Page 80 of The Howl
“In the human world that’s called anorexia, and it’s dangerous. I’m not saying that I’m siding with Adira or Mrs. Quill, just that you need to take a long look at yourself. You’re hungry all the time and refusing to eat. What’s that really doing to you? You’re one of the few friends I have here, and I don’t want to lose you. I’ve lost enough.”
I knew I shouldn’t, that it was dangerous, but I reached over and placed my hand on Ashlyn’s and pulled some of the sorrow from her. The non-sexual energy didn’t nourish me, but it did make me weirdly hungry for lava cake.
“I’m sorry for all that you’ve gone through and the pain you still feel. I hope it fades in time and you find some true happiness.” Even as I said the words, I knew how impossible finding happiness would be here. Either she would spend her life alone, or she would bring another human into this hell with her. And I didn’t see her as the type of person to do that.
She pulled her hand out from under mine.
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Was there any word used more falsely than the word fine?
“Still want to bake a dessert?” I asked as I parked in front of her house.
“Absolutely. The brownies we made with Megan were amazing.”
The comment made me think of Piepen and how very not amazing he was.
“How much do you know about brownies?” I asked. “The ones with wings.”
She let us into the house and waited until I closed the door before answering.
“Not much. They’re one of the few creatures I haven’t had to interact with. Mostly, they keep to themselves and stay hidden. Why?”
I thought of the glowing line on my belly and shrugged.
“Megan sent a brownie to me, and he’s more than I can deal with right now. I went to the marshes and asked if any family would take him in.”
“You saw brownies at the marshes?”
“No. I just stood there, talking to the marsh. But I know some of them heard me. There weren’t any birds around but a lot of bird song. I gave them my phone number. I mean, I know some of the wingless ones have jobs in town, right? They should be able to call me.”
“The ones that work in town don’t go back to the marsh. Too dangerous. They could give away where the young ones with wings are hiding.”
Defeat kicked me hard in the ribs. Why couldn’t anything go right for me?
Ashlyn must have seen something in my expression because her gaze turned sympathetic.
“Maybe we could try asking the new liaison for help.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure something out after we get our chocolate fix.”
My phone started to ring before we even had the mixing bowls out. I glanced at the number and wrinkled my nose.
“Your mom?” Ashlyn asked.
“Worse. Adira.”
Ashlyn gave me a sympathetic look as I answered.
“Why aren’t you spending time with your mother?” Adira asked without greeting.
“Because she’s a hardened serial troll killer, of course.”
There was a beat of silence on the other end.
“Your new attitude is unappreciated. Did you retrieve your jacket?”
“The one you made me give away? Yes, I have it again.”
