Chapter 27
Twenty - Seven
Shaye
With Soraya Harland under the weather, Finn left early this morning to spend time with his parents, leaving Eris to man the apothecary shop solo.
They'd gone back and forth this morning about it.
Finn felt guilty she'd have to run the store on her own and said they should close for the day.
Eris, stubborn as she is, refused to listen to him and opened the apothecary shop anyway.
I'm sure she's trying to keep herself busy knowing the Hydrans, including her mother, will be attending Ronan's wedding.
At least, he's finally found a bride.
Atlas told me all about Viella and how he introduced her to Ronan.
What shocked me most was how Ronan asked her to marry him, she originally declined.
But after a few more dates, and an explanation for his hastiness, Viella agreed and they've been attached at the hip ever since.
It's nice to see Ronan happy through this process now.
But as Nyx and I make our way to surprise Eris at the shop, my heart is heavy for her.
If I knew my parents were going to show up, I'd be sick to my stomach.
A family reunion isn't high on my list of priorities.
But for Eris, it could be a life-or-death situation if her mother discovers her here.
Hopefully these pastries from Treats will brighten her day.
Or rather, night. By the time Nyx and I finished with our training, the sun had set.
No matter, we'll still be able to surprise Eris right before close and if she'll allow us, help her clean so she doesn't have to shoulder that burden alone.
"I don't think she'll notice if one is missing, Kitarni," Nyx's voice jars me from my thoughts. "My stomach is growling so loud, I bet they can hear it from across the street." He thumbs to the other side of the avenue at passersby, and I shake my head, my brows pinching together.
"I told you to eat before we left."
"Why would I eat before we left when we were coming to the shop to eat?" He narrows his gaze, hunger slowly taking over his sanity.
"You'll get one when we get there."
He groans. "You're so stubborn," he mumbles.
"Ironic coming from you," I hiss back. We are definitely not our typical selves. Maybe the hunger pangs are starting to overwhelm us. My stomach growls loudly enough to draw Nyx's judgmental gaze.
"Hungry, Kitarni?" He infuses sarcasm into each word. "If only we had a way to solve the problem."
My belly twists in pain. We haven't eaten since this morning. It'd be nice if we weren't bickering like an old married couple by the time we reached Eris.
"Fine," I succumb, hunger too great. "We can have one. Just one!"
"Thank the Stars!" Nyx flips the box open and plunges his hand inside, snatching a raspberry jelly filled pastry. In one swift, unholy motion, he's nearly swallowed the dessert whole.
I grab one for myself and slam the box closed before Nyx suckers me into permitting him two before we reach our destination.
"We're almost there," I chastise when he pouts.
"If we eat everything before we get there, then the whole reason for bringing Treats to Eris is ruined. We're trying to cheer her up."
"Fine," he surrenders. "Doesn't mean I won't grumble about it."
A few more blocks pass in a flash as our steps quicken. The apothecary shop is now within sight and my stomach rejoices. Nyx reaches the door first and flings it open with so much force it rattles the windows.
I slip inside right after him and sing, "Knock, knock!" I plop the box onto the butcherblock countertop at the checkout area and slap Nyx's hand as he reaches for another sweet.
"You said when we get inside – "
"Wait for Eris," I grit my teeth, ready to battle him to the death over this. My eyes widen. "Shit. We need to start eating lunch or something."
Nyx barks out a laugh and nods in agreement. "I've never come this close to hating you before."
"The feeling is mutual."
Eris finally comes around the corner from the back room and wipes her hands on her apron.
She offers us a wide and welcoming grin.
"Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise! What are you two doing here?
" She notices the box on the counter and narrows her eyes.
"And you brought Treats? What's the occasion? "
"Can't we stop by with pastries?" Nyx questions, eyeing me for permission and I nod granting it. He fishes out a second pastry and sinks his teeth into it and moans.
"You've never just stopped by with pastries before," she points out, suspicion in her eyes.
"Ok, fine," he says between chews, "we felt bad you were closing the shop by yourself since Finn had to go help our mother." He extends the box to her. "If you don't want any, we can always take them and leave."
"Bite your tongue, Nyx Harland!" She grabs a pastry. "I'll take all the pity desserts."
Nyx pulls up a stool and gets comfortable.
"How's the day been?" I ask, tearing into another pastry.
