her, brooding up a storm. Every now and then, I see their mouths move, but I’m too far to catch anything they’re saying.
“I can’t be,” I whisper back. “There’s no future there.”
“But you wish there was.”
“Of cou
