Page 115 of Adversary to the Villain

“I’m glad,” Evie said honestly, because she was. She wanted to beg for Lyssa’s forgiveness, to do whatever it took to regain their footing, because the truth was? She was running out of time.

Lyssa was growing up.

It was wonderful.

And depressing.

“Did you enjoy your time away?” Lyssa asked.

Evie had expected the question to be charged with resentment, but it was more careful. Fearful, even. “I wouldn’t sayenjoyed…but I think in the state I was in…it was necessary.”

Her little sister gave her a tiny smile while she picked up her teacup. “I’m glad. You deserve some time for yourself.”

“Lyssa, I’m sorry!” The words burst from Evie in a trail of instant hysteria as she shot to her feet. “I know you’re angry with me, and you have every right to be, but please—I’d rather you yell than whatever this awkward politeness is.”

Lyssa stood up slowly, blinking as the words sank in. “Angry with you? I’m not angry with you.”

“You haven’t spoken to me since I got back! Every time I come to the door, you tell me you’re busy. When I come to bed at night, you’re already asleep. You’re up and out before I wake up. What else am I supposed to think?”

“I was trying to show you I could take care of myself!” Lyssa flopped on the ground dramatically, spreading her limbs like a starfish. She stared at the ceiling, and Evie stared at her, slowly meandering over and carefully laying herself down next to her, mimicking her stance.

“I know that you can,” Evie said, admiring the intricate architecture on the curved ceiling. “Lyssa, what is this about? Really?”

When Lyssa turned her head, silky strands of dark-brown hair lay next to her, brushing against Evie’s unbound curls. “You’re always trying to make things easier for everyone else. I just wanted to try and make things easier for you. I thought if I pretended you leaving didn’t bother me, I’d feel like less of a burden.”

“Lyssa Dorthea Sage.” Evie rose onto her knees, pulling her sister up with her hands. “You haveneverbeen a burden to me. Not for one single second of your existence.”

“But you didn’t get to do so many things because of me.” Lyssa’s voice was small, and her body language mimicked it as she tucked her legs into her chest. “You missed out on all the things I get to do. It’s not fair.” Lyssa stressed the words, and Evie rubbed a finger over the back of Lyssa’s hand.

Indeed, there were many things Evie would never get to do. Many things she’d missed out on. But shemissednothing.

“You’re right. There are lots of things you get to do that I didn’t.” Evie’s eyes welled with tears. “But I got to do something no one elseeverwill.”

Lyssa’s chin dipped. “What?”

Evie’s finger went underneath it, tilting Lyssa’s face up until their eyes met. “I got to raise you. And I promise you, sweet, that is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Lyssa’s arms went around her neck, and she cried into Evie’s shoulder. “I hated pretending I don’t need you. Because I need you quite a lot of the time, it turns out.”

Evie combed a hand through her sister’s hair and said, “It’s just as well. I need you quite a lot of the time, too. I missed you the whole time I was away.” Her magic did, too, it appeared, spilling out of her fingers in wisps of smoke, wrapping around her hands.

It was the perfect time for Trystan to walk back in with fresh sugar, spy the scene before him, and come to a halt. “There’s crying. Should I leave?” he asked steadily.

“No, it’s happy crying!” Lyssa giggled, climbing to her feet and tugging Trystan back toward the chair.

“You’ve made up, then?” He grunted, taking his teacup with an upturned pinkie.

“Yes,” Evie confirmed with a smile, claiming her seat beside him.

“Thank the deadlands. That was a stressful few days,” Trystan grumbled. “Now onto more important matters.”

Lyssa clapped. “Oh yes! Evie.” She turned toward her sister with an earnestness that made her laugh. “We’ve discussed it and agreed you shall be invited to our tea parties so you may join the villain lessons.”

“Oh?” She lifted a brow in Trystan’s direction. “How so?”

“You’re still learning your magic, but you need to have the right attitude about you,” Lyssa replied. “You’re too peppy.”

“Hey!” Evie protested while Trystan turned his face away, shoulders shaking. “Did you put her up to this, Chuckles?”