Page 76 of The Daughters of Nyx

I shook my head.No thinking that way, Ivy. Lock it up.

Clearing my throat, I smiled tightly and shifted from foot to foot. “You wanted to see me?”

Maeve’s eyes roamed my body; I was still in my sleep clothes—an old college t-shirt, yoga pants, and thick socks—which seemed totally inappropriate considering she still looked like she’d walked out of an important business meeting, with her black turtleneck tucked into beige slacks.

How she looked so effortlessly poised and put together was beyond me.

And yet, it was still super hot.

No. Stop that.I rubbed a hand over my face and grimaced. Maeve, unknowing of my internal dilemma, opened the door wider for me and motioned for me to enter.

Without a word, I slipped into the room. It was bare, save for two beds, both neatly made, and a desk overflowing with files and magical items that looked to have been pulled straight out of aLord of the Ringsmovie. Strange, glowing rocks seemed to be used as paperweights, and there were at least three sharp, smooth, forearm-length swords hanging from hooks above the desk.

I swallowed, and turned back to Maeve. Her face remained impassive as her eyes roamed the length of my body again before flicking up to meet mine.

“I hope Elias didn’t disturb you.”

I shrugged a shoulder and offered her a smile. “All he did was tell Thea she most definitely was not pregnant.”

Maeve’s ink-black brow lifted and she blinked, like she was surprised by my admission. “I didn’t realise—”

“It’s not a normal thing,” I rushed in. “Thea and I aren’tthatirresponsible. It’s just a joke we make whenever one of us is feeling sick, or can’t drink coffee.” I tried to smile, but it felt more like a grimace as her eyes remained locked on mine.

I probably sounded absolutely ridiculous. A blush warmed my cheeks as a small smile cracked across Maeve’s lips. She chuckled softly, and the sound made my heart trip in a way I never expected. The way she smiled and the delicate sounds that passed her lips made her seem less…imposing. Younger, almost.

I quickly shook my head and cleared my throat. “So, uh, what did you need me for?” I asked, wrapping my arms around myself.

Maeve stopped laughing and cocked her head. “Yes, I wanted to speak to you about your nightmares. I know they trouble you, and I won’t press for any details, but I’ve reached out to a potion mage who is going to make you something to keep the nightmares at bay until we return to Avalon. Queen Greer recommended the tonic, so it should work.”

Tears burned the back of my eyes, and before I could stop myself, I threw my arms around her shoulders, pressing myself into her stiff, cold body. For a moment, Maeve remained

tense. She gave a sharp intake of breath, and I expected her to pat my back and gently push me away.

But instead, her arms wound around my waist and she melted into my hold. Her body loosened, and she dropped her head to my shoulder, her grip on me tightening. I felt her suck in a breath.

“Thank you,” I whispered, throat tight. “You have no idea how much this means to me. Really. Thank you so much.”

We stayed like that for a moment, until Maeve pulled away. When our eyes met, there was something darker in her gaze, something that called to the magic flowing in my veins.

It should have frightened me, but instead, I almost wished to fall into it.

Maeve blinked and quickly turned, striding to her desk. She placed a hand on a stack of files and lowered her head. “Have a good day,a mhuirnín. I will see you later tonight.”

I swallowed thickly, and nodded. “Right. See you later, Maeve.” As I opened the door, I paused, heart pounding. “And thank you again. I—I really do appreciate it.”

Maeve didn’t respond as I slipped out, leaving me to my own thoughts, and the mess of my mind.

27

IVY

ANOTHER late night, I thought bitterly, my fingers tapping the desk as soft music played throughout the lobby. I felt bad for the doorman, Moe, who stood outside in the cold evening, but he had maybe fifteen minutes left of his shift before he was due to leave, and he rarely complained, even during winter.

But it still bugged me that Tommy didn’t have a better resolution for this. It was something both Kacie and I had brought up before, only to be shot down time and time again.

I scowled.If I become Queen, this won’t be an issue. I almost snorted and shook my head at my own ridiculous thoughts. Queen I will not be.

Well, not yet anyway, I guessed.

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