"It'll heal," I said absently, taking a mirroring step forward, when Eric did. Derek looked wild, terrified, but I didn't think it was because of that thing. He looked at Eric like he expected the kid to be disgusted. To spit in his face and turn and run.

"It's okay," I said, stepping forward and holding out a hand to Derek. The kid just stood there. He didn't look surprised at all, really. So either he was in shock, or he'd figured out Derek's secret a while ago. I didn't really care either way. "Come on."