“Sure,” Moira agreed. “But again, Thalia couldn’t help being born, just like you couldn’t help becoming a Chimera. She could have stayed away, but she didn’t. You don’t have to decide immediately if you want to braid each other’s hair and have sleepovers together, but taking it out on her is a dick move, and you know it.”
I huffed a breath. “I know,” I admitted.
“Good. I’m glad you know you’re being a huge brat. Acceptance is the first step in the brat recovery process.”
I rolled my eyes. “Shut up.”
“Are you ready to suck your hurt feelings up and go speak to your sister like the adult you are? You’re a big sister. You should act like one.”
“I liked it much better when I was the one lecturing all of you.”
“Yes,” Moira said, shuffling me out of the fridge. “We’re all well aware, but we’ve been especially well-behaved lately.”
When I returned to my seat, Thalia was still twisting her fingers together.
“I’m sorry,” she blurted. “I shouldn’t have come.” Thalia rose from her seat.
“No.” I shook my head. “I’m being rude. Please,” I said, gesturing for her to sit back down. “I’m sorry. Things are just…weird for me right now.”
“I know,” Thalia said. “Having a sister is already weird. Having a secret sister is way worse.” She dropped her eyes. “And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“You seemed a little gleeful about it, to be honest.”
Thalia snorted. “Not about you. Knowing our father was about to get an earful was the highlight of my year, though.”
A smile tugged at my lips. Soon, Thalia and I were grinning at each other.
We chatted for a little while before she got to the reason she’d stopped by. Thalia reached for her handbag and pulled out a small notebook decorated with ink doodles. “I had Garrett write down what I said this time.”
She flipped through a few pages and skimmed down the page. “Some of this sounds insane, so I’ll go over the highlights.”
Thalia pointed to a scribbled passage in her notebook. “Beware the promised land,” she read. “Not all is as it appears.”
I went still.
“Beware the mouth with teeth but know the bark is worse than the bite. Remember who you are, but it’s more important to remember who you can be. Do not be afraid. Great change is coming.” Thalia frowned. “The last one seems odd but…” she trailed off and shook her head. “The rowan tree is dying. You must go and tend to the land where it grows.”
Some of that made sense. Some of it sounded like nonsense. “I’m due to travel to a place called the promised land soon. I’ll keep your warnings in mind.”
Thalia’s smile was sheepish. “I can’t often decipher the things I say, and I usually don’t remember them anyway.” She slung her bag over her shoulder and stood. “Some seer I am,” she saiddryly. “But at least I have Garrett around to help. At least for a little while.”
“A little while?” I questioned. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Dad hasn’t said much, but he was not pleased about you finding out how we were related. He tends to move me when too many people know who I am.”
“That doesn’t make sense. I’m his daughter, too, and he’s never tried to make me go anywhere.”
Thalia’s fingers tightened on the strap of her bag. “That’s because you’re you, and I’m me. I have zero offensive or defensive magic. Being a seer leaves me completely vulnerable.” She shook her head and headed toward the door. “I’m sure your Lord wants his Enforcer back, too. Garrett doesn’t enjoy babysitting me, and I know he’s ready to get back to his regular duties.”
I’m not sure why I did it, but I reached for her hand and squeezed gently. “I think you’re mistaken about Garrett, and I’ve heard nothing about moving you anywhere.” I paused. “Which leads to another question. Do you like it here? If you don’t want to stay, I won’t interfere, but if you like Joy Springs, I can speak to our father.”
Hope flared over her face like the sun, there and gone in a heartbeat. “He never listens to anyone,” she grumbled. “Though I appreciate you asking.”
“I have my ways,” I assured her.
She pulled away and stopped at the door. “Thanks, Evie. I—I appreciate your kindness today.”
There was nothing I could say because I felt like shit. I’d been an ass to her and couldn’t make up for that. All I could do was try harder in the future. Moira was right. The circumstances of her birth were not her fault and holding it against her said more about me than her.
