“Very well,” he says as he rises from his seat. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for clearly upsetting you.”
I bite the inside of my cheek.
Feel something, Thayla…he’s hurting.
“Derivius, wait,” I say as he turns from the table. “Don’t…just go to Valveilious or wherever you go and lie low. Don’t involve yourself with this situation.”
“You don’t want my help?”
“No.”
My heart cracks a fraction as his face crumbles, but he doesn’t argue as I stand from the table and walk to the counter. I give him my back and splay my hand across the cool granite.
“Okay then. If you need me—”
“I know.”
His power disappears from the space as he starshoots out without another word. I take three deep breaths.
“Come on out, Yemi.”
She squeaks, then sheepishly appears from my hallway.
“You felt me come back in your door, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“So…what was that about?” she asks.
“If he doesn’t remember everything we discussed last night, I want to keep it that way. I also don’t want him to know I’ve got a plan. All of them, but him, knew that the Goddess of Creation was pulling some shit. I wouldn’t put it past them to try and say he was involved with me succeeding at what I have planned. So it’s best to keep him at arm’s length for now.”
“Makes sense. What is your plan, though?”
“Let’s wait till everyone is here so I don’t have to repeat it.”
“They’re all here. Waiting outside the front door.”
My heart flutters and appreciation pours through me.
Twenty minutes, maybe, is all the time it took her to assemble everyone.
She’s literally the best.
“I don’t tell you nearly enough, but you’re legitimately amazing, Yemi. I’d be lost without you as a friend. I hope one day you don’t decide you’re done with me because of how much shit I constantly drag you into.”
Her eyes grow tender, and for once, there isn’t any pity or sadness on my behalf. How much she truly cares about me reflects in her glistening gold eyes.
“Love you too, Thay.”
A snort escapes me and I choke down the emotion clogging my throat. She doesn’t push or tease me. Instead, she strolls toward my front door to finally let everyone in.
My smile lingers on my lips as a damn stampede sounds throughout my house as everyone charges into the kitchen.
I’m ambushed with questions, but before I can answer a single one, my face is getting smushed against Lambrit’s chest.
“What were you thinking running off somewhere alone? We stayed up half the night worried sick about you.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry anyone. I just grew excited and hopeful when Derivius called for me.”
