I hold out my hand, but instead of taking it, she pulls me into a hug. “My name’s Lucifina, but ever since Ronin started calling me Lucy, I make everyone else call me Lucy too. I really like that name.”
Before I can respond, Lucy pulls back and loops her arm under mine, linking our elbows together. “I’ve always wanted a sister, and Zarreth and Ronin are basically brothers, so that makes usbasicallysisters.”
I cup my mouth with my free hand and lean toward Lucy’s ear like I’m telling her a secret. “I’ve always wanted a sister, too!”
Her eyes snap to mine as she quickly claps her hands. “Really? It’s like we were destined to meet.”
“Heck yeah.” I smile. She really is adorable.
“Yay! I’ll hold you to that.” She bounces on her toes and immediately spots another bubbly demon. “Ooh, I gotta go. Ammit said Draven was going to save us a spot. I’m so happy there are no lessons today.”
She vanishes, reappearing in front of her friend. “Boo!” she yells, making the other demon laugh.
Anatha smiles. “I should probably warn you, Lucifina just unlocked her cloaking ability, so she scares people every chance she gets.”
“Come here, let me get a look at you.” I turn around to face a demon with short, blonde hair and no horns, holding her arms out. There is no mistaking this woman for anyone other than Beleth, Ronin’s mom. She pulls me into a tight hug. I’m not used to all this physical affection. I thought it would make me feel uncomfortable, but I actually like it.
She holds me at arm’s length, looking me up and down. “You are beautiful, a little scrawny, but with all the training Ronin’s been telling me about, you’ll have some meat on you in no time.”
“Don’t tell him I said this, but Ronin is a wonderful trainer, and I am so grateful for the time he spends teaching me how to fight.”
“Trust me, Frankie, his ego is big enough. Your secret is safe with me.” Beleth takes the basket of baked goods from my hands. “Ooh, Melitamelics.” She starts picking through them.
Anatha slaps her hand and takes the basket away. “You know I saved some burnt ones for you. These are for the gathering.”
We reach the center in about ten minutes. They could've traced, but they chose to walk with me, pointing out little things around the village while I take it all in.
We enter a tent with a wooden sign hanging over the entrance. I have no idea what it says. Tables filled with food and drinks are scattered throughout. “Will you be a dear and set these on the sweets table?” Anatha points to a section where a young demon, who looks to be about Lucy’s age, is sitting.
“Where would you like these?” I ask, approaching him. He’s so cute I can’t help but smile, but as soon as I do, his eyes narrow in on me and he licks his lips.
“Thanks for the dessert, but I’d rather have you.”
What did he say? I must not have heard him correctly. “Excuse me?”
“The treats can go on the table, but if you need a seat, there’s plenty of room here.” He motions to his lap, and it’s all I can do not to laugh. Apparently all males are the same no matter what species they are.
“Knock that off, or I’ll tell your father you tried staking claim on Zarreth’s mate.” An older female with red skin cuffs him alongside the head.
His face goes pale. “I’m sorry, Mother.”
“Go on now, find your father and bother him.” She shoos him away with the rag in her hand, and the boy takes off. “I’ve got my hands full with that one. He’s just like his father.”
I smile. “I seem to remember my brother being the same way when we were younger.” Nate was always flirting with girls. It didn’t matter howmuch older they were than him. I never really knew where he got all his confidence from. We grew up in the same house and listened to the same insults day after day.
She gives me a knowing smile and takes the basket from me. “You better dig in, they won’t last long. Anatha makes the best sweet treats.”
“Thank you, but I ate mine before I came.”
As if we summoned her, Anatha appears at my side, taking my elbow. “Beleth is grabbing us some drinks. We’ll meet her at the tent.”
The tent?I don’t have time to ask. She’s already turning to the red-skinned demon.
“Will we see you there? I heard your sister’s bringing those spiced nuts everyone loves.”
She grins. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Anatha curls her arm through mine, steering me into the flow of bodies. “Come along, dear.”
