Page 14 of Ashes of Saints

That is a good point. I never asked.

“I guess so. He asked me out. I know he’s not a serial killer.”

“Jesus, Aurora. Girl.” Chloe starts as I grab my first card and lay it on the coffee table.

The Emperor. I grab the little book and open it to see what it means.

A man of significance will show up in your life and you will end up having a greater status in life. If you have been a victim, you will heal and win in the end.

How random.

“What? That’s important, don’t you think?” I laugh.

“Yes, but did you expect him to say yes? Like, well, I’ve been studying Dharma’s tactics and wondered if you’d like to come over so I can see how many body parts I need to slice you into so you fit in my vat?”

Gross.

“Might’ve.” I chuckle as I pull another card.

The Fool.

That one seems less fun, but I flip to the page and read to find out what it says, anyway.

You’re afraid to make the wrong decision. Foolhardy actions could lead to major problems. You know, deep down, what you want isn’t a good thing.

I glance up at the wall and wonder if this is a warning. Or should I throw these cards away and stop believing in this rubbish? As my mom would say.

Would’ve said.

Past tense.

“Anyway, how did it go at the funeral place? I wish you’d let me come with you,” Chloe says.

“It was fine. I chose all the things Mom wanted. The lawyer is sending out the invites as per her request, so all I have to do now is turn up.”

It was an odd call to get from Mr. Lynch, but then again, I never have understood my mother or known many of her friends. She’s kept me separate from, well, almost everyone and everything.

“I guess it saves you from making a bunch of uncomfortable phone calls. How are you feeling about everything?” she asks.

Exhausted.

Angry.

Like I’ll never find out who my father is. Unless her estate provides them or I find something in her home.

Chloe is my closest friend, but I’ve never delved into the issues I have with my mom. It’s hard to pinpoint the mistrust that’s been years in the making, so all I’ve told her since we met in college was that we didn’t get along that well.

That didn’t mean her death wasn’t a surprise.

It was.

I’m still in a bit of shock.

“Sad. She was my mom, despite our disagreements.” I shrug and grab another card out, sliding it beside the other two.

My eyes widen.

The Devil.

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