Erin nodded earnestly. “We’re just Fae people,” she said matter-of-factly.
Davina chuckled. “That’s very cute, but in the real world, dark Fae cause mischief and mayhem. It’s sort of in our nature. I’m the odd one out, I try not to destroy everything I touch.” She smiled gently. “So, how about this? I’ll add my black roses for contrast, and you make everything else shine.”
“I can do that!” Erin squealed, clapping her hands. “Iloveflowers!”
And just like that, the two of them set to work, light and shadow weaving together in the air. Dark vines unfurled along the walls, their thorns softening into delicate curves, while Erin’s touch painted the gaps with bursts of colour: lilies, foxgloves, wildflowers, and hundreds of tiny fireflies that filled the glass room with golden light. The conservatory came alive, lush and glowing, caught somewhere between night and dawn.
When they finished, Erin ran back to her crayons happily, and Davina stood back to admire the transformation. “Perfect,” she whispered.
Then she straightened and brushed off her hands. “Right. Time to rally the troops.”
She found the boys first. “Bath, shave, clean shirt, both of you,” she said, wagging a finger at Corey with Byron standing behind him. “I want you in the conservatory in forty-five minutes. Don’t be late.”
Corey saluted with a grin. “Yes, ma’am.”
Next, she went to Lucy’s room. Lucy had just stepped out of the shower; towel wrapped around her. Davina barged in, holding a dress over one arm.
“Lucy Morgan,” she announced, “I have a double date planned for tonight. You must dress to impress. Super cute. No arguments.”
Lucy blinked, halfway through drying her hair. “Do I have to?”
“Yes,” Davina said firmly, handing her the dress. “Our boys will be waiting.”
Lucy sighed, amused. “Fine. It’s easier than saying no.”
Davina grinned, satisfied. “That’s the spirit.”
She darted off again, leaving Lucy shaking her head and smiling to herself. Somewhere in the distance, the smell of Mary’s new creation began to drift through the halls it was warm, rich, and perfectly balanced.
Davina added the last touch of colour to her lips, stepped back from the mirror, and smiled at her reflection. The excitement in her eyes made her look younger and brighter. She brushed a loose curl behind her ear, then darted out of her room and down the hall to find Lucy.
When she burst into Lucy’s room, she stopped dead. Lucy sat in front of her vanity, face completely bare, her hair tied back in a casual slick ponytail.
“Lucy, no!” Davina groaned dramatically, rushing over.
Lucy blinked, amused. “What? What’s wrong?”
“I saidglam up! This isn’t glam, this is… casual ‘I’m sexy but I’ve got to go to work.’ That’s not the vibe I was aiming for.”
Lucy laughed. “I thought we were having dinner, not walking a runway.”
“Sit down,” Davina ordered, already rummaging through her brushes. “Please, just let me work. Oh my god, we don’t even have time for this.”
She closed her eyes, took a breath, and when she opened them again a faint shimmer rolled through the air. With a flick of her fingers, Lucy’s face transformed under a soft wave of glamour it was dark, dramatic and dangerously beautiful.
Lucy stared at her reflection. “Wow… okay, that’s intense.”
“Iknow,” Davina admitted, studying her work. “It’s too dark. But it’s a base.” She giggled as she grabbed a wipe and began softening the makeup, blending away the harsh lines and adding a subtle sweep of pink and red to Lucy’s lips. “There. That’s better. You’re beautiful.”
Lucy had to admit it; the woman was good. She caught her reflection again and smiled faintly. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
Davina grinned, pleased. “Last touch.” She loosened Lucy’s tied-back hair, running her fingers through it until it fell in soft waves before slicking it neatly behind her ears. “Flawless. Elegant. Perfect. Let’s go before the boys start eating the furniture.”
She grabbed Lucy’s hand, and they slipped out, shoeless, laughter echoing as they padded down the hall.
The conservatory glowed ahead, lit by the faint shimmer of Erin’s fireflies. The scent of Mary’s cooking filled the air. It was warm and comforting.
But when the women stepped through the doorway, both stopped short.