"There were so many customers today! At first, I was really intimidated because Finn typically deals with them. But turns out, after years of listening and learning from him, I was actually able to answer all their questions and point them in the right direction for products."
"I'm so glad you had a great day!" I beam. "Finn would be proud!"
"I'm sure he would be," she agrees with a fondness in her gaze. "I feel bad Soraya is under the weather though."
Nyx waves a dismissive hand. "She'll be all right. Finn's concoctions will have her back on her feet in no time. He probably stayed to have dinner with them."
"Speaking of dinner," she smiles sheepishly. "This is all I've eaten since breakfast."
"Eris!" I gasp, although I'm not really in the position to talk since Nyx and I nearly fist-fought over Treats a few minutes ago.
"It's ok," she takes another bite. "I was so busy I forgot to eat. I'll grab something on the way home if I'm still hungry."
"We can go get you something right now if you want," I offer.
Eris shakes her head. "Stop fussing over me." After a few more chews she narrows her eyes, staring from me to Nyx. "So, why don't you tell me why you two are really here?"
Nyx and I exchange a look. I open my mouth to deny ulterior motives, but she lifts a tattooed hand and says, "The truth this time, if you please."
I sigh. "Fine. You got us. How are you holding up?"
"With your mother arriving in Tronovia tomorrow and all," Nyx adds for clarification.
"I figured that's what she meant." Eris lets loose a sad chuckle.
"Just making sure everyone was on the same page," Nyx reaches for another pastry.
"I appreciate that." Her smile fades. "If I'm being honest, I'm doing better than I expected. Obviously, her coming to Tronovia is a bit stressful, but I have faith the dissimulo will keep my identity hidden from the Hydrans. Finn has never failed me before. I don't expect him to start now."
"So," I dare a glance at Nyx before asking, "You're really ok?"
"Yes," she nods, but I don't believe her.
Nyx elbows me. "And you thought this was a Treats worthy emergency."
"Excuse me for being concerned about my friend," I bite back.
He furrows his brow. "Like I'm not?"
"I appreciate your concern," Eris interrupts before Nyx and I bicker again. "Both of you. And Treats is always a welcome surprise."
"Well, I'm glad you're doing all right." I smile, dusting the powdered sugar from my hands. "Now, how can we help clean up?"
Eris shrugs. "I've basically done everything already. In fact," she takes note of the clock, "it's almost time to lock the doors. I'll sweep and restock items once I've finished eating."
"I'll sweep," I offer, hopping to my feet.
"Nonsense!" She fusses. "Come eat with me. I feel like I haven't seen you two in days with your dragon training and all."
"You should come watch us sometime, Eris," Nyx wipes the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "You'd be impressed."
"I'm sure I would be," she chuckles.
"Ok, seriously," I interject, rolling my sleeves up, determined to help. "Where is the broom? I'll start sweeping."
Nyx shoves the last of his pastry in his mouth and hops to his feet. "Put us to work, Eris."
"Fine," she rolls her eyes. "Nyx, I need some glass jars from the back room and Shaye, the broom is there, too. But you two don't need to help – "
"Too late," Nyx wipes his hands on his pants. "Just accept the help."
"Well, thank you." Eris grabs a towel to wipe the counter tops of the crumbs and sugar we left behind. "The best part is, I won't have to walk home by myself tonight."
Nyx and I push through the curtains and find ourselves in the storage room. It's just as neatly organized as the main floor. I shouldn't be surprised. It's Finn's shop after all. With each shelf and hook labeled, we find the jars and broom.
The bell jingles above the door when it opens. Nyx moves fast to see who came in so late, but I slap my hand to his chest, halting him when we hear Eris greet Finn.
"Finn! I didn't expect you to come in tonight." She plops the towel down on the counter. "I thought you were with your parents – "
"I need to talk to you." His voice is laced with a seriousness that sends goosebumps down my arms. Nyx and I glance at each other, silently agreeing to stay behind the curtain for now.
"Is something wrong?" Eris asks, a slight tremor in her tone.
"Eris – "
"You look pale." I watch through the flaps of the curtains as Eris reaches for Finn's face. "What happened? Is your mother all right?"
"Eris." Finn grabs her hand before she can touch him. His eyes are filled with so many different emotions I can't read. My heart begins to gallop, even though this has nothing to do with me. "Please," he exhales, releasing built up anxiety. "I just need you to listen."
"You're scaring me."