Before Shannon could respond, her sister went on.
“It gets worse, though,” she said softly and proceeded to tell her something unimaginable about their last life. It seemed, in the end, Shannon had been Riona’s judge, jury, and executioner.
She had thrust her into a magical fire that took her sister’s life.
“As far as Riona could tell, you were in charge of our druid coven.” Madison urged her to drink more. “You held the most power. The endless amount of animals that came to your aid both when you cried beneath the tree and ended Riona only seem to support that.”
She couldn’t be serious about all this? Yet she could tell by Madison’s grim expression she very much was. Shannon didn’t bother with another sip or two of whiskey but downed the entire cup.
“I find it hard to believe I could have ever done that to someone, let alone my own sister,” she finally managed, grateful when Madison heeded her gesture for a refill. “I just don’t understand.” She looked at her big sister for answers. “Why would I do such a thing if I fell in love with a guy back then too? If I committed the same forbidden act as you and Riona? Seems hypocritical, don’t you think?”
“It depends on the circumstances,” Madison said. “Other than being incredibly sad, we don’t know your and Liam’s backstory yet. You might not have found love by the time you ended her.”
“Liam,” she groaned under her breath, took another solid swig, and flinched. “Are yousureit was him?”
“Positive.” Madison shook her head. “Absolutely no doubt.” She gestured at their surroundings. “Your familiarity with this place more than confirms that.”
“I suppose it does,” she mumbled, not about to bury her head in the sand when it came to cold, hard facts. Or whateverthis was blossoming in her that made it all seem so true. As she pushed past logic to something more fantastical but still just as real. Just as absolute and without question as medicine working on animals. As surgical procedures healed wounds.
Liam was one thing. They could work around whatever happened in another life and set it aside to do what they needed to do. What she had done to her sister was another story.
“And she never said a word to me,” she exclaimed, taking another sip. “Riona was as sweet and excitable as ever in New Hampshire.” She shook her head and frowned. “It had to have been hard for her to learn, but she didn’t mention it. Never let on how much my betrayal had to have hurt.”
“She didn’t because she knows it isn’t who you are.” Madison shook her head as well. “She knows you’re incapable of harming a fly.”
“True,” Shannon conceded. “She probably wouldn’t have said anything either way, regardless.” She gave Madison a look. “You know she doesn’t do confrontation. She’d bottle it up if she thought it would hurt me.”
She loved Riona, but they had different personalities. Honestly, her little sister tended to exasperate her. She rarely thought before she acted. Life was nothing more than one adventure after another. It never occurred to her to get a dependable job so her future would be secure. In Riona's opinion, it had been unnecessary, given they would be traveling back in time. Or so that was the general consensus.
One Shannon hadn’t put much stock in until now.
“Riona’s not quite like she was before coming into her inner druidess,” Madison said. “Confrontation isn’t an issue anymore.” She shrugged a shoulder. “As to bottling up this whole you-killed-her thing, I don’t think so. Not that I could sense anyway, and we’re very connected now.” She pattedShannon on the shoulder. “I’m certain I would know if she were.”
Madison and Riona were close before all this, so maybe she was right if they were even closer now. Yet she felt on edge. Needed to make sure. It felt crucial.
“I need to see her again.” Shannon stood and wrapped herself in a towel. “It’s going to bother me until I do.” She eyed the various dresses left out for her. “I can’t....” She blinked back unexpected, annoying tears. “Things just won’t be right until I do.”
“Okay.” Madison rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Then she and I will switch roles.” A small smile ghosted her lips. “I’m sure she was eager to continue on with you and Liam anyway. Too much adventure to be had.”
“She was.” Shannon frowned at Madison. “But shouldn’t you be here with Cian?”
“No more or less than Riona should be with Declán,” she replied. “She and I are equally powerful. She volunteered to go because she was worried you might already know what she’d learned, seeing how you had been crying for days. Not to mention concerned about you and Liam being left alone together because you weren’t getting along well.”
“So you guys think my crying was related to killing Riona?” That would make sense to them and explain her tears beyond the obvious. Something Madison couldn't sense yet, thankfully.
“We don’t know,” Madison replied. “Maybe.” She frowned at the selection of dresses. “Sorry, none of these will do, sis.”
Shannon frowned when Madison chanted her into yet another dark peach linen dress. It was a bit more form-fitting and decorative than the last. “What’s with this color?” She gestured at the dress. “Make it green, please. You know I prefer that shade.”
“I tried, but it didn’t work.” Madison offered a rueful smile. “Your inner druidess wants this color, and honestly, she knows what you look good in.” She shook her head. “You might never wear it, but peach looks great on you. It suits your peaches and crème complexion beautifully.”
“Try to change it,” Madison went on, “but I guarantee whatever you put on is going to find a way to become the color of your druidess gown again.” She picked up the comb. “Turn around, and we’ll get your look polished off.”
“Why?” She went to take the comb from Madison, but her sister kept it out of reach. “I’ll just tie back my hair wet like I always do.”
“I sometimes forget how little you care about your appearance.” She nudged Shannon down onto a stool. “Now, sit still while I make you look more gorgeous than you already are.”
“Again,why?” She shot her sister a pointed look. “First chance I get, I’m going to find a way into pants. To hell with what’s in fashion. And I prefer having my hair back. Who cares what it looks like? It’s more functional that way.”
