“I’d swim in my gold if I had that much,” I said, feeling much the same way. My buzz was just about worn off, but my head was still swimming.
Evie turned her head. “You got any of that hangover stuff?”
I nodded. “Come inside. I have a few left.”
Ari perked up. “Hangover stuff?”
“It’s miraculous. The devil giveth and then taketh away.”
Evie snorted and rolled to sitting. She let out a little groan and stood up on shaky legs.
Rowan appeared over the rise grinning from ear to ear. “I heard you three have gotten into quite a bit of mischief tonight. Trespassing, ward-breaking, overconsumption, public intoxication…”
Evie snorted and held her hands up. “Carry me, please.”
Rowan jogged over and scooped Evie into his arms, planting a sound kiss on her lips as he gathered her close.
Love and envy warred inside me. Rowan was so good for her. He knew all of Evie’s parts and moods and understood how much power she had swimming through her veins but loved her, regardless.
My best friend could tear the world apart, and Rowan would still stand beside her as she raged.
I could only hope I had the same thing one day.
“Do you have the formula at home?” I asked as Rowan turned to carry Evie home.
“A six pack,” Rowan said over his shoulder. “She’s good.”
Ari watched them disappear over the rise. “They’re adorable,” she sighed.
“Yeah. She had a long road to get there, but she’d do it all over again to find him.”
I unlocked my door. “Come in for a sec, and I’ll send you home with a couple. Take one tonight and one when you wake up if you feel like you need it.”
Ari took the two small bottles I handed her once we were inside and downed the first one before I could tell her what was in it.
“Glad you trust me,” I said dryly.
She patted her stomach. “Fae metabolism. As long as there wasn’t magical poison in there, my body will process this just fine.”
Ari grinned and leaned to brush a kiss against my cheek. “Once I’m less drunk and not hungover, we’ll start looking for your mom in earnest.”
“Cliona showed up tonight.”
Ari’s brows lifted. “And didn’t show her face to her daughter?”
“Cliona is trying her best to keep Evie safe and happy.”
“What you’re saying is she’s worlds better than your mom.” Ari’s chuckle made me laugh.
“Ugh. So much better. She told me Mom was the one who cast the spell.”
Ari slumped against the wall. “At least we’re not dealing with a necromancer on top of your mom.”
“Small favors,” I agreed.
“Alright,” Ari said. “If I’m alive tomorrow, I’ll call you.”
She blinked away, leaving me in an empty apartment.
