The Evolution of Fae and Gods (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 3)

It’s probably my biggest fear when it comes to defending myself against Kymaris should she come after me again. All she’d have to do is bend distance to reach me, grab me, and pull me back through the distortion. She could head straight to a cemetery and toss my dead body right into a grave.

That’s exactly how simple it would be for her to kill me, and I’d never be able to defend against it. Despite not necessarily liking the idea of having a bodyguard such as Maddox with me, it’s as safe as I can hope to be against Kymaris right now.

We turn on the next block, and I see One Bean ahead.

Or what is left of it. As we get closer, I can see all of the brick is still intact but covered in soot. The window we crashed through has been boarded up.

Mr. Hostein is waiting for us and we make quick introductions, although he already knows Maddox. This isn’t surprising to me since Mr. Hostein is a light daemon—who, under his glamour, is clearly a member of the lower caste. He’s homely looking and would be considered an average-looking human if it weren’t for the nose that was larger than what would be considered normal and hooked like a beak.

Regardless, he’s pleasant, diligent, and ready to get started. He sweeps his hand to indicate I should precede them in, warning me to watch the debris on the floor.

I step into One Bean—my home away from home—and I don’t let myself get overwhelmed with emotion over how bad it looks. Everything is completely destroyed, and nothing can be salvaged. The smell of char and must from the water used to put the fire out is nauseating.

“We’re going to have to gut the interior,” Mr. Hostein advises as I look around. “So if you had any desire to change the layout, now would be the time to consider it. Mr. Byrne said you have free rein and budget to do what you want.”

Change the layout?

Free rein and budget?

I had considered changing things a time or two, but I knew I could never afford it. The counter and registers are dead ahead as people walk in, and, when it’s crowded, the line has to go out the door. I’d often thought of moving it to the adjacent wall, which would also open up some more seating.

I start to get excited as I wonder what else I can do, like increasing the partial upper-floor space.

But then I go still, realizing Carrick giving me unlimited funds to reopen my business and enhance those dreams might be his way of alleviating his guilt or even appeasing me. Perhaps he thinks he can buy my happiness since he can’t give me what I really want.

Clearing my throat, I decide not to take more than what my pride can tolerate. “Um… I think I’ll just keep things the same.”

Mr. Hostein shrugs. “Suit yourself. But if you change your mind, you have a few weeks as it will take that long for demolition.”

I nod, smiling easily, but no way in hell am I taking more from Carrick. I’m not taking anything other than his help in thwarting this prophecy. Putting that distance between us again is the only way to keep my heart secure and ensure I stay focused on the important things such as saving the world.

* * *

“Will you stop staring?” Zaid snaps as he catches my eyes on him again.

I laugh, lifting my glass of wine. “I’m sorry… it’s just… I’ve never seen you just sit and relax.”

And it’s even funnier that he’s incredibly uncomfortable as he sits at the far end of the kitchen island with a glass of red wine that Rainey set before him. This was right after she showed up around an hour ago, her and Myles each toting bags of groceries.

Zaid tried to intercept her on the way to the kitchen, which is essentially his kingdom, but Rainey stopped him in his tracks. “Zaid… I’m cooking dinner for everyone tonight. You deserve a night off, so I am insisting you sit, relax, and drink wine while I do the work.”

Zaid looked like he’d been struck with lightning, his appalled expression remaining there for a good five minutes after he had, in fact, taken a seat at the end of the counter.

Eventually, he started sipping at the wine, and while he didn’t actively participate in the conversation between Rainey, Myles, and me, he stayed within our social circle, which was good enough. I feel bad Maddox is relegated back down into the lobby, where he’s been ever since we came back from One Bean. I’ll take him down a plate of Rainey’s lasagna that is currently bubbling in the oven. She’s not the best cook, so no telling how it will turn out, but I watched as she prepared everything and she did exactly as I would have done.