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“What the fuck happened to your ankle?”
“I think it hit the veil when I came through.”
“You’ve had that for over a month and never told anyone?”
I tilt my head and look at him. His body is strung so tight one more thing might make him explode.
“Fuck, never mind. Who the hell would you have told?”
Before I can respond, Rhys has his phone out and is calling someone.
The human realm and Fairy are alike in a lot of ways. Technology is not one of them. There’s no such thing as television and cell phones in Fairy. Ruby has already taught me so much in the short time we’ve been together. Some things I pieced together on my own while I was hiding out, but she’s shown me so many new things already.
“Can you come to Aspen Street, just out front of my bar?” There’s a pause where someone is obviously talking on the other end. “I know what time it is. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.” Another pause. “Thank you.”
Rhys rakes his hand through his hair again and I want to calm him. I wish I knew how.
“What did you mean earlier about giving me experiences?” I settle on a distraction to get his mind off my injuries. Rhys hesitates from his spot over Axil, but he eventually sits back down with a grunt.
“There are certain rights of passage that everyone should go through growing up.”
“Like what?”
“Things like learning how to drive, getting drunk.”
“I’ve been drunk before,” I interrupt, smiling when Rhys quirks one dark brow at me. “One of the other drudges and I stole some Fairy wine. I threw up until I thought I was going to die and swore I’d never drink again.”
“Well, maybe we can try again, but stop at the feeling good stage and avoid the puking your guts up stage.” He sits up straighter as if he’s thought of something else. “Did you celebrate your birthday in Fairy?”
“No. It isn’t really something that’s allowed unless you’re High Fae.”
“Cocksuckers,” Rhys hisses. “We’ll add that to the list, then. A birthday party, with a huge cake, made with a ton of flavors so you can see what you like best.”
I know there’s a dopey smile on my face, but it’s either that or cry. Because this is possibly the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. And all he’s done is talk about getting me cake.
“Is someone else dying, Rhys? Because I was almost asleep and I’m tired as hell.” A woman’s voice startles me, and I fold in on myself, all the joy disappearing.
“This is Lena, and that’s Archer.” Rhys turns to me, pointing to the woman who I recognize from the clearing. She’s the one who was on the astral plane. Rhys distractedly waves to the man, as if he’s an afterthought.
Lena? That’s his sister. He called his sister to come here? I look up and find the female version of Rhys squatting down by Axil, rubbing his belly. Behind her is a golden-haired man looking sleepy and disheveled. He has tattoos covering his arms and has both a threatening and yet somehow cheerful appearance.
They both give me genuine but tired smiles, and I tentatively return their greeting.
“Zara is hurt. Can you help her, Lena?”
“So, it’s okay for me to use my healing magic now?” Lena cocks her head as she questions Rhys. This must be an old argument.
“I was wrong. You were right, sister supreme. I’m awful for wanting to protect you. Can you pretty please look at Zara’s hand and ankle?”
Lena stands back up, throwing Rhys a narrow-eyed look. I shrink back when she turns to me, but there’s only kindness as she looks at me. Archer sits next to Rhys, almost out of sight because of the way the seat curves around the tree. The way he’s slumped against the tree and Rhys’s side, I think he might be sleeping already.
“Ignore all that. We’re both stubborn and trying to prove a point. It doesn’t have anything to do with you,” Rhys says while Lena rolls her eyes at him.
“Okay,” I murmur, not sure what I’m getting in the middle of.
“Can I see?” Lena moves around Axil so she’s standing beside me, placing me in the middle of the siblings.
“It’s her hand and ankle,” Rhys says as if he thinks I’m going to try to get out of this. With a sigh, I hold out my hand.
