“Is that why she was able to send us a message using her cellular device?” I ask.
“It is likely.” Holly nods. “With any hope, she will get use of it again. We could use a little help.”
I take a deep breath, trying to keep a hold of myself. I should have been here…
Surely, I would have sensed something—been able to protect her. And yet, whatever it takes to get her back, I will do. Even if it means blood on my claws.
“Surely there is a way into their domain,” I press. “We have people—troops, spies, I am sure! Someone to deploy to give us a way in.”
“Spies, yes.” Holly shrugs. “Whispers will return to us even from the shadows, but as much as I would like to rush in with my blade, we must take a much-dreaded path…”
“Which is?” I ask, crossing my arms. What could be worse than waiting around and doing nothing?
“Diplomacy.” She groans. “I like it as little as you.”
“We must get her back!” I argue, speaking more sharply than I should, but the importance is not up for debate.
“But wemustnot start a war,” Ruby adds gently. Her hand rests on my shoulder, as she draws in a deep breath; subconsciously, I begin to mirror her, breathing steadily, fighting to find calm in this madness.
“Conflict with the vampires means conflict with the Dragonfly Court. They are closely allied with the Bumbles and their forces are not to be trifled with. Eclipsica has been at peace for centuries. We cannot let this incident throw off the balance,” Ruby explains it as a mother would to a child, patient and slow. It is clear that history is being watered down. Whether it is for the sake of myself or the humans, I could not say.
But in this moment, I cannot think of the cost—only that I would set the world ablaze to feel her spark—to ensure her safety.
Still, we follow Holly’s plan and wait. The ticking clocks around us make every passing minute feel like agony.
“Brother—a moment please,” Holly says, guiding me away from the rest of our group. The parlor feels dry and stuffy, and I am eager for fresh air. It does little good, and I find myself disappointed when the cold does not soothe me.
“What is it?” I ask, walking to the edge of the balcony.
“There was … something odd that happened at the party.” Holly bites her bottom lip, and the calm of her strategic planning has waned. Now, she only looks like a worried little sister. It is unsettling. “It is no matter. I’m sure it was my imagination.”
Odd?Anything could be helpful, even if it does not seem like it in the moment.
“Tell me,” I demand.“If there is anything that could be helpful, I must know.”
She huffs, pacing the length of the balcony.
“No, no, it was—” She turns on her heel. “My assumptions have gotten us into trouble in the past.”
“Sister,” I beg. “Please.”
Her blue eyes grow wide. In portraits, she bears a great resemblance to our grandmother, with the round features of the Butterfly Court, but the furrow in her brow is like lookingin a mirror. “Fine, yes, well, there was something odd between Heather and Oak…”
“Odd?” I echo.
“I do not know how else to explain it.”
“They are friends,” I answer plainly, I have never sensed anything strange between them. The pair joke readily, and often get lost talking about creative projects but never in a way that has felt romantic.
“It was if they had something to hide,” Holly says, before throwing her hands up in surrender. “I am not trying to cause problems, brother, I promise you. It is just … at the party before Heather disappeared, they were whispering in a way that seemed to be causing Heather discomfort.” She presses her lips together tightly. “I overheard something about stealing her away. I had assumed it was a joke. I cannot believe Oak would have anything to do with this, but he did leave before she disappeared. What if—”
My body moves of its own volition, hurtling back into the room until Oak’s pale neck is encased in my hands.
“Whoa!”
“Moth!”
“What are you—”
