Page 156 of Heimlock

Could she?

I don’t want you to mourn me forever, Firefly.

“Good thing you aren’t dying then,” she says nastily.

But if I do—

“I can barely tolerate men, and you think I’ll somehow find another worth tolerating?”

I snort, releasing smoke from my nostrils. My mistake. I’ll say nothing further.

She’s quiet for a moment. “I never told you this, but the Morestia Mountains are one of the last places I went to with my father before he died.”

A sinking feeling weighs heavily in my gut. Now she might have that memory ruined by my death. Why didn’t you tell me?

“It didn’t really hit me until now.”

There’s not much I can say to that. It’s not like a false promise of survival will make her feel better. Instead, I switch topics. I’m eager to relax in Oasha. I need more coffee.

Kyrielle chirps, “You mean the hazelnut one?”

That’s the one.

“Can I spit in your mouth?”

Anytime, anywhere.

“Every morning?”

Will that help you go about your day in a good mood?

“Maybe?”

Then yes.

She fist pumps. “Yes!”

Since I can’t chuckle, I let out a low rumble in amusement. Whatever makes you happy, Firefly.

She pats my head affectionately. “Now you have to survive. For the coffee.

Yes. My tone is dryer than the sanes. For the coffee.

Fynn enters my mind to ask, Do you know if Aunt Teale will be there?

I doubt she’d miss it for the world, I say, amused. But she’s also required as the matriarch.

Orliana wants you to know she thinks this is all crazy.

I snort out smoke. Well, once it’s over with, we’ll never have to worry about that dunghole, ever again.

Fynn is silent for a moment. I’m proud of you, brother. You’re doing the thing I was too cowardly to do.

My heart aches at the misplaced responsibility. It’s not your fight, Fynn.

Your fights are my fights. You’re my brother, and I didn’t protect you. He hesitates, glancing at Orliana. If you somehow don’t survive, know that I’ll finish what you’ve started.

And you’ll take care of Kyrielle? Thinking about it creates a seeping wound in my soul. If anyone could understand the true depth of my words, of the promise, it’s Fynn.