Gage nodded. “I’ll get her caught up on everything as we walk.” He turned to her, his eyes a bit sad. “There’s much to tell you, so we’ll walk slow.”
She finished her coffee and stood. “Then we should get started.”
*****
By the time they reached Baba’s, she was a wreck.
“Just take a deep breath,” Gage said, ushering her inside.
“Gage Fabre! What have you done to this poor child?” A deeper woman’s voice demanded.
Gage looked panicked and remorseful. “Nothing, Baba! I just got her caught up to everything that has been going on in our world.”
“When?” the woman asked, making her way around the counter to come to her side.
“On the walk over,” he said, pointing back toward the door they just entered.
Baba turned an incredulous look his way and steered her over to a plush chaise lounge situated in front of a set of mirrors.
“Oh dear,” a fae woman murmured and sat down next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Men!”
“What can I do?” he asked, walking back and forth in front of her.
“Besides scrounging up some damn sense? Run over to the Brick Oven and get this baby girl a treat. Kyla, keep her warm while I start some tea.” Baba ordered, then shuffled her way toward the back of her store.
Gage knelt down in front of her. “I’m so sorry, my love. What can I bring you to help?”
“Chocolate. Those brownies and anything Peter recommends,” she said through chattering teeth. She couldn’t stop shaking.
He kissed her forehead and ran for the door.
“Let me guess. He told you what was going on as if he were making a report to Ari Lionhart?” Kyla guessed.
She nodded. “Why am I shaking?”
“I think you’re fighting off shock.” Kyla reached toward the end of the chaise and picked up an emerald wrap. Gently she secured it around Zoe’s body.
“There’s invisible beings killing babies? They killed shifters in Lycaonia for abilities, and they started a virus in Noctem Falls?” she asked, not wanting it to be true.
Kyla’s eyes filled. “And now they’re killing the fae. I lost my sister in the first attack.”
Gripping each other’s hands, Zoe squeezed a bit. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I came here to Baba’s to order new robes. Somehow, bright colors don’t feel right, and she’s the only one who designs in darker shades.”
“We came here to get me more fire-proof robes.”
“Fire-proof?”
“I’m a fire witch,” Zoe replied.
“Ahh, I see. The one you’re wearing is lovely.”
“Gage picked it out.”
Babe emerged from the back carrying a tray. “The boy has an eye for fashion for all he lacks in common sense.” She set the tray down, and between her and Kyla, soon all three women held cups.
Hers only shook slightly as she took a sip. “I know what this is. We took Blessed Chamomile to Dirk Vi’Eirlindol yesterday.” She inhaled the soothing aroma and took another sip.