The days were getting longer. The evening light played on Genevieve’s polished hood as Val turned down her street after an uneventful day of bodyguarding. She looked forward to summer’s return and getting home in the daylight, but she enjoyed the long shadows and the soft gold light that made the grimy street seem beautiful.
“We even have the time and energy for a home-cooked meal, Gennie,” she murmured. “Rosa would be proud.”
She parked the Mustang in the garage, exited, and stretched her arms high above her head. As she strolled to the back door, she checked her watch. Plenty of time to work on Lillirelda’s amulet before dinner.
The apartment door squeaked. “Hello?” Tetra yelled. “Did you forget me?”
Val bristled. “What?”
“I haven’t seen you in, like, two days,” Tetra complained.
“They’re your days off,” Val barked. “You’ve got plenty of food. I figured you wanted to chill.”
“I’m going out of my mind!” Tetra bellowed. “I’ve watched the last Sherlock four times. When are they going to make a new one?” She kicked the doorframe, which shuddered.
“Don’t break my house!” Val yelled.
“Fine! Be an asswipe. Lock me up in here,” Tetra cried dramatically, stomping into the apartment.
Val sighed. She climbed the stairs and peered through the door to spot Tetra sprawled on the couch, surrounded by dirty dishes.
“You seriously need to clean this place up,” she admonished.
“I thought you wanted me to chill,” Tetra grumbled. “I can’t win with you.”
Val sighed. “Sorry. Look, I’ve been busy, okay? I’m sorry about ditching you for the past couple of days.”
Tetra shrugged. “I guess I can’t expect you to wine and dine me.” She muttered the last words. “You’re doing me a favor with this whole thing anyway.”
Val raised her eyebrows. “What was that?”
“Nothing!” Tetra sat up. “I’m frustrated, okay? I want to go outside. Can’t I take a shift at the Iron Fist tonight even though it’s my day off?”
Val smiled. “You’re enjoying your work, huh?”
“It’s—” Tetra folded her arms, belligerent. “It’s nice to get out and see people.”
“People? You mean those humans you considered inferior a few days ago?” Val teased.
Tetra glowered. “They’re growing on me.”
“They have a way of doing that.” Val smiled. “Okay, here’s the deal. You’ve been great this week.”
“I’m always great,” Tetra muttered.
Val rolled her eyes. “I’m trying to be nice. Don’t ruin it.”
Tetra shut her mouth and glowered.
“You’re holding up your end of the bargain by trying to be a productive member of society, so I’ll hold mine up and give you a little more freedom.” Val folded her arms. “How would you like to leave the apartment on your own?”
Tetra sat up sharply. “Are you serious?”
“I’m not kidding.” Val smothered a grin.
Tetra bounced to her feet. “You’d let me leave? Alone? To do whatever I want?”
“Absolutely not. There will be restrictions, like staying in a certain area, and you’re still not allowed to hurt anyone.” Val frowned.
“Yes, but could I go to the bodega? The one with ice cream and shit in the window?” Tetra’s wide eyes sparkled.
Val laughed, caught off-guard. “You want ice cream?”
“I get faerie wine from Enzo, you feed me, and I’m not allowed to engage in violence. What else is there for me to want?” Tetra demanded. “Apart from freedom.”
“Well, you still have twelve years and eleven months of vassalship to serve, but if you play your cards right, you could get much more freedom,” Val told her. “You’re free to go, but stay within two blocks of this apartment. Don’t hurt anyone. Don’t reveal your magic.”
“Yeah, I know,” Tetra muttered.
“The bodega’s a smart place to go. I know the owner, Mateo. Helped him out when this gang of kids kept vandalizing his store. He’s a cool guy.” Val bit her lip. “He’ll overlook your...quirks.”
Tetra’s lips flattened into an unamused line, but she didn’t protest. “Can I go now?”
“Okay.” Val paused to consider her next words. “Don’t screw this up, okay? I don’t want to regret this.”
Tetra met her gaze, and something vulnerable flickered in her dark eyes. “I won’t.”
“Good.” Val hit the button for the garage door on the remote. “I’ll get you a remote if you earn it.”
