“And she said no,” Evie growled, more to herself than me.
“Is she okay?”
“She is now, but I’m not sure for how long.”
“Is it that woman?”
Evie laughed. “Her mother? It’s almost always her mother, but in this case, Moira’s nature is showing itself.”
The little goddess sighed. “She needs blood. Something is going on with her, and before you ask, I can’t give you specifics.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes. Seems to be a theme these days.”
“I’m asking you to consider donating to her.”
I blinked in surprise. “You want me to feed her?”
“I do.”
“She can get blood from anyone. Why me?” This felt familiar. Too familiar. “Have you asked me this before?”
A flicker of a smile graced her lips. “Not me. Moira’s genetics are…strange. Human blood helps for a little while, but magical blood seems to give her the nutrition she needs to thrive. She was partaking from someone else, but there are complications.”
I leaned back in my chair. “She has no idea you’re here.”
Evie shook her head. “No. And I’d prefer it stay that way.”
“Seems like you are more like your father than you believe.”
A dark look crossed her face. “I am trying to save my best friend’s life. If that means meddling, I’ll meddle. If that means starting a godsdamn war to get her what she needs, I’ll do that too.”
I held up a hand. “Peace, Evie. I’ll approach Moira. We both know she’ll say no.”
“I’m aware. I would take it as a personal favor if you could convince her.”
My eyebrows rose. “A favor to Emberwood or a favor to the fae queen?”
Evie leaned forward and bared her teeth. “I am both. Do not try my patience, Lord. I’m here on Moira’s behalf, but I do not suffer fools.”
I chuckled. “You and Moira are well suited to each other’s temperaments.”
Evie snorted. “Moira will not hunt. She refuses to accept that part of her nature and prefers willing parties.”
Color touched her cheeks. “According to someone close, Moira has a unique ability with her bite. You will find it…enjoyable.”
I barked a laugh. “Pretty sure the woman who was just standing outside my door won’t approve of that, but I will approach Moira. If I frame it as a business transaction, she might be more amenable.”
At the mention of Sarah, Evie’s expression darkened. She stood and leaned closer. Magic rose through the air. “Remember, Lord.”
Evie touched my forehead and disappeared.
Another memory slammed through me.
Me. Moira. The witch.
And the darkest magic I’d ever sensed in my life.
Chapter
