For a moment, I had the impression that everyone had fallen silent to hear my answer; even the crackling of the burning wood became audible.

  —I don’t know. — I said, looking at Karen. — I want her.

  —But she rejects you. — Nissi’s ears twitched.

  —I am not going to spread my legs for you! — Karen snapped. — I won’t be part of your collection.

  The Seliums focused on me. There was curiosity on their faces, and Aerin gave it voice:

  —What did she mean?

  —I believe she’s referring to sex. — It was the first time I had heard that expression used that way.

  —We are not talking about sex, Karen. — Nissi turned toward her. — We’re talking about someone to belong to, to love, to care for and to be cared for.

  —You want me to marry him. I don’t know him, and I won’t be just another one. — Karen remained defensive, though she held her composure despite the anger in her expression.

  —But William is an open book. — Aerin said, irritated. — Just look into his eyes. He’s transparent.

  —Why do I feel exposed? — I murmured.

  Aluram covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter.

  Tariel and Anastácia approached, and at the same time a small light streaked through the night near the fire. Aninha hovered between us, now wearing a beautiful golden dress that reflected the firelight. She had not been wearing it minutes before.

  —Girls, we humans are not capable of perceiving and being certain so quickly. And when we are, we don’t believe it. — I said.

  —Anastácia is human, and even though you have Tariel, she chose to stay. — Nissi observed.

  —Perhaps because of the bath William gave her. — Tariel said with a smile. — It was the most extraordinary moment of my life.

  —I agree. — Anastácia, beside me, kissed my cheek. — That was the night I felt tenderness for myself. Something I had never known and could not afford to lose.

  —It makes you want to run outside and shout: everyone should come experience this delight! — Tariel embraced me.

  I smiled, slightly embarrassed.

  —William, you never gave me a bath! — Nissi complained.

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  —Nor me. — Aerin added, almost annoyed.

  —I will. I promise. I will take great pleasure in cleansing every part of your bodies. — I smiled.

  —I want one too! — Elvinia said, breaking her silence.

  Karen stared at her friend, eyes wide, palms raised.

  —Wait! — the Fairy shouted. — You’re losing focus. We’re talking about Karen.

  —That’s true… — Nissi muttered, displeased. — But I still want the bath.

  I didn’t understand the reason, but Aluram was nearly shaking, trying to contain her laughter. The conversation, however, would soon take a darker turn.

  Karen stepped closer to Aninha. She did not attempt to touch her, yet the fairy moved slightly away.

  —Don’t you like me? — Karen let adolescent vulnerability take over her face.

  —I do. But I’m afraid of you.

  —I won’t hurt you.

  —You are poisonous to the Sekvens, to Fairies, even to Seliums. — I said.

  The statement startled her.

  —We are the ones poisonous to humans. — Aerin said, confused.

  —Yes, physically. — I explained, taking a breath before continuing. — But we humans are poisonous to the Known Universe—and to ourselves—when it comes to feelings and emotions.

  —Who said that? — Karen grew visibly irritated. — The Sekvens? Do you worship them? Are they gods? Do they never make mistakes?

  —They do make mistakes. — Aninha said, settling onto my shoulder. — Don’t move too much, or I’ll end up touching you.

  —That wouldn’t be so bad. — I teased.

  Aninha smiled and kissed my neck, sending a shiver through me and drawing smiles from almost everyone. The gesture only fueled Karen’s anger.

  —Then why don’t you tell us about one of their mistakes? — the young woman continued, hands on her hips.

  Aninha looked down at her small fingers as though the attacks did not reach her. Then she used the same tone Melissa employs when she stills us. The fairy’s sweet, playful voice lost its lightness and became a cold arrow, aimed directly at Karen’s already wounded heart.

  —They may have made a mistake in saving you.

  If Karen’s blood had been burning, it froze. She went pale, stiffened, and would have fallen had I not caught her quickly in my arms.

  —I didn’t say it to hurt you. — Aninha hovered before us. — I’m used to humans. I can handle these negative energies. — She made a face, already returning to her usual self. — You asked for a truth, and I gave it to you.

  Aluram moved aside so I could sit down with the young woman still in my arms. She trembled, and her tears ran down my neck.

  —I want to understand. — Tariel said to Aninha.

  —I’m not a historian. — the fairy complained. — Ask your husband. He knows.

  Everyone turned to look at me—even Aluram. But before I could adjust myself to speak, Karen asked a question that cut deeply:

  —Am I a bad person?

  It hurt all of us. Aninha, however, laughed softly before answering:

  —No, my dear. You are not bad. It was your love for Elvinia that saved your lives. We all love you. We know you’re struggling with serious emotional wounds. — Aninha moved a little closer to her. — I want to touch you and show you, but for that, you must allow us in.

  —And once we enter, you will belong to us. — Kane arrived unexpectedly, accompanied by Yoko and Frederik. — We would also like to hear part of the story.

  —Did you come to make sure I don’t forget to tell anything?

  —It is interesting to hear others tell stories in which we are the protagonists. — he said.

  Then Zircon, Julis, and three other Xerantos approached.

  —It sounds interesting. We would like to hear your side of the story. — Zircon said, sitting down on the ground.

  They all sat before me.

  Karen tried to leave my lap, but I did not allow it, holding her with quiet firmness. She had regained her color, though her face remained flushed.

  —Relax… — I said, holding her gaze. — Let me have the pleasure of caring for you.

  —Everyone is watching. — she said softly.

  —Only you still believe that matters. — I replied with a faint smile.

  She glanced around briefly, then hid her face against my chest.