The Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay

tightly—didn’t want to damage those heavenly concoctions. “You got me a Buns for a Year subscription? Are you kidding me?”
    I was smiling like an idiot, smiling because this was just like Hank. And he hadn’t gone and done something like get me jewelry or a scarf or perfume or a useless trinket I’d never use. He bought me something I raved about on pretty much a daily basis, something no one had ever gotten before even though every year I casually threw out the mention to those around me.
    Maybe I’d never gotten it because everyone else thought it was a goofy idea. But I always thought if you were gonna give a gift, it should be something the person wanted, really, really wanted. And boy, did Hank hit this one out of the park.
    “Mother,” Em said in a serious tone, “I hope you know you
will
be sharing those.”
    My eyes narrowed. “I might give you one … if your room is clean, you do the dishes, empty the trash …”
    “Mom!” She reached for the box.
    I held it aloft, laughing. “Okay, okay. You can have
one
.” I set the box on the table and opened the lid, selecting a fluffy white creation with reverence.
    Made by the Elysian imps who were known in all three worlds for their skills in the baked goods department, the Aeva buns were their highest achievement. I handed Emma one and took one for myself, biting into the soft, cloud-like creation, so sweet and light that it melted in your mouth.
    Rex came down the hall. “I smell Aeva buns.”
    My gaze stayed on Hank. I managed a thank-you through my stuffed cheeks. He gave me a small nod and a half-smile, yet so much swam in his expression—satisfaction, relief—something that spoke of vulnerability. If I wasn’t mistaken, he’d been just as nervous as me about the gift. Christ. That realization disarmed me completely and my heart gave a hard knock.

8

     
    After Hank left, I sat on the porch swing and stared into space. Despite the last hour of fun, I couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that descended after all the distractions had gone.
    I pulled one knee up and chewed on my pinky nail.
    Em’s head poked out of the front door. “Hey. What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing.”
    “You’re chewing on your nails and you only do that when you’re worried about something.”
    Smart aleck. “Just thinking about Aunt Bryn. And I’m tired. As usual.”
    “Go to bed, then. I’ll send Brim up with you. Trust me, having him in the room makes you feel better.”
    Before I could turn down the offer, she whistled for the enormous beast, opening the door wider andtelling him to stay with me. That was all she had to say and that damn beast would stay with me until she told him otherwise. It was uncanny, their bond; the way they communicated with each other. She didn’t just order him around; she loved that ugly beast. And he loved her right back, enough to run all the way downtown, up fifty flights of stairs, and onto the roof of Helios Tower to save my life.
    Brim stuck his big, goofy face in mine, sniffing my breath. I ruffled his ears affectionately.
    “Thanks, kid.”
    “Don’t mention it.”
    The door closed and I smiled to myself. Sometimes she sounded just like me. Other times like Bryn. Always trying out new sayings, trying to grow and figure out who she wanted to be, and how she wanted to present herself to others. It was fascinating to watch. But I worried, too; I worried about this special talent she had for communicating with Brim. Hell, she’d even sent
me
flying through the air with only the force of her will.
    Emma had raw, and apparently very strong, abilities. And more than anything I prayed they wouldn’t hurt her.
    I stayed on the swing for another ten minutes or so. “Well, beasty boy, you ready for bed?” He turned away from the screen with a whine. Poor Brim, he looked so lost when Emma left him. “Come on, let’s go in.”
    Dutifully, he climbed the stairs and then circledrepeatedly in the corner of my bedroom before lying down