Mind-speak, just like other magic, was incredible and strange. While I was still learning how to use my mind-speak magic, once I was able to open a connection with someone, including Ryenne or Javier, who didn’t possess magic, we’d be able to communicate through our minds. It was a little bit insane and a whole lot of awesome. And with Kieren’s help, I’d hopefully master it soon enough that I could leave that connection open to the kids in case they ever needed to reach me.
It was kind of like cell phones without the spotty service or monthly dues.
“I’d love for you to come over,”I said.“It doesn’t have to be to teach me. You and your friends are always welcome.”
He smiled, and when he reached for his drawing pad, he gently tore his design of Nalari out. I traced her face again when he handed it to me.
“Thank you, Kieren.” I sniffled, quickly wiping my eyes. “Seriously. I can’t thank youenough for this.”
“Maybe we should change the design on our skateboard,” Aidas said with a mischievous grin. “I wouldn’t want Mama Teddy getting weepy every time she sees it.”
“Oh, you’re a little shit, aren’t you?” I gave him my bestmomglare, the one that should silence a room.
He just grinned wider. “What is it with humans and talking about bowel movements?”
“Is he always like this?” I asked, quietly snickering because Elias and Brenton had asked that very question many, many times.
Delaney nodded while Kieren spoke the wordalwaysin my mind.
“I think you’re going to be my favorite, Aidas,” Ryenne said.
“Can we do presents yet?” Nate called from the back of the restaurant. “Javi’s gonna love what we got him.”
Javier huffed out a nervous laugh. “Y’all didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Of course we did,” Ryenne said. “Then you can tell us whose present is your favorite. Spoiler, it can’t be Elias’s and Teddy’s present, or Brenton’s because you’re not getting them today.” She grinned, the picture of chaotic pride.
I scoffed.
When Ryenne handed Javier his first gift, he hesitated, simply staring at it. That same sorrow washed over him before Jasmine tried to rip through the wrapping paper. He pushed her away, making her laugh as he dug through the paper to reveal his present. One by one, he opened each present, his shoulders loosening with each laugh and tease. By the time he reached the last one, a wide grin lit up his face.
At that moment, he didn’t look like the careful, quiet teenbut youthful and hopeful. My heart soared, knowing I’d played a small role in bringing him joy on such a hard day.
Ache lingered too, though.
Because Elias should’ve been here to celebrate with us. To be part of the family we’d built together, one cracked piece at a time.
It wasdark outside by the time we left the restaurant. While none of us would rate the pizza above three stars, the evening had been meaningful in its own way with laughter, shared grief, and the kind of comfort that came from simply being together. I was eager for Elias to return so he and Brenton could join us on nights like this. If I played it right, I might be able to convince Alastor to join us too.
I wondered how the fae would react if Koa and his family came too. I knew their kids would love playing the video games, and it saddened me that they wouldn’t because of what the lirio had done under Leanora’s control. It didn’t seem fair.
Once my friends left to head to their homes, the kids and I took either Aidas’s or Kieren’s arm so they could bend space, and within seconds, we were standing in my front yard.
Jasmine hurried up the steps to let Hee-haw out, who squealed when he passed Javier’s friend.
“What is that?” Alarmed, Delaney pressed her back against the railing that framed our front porch.
“Hee-haw,” Victoria answered.
At the same time, Jasmine said, “Our pet donkey.”
“I’ve never seen a beast quite so peculiar,” Delaneysaid.
“Careful, or you’ll hurt his feelings, and he’ll end up headbutting you,” I said, only half joking.
“He understands the traditional language?” The shock in her voice made me chuckle.
Traditional language was what they called English. I wasn’t sure what their native tongue was called, but I loved it when Elias spoke it. Especially when he called memo elma.My soul.
