“I read it on the internet, so it must be.”
Ethan’s brow furrowed. Halvar stared at Tess. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”
I hated Halvar’s voice.
“No,” Tess said cheerily. “The only place I have to go is to the grave, but I have quite a while before that happens.”
I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer.
“Perhaps not, girl,” Halvar snapped. “Be gone with you.”
“I’m a banshee,” Tess said. “I know exactly when I’m going to die, but I don’t think you know your date of death.” A terrifying smile curled her lips. “Would you like me to tell you?”
The shop grew so quiet, we could hear the clock above the door ticking.
Even the terrifying Halvar looked unnerved. Rowan broke into a cheerful laugh. “You’re the first banshee I’ve ever met. I didn’t know your kind could do that.”
Tess shrugged. “It’s one of many gifts our queen has bestowed upon us.” She tilted her head and studied him. “Would you like to know?”
Rowan blinked. “Absolutely not.” He leaned closer. “I’m quite the cad, you see. If I knew when I was going to die, I’d spend the rest of my days chasing women and drinking the finest whiskey so I could die a happy man.”
“Happiness is only a construct. Nothing matters once you cross the waters into the mist.”
Rowan winked. “Right. But thank you for the offer, dear banshee.”
Tess nodded. “You are welcome.” She leaned forward and stage whispered into Rowan’s ear. “Rest assured, you have far more time than your counterparts. Especially the one who keeps staring at Evie like he wants to eat her.” Her gaze flicked to Halvar, and her form flickered in and out of existence. “Your time draws near. Perhaps you have affairs you need to settle?”
Halvar’s snarl echoed off the walls. I hurried over to Tess and took her by the arm, firmly leading her away from the stunned Lords. Once I had her back behind the register and in Moira’s firm grip, I smiled apologetically.
“Sorry about that. Tess normally doesn’t offer to show that particular gift to strangers.”
Rowan laughed. “No worries, Miss Quinn.”
“Evie, please.”
“Evie, then. I find your banshee delightful.” His gaze slid to Halvar. “Though I admit to some concern about Halvar’s fate. Perhaps I should take a taxi back to the Keep.”
Even Ethan was having trouble keeping a straight face.
A hysterical laugh bubbled from my throat. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary.”
Rowan glanced over to the desk. “Tess? What say you?”
Tess pinned Halvar with her silvery stare. “He will live through the night.”
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. My smile froze. “Well. Then it’s settled,” I said in a strained voice. “Your transportation home is safe.”
“That’s not as comforting as you might think,” Rowan said, giving Halvar an odd look. “We’re sharing a rental car.”
“Umm. Well, please look around. We won’t interrupt again.” I headed back to the desk, giving Tess a wide-eyed WTF look. She looked mighty pleased with herself.
Rowan pulled a few plants and brought them over to the register. “These are for sale, right?”
“Yes. I can send you home with a bag of special fertilizer as a welcome to town gift if you like.”
His eyebrows rose. “It’s what you’ve been using?”
I nodded.
