I’m halfway to my new hiding place behind the bar when I spot my twin sisters talking to Mr. and Mrs. Andrade beside the stairs to the second-floor balustrade. The couple runs the animal shelter in downtown Wick—you know, cats, dogs, the occasional pocket dragon for the more magically inclined. They’re laughing and smiling, Kara no doubt using her mind-reading abilities, and Rose using her empathy to entertain them. Locals in the know often try and hide their thoughts from Kara or emotions from Rose and see if they can guess them.

Jealousy pangs through me. I want nothing more than to be out there doing readings for guests or entertaining locals, but unlike the rest of my family, my psychometry powers are useless. When I touch someone who’s seen death, I get a vision of it through their eyes. And asking people, Hey, remember that time that person died? is not a fun party trick.

Mostly I’ve gotten used to the visions—blood and monsters come with the psychic family gig, especially in Wick—but sometimes I touch someone who’s seen a really bad death and I can’t get it out of my head for weeks. The nightmares keep me up, no matter how much lavender Gran slips under my pillow.

Which is why tonight I planned to stay firmly planted in the ivy corner, but my plans have a habit of unspooling like a ball of yarn in Max’s paws.

The twins spot me and detach from the Andrades, joining me along the wall.

“Taking the easy way out again, Anna?” Kara asks, always looking to get under my skin.

“Are you frightened?” In contrast, Rose is all willowy-soft voice and gentle concern. Of course, with her power to sense emotions, she can literally just look at me and know the answer to her question.

Five years older than me, they’re already tall, but in shimmering silver dresses and matching heels they’re practically skyscrapers. They share a knowing look that makes me want to introduce their nice dresses to the singing ivy. They’re as different as two fraternal twins can be, from their powers to their personalities, but they always know what the other is thinking. Of course, Kara cheats.

“You know I can’t go out there,” I grumble, shoving my hands into my dress pockets. Kara always says pockets on a dress are tacky—and a missed opportunity for a cute bag—but I never wear a dress without them. What if I found a handful of faerie dust by the wood? Am I supposed to carry a bag around everywhere?

“You doubt yourself too much.” Rose absently twists a red curl around a finger. “Don’t hide from your powers, Anna. Embrace them.”

“Like we do.” Kara nods at a passing man with a feral grin. “Take that guy for starters. He forgot to put on underwear tonight.”