She winced as the wind picked up. “What is your point, witch?”
Ronin took a daunting step closer, voice lowering, eyes serrated. “My point is that you don’t care aboutAsh. You care about appeasingyourguilt by going along with Vale’s dying wish thathemade you promise to fulfill.”
Marina pressed her tongue against the backs of her teeth, her heartbeat percussing against her ribcage.
A year ago, Marina would’ve beheaded him for the comfort of showing superiority. Now, though, instead of seeing a cocky, powerful kingpin, she witnessed a loving, protective father, and all the forces in her that were usually quick to react in violence stood down in an odd understanding.
Ronin’s intense stare was unwavering.
She wouldn’t allow her pride to respond.
Marina dropped her eyes down to the sidewalk. “I want to.” The vulnerable confession filled her stomach with bile. “Careabout him. I’m doing everything I can to keep him safe and eliminate new threats.”
Ronin didn’t say anything for a long second.
A couple passed them, both holding steaming to-go cups.
“There’ve been witches in Grove and Marquel that came up dead. They all had hits out on Ash. I assume that was your doing, then?”
Marina peeked up at him.
The small trace of a smile drew across his lips. “What you do from here is up to you. Just know that I will be watching. And that I do plan on getting you back for the attempted murder and thesuccessfulone from way back in the dark ages.”
She blinked at him, stunned that Naia would’ve told him about such a horrific event of his past life.
The shame of Marina’s sins filled her lungs like wet sand as she recalled her nightrazer plunging its arm through Kaleo’s chest, and the gut-wrenching wail that Naia let out as he died.
“I am sorry for that.” She squeezed her frigid hands together in front of her stomach, the remorse firmly gripping her insides. “Truly.”
“Mhm.” Ronin sent her a wink over his shoulder and crossed the street.
Marina watched as his solemn demeanor shifted into one of a playful parent, jogging into the park and swiftly climbing the rock wall. “Race ya to the slide!”
Ash moved his small legs quicker up the nearby stairs. “Dad, you’re cheating!”
The little girl giggled as she darted down the slide before either of them could make it to its mouth.
Marina’s heart squeezed at the sight.
During this new, enlightening season of her life, it appeared she was slowly becoming a sentimental sap. It was unbecoming of her, of everything Mira had instilled within, and yet, a pieceof her felt proud to recognize the affection in others without a strike of envy blackening the emotion.
Growth. Something she knew Naia would approve of.
Perhaps she could inform her sister of her newfound appreciation.
Drawing in a breath, Marina pulled back her shoulders, spun around, and entered the café.
The warm cortadotraveled across the coffee shop, bypassing an older gentleman who perused the shelf of vibrant bags of coffee beans, and took land softly in front of Marina on the table.
“Cool, isn’t it? Ms. Maeve makes thebestcoffee and sweets!” Naia clapped in excitement as her icy beverage followed, topped with whipped cream and swirls of caramel garnish. A plate of white, berry cake settled gently beside the sugary drink.
Marina studied Naia’s black strands spilling out from under the ballcap she wore, and the cool complexion of her skin tone, so pale in comparison to her natural tan. These small changes were baffling, considering Naia had never used glamor during her days in Kaimana.
Noticing her stare, Naia’s eyes widened and she rushed to chew her cake. “Sorry, my appearance must seem weird. Once I became known around the city, I started taking precautions.”
Marina stared down at the buoyant foam of her coffee, watching it slowly melt away. She didn’t know how to carry on a conversation with Naia. The concept felt strange, discomfort plucking in her chest like birds to carrion.
“As a High Goddess, you always need to wear glamor amongst mortals,” Marina said, in a poor attempt to offer advice. “If they notice you, they’ll act absurd, praying at your feet, begging you to grant their wishes.”
