Her back-up plan had failed, and the task laid before her made her nervous, agitated, and resigned. She hoped she was strong enough for what was to come, prayed that she was brave enough to both save her brother and end the curse on both their worlds. Maybe she’d be alive in the end to tell the story to her kids one day.
Mina put her seam ripper in her pocket, looked around her bedroom, and wondered how much time she had left. Had time passed at all while she’d been on the Fae plane, or—like Brody said—had it been mere moments? She made her way to the kitchen.
Ever sat at the breakfast table eating toast with peanut butter and marshmallows on it. She raised one dark eyebrow and offered Mina a piece. “Want some? It’s great for curing the blues, and we have some time to kill.”
“Ugh, no,” Mina rubbed her face and sat on the stool, burying her face in her arms.
“Coffee?” Ever held up a mug with the words. Coffee is my happily ever after. “It’s just black. Nothing weird in it. I promise.”
“No, I can’t handle that stuff unless there’s tons of cream and sugar.”
“I’m on it.” Ever slid from her chair and went to fill an empty mug. She poured in a splash of cream. Then she waved her finger in the air, and a pink and white striped tube appeared next to her. The paper tube opened, poured into the cup, and the spoon stirred on its own.
“What is that?” Mina asked, her piqued curiosity overriding her burden for a moment.
“Sugar,” Ever answered, handing her the cup. The spoon swirled twice more in the mug and came to a slow stop.
“What kind of sugar?”
“Only the best ever.” Ever smiled and clinked her cup against Mina’s. She took a swig and rolled her eyes in pleasure.
Mina stared at the empty wrapper on the counter. A Pixy Stix. Of course Ever would find a use for her addiction to the Fae named candy.
Not wanting to offend her, Mina took a sip and tried to keep her face as neutral as possible. Huh. It wasn’t half bad.
Mina glanced around the kitchen and then to the hall, looking for Nix.
“He’s not here,” Ever answered. “He left after you went upstairs.”
“Yeah.”
“You know, you treated him like garbage.”
“I know.” Mina grumbled, feeling worse.
“I get why you did it. It’s easier to push them away so they don’t get hurt. Like you did with Nan, Brody, and Charlie. You sent the ones you love the most away. And you started to treat Nix bad, hoping he’ll abandon you too. You’re trying to protect him.”
Mina didn’t answer. She didn’t have to. The truth was written across her face.
Ever just continued to talk. “And since you barely tolerate me, you won’t send me away, because I’m not important to you.”
Mina’s head snapped up. “That’s not true at all.”
“Relax, Gimp. I know I’m your favorite.” She smiled wryly and took another bite of her peanut butter marshmallow toast. “Plus, you need me,” she said around her mouthful of food.
Mina sat there staring at Ever. Finally, she reached for that offered piece of toast and took a bite. Something crackled in her throat. Mina coughed into her napkin, and shot Ever an awful look. “Pop rocks?”
Ever opened her mouth, so Mina could hear the popping noise. “It’s the best.”
“You’re worse than Charlie.” Mina coughed again as a stray piece of popping candy lodged in her throat.
“Naw, he’s just got the great Fae taste in food. Always has.”
“Why is that?” Mina asked, wiping her mouth.
“Because Charlie and you are a part of our world as much as yours—and magic is your legacy. You can feel how it flows naturally to you. You just need the confidence to control it.”
“That’s what scares me. I can feel it hovering, especially whenever I’ve been scared or angry—the weakness of all sirens. Everything Nix wanted to avoid. Neither of those emotions are great influences on my power.”
“Sirens are some of the strongest Fae around. If you start practicing, maybe you’ll be a match for Teague.”
There’s not enough time.
“I’ll never be a match for him.”
Ever tossed her toast back onto the plate and shoved away from the table. “How can you say that about yourself?”
Mina winced. Did Ever not remember that he could be watching them? Teague was always watching. Of course, it was possible that was the reason Ever was being so adamant and loud in her confession. She was trying to taunt him.
“Do you still not realize your potential?” Ever went on. “You passed the Fates’ tests! You, who are a half-breed, not even born on our plane, have more Fae power at your fingertips than some of the strongest Fae families.”
“Why is that?” Mina asked, frustrated with her own ignorance.
“Beats me, but I wouldn’t be looking a gift dog in the mouth.”
“Horse. You mean gift horse?”
“Dog… horse. Whatever. Your kind talks funny.” Ever picked up her backpack from the floor by the door and put her arm through the black straps. So, promise to not leave the house until I get back.”
“I won’t leave the house,” Mina promised.
A sly look passed between them.
Ever sighed and shook her head. “I hate leaving you this soon, especially after yesterday.”