We reached the meeting room, and I stepped inside, almost plowing over Sunshine.
“Perfect timing, I was looking for you. My mom made some medu vada—savory, crispy fritters from South India, you’re gonna love ’em—and sent a little side of yogurt for your breakfast.” She shoved a paper bag into my free hand as she looked me up and down, giving me the same eye-over she’d given me every couple hours since Considine had been taken.
She’s an amazing friend.
I made another attempt at a smile. “Thanks, Sunshine.”
“Mmhmm, you can thank me by sitting down and eating.” Sunshine pointed to my usual table.
I did as she instructed, weaving my way through the tables—all of them filled with my teammates who gave me sympathetic looks that made my stomach turn.
I sat down, opened my bag, and pulled out a paper plate, napkins, and plastic container of yogurt before unearthing my first medu vada.
Sunshine watched for a moment with narrowed eyes. “You gave in easier than I thought you would.”
I popped the lid off the yogurt. “I might not feel like eating, but it’s vital to keep up my strength so I’m ready to fight.”
“Ahh yes, slayer pragmatics at its best. Works for me!” She turned to Orrin. “You gave her the peppermint tea?”
Orrin bowed his head. “I did.”
Sunshine glanced at my cup. “Loose leaf, right? Where did you get the leaves?”
“Queen’s Court Café—I asked a Drake vampire to purchase some for me,” Orrin said.
“Oohh, I love that café. I saw the Night Queen there once going through the drive through with one of her night mares.” Sunshine kept Orrin engaged, discussing tea with the zealousness only fae possessed while I ate.
The food warmed me from the inside out—not just because it was delicious, but because of the care I felt packed into it, from both Sunshine and her mom.
We’ll find Considine. I’m not in this alone.
It might feel hopeless, but Considine is unbelievably powerful. He’ll survive Gisila. In fact, he’ll want to laugh in her face and mock her ruined plans when we free him.
Still…each passing hour made me more uneasy.
Considine would survive, but he could be in a lot of pain and misery.
The need to find him twisted in my chest so viciously, I had to force myself to keep eating.
I should have just told him how I felt. He wouldn’t have cared if I’d fumbled it.
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at it—it was in the family group chat.
Nan
Just bought another case of those armor piercing bullets. Pretty sure they’re heavy duty enough to pierce dragon scales. Want me to send you some, Lass?
Peri
She doesn’t have the right gun to use that ammunition.
Paddy
Oh darn, we’ll just have to get her a new gun, too! Good thing they have overnight shipping.
A ghost of a smile flickered on my face.
My family still wasn’t sure how to react to Considine, but since they knew he was important to me they’d been staunch in their support. The only reason they hadn’t flown in was because I had told them not to come.
