NO SECRETS HERE
RAYA
We goour separate ways after baggage claim, and I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t be able to stop smiling if my life depended on it. The joy only expands when I open my apartment door and am nearly smacked in the face by a glittering, reckless sprite.
I duck the tiny winged attacker and Reverie gets snagged in my hair instead of latching onto my nose. We both laugh as I help extricate her. I hold her up, exchanging our version of a hug before she hops up onto my shoulder and tangles her hands in my hair for stability.
“RAYA’S HOME!” Rev’s shrill voice rings through the apartment and I wince for my poor eardrum as Zuri strides out of the kitchen. She wasn’t supposed to be here, but her work must have finished early.
“I figured that was who was unlocking the door, seeing as no one else has a key.” Zuri’s smile is as wide as mine and we embrace tightly.
“What are you feeling? Food, unpacking, chill?” Zuri asks, turning to head further into the apartment as Reverie tucks herself into the crook of my neck with a contended hum.
“Might grab a snack and relax on the couch for a bit," I say as I wheel my luggage into my room.
“I can’t believe you left for so long," Reverie says, wiggling a little on my shoulder.
“I know, I’m sorry.” I wish I could take Reverie with me, but seeing as her race is largely thought to have died out, it’s best if she stays hidden. We try to get her out into nature whenever we can, but she gets anxious at the possibility of being seen by others.
“I nearly starved to death!” Reverie whisper shouts, to which Zuri snorts in response.
“You did not. I kept plenty of sprite appropriate food out for whenever you needed it, you little menace. You’re just mad I didn’t have your favorite sugary treats on hand 24/7," Zuri replies.
I’m pretty sure I feel Reverie cross her arms and pout on my shoulder, and I’m also pretty sure it’s pretend.
“I brought you each a little something," I say, handing over the souvenirs.
Reverie gasps and flicks her wings, sending a shower of glittery dust over my shoulder as she turns the plastic shot glass this way and that, inspecting each scenic picture wrapped around it.
“Another for my collection! I love it," Reverie says, hugging it to her chest. Turns out, shot glasses are about the perfect size for sprites, so we’ve got a small collection going. The glass ones are too heavy for her though, so when I spotted this plastic one in the airport, I knew I had to get it.
“Glad you like it!” I say, then turn to Zuri, who is holding up a dainty bracelet.
“Each of the crystals are supposed to help with different things," I explain. “Rose Quartz for peace, Aventurine is for patience, Amethyst for tranquility, and Moonstone for intuition.” I point to each as I talk, then hold up my own wrist.
“I got one too.”
Zuri grins and slips it on, tightening the strings and admiring our matching bracelets.
“Good choices. Thanks, girl," Zuri says.
Warmth settles in my chest; I’m home.
“So how’d the trip with the murderous vampire go?” Zuri asks as we all settle onto the couch.
“He’s not murderous," I grumble, rolling my eyes up to the ceiling. So much for that happy, peaceful feeling I had a moment ago. I’d hoped to avoid this conversation for at least a day, but apparently not.
“Not that you know of, but that family is bad news.” Zuri is oblivious to my disagreement, but not for long.
“I don’t know. He’s actually pretty nice, and even helped me with my shifting," I say, not surprised at the shocked silence that follows. I sneak a look at Zuri, then see Reverie hovering in the air next to my temple. I look at her from the corner of my eye as she flits around my head, poking at my skull.
“What are you doing?” I ask, leaning away from Rev’s strange prodding.
“Checking for a head injury.”
Zuri scoffs, “Good call.”
“I’m serious! I can kind of control the shifts now. I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without his help. He’s not what you think.”
