The statement made my blood run cold. It confirmed what the hag had prophesied about me. I had four years or less. I was starting to think my disease wouldn’t have a chance to get to me. Whatever Milonna wanted me to do would knock me off first.
“Have you told Ethan about this?” Kiara asked. Her eyebrows knitted together.
“No,” I said. “Why would I? The only people I’ve told are you guys.”
“Don’t,” Kiara said firmly. “This would break his heart.”
The mention of Ethan stirred something in me. I didn’t want to die, I wanted to live. Who were the gods to dictate how my life was gonna go? I wasn’t going to kick the bucket unless I had a say in it. I was going out onmyterms.
“Well, I don’t care. The stories are wrong,” I said. “Everyoneelsemight die on Milonna’s quests, but I won’t. I’ll be the first to survive.”
Kiara and Delmare glanced at each other, but Odette hiccuped and squeaked out, “You think so?”
“Of course.” I took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m not dying until I’m good and ready. The gods aren’t ready for me and the underworld doesn’t want to take me. I cause too much trouble.”
Odette hiccuped again and giggled, but Kiara and Delmare didn’t lift a smile. I’d failed to convince them.
When we got toEnchanting Whispers,Odette skipped to observe the crystals. Delmare and Kiara remained at the coffee bar and talked in low voices, shooting glances at me. I ignored them and scoured the books. What effect did myths and legends have on my life, anyway? Not a damn bit.
In one of the rows of shelves, I caught a long mane of fiery-red hair out of the corner of my eye, and my mouth dropped open in disbelief. What the hell? She was here! “Mom!” I shouted.
The woman turned around, and my spirits lifted as I recognized her green eyes and kindly stare. It really was her!
Mom’s smile widened. “Emma. I’m so glad to see you.”
I rushed into her arms and held her tightly. She still smelled the same— her hugs were still warm and soft. I pulled away slightly to gaze up at her in amazement. I couldn’t believe she was right in front of me.
“You look amazing.” I’d never seen my mom look so healthy. Her skin was glowing, and she’d put on weight. Her hair and makeup were done, and her nails shone with red polish. She was dressed like an Arcane would be, in a designer dress and coat, with high-heeled boots.
“I can use my magic now. The migraines have stopped completely.” Mom ran a hand through my hair. “I closed down the diner and moved to Dolinska. I just purchased a cottage outside the city. I’m thinking about opening up a restaurant in town soon. I wanted to come see you sooner, but I didn’t want to distract you during your semester exams.”
“Mom, that’s wonderful. So does that mean you’re here to stay?” I asked.
She nodded. “You were right. Malovia is where I belong. This is our home. I wanted to be here to watch you go through school.”
“I’m so happy you’re finally here.” I didn’t have to be separated from my mom anymore. This was like a dream come true. “Do you want to meet my friends?”
“I’d love to.” We rounded the corner, and Odette, Delmare, and Kiara glanced up as they saw me coming near.
“Guys, this is my mom,” I said. “She’s here to stay.”
“Wow, you guys look so much alike,” Delmare said. “It’s like looking at twins.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sosna,” Kiara said. She reached out to shake Mom’s hand, and she took it.
“Your mommy has such pretty eyes!” Odette exclaimed. “I always thought wolvens had the most expressive eyes. Like windows to the soul.”
Mom smiled warmly at Odette. “You’re an Oksana, aren’t you? I was very close with your mother growing up. She’s a beautiful dancer.”
“Oh yes, she is.” Odette nodded. “Though she had to give it up. Bad ankles.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Mom frowned. “It’s really too bad.”
“Yes. I think she’s mentioned you before, though I can’t remember what about.” Odette gave a quizzical look.
Mom laughed, but it sounded a little… forced. “I bet she has.”
That sounded ominous. There was no telling what sort of hijinks my Mom got mixed in when she was in school. Or if her relationship with Odette’s mom was still good.
