I lean in to kiss her cheek goodbye, but she turns, meeting my lips instead—soft, brief, and warm. When she pulls back, she touches my face. “Don’t get yourself killed, Evie.”
“No promises,” I murmur, grinning.
“Go on, then,” she says, settling back with her drink. “Before I cry and ruin my makeup.”
I leave her there, sitting in the glow of the lantern, her glass catching the light like amber.
I step out from behind the bar and start towards the stairs, but voices stop me before I make it far.
“Evie!”
The sound is light and musical, and I can’t help but smirk. Scarlet and Raven—the twins—come bouncing across the floor, skirts fluttering, perfume trailing behind them.
“You’re doing it again!” they shout in unison.
I tilt my head, amused. “Doing what, you little demons?”
“Forgetting us!” Scarlet pouts, planting her hands on her hips.
Raven mirrors her perfectly, lips pursed, eyes wide. “You said we were your favourites, remember? And yet”, she gestures dramatically, “no hello, no kiss, not even a wink. We’re heartbroken.”
I can’t help but laugh, the sound rising from somewhere warm inside me. “You two are impossible.”
They grin, delighted to have won and before I can say another word, they both throw themselves at me, arms wrapping tight. I’m swallowed in soft perfume and laughter, their warmth pressing through me. I breathe it in, just for a second, before they pull away.
“Forgiven?” I ask.
“Always,” they say together. Then Scarlet’s face softens. “We were worried. Is Sparrow alright?”
“She’s fine,” I say. “Better than fine, actually.”
Raven tilts her head. “And you?”
“I’m alive. Can’t ask for much more than that.”
I glance at them both; so young, so bright. I don’t want their names whispered next in the square. “You should be careful, though. The city’s changing. There are witch hunts starting. They don’t need proof, just gossip.”
The twins trade uneasy looks. “That’s horrible,” Scarlet says softly.
“What should we do?” Raven asks.
“If you can, leave here. Go somewhere safe.”
Raven shakes her head, looking down. “I’ve nowhere to go. My family would hang me quicker than the guards.”
Scarlet takes Raven’s hand. “I have people outside the city. We can go together.”
I nod, relieved. “Do it soon. Don’t wait.”
They smile at me—small and sad, and then Scarlet squeezes my hand. “You’ll come see us again, won’t you?”
I don’t answer. Just brush a strand of hair from her face and nod once. When they walk away, I feel the silence they leave behind like a bruise.
De is waiting at the top of the stairs, leaning against the balcony rail. Her curls spill over her shoulder, and her smile is lazy, but there’s tension in the set of her mouth.
“What’s this I hear about witch hunts and my girls being unsafe?” she asks.
“Bloody hell, De.” I climb the stairs to meet her. “How long have you been listening?”
