“There,” I utter more to myself than anyone else. “That’s what I was trying to do.”
“Did you hear me?” Tristan grouses.
“Oh my god, there is no need to repeat yourself. I ignored you just fine the first time,” I grumble, rubbing my temples. The water orb sloshes back down into the small water feature.
“Rude.”
“What do you want?” I ask, trying to keep my voice calm and level.
Tristan folds his arms and stares at me, long and hard.
“Don’t be dramatic,” I huff.
“Honestly, it’s a wonder she hasn’t accidentally wrapped the lot of you in vines yet, with all the noise you’re creating.” Zaria laughs from her spot by the balcony doors.
The room goes quiet, all eyes turning to her. I can’t help the small smirk that tugs at my lips at her comment.
“Don’t tempt me,” I quip, waving my hand as a small tendril of energy sparks in the air. The faint golden glow dances around my fingers before fading away, but it’s enough to make them all pause.
Scarlett’s expression softens. “Sorry, E.” She gives me a sheepish grin. “Didn’t mean to make it harder for you.”
Kian strolls over, drawing my attention, his lavender eyes narrowing on me. “Something is different with you. What happened?”
My face instantly heats, and I take a step back. “Nothing.”
“You’re lying,” Tristan accuses.
“Fae can’t lie,” I respond, my defenses rising.
“With you, that’s debatable,” Kian argues, raising his eyebrow. I narrow my eyes at him, his lavender eyes searching mine for answers.
“Didn’t you have something to tell me?” I deflect, rounding on Tristan.
“Well, I only wanted to say Coraline is here to see you and drop off some of her specialties.”
Surprise has my eyes widening. “Really?”
“Who’s Coraline?” Mia walks over, her fingers sliding through her long, dark brown hair to braid it over her shoulder.
“She is a purple-haired pixie who bakes the most delicious treats.” I bite my lip as my mouth begins to water. “I hope they taste good.”
“Coraline’s baking always tastes good.” Kian’s frown looks personal.
I hold my hands up in surrender. “I’m just saying, since Maxon’s been gone, everything tastes like cardboard.”
“What’s cardboard?” Tristan asks, wrinkling his nose.
“Never mind.” I sigh. “It would be good to see her.”
“I’ll get Lutin and Senka to bring her up,” Tristan offers, turning for the door.
I watch as he pokes his head out and speaks to Lutin, I’m assuming, and then shuts the door. My attention goes to Kian, who is staring at me oddly.
“What?”
His head tilts and steps closer. “How’s the headache?”
His question takes me by surprise, even though it shouldn’t. He’s always been attentive. And being the first day of the new moon, I should be crawling out of my skin, right?
