Quinn
Visiting Morehaven for my best friend’s wedding was a welcome escape, though I was careful not to phrase it that way to Eva.
It wasn’t that I disliked my time in Soleara.
Far from it, especially with the influx of problems to solve as the city welcomed outsiders for the first time in a century.
There were few things I loved as much as a good challenge.
Pari, Akeno, and Thorin had accepted me into their inner circle without hesitation.
I had met them not long before they had helped Eva escape from Aviel’s clutches after he brought me to Soleara, and they had welcomed me as one of their own ever since…
or at least, Pari had until recently. Without them, I knew we wouldn’t be here today, let alone attending Eva and Bash’s bonding ceremony.
Our group was often found together in Tobias’s kitchen late into the night. Once, I had gone to sit at the empty chair at the head of the table only for the entire group to tense and look at the stairs. I had quickly rerouted to sit somewhere else, though the chair remained vacant.
They had been surprisingly helpful in gathering what I needed for a few experiments, as evidenced by the mini laboratory that had overtaken my room.
I had even taken a trip to the mortal realm with them, returning with a few “borrowed” supplies from the lab I had once worked for, though I left a generous anonymous donation from my abandoned bank account in the mortal realm to ease my guilt.
It was fascinating seeing the minutia of blood and magic, the microscopic way my blood cells seemed to shine with a magical layer of protection.
Fae were unlikely to fall sick with so much as a cold with the magic of the land inherent in their blood.
While I knew I had to be careful with my research—Pari’s overreaction to the barest details left me certain of the taboo I was ignoring in my endeavors—I wasn’t about to stop if it could help people.
Before long, I had to move my clothes as well as my bed into the room next door as my makeshift lab expanded.
Tobias hadn’t cared when I asked, only mumbling, “No one else is using it.” I had a bad habit of not making it to bed when working late, often passing out beside my notepad, a pencil still resting against my lips.
Though when I woke up, I usually found myself in my bed, still wearing yesterday’s clothes, with a fresh glass of water on my bedside table.
I didn’t have to guess who tucked me in. After all, he was the only one it could be. Not that he had ever acknowledged it.
But I refused to obsess over the enigma that was Tobias Maris today.
Getting ready with my best friend felt like old times despite the vastly different circumstances.
The fun of it remained the same, and I was sure I wasn’t the only one who needed to escape from our new responsibilities.
We both needed this chance to celebrate together and reconnect.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
Eva’s teasing voice broke into my reverie, and I nearly smudged the kohl I was using to line my eyes. “Good luck finding a penny in this realm.”
She rolled her eyes. “Quinn Sagray, I should’ve known you were fae long ago from your inability to answer an easy question with a straight answer.”
I grinned at her. “Pot, meet kettle.”
Eva shrugged as if to say, fair enough, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
She reached down to scratch Phantom behind the ear.
The giant black dog usually followed Bash around, his fur blending into his master’s shadows.
Today he was curled up at her feet. His snout nuzzled into Eva’s hands, likely searching for a treat, as she let out a laugh.
“For whatever reason, he won’t leave my side today. ”
Phantom let out a loud grumble, like he knew we were talking about him. Eva scratched along the length of his back.
It was good to see my best friend so happy. She was owed a lifetime of it.
“I’ll let you off the hook for the penny,” I said impishly. “No need for bribery between sisters.” My voice softened. “I was thinking how nice it is to be back together, without anything looming over our heads. And that we really ought to do more girls nights once you’re officially Mrs. Ataren.”
Eva laughed. “Who says Bash isn’t becoming a Maris? Never mind the fact that I’ve never heard a fae use an honorific.”
A fair point. With the exception of titles, as evidenced by the High Queen across from me.
“Count me in for a night off,” Eva continued, looking wistful.
“Just you and me. Maybe a few friends too…Yael and Marin could use a break with everything they’ve been doing for the rebuilding effort, and I’ve been meaning to catch up with Pari if you wanted to bring her along.
” She reached for my hand, squeezing gently. “Or we could keep it just us.”
I wondered if Pari would come if she knew I would be there. She was still outwardly friendly to me, but it wasn’t the same. The secret I had foolishly admitted to her had changed something between us.
It had been a mistake. I should’ve told Eva first—and now found myself even more scared to fess up.
Instead, I had run away to Soleara, both to research and to avoid my best friend without looking like I was doing so.
Eva had been through enough, and I refused to be the cause of any more strife.
Besides, after Pari’s reaction, I wasn’t eager to test our friendship—or worse, cause any problems for her reign if it came out that Eva knew and kept my secret.
I should tell her. Pari had been pushing me to do so, though I had a feeling it was to make sure she wasn’t the only one who was keeping an eye on me. And I would…after the wedding.
“Might as well mix it up,” I said, squeezing back. “Make it a monthly thing for whoever can make it.”
Eva grinned. “Or we could double date. Anyone catch your eye that you haven’t told me about?”
Her tone was too casual in a way that made me feel like I was hiding something from her, though I wasn’t. At least not about my love life.
“Like I’ve had time to date lately,” I said with a laugh.
“Thorin introduced me to one of his friends, who took me out for a drink a while ago, but we didn’t hit it off.
” It had been months ago, and though he had been perfectly nice and more than a little handsome, I hadn’t felt an inkling of interest. “Akeno tried to set me up with someone too, but she just wasn’t my type.
