Page 30 of Shifting Winds
“I was allowed no friends and no family, no visitors other than those specific people my mother sought to show how good of a parent she was. And then, she gave me away right when I finished with the first school. I don’t remember how old I was. Maybe three or four.”
I met the banshee’s eyes. “My mother saved my life by handing me over to humans. I would not have survived under her cold ministrations if she hadn’t, but that is not my memory.” I looked away from the banshee and met my mother’s eyes. “Cliona came into my bedroom only one time, late at night whenI was supposed to be sleeping. But you see, I rarely slept in that cold, loveless room.”
Mom’s eyes widened.
“She laid a flower on my dresser, one I’d never seen before, and whispered that if she knew how, she would love me. The next day, she dropped me off on the steps of a small house and left before they’d opened the door.”
Silence filled the air. The five banshees stood like statues, each with tears in their eyes, before the first bowed her head.
“Accepted.” As one, they shot into the air like a silver bullet and disappeared into the distance.
I took a step forward.
My mother floated from the top of her mound to the ground. She turned away from me and waved a hand, revealing a small entryway with a spiral staircase leading downward.
“Enter, daughter.”
I sighed. “Can’t we just talk out here? I have a date later.”
I did not.
Mom’s shoulders stiffened. “Can’t you be serious for one single moment?”
She said nothing about the memory I’d given away, ignored the tension in the air between us, the possibility of something positive shimmering between us before it faded away like it had never been.
“For you?” I snorted. “Nope.”
We started down the staircase, Mom’s dress trailing behind her. Even in the dim light, she managed to still sparkle. “Why must you always be so antagonistic?”
I halted on the next step. “Me? I’m antagonistic?” A crack of laughter I couldn’t hold back. “You’ve been trying to lure my banshee to you for weeks now, and you tried to kill me!”
A scoff. “Kill you?” Her dark hair shimmered against her back as she shook her head. “No, my darling. I was trying to save you.”
Counting in my head wasn’t working so well anymore. If I had a knife, I’d strongly consider raising it and stabbing her right in the space between her neck and shoulder. But I’d get bloody, and I liked this shirt.
“Save me,” I said slowly, after a too-long pause. “Didn’t you show up with Donovan to stab Caelan in the back and also work with Rhona to take me down?”
“Semantics,” she said from over her shoulder. “Fae will work with anyone who furthers their goals.”
“Good to know. I assume that’s why I’m here.”
We came to the bottom of the stairs, the area widening into a large room with bookshelves along the walls, soft cushioned chairs in blue and greens. Stunning carved wooden furniture surrounded a stunning gemstone table. Mom snapped her fingers, and a tea set appeared, complete with cream, sugar, and two delicate cups dotted with flowers and vines.
A bit on the nose for Mom.
“I made Earl Grey. I hope that’s okay.”
“That’s Moira’s favorite. I’m more of a coffee drinker.”
Mom’s lips thinned. “I can bring in coffee if you like.”
“No. I know you prefer tea.”
She waved a hand. “Please. Have a seat.”
I sank into a chair and had to stifle my sigh. The chairs were amazing. And definitely not from a discount furniture store.
I would not ask her where she found these.
