The queen squints her moss-colored eyes, her wings motionless as if she’s frozen in time.
“Mother?” Moth’s deep voice cracks.
His mother…
They have the same sharp cheekbones, dark eyes, tall frames, and sculpted chins. I see it now. The resemblance is so strong I’m surprised I didn’t realize sooner.
“How… I…” Moth struggles to find the words. The queen descends the staircase, and Moth, as if in a trance, moves toward her. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him look this uncertain.
Thud!
The door bursts open, revealing a woman with short periwinkle hair and soft round features racing toward us. Unlike the row of formal guards, she’s dressed more casually, wearing a chest plate on top of a billowing white linen dress. It is honestly a killer look and probably not what I should be fixated onright now.
“No, no, no, no, no,” she groans, pointing toward the guards, who back away as if her gaze alone could cast them to stone. “Why is he here already? You were supposed to bring him to the east wing, and who briefed you on this? Was it Scarlet? I swear I will finally kick her off the patrol if she doesnot get—”
The young woman stiffens, her shiny silver armor creaking as she takes in the scene of Moth’s mother standing inches away from the two of us. I’d guess she’s around eighteen at the most, but knowing how old Moth is (or rather not knowing), appearances don’t mean much. Iridescent butterfly wings in a gorgeous shade of blue flap at her back as she pivots toward Moth.
“Hello.” Her voice takes a sheepish turn from the brash tone she had with the guards. I can’t help but notice how her eyebrows quirk when she glances at me—another reminder that I am not supposed to be here.
“Holly, what is the meaning of all this?” The queen brushes a tear fromher cheek.
Holly.Could this be another family member?
“This was all meant to be a surprise.” Holly is short compared to the others, though they tower over me like elven royalty, which maybe isn’t too far off.
She circles Moth as if inspecting him before throwing her arms around him—the very picture of a gleeful younger sibling. “Welcome home, brother!” shesqueals.
Sweet, precious Moth stands with his arms stiffly at his sides with a look I can only read as“Help me.”
Together, we had prepared for war, but nothing could have prepared us for a family reunion.
2.
“Ionly expected Death,” Holly turns her attention to me. “You are not supposed tobe here.”
I wince at the word:Death. It’s not a threat, but a name. I sharply turn to Moth, who shrugs. Could that have been his name here?
“Heather will remain at my side or be safely returned to the mortal realm,” Moth says. His body is as rigid as a statue. I can understand why he’s unwilling to put his guard down—but this is his family, right? I’m sure they’ll forgive him for being skeptical, but this is my first, and only, chance to make a good impression. From the way his sister is eyeing me as though I’m an unwelcome surprise, I think I’m already blowing it.
I straighten my posture, brush off my dress, and try my best to turn on any ounce of charm I can summon.
She clearly didn’t think her beloved big brother was going to come home with a girlfriend. I need to play it cool and win both her and the queen over.
“Allow me to introduce my mother, Queen Plume of Eclipsica, and I am Princess Holly—First Knight in the Royal Guard.” Holly steps forward, her tone and body language suddenly more formal.
“Heather! Hi, wow, it’s like so nice to meet you!” I extend my hand to Queen Plume first—but that’s not how you’re supposed to greet royalty, is it? I fumble backward, folding myself into an awkward curtsy. Shakily, I repeat the gesture with Holly, who raises her eyebrows in a way that suggests I should have probably just stuck to the handshake. My darling cryptid boyfriend, however, does not budge.
“Moth,” I whisper, placing my hand on his shoulder for support.
“Moth?” Holly tilts her head, the furrow of her brow deepening into two heavy lines. The way she said the word,Deathrings in my ears. God, that really was his name, wasn’t it? No matter the realm, it seems like he can’t get away from being seen as this dark mysterious thing.As if he isn’t a total cinnamon roll!I’m used to calling him Moth, but if he wants his old name back, I’ll gladly adjust.
“I will not stand trial addressed as anything else.” Moth laces his fingers in mine, pulling my body close tohis side.
“Stand trial…” Holly repeats, but Queen Plume doesn’t seem to hear.
“This name—Moth.It is what youcall him?”
“Oh, oh yeah. I just—well I, um, last year he sort of landed on my house and, uh, wouldn’t really give me a name. Which is like so fair because … you know.” I gesture vaguely to the castle. “So I asked if I could call him Moth, and he said he didn’t mind, and I—”
