“And you, Glinda? Is there anything else?”
I almost choked at the name she used. Good witch, my ass. “Erm, you got everything,” I said, in a warbly high-pitched voice.
If Marnie didn’t see right through this, she was either very tired or completely clueless.
The witch gave us an odd look but sent the purchase through. “Might take a bit. Twenty minutes okay with you?”
“Fine with us,” Mom said. She handed over a few bills and waved the change away.
We found a seat toward the back. I sagged against the cushioned back. “I don’t think I’m cut out for subterfuge like this.”
Mom reached over to ruffle my hair. “You’re made of the earth, where all the good and plentiful things come from. I’m made of dust and wind. Far more suited to this kind of work.” She slid a look at the siren. “And this one is made for the sheets.”
To my surprise, Sirena burst out laughing. “You make me sound like a common harlot, Cliona. We both know I possess far more specialized skills.” She clicked her tongue. “In case you didn’t know, I’m an old thing, Evie. I no longer have to feedas often. A bite and a nibble here and there will feed me for months.”
Sirena had never shared anything about her power. I leaned forward. “Months?”
At her nod, I plowed on. “When you say a bite or a nibble, what does that mean exactly?”
Mom sent me a warning look that made Sirena chuckle. “She’s young, Cliona, and I don’t mind answering. It’s not often that I am allowed to hang out with the youth.”
I blinked. “Is that because you bite them?”
Sirena grinned. “Those days are behind me. I only bite with permission now.”
At my wide-eyed look, she chuckled. “During relations, an energy transfer occurs. When I was still learning, the transfer only occurred via completion. My powers are honed far better than my younger brethren. Now, I can receive energy through touch or kissing.”
I studied the hand she’d held not long ago.
Sirena grinned. “Not to worry. You will feel if I ever try to take energy from you.”
“Plus, I would kill her,” Mom chimed in.
I glanced back and forth between them. They were smiling at each other, but their smiles held sharp edges. Mom did not sound like she was kidding, but Sirena seemed unconcerned. Did they have history? Was this a frenemy sort of relationship? Both options seemed viable.
“Let’s change the subject,” I said slowly. “Before this turns into a showdown.”
Sirena snorted but sat back and turned her attention to me. “You look well, child of the gods. The other Lord’s territory agrees with you.”
“Lots of glorious greenery out there,” Mom murmured. “Evie blossoms where there is life.”
Sirena grunted in agreement. “I was surprised when you moved here. Every territory needs a Floromancer, but there’s a reason those in the past never stayed long.”
“Most didn’t get involved with their local Lord,” I muttered.
Sirena’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, there’s that.”
My phone dinged.
Got it.
I leaned close. “She’s ready.”
Mom straightened. “Marnie almost has our order ready.”
I stared at her in disbelief.
“What?” Mom sounded affronted. “This is the last time I’ll ever get that soup. I’ll get our girl. You get our order.”