” Actually, she looked almost exactly like one of my ex-girlfriends.
At the end of the night, she kissed me on the cheek, laughed at my obvious disinterest, and told me she would be happy to stay friends.
Eva went back to curling her hair, the fire magic imbued wand automatically flaring to life as she held it, adding, “So there’s no one you’re planning to dance with tonight?”
I slowly swiped on a rose-colored lip stain, pressing my lips together to even it out. For a heartbeat, a pair of familiar gold-flecked eyes flashed through my mind. A familiar figure deftly spun us around the dance floor, a gravelly voice whispering in my ear as those broad hands pulled me closer…
Clearing my throat, I muttered, “I’m sure Rivan’s a good dancer.”
Eva hummed noncommittally, brushing out her curls with her fingers.
“Though we should get him and Pari to take a spin together,” I added thoughtfully. “For two people that seem to get along with everyone, they sure seem to rile each other up.”
“Right?” Eva turned to me. “Do you know the story there? Bash had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned it.”
I shook my head. “Pari brushed me off when I finally asked. But I got the feeling there’s more to it.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Eva muttered conspiratorially. “In fact—”
She let out a hiss of pain, dropping the curling wand to the floor. Phantom let out a loud whine, nudging at the back of her legs.
I immediately ran to her side, picked up the curler, and set it safely on the dresser. My magic roiled under my skin even before I scanned her for injury, sensing the need. Eva winced, lifting her opposite hand. A burn reddened the back of it.
“I’m usually not this clumsy. I just—” She grimaced down at the angry mark.
“My mind must be elsewhere. You’d think an event like this wouldn’t make me nervous after everything that’s happened, but I keep thinking how much I preferred leading an army to planning a wedding.
” She laughed, but it sounded strained. “You should have seen me earlier when the seamstress came for one last fitting. I thought she stuck me with a pin on purpose because I couldn’t keep still. ”
“Let me,” I murmured, the bluish glow of my magic passing from my fingertips to cover the mark.
Eva let out a sigh as the burn disappeared. “Thanks. I know I should be able to do that for myself now…but for some reason, calling the magic of the land seems to be easier in life threatening situations.”
I knew she was already stretched too thin, but with my friend’s penchant for danger, it was past time she learned how to heal.
“We should take some time to practice your healing gifts now that the rebuilding efforts are finishing up,” I offered. “After your bonding ceremony, when things calm down a bit. With Marin and me teaching you, I bet you’ll have a handle on it soon enough.”
Eva nodded, then paused, glancing down at her left hand where a message appeared above her rose-shaped scar. I read the iridescent note over her shoulder.
Is everything okay, hellion?
The quill tattooed on Eva’s opposite palm seemed to come to life as her pointer finger touched the space where the message faded away. She smiled to herself as she wrote back, the bliss in it making my own heart want to burst.
I’m fine, worrywart. I’ll see you soon.
The Eva I knew back in the human realm hadn’t ever let herself open up to anyone.
She hadn’t allowed herself to like anyone, let alone stop guarding her heart long enough for it to turn into love.
It was gratifying to see her so free, as that anima bond healed something within her that had long been broken.
A blush colored Eva’s cheeks. I glanced down to see a new line of iridescent writing shimmering on her palm.
I can’t wait to see you in your dress. And to tear it off you later with my teeth.
Eva looked up at me like she had just remembered I was there before promptly choking on air. I dissolved into giggles as Eva tried to hide her hand behind her back, as if I hadn’t already read the words there. She broke a second later, laughing until tears shone in her eyes.
When I finally caught my breath, I walked toward the closet with a half-snorted, “Well, we better not keep your anima waiting. Though tell him that ripping your dress tonight would be nothing short of sacrilege. I can’t wait to finally wear mine.”
I had sent my measurements to my chosen sister months ago and had loved going through each revision of the seamstress’s sketches.
For tonight’s dinner, I was wearing a perfect pale-yellow dress I helped design myself, and for tomorrow, a ball gown so breathtaking it had brought tears to my eyes.
Its voluminous skirts fell in cascading layers of silk and tulle, and the bodice glittered with hand-stitched silver embroidery.
Both featured tiny crystals that caught the light like dew at sunrise.
Ever since my fitting a few weeks ago, I had been itching to slip into the final versions.
Before I could reach the handle, Eva caught my hand. I turned to see her suddenly serious face.
“I wanted to tell you how thankful I am that you’re here,” Eva said, sincerity ringing in each word. “I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side this weekend.”
“Besides your betrothed,” I added jokingly, even as tears welled in my eyes.
She smiled devilishly. “You came first, and he’s well aware of that fact.”
“We’re family, you and me.” I took her other hand in my own so that they were both clasped together. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
To my surprise, her skin felt clammy. Nerves perhaps—after all, she was about to host half the faerie realm in the coming days. A prickle crept up the back of my neck, my magic roiling inside me even as I tried to brush aside my unease.
There was a hint of shadow under her eyes and a certain heaviness in the way she was talking. Knowing Eva, she had likely put in too many sleepless nights lately with everything going on.
Before I could ask her if she was okay, she squeezed my hands. “Always forward?”
I smiled reassuringly. “Never back.”