Page 18 of Lethal Souls

My reflection warps before blurring, and I wait for Faye’s to appear.

“Willow!” Faye squeals after answering.

“Faye! Hey girl!” Her grainy sepia image has replaced the mirror. Despite the faded colors, she looks amazing with her hair half up-half down and the gold hoops hanging from her earlobes.

“I’m glad to see you haven’t forgotten about me.”

“Why would I forget about you?” I laugh.

“I don’t know. I know how crazy things get there. I still have to get used to this mirror thing, by the way. It’s so weird.”

I laugh. “Where are you?”

“I’m at work, but I felt the mirror getting hot. I’m now hiding in my office so no one thinks I’m insane for talking to my reflection.” She flips some of her hair over her shoulder. “It’s been a while. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Everything’s fine. Maybe a little too great, actually.”

Her brows pucker. “How do you mean?”

“You know how life does when things are going too well. Something happens that blows it up.”

“You can’t think like that, Willow. It’s okay to be happy and to embrace it. You know that, right?”

“I know. It just feels weird having everything go so well.”

“I’d say you deserve it,” she says. “So, tell me what’s up? Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. Things are good here. His family is still insanely protective, but it’s okay. They’re just looking out for me. Warren is still with that Regal I told you about, and we’re trying to get in touch with them to see how he’s doing. I really hope he’s okay.” I sigh, my eyes traveling to the double doors of my and Caz’s room. “I wish I could tell you all of this in person.”

“Yeah.” Her voice saddens. “I wish you could too. But I can tell you’re happy there.”

I nod, feeling a warmth wrap around me. “I am. I didn’t think I’d be this happy, but I am, Faye. And it’s such a weird feeling, but it’s good. And look.” I raise my hand to show her my engagement ring.

Her gasp is sharp as she brings her face closer to the mirror. “That violent man asked you to marry him?” she shrieks.

“He did.”

“Oh my gosh! Congrats, Willow. That’s so amazing!”

“Thanks, Faye.” I pause, fiddling with a loose string on my tunic. “It won’t be much of a wedding without you, though. I’d love for you to be there.”

Her eyes sadden a bit. “I don’t know how we can make that happen, Willow.”

“I know.” I press my lips and lower my gaze. “I just miss you so much, Faye. Life is good here, but it’s not the same without you. Or Warren.”

“I understand. I mean, I always thought that if you got married, I’d be there to help you plan the wedding. I’m sure everything will turn out great though.”

“Oh yeah. Maeve and Juniper are already diving into planning and organizing. They’re relentless.”

Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “I don’t want you to worry about me or the life you had on Earth, okay? Like you said, other than me, there is nothing and no one for you here. I have mi abuelita and uncle. I have the bookstore. I’m not alone. Yes, I miss the hell out of you, but knowing that you’re okay—that you’re happy—is enough. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

My vision blurs and I sigh, tipping my head back to draw in a breath. “I’ll figure out a way to get you here, at least for the wedding,” I tell her. “If I could get Caz to Earth, I can find a way for you to visit Vakeeli, I’m sure.”

“You can try.” She shrugs. “But if you can’t, just keep the mirror open. I can watch from here.”

“I’ll need a maid of honor. That’s supposed to be you.”

Her eyes are watering now. When a tear glides down her cheek, I squeeze my eyes shut to fight mine.

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