“It’s so bad,” Jina said with a choked back sob.
“Whoever did it will pay,” Willow swore. “I’ll fucking hunt them down and break every bone in their body.”
“It won’t bring back my quilt,” Jina whispered.
It was strange. I’d spent all my life hunting violent people that I’d forgotten about the victims of violence. In my world, they were faceless individuals who suffered or died, not anyone I wanted to care about.
Watching Willow mourn with Jina made me understand that the repercussions of violent action reached so much further. Because Willow cared about Jina, I cared about Jina. It felt odd, but not bad. It made me consider how many individual people I could care about.
“I can’t go back up there,” Jina said. I’d missed some of their conversation, and I stepped closer to make sure I caught everything.
“You stay here,” Willow said. “I’m going up to see if there’s anything to salvage. Then I’ll find us a place to stay.”
“I can arrange that,” I said, ready to do anything I could to ease their suffering.
My words brought Jina’s attention to me. Her eyes went wide for a moment as she took in my pale skin and white hair. I let her look. Usually I’d scowl at anyone with the strength to stare at me for too long, but Jina was an exception.
Anyone Willow loved would be an exception to all my normal rules.
“Who are you?” Jina asked. Her red, swollen eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“He’s my boyfriend, Vie,” Willow said, jumping to stand at my side. “Vie, this is my best friend in the entire damn world, Jina. You two don’t have to love each other, but you better get along.”
Jina’s response to Willow’s little speech was a watery chuckle. “Sir, yes sir!” she said with a crisp salute. Dropping her hand, she held it out to me. “It’s nice to meet you, Vie.”
Although I didn’t want to, I shook Jina’s hand. “If you’re precious to Willow, then you’re important to me.”
As I expected, Jina grimaced and quickly pulled her hand away from mine. It seemed only Willow was immune to the way my magic made everyone uncomfortable around me.
“Right, so I guess we need to find a motel room or something,” she said, then nudged the duffle at her feet. “At least I have a few uniforms.”
“You can have anything out of my shop you want,” Willow said. “I’ve got a blouse that would look great with your uniform pants.”
Jina gave Willow a fond smile. “Very funny.”
“I’m hilarious,” Willow agreed with a cheeky grin that didn’t entirely hide the sadness in her eyes. “But seriously, do you remember that outfit you tried on a few weeks ago that you refused to take when I offered? I put it aside for your birthday, so take it now or wait for another month. Oh, and I think I have one more of those dresses you bought from me last month.” Willow shook her head. “You know what, I’ll grab one of everything in your size and you keep what you want.”
“I wouldn’t normally say yes to that offer, but it’s dire circumstances. I used up all my last paycheck to pay off my credit card bill. I’m fucked for a while.”
“I can replace everything.” At my words, both women turned their attention to me. Willow had a grateful smile, but Jina’s expression was suspicious.
“That’s nice of you,” she said. “But I’m sure we can figure it out.”
She wasn’t used to trusting others, I could understand that. Instead of insisting, I gave a sharp nod. “Of course you can. You’re smart and capable, like Willow.”
The distrust melted away and a hint of a real smile appeared. “You speak 100% truth.”
“I’m going upstairs,” Willow said.
Jina shook her head, tears filling her eyes. “I can’t.”
“You stay here,” Willow said, giving her another hug. “I’ll grab anything salvageable and then we’ll figure out what we’re doing.”
Jina nodded and tightened her hold on Willow for a moment, then let go. “Don’t take too long. I need to get away from here.”
Willow nodded. “Let me guess, you’ve been awake for at least a day.”
Jina snorted and rubbed her hands over her face. “Try almost thirty-six hours. I need a shower and bed.”
