by Krista Walsh
“We have a saying about truth and fiction, Your Majesty,” said Jeff.
She smirked. “I believe we have a similar one here. So what comes next?”
“Cassie and I go home, before we stir up any more excitement.”
Jasmine laughed. “You know it’s all going to start up again the moment you leave. Are you sure you don’t want to stay? See what happens now?”
Jeff grinned. “The next steps are on you. I’m hands-off from here on out.”
“So you say,” said Maggie. “The Sisters seem to have different ideas.”
Jeff frowned. “Let’s prove them wrong for a change, shall we?”
Cassie turned to Venn. “So what about you? Do you want to come with us? See how the regular world works out for you?”
The younger woman flushed, looked around, and then nodded.
Maggie stretched out her hands. “I have my words, and my magic is safe. I’m ready whenever you are.”
Jeff held the orb in his hands. “Should we use this thing? See if it works?”
Maggie’s face fell. “Oh, let me do this. Please? It might be my last time.”
Jeff thought about saying “Will be,” but let the words go unspoken. He didn’t know if he wanted her to make that promise. So he nodded and looked around at everyone, and the familiar feeling of wanting to stay came over him. But the glass ball weighed heavily in his shirt pocket, and he realised he would never really be apart from them. Not if he didn’t want to be.
He threw his arms first around Brady, surprising the scholar—counsellor—who laughed and hugged him back. “No more obsessive research, all right? I don’t want to have to worry about you anymore.”
Brady patted him on the back. “I don’t think you need to worry about worrying.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Jasmine said as she gave Jeff a hug. “Make sure he takes good long breaks from his books.”
Cassie chuckled and threw her arms around Jasmine while Brady flushed a deep red.
“Now there’s an image I didn’t need,” Jayden groaned, clapping his hand on Jeff’s shoulder. “Take care of yourself, brother. And be smart this time. I don’t think the beautiful Miss Murphy will give you too many more chances if you keep fu—” he glanced at the queen, “messing up.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Cassie said with a smile. “I think he’s earned himself a few.”
Jeff bowed to the queen and princess, both of whom nodded in farewell.
“It was a strange and wonderful privilege to meet you, Jeff Powell,” said Queen Ansella. “If ever you should return to his world, I hope you’ll think to stop by.”
“How could I pass up an offer like that?” he asked, feeling too giddy with anticipation to be formal.
Maggie pulled him in for a tight squeeze, and then embraced Cassie, and finally Venn.
“Think homey thoughts now,” the enchantress said, and she began the incantation.
His arm around Cassie’s shoulder, Jeff thought of home, but kept his eyes on his friends until the last. Venn slid her hand into his, and he felt her grip tighten as the room fell away into the swirl of blue, white, and black light.
And then they were standing in Jeff’s apartment, another chapter closed.
***
A week later, Jeff walked into Le Coin du Café coffee shop for his breakfast and beverage. He smiled at the short line, and at the woman standing behind the counter. A perfect start to a perfect Wednesday.
Beside him, Cassie gave his hand a squeeze. “See? I told you she’d fit right in.”
As they approached, Venn smiled at them, her blue eyes sharp against the black uniform. “The usual?”
“Yes, Sir. Extra bacon if you can—” he caught Cassie’s gaze. “Never mind.”
Venn poured the coffee as Jeff slid over his money, and they waited by the side bar for their orders.
Cassie stroked his cheek. “So, I thought you should know I’ve told people at work that Venn is your cousin.”
Jeff’s brow rose. “Mine? Why not yours?”
Cassie grinned. “Because they’d never believe it, the way you keep watch on her.” Her gaze slid back over to Venn, and Jeff saw the way his “cousin” leaned against the counter, head bent to hear something an attractive patron was whispering in her ear.
“I’ll kill him.”
“She’s seventeen,” Cassie reminded him with a smile.
“She’s here because of you. If something happens, you know who I’ll blame.” Jeff bent his head lower, gaze fixed on the way her lips slid into a soft smile, her eyes crinkled in the corners with teasing.
“I think I can handle that.”
Leaning in, Jeff caught her lips with his, glorying in the possibility of a normal future: arguing over normal things, worrying about normal concerns. Maybe teaching himself to write again. He wanted it all, and he wanted it all with her. And he wanted it now.
“Your coffee,” Venn interrupted them, pushing the cup against his arm so the hot liquid sloshed against his skin. Her eyebrow was arched with humour as she added, “Coz.”
Jeff reached out to grab his coffee, and the three of them froze as, in a flash of light, the cup vanished from the counter.
He met Cassie’s stare and caught the wonder and confusion he felt.
Almost normal, he thought.
Click here to read the next book in the Meratis trilogy.
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About The Author
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. After publishing a few short stories and novellas in various anthologies, she has now released her own anthology, the serial collection Greylands.
When not writing, or working at her day job, she can be found reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
You can connect via:
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And at the local Second Cup coffee shop … but only if you come bearing a White Mocha
Acknowledgments
There are a few people without whom this book would not exist: first and foremost, my colleague and good friend Colin F. Barnes, who has been my right hand from drafting to publishing; my editor, Sadie Scapillato, for working with me to mould the original ideas in something much stronger and lasting; Keri Lake, one of the most thorough and enthusiastic beta readers I’ve encountered; Kevin Lester, the incredible artist and designer of both the Evensong and Eventide covers; and Aaron Booth for the last minute catches. More thanks go out to my friends and family for their ongoing support, promotion, and love, helping me keep my sanity amidst the chaos. Finally, but most importantly, thanks to my readers—you give me the motivation and inspiration to keep going, and I’m grateful for each and every one of you.
Table of Contents
Eventide
All Rights Reserved
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Thank You for Reading
About The Author
Acknowledgments