“December is quite good at hide and seek.” I nod. “I will have to search there.”
Before I can say another word, Dot has grabbed my hand.
“Okay, Baba you’re all done,” she announces, patting Pepper’s shoulder to urge them to move. “Uncle Moth’s turn.”With her meager strength, the child pushes me into the now empty seat.
I open my mouth to protest—there are things to do, orders to give and…
“I take it the queen has sent for me.”
“She has.”
“Ruby has remained at the castle. Something about her knowledge of the nobility.”
“Mommy knows lots of people!” Dot chirps, yanking a handful of my hair. “Decy! Lace! Hornet! July Belle! Uncle Moth is here to play!”
“I—” I begin to protest, but Pepper will need to take their leave, and the children cannot be left alone. I frown, before nodding. My job was to summon Pepper; I had not realized I would also be babysitting.
“Just keep them entertained for a little while… and no flying in the house.”
“No fair!” December shouts. In record time, she has flown down the hallway and hovers in the air just above my head. She clutches a handful of ribbons her sister has passed up to her.
In the distance, the sun peeks above the trees, and within mere moments, four more fae children barrel down the steps. I am met with an arsenal of bows and adornments at the hands of Dot, December, and Hornet, while Lace and July Belle focus on giving Sprout a “matching look.” I force my lips into a reassuring smile when the weight of the situation feels too heavy. I am sure I look quite the spectacle and Heather would adore it…
She has always been good with them, though she says I am a natural. I cannot pretend I have not noticed the glint in my flame’s eyes the few times we’ve visited, as if getting a glimpse into a possible future. With a smile, I look at the tiny faeries and their artful chaos. Heather was convinced Pepper had over ten children, not understanding that each time we’d seen them they’d simply been playing with friends. Still, five is nothing to underestimate—especially when they are suddenly wielding glitter.
7.
Heather
Inever thought of myself as a damsel.
Hell, my whole life, I’ve chased the shadow of my mother; independent, brave, someone who doesn’t need anyone to survive. But this is the second time I’ve been kidnapped in a two-year period and my#bossbabementality is fading with every second I spend in this room. Something about the way the walls curve makes me feel exposed. Even at my peak, when I was under the brightest flash of cameras, I always craved the cozy corners of my home. With Moth, it’s like having a shadow to rest in wherever I go.
But here, this corner-less room lacks safety and all I want is to be home.
My ability to transform is more of a faulty party trick if nothing else, and it’s not like I can do much. My nails get a little longer, sure, but I can’t shift like Moth or fight with swords like Holly. That attempt was laughable, and something I don’t want to repeat anytime soon.
To get out of this, I’m going to have to think outside the box.
He can’t have me, but King Magnus wouldn’t have done all this if he wasn’t pathetically lonely. That might be something I can work with. Right now, the only weapon in this room that I know how to wield is my cellphone—and it’s dead. I don’t suppose I’m going to find a charger under the random swords and books.God,so many books. There are instruments too, some I don’t even know the names for.
The more I look around, the more this tower reminds me of the spare room of someone who goes to the craft store once a month to pick up a new hobby after abandoning the old ones. Or, perhaps, the last person who was in this tower had a lot of time to kill. I cringe at the thought that I might be the next hobby he’s decided to add to his cart. Pacing, I slip my hand into my pocket.
Despite my stubbornness, I bathed and changed into one of the gowns waiting in the closet for me. It’s a silky blush color with dramatic flowy sleeves and a nipped waist. It’s not as ornate as anything worn in the Moth Court but undeniably beautiful. Also, it shockingly has pockets, which is a perfect place for me to keep the tiny Mothman keychain I’d been using as a phone charm. I even tied a purple ribbon from the centerpieces to the keyring to try to make it more festive. I run the pad of my thumb across it as I pace the room. It’s silly—I knew it when I impulse bought it in Point Pleasant, and I know it now—but it offers comfort.
I wonder if, by now, he knows I’m missing.
The sharp sound of the lock unbolting makes me jolt, and when Magnus steps inside I curse myself for stepping away from him. I wish I could say I’m not afraid of him, but I’m tired of lying to myself. The last time I was kidnapped, I almost died, and the parallels to this situation are not lost on me. I was nice to Chris—too nice. Sometimes I think I might have led him on, but that’s beside the point. He thought he was saving me and so does Magnus.
The vampire king holds a golden tray with two goblets and one plate. My stomach practically lunges forward, growling and demanding sustenance after a night of sugary drinks and desserts. To this, Magnus smiles, setting the tray down on the small table near the door.
“It seems my presence is not entirely unwanted.” He smirks. God, I hate my stomach for drawing attention to how freaking hungry I am.
I wonder if Magnus knows that humans eat three times a day—and snacks are appreciated.
“I’m surprised it’s not stale bread and water,” I mumble, crossing my arms. I push the plate away despite the angry, hollow feeling in my stomach. He can’t be trusted, even if this is all a misunderstanding. For all I know, it’s been seasoned with a love potion and one bite will be my doom.
“My sweet, we both know you can’t have bread. Ihavedone my research,” Magnus says, easing into one of the chairs. He gestures for me to take a seat opposite him. “The staff have been briefed on your medical conditions and dietary restrictions. Your medication will be restocked as soon as what is in your purse runs out.” His purple eyes flick up to meet mine, molten and wanting something I’m unwilling to give.
