The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #1)

by T.J. Klune

Linus pulled the covers back up to his shoulders. Lucy turned on his side, looking up at Linus. “I don’t want you to go.” Linus swallowed thickly as he crouched down next to the bed. “I know. And I’m sorry about that. But my time here is just about finished.” “Why?” “Because I have responsibilities.” “Why?” “Because I’m an adult. And adults have jobs.” Lucy grimaced. “I never want to be an adult. It sounds boring.” He reached out and brushed a lock of Lucy’s hair from his brow. “I think you’ll make a fine adult, though it won’t happen for a long time to come.” “You’re not going to let them take us away, are you?” Linus shook his head. “No. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.” “You will?” “Yes, Lucy.” “Oh. That’s nice of you.” Then, “You’re going to be gone when I wake up.” Linus looked away but didn’t answer. He felt Lucy’s hand brush against his face. “The others don’t know, but I do. I can see things, sometimes. I don’t know why. You. Arthur. He burns. Did you know that?” Linus inhaled sharply. “Did he tell you that?” “No. I don’t think he’s allowed. But we know. We all know. Just like we know what you both did when you left the other day. He’s one of us. Just like you.” “I’m afraid I don’t have magic.” “You do, Mr. Baker. Arthur told me that there can be magic in the ordinary.” He looked back at Lucy. His eyes were closed. He breathed deeply. Linus stood. “Thank you,” he whispered. He made sure to leave the door open a little when he left,...