that had brought us to the ritual’s end, working through our emotions and traumas. It had not been easy going back to normal after what we’d experienced with the Hermessi.
“I know I’ve said this before, but congratulations, guys!” Amelia said as she joined the hug. Moments later, the whole crew had piled up, and we laughed our hearts out.
We received gifts from a lot of people, including our friends and their families. Eerily enough, they’d formed a small mountain atop one of the tables, much like in Phantom’s dream. Taeral was the first to notice.
“That is just so creepy. Good thing I’ve got Phyla here, permanently stuck to Thieron,” he said, pointing at the scythe, still strapped to his thigh. He didn’t go anywhere without it, as part of his promise to Death, though he’d already expressed his eagerness to get rid of it. Such a responsibility was bound to weigh down on him, eventually.
My sister, Elonora, and Nevis joined us at our table, along with Douma and Dmitri, Amal and Amane, Ridan, and Fallon. We spent the rest of the evening feasting, laughing, and dancing. The spiced rose water kept pouring, and the joy illuminated the entire party—brighter than the mason jars.
Eva and I were happy together, and I had gone the extra mile to make sure she wouldn’t miss anything tonight, though I had yet to hear from her mother. The relationship between them had not changed, unfortunately. Granted, Eva hadn’t made any effort to resume a conversation with her after the ritual, but Tamara had been quiet, as well. Nevertheless, I’d figured her daughter’s engagement might change her mind.
As the hours went by, and I watched my fiancée laugh and joke with our friends and family, I began to doubt Tamara’s willingness to show up and put that petty feud behind them. But close to midnight, the crowd began to murmur, everyone looking in the same direction, outside the grand hall.
At first, I didn’t think anything of it, as Eva and I were busy talking to Derek and Sofia. The Novaks had arrived, in the meantime, and the party had been kicked up a notch. Ever since the ritual, the Novak fae had become much more jovial, constantly smiling and chortling and hugging everyone in their path. I figured dying must’ve played a crucial part, but I couldn’t say the change bothered me. On the contrary, we needed more light in this world.
“Varga… Is that who I think it is?” Amelia whispered, as if not wanting Eva to hear.
I followed Amelia’s gaze and found myself out of breath. Tamara stood in the grand hall’s doorway, tightly fitted into a long, black velvet dress, her neck adorned with emeralds that matched the color of her snake scales. She glanced around nervously, holding a small gift box in her hands.
When her eyes met mine, she nodded faintly, and I moved away from the table. Eva was quick to notice, and she pulled me aside. “Varga, wait,” she hissed. “You invited her?”
I sighed, preparing myself for the worst. I hadn’t told her, but I also knew she wouldn’t kick me to the curb over it. “Will you ever forgive me?”
Eva softened quickly. “Are you crazy? What’s there to forgive?”
“Well, I didn’t tell you.”
“Well, you had more courage than me, because I wanted to invite her… but didn’t,” she replied, her shoulders dropping.
It wasn’t often that I saw this more fragile side of her, and I loved it. She reminded me that I could still hold her up when she needed my support. This was one such moment, and I had to come through for her, even though she didn’t specifically demand it. I could see it in her eyes.
“Whaddya say, then? Shall we go say hi?” I asked, wearing an innocent smile.
Eva kissed me briefly, then took my hand as we both walked over to Tamara. I felt Eva’s emotions coursing through me. She was anxious and terrified and, at the same time, happy and hopeful. Something told me this would not end badly. Tamara’s aura had shades of yellow and gold in it. She was fearful, but she still loved her daughter very much. Maybe this would put an end to their conflict, after all.
Upon reaching her, Tamara bowed politely. “Your Highness,” she said, prompting Eva to chuckle. “Thank you for the invitation.”
“Pardon the giggle, Mother. Varga and I have an ongoing joke about his form of address,” Eva replied, grinning broadly. I had to admit, I was impressed