Page 70 of The Demon's Discovery
Once I had a chance to really look around, I found five other women, all of them enthusiastic to say the least about meeting me. They chattered all at once, and I tried to do my best to follow the conversations, but mostly just nodded, trying not to become overwhelmed.
“Leave off!” Lovette shouted, making everyone stop at once. “Nobody can understand a thing you’re saying.Please. One at a time, yes?” She set the pitcher and glasses down on the lowcoffee table, then took the plate from my hands and did the same.
I was approached by them calmly and in a single file line after that. They all gave me a thorough once-over, each of them touching my hair, my face, my shoulder. I received a hug, some kind words about my mother, and a small gift. It was an unusual experience, but mostly very sweet.
“Alright, out. You’ve had your introductions and gotten to gift her before the rest of the clan, good on you. There’ll be plenty of time for more later, yes? And I’m sure you all have plenty to do, besides. Don’t think I haven’t warned her about the shenanigans we love to get up to whenever there’s a good reason.”
“You didn’t!” one complained, though they gave a group groan. “You’ve spoiled the surprise!”
“Some people don’tlikesurprises, Jorna. Ever think of that?” Lovette shooed them all back out the door as nicely as possible, sagging against it once they were all gone and it was closed again. “Sorry about that. The aunties do love a new niece to fawn over.”
“That’s alright. They all seem very nice.” The silence in their absence was resolute, a hum remaining in my ears from their noise.
The main room of Lovette’s apartment was one open space for living, dining, and kitchen. She walked around, opening several windows wide. “Mostly they are.” She chuckled as she plopped down into a well-loved sofa that reminded me of the ones back at d’Arcan. “Though they do have a thing against my preference for the breeze, for some reason. Please, make yourself comfortable.” She gestured toward the mate to the sofa she was sitting on. “I don’t mean to jump right in, but Father mentioned you have some things you’d like me to help with? It might be best if we have a chat before things get too busy.”
“Oh. Yes. We visited Ophelia?—”
She leaned forward, sampling a slice of cheese. “Isn’t she great? The men are all terrified of her, and I just want to squeeze her.”
“She was very helpful.” We’d definitely warmed to one another the later it had gotten during our visit. I gave the short version of my issues, and not being able to shift. “She said something about my wing ways being sutured closed.”
Lovette’s smile vanished. “That’s… I’m so sorry.”
I shrugged. “It’s been like this as long as I can remember. But she and your father thought maybe you could help with that.”
“I’m sure I can, but it’s not going to be easy. Or painless.”
“I wasn’t expecting it to be.”
She nodded, getting to her feet to answer a knock at the door. “That’ll be Imogen. But yes, we’ll do our best.” Lovette gasped. “Oh my goodness! Hi! Come in!” I turned, the greeting alone telling me it was in fact, not Imogen at the door. A petite brunette leaned in for a hug with Lovette. “I didn’t know you were coming!”
“Rylan insisted. It’s not every day we’re invited to visit, after all.”
Lovette clucked her tongue. “You’re always welcome here. This is your place too.”
I stood, accepting the newcomer’s outstretched hand. “You must be Greta?” I nodded as she shook it, her palm and smile both warm and familiar. “I’m Calla. So pleased to meet you.”
Chapter 29
Vassago
“So, what should we expect from this celebration then?” I asked, pausing as a familiar form came into view on the main path. “You’re joking.”
Two large birds swooped low over our heads, disappearing into the trees before I could get a good look at them. I didn’t need to see them—I could guarantee one was an owl and the other a raven. At least they’d keep one another occupied for a while.
Magnus chuckled. “Well, it’s not every day we invite a demon to the conclave. Guess they figured why not two? Get it all done at once.”
I watched as my brother loped up the road, his face locked in a smug smile. “Who’s in charge of invitations? That sounds like very poor logic,” I argued.
Magnus only laughed harder.
“It’s alright, Vago, you can admit you’re happy to see me.” Rylan grinned. He was every inch my opposite in his black-on-black-with-red-trim attire and dark features, but for some reason, all I could hear in my head was Ophelia claiming we were like twins.
“Feels like I just got rid of you. Where’s your lovely wife?” I asked, not wasting a chance to needle him.
“Off finding your chemist, I assume. I left her near the infirmary.”
“You justlefther there? After all we went through to get her back the last time?”
