My belly twists in pain. We haven't eaten since this morning. It'd be nice if we weren't bickering like an old married couple by the time we reached Eris.
"Fine," I succumb, hunger too great. "We can have one. Just one!"
"Thank the Stars!" Nyx flips the box open and plunges his hand inside, snatching a raspberry jelly filled pastry. In one swift, unholy motion, he's nearly swallowed the dessert whole.
I grab one for myself and slam the box closed before Nyx suckers me into permitting him two before we reach our destination. "We're almost there," I chastise when he pouts. "If we eat everything before we get there, then the whole reason for bringingTreatsto Eris is ruined. We're trying to cheer her up."
"Fine," he surrenders. "Doesn't mean I won't grumble about it."
A few more blocks pass in a flash as our steps quicken. The apothecary shop is now within sight and my stomach rejoices. Nyx reaches the door first and flings it open with so much force it rattles the windows.
I slip inside right after him and sing, "Knock, knock!" I plop the box onto the butcherblock countertop at the checkout area and slap Nyx's hand as he reaches for another sweet.
"You said when we get inside – "
"Wait for Eris," I grit my teeth, ready to battle him to the death over this. My eyes widen. "Shit. We need to start eating lunch or something."
Nyx barks out a laugh and nods in agreement. "I've never come this close to hating you before."
"The feeling is mutual."
Eris finally comes around the corner from the back room and wipes her hands on her apron. She offers us a wide and welcoming grin. "Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise! What are you two doing here?" She notices the box on the counter and narrows her eyes. "And you broughtTreats? What's the occasion?"
"Can't we stop by with pastries?" Nyx questions, eyeing me for permission and I nod granting it. He fishes out a second pastry and sinks his teeth into it and moans.
"You've never just stopped by with pastries before," she points out, suspicion in her eyes.
"Ok, fine," he says between chews, "we felt bad you were closing the shop by yourself since Finn had to go help our mother." He extends the box to her. "If you don't want any, we can always take them and leave."
"Bite your tongue, Nyx Harland!" She grabs a pastry. "I'll take all the pity desserts."
Nyx pulls up a stool and gets comfortable.
"How's the day been?" I ask, tearing into another pastry.
"There were so many customers today! At first, I was really intimidated because Finn typically deals with them. But turns out, after years of listening and learning from him, I was actually able to answer all their questions and point them in the right direction for products."
"I'm so glad you had a great day!" I beam. "Finn would be proud!"
"I'm sure he would be," she agrees with a fondness in her gaze. "I feel bad Soraya is under the weather though."
Nyx waves a dismissive hand. "She'll be all right. Finn's concoctions will have her back on her feet in no time. He probably stayed to have dinner with them."
"Speaking of dinner," she smiles sheepishly. "This is all I've eaten since breakfast."
"Eris!" I gasp, although I'm not really in the position to talk since Nyx and I nearly fist-fought overTreatsa few minutes ago.
"It's ok," she takes another bite. "I was so busy I forgot to eat. I'll grab something on the way home if I'm still hungry."
"We can go get you something right now if you want," I offer.
Eris shakes her head. "Stop fussing over me." After a few more chews she narrows her eyes, staring from me to Nyx. "So, why don't you tell me why you two are really here?"
Nyx and I exchange a look. I open my mouth to deny ulterior motives, but she lifts a tattooed hand and says, "The truth this time, if you please."
I sigh. "Fine. You got us. How are you holding up?"
"With your mother arriving in Tronovia tomorrow and all," Nyx adds for clarification.
