“Hold on.” He touched her lightly on the shoulder to stop her forward movement.
“What?” She paused on the sidewalk, still chewing a bite of eclair.
“You have a mustache. Don’t go walking around Paris with a mustache.”
She glided her tongue over her upper lip. “Better?”
He blinked. “Good enough.”
They resumed walking side by side.
“Did you follow me all the way here?” Raya licked chocolate from her finger.
“I couldn’t let you get murdered on your first night in Paris.”
“But the second night would be okay?” She elbowed him lightly.
“Oh, I’d make sure it didn’t happen until at least a week in. Otherwise you’d miss all the best sightseeing.”
“Good to know you care.”
Phoenix was oddly quiet for a moment. “Do you have any plans yet?”
“Plans?”
“Yes, woman—plans. Those things sensible mortals make? Ever heard of them?”
“Who needs plans? I’m in Paris. I’m going to the world’s biggest witchcraft convention. Isn’t that enough?”
“Right,” said Phoenix. “I mean, I don’t have any plans either.”
They walked in silence.
“Unless you wanted to grab something to eat sometime?”
Raya laughed. “Are you asking me to dinner?”
Phoenix glowered. “Of course not. But I thought maybe I could prevent your imminent murder by showing you around the city a bit.”
“That’s weirdly thoughtful of you.” Raya pulled a macaron out of the box and bit into it.
“If I don’t murder you first, that is.”
“Likewise,” said Raya. “Here, stuff this in your mouth and stop talking.” She pressed a macaron to his full and somewhat pouty lips, giving him no choice but to seize it with his teeth.
While he dealt with the unexpected mouthful, she took the opportunity to steer the conversation. “I want to see something cool. I can see tourist stuff on my own time. Where’s the demon dive bar?”
Phoenix snorted. “Not that you’d be welcome.”
“I didn’t ask for a welcome. I asked for something cool. Impress me.” She tore off a hunk of chocolate croissant and popped it in her mouth.
“Yes, Your Witchiness. I live to serve.” Phoenix bowed mockingly.
“Knock it off. It’s not like that.” Raya felt heat flare over her face.
“Not anymore, anyway.”
“Who’s the greater power, here, anyway? Me? With my little wand and barely noticeable spells? Or you, with your wings and your invisibility and your dream walking and your—”
