Any of those reasons might have worked at an art gallery or theatrical show not involving minors and a room full of sharks about to pounce. The auditorium was as quiet as death. My breathing sounded loud in my ears.
I was horrible at lying. Anything I made up would just sound like an excuse to cover Imani’s Red affinity. I needed to take the attention off of her. What did it matter if I outed myself? The Fae community already suspected what I was. It was the Witchkin who didn’t know.
What had Josie told me about gossip and rumors? People liked to focus on the scandalous. They liked information that affirmed their negative beliefs in someone. I could reveal something scandalous about myself.
I knew this was a mistake, but I didn’t know how else to fix this.
“The students didn’t have anything to do with that piece. I did.” I swallowed. “The rumors you’ve been hearing about me are true. I’m Red.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Caught Red-Handed
If I was going to go out, I might as well go out with a bang. Pretty much everyone had to have suspected anyway. Julian Thistledown had known. The Raven Queen knew. The king of the Silver Court knew. Elric had figured it out, as well as Vega. From Coach Kutchi’s reaction, I wondered if she did as well.
“I’m Red,” I said. I tried to say a Red affinity, but my voice faltered. It sounded like my words came out saying I’m ready.
I repeated the words, but they came out enunciated more clearly this time. “I’m ready.”
A warm hand touched my shoulder. Elric stood beside me, grinning as though nothing was wrong. He laughed as though this moment completely tickled him. Jeb backed away. His complexion had paled.
Trumpets blared triumphant notes that sounded like a battle had just been won. Something strangely unexpected was happening. Probably something horrible. I felt like the Hunger Games was about to begin.
“Yes, Miss Lawrence is ready to make an important announcement.” Elric squeezed me to his side, the gesture more familiar and informal than I was comfortable with in public. He laughed again.
I tried to squirm back, but he held me firmly. “We were going to wait until after the show to make this announcement, but I can see she just couldn’t wait.” He gazed into my eyes and sighed wistfully. “Some of you have probably noticed Miss Lawrence at my side at balls and in the Faerie Realm. Some of you may have noticed my presence at her school and my involvement in this event, which has been beyond the boundaries of . . . philanthropic interests. It is time to admit that the rumors are true.”
My brow crinkled in confusion. I tried to smile, but I didn’t like where this was headed.
Elric gazed at the audience. “Miss Lawrence and I are ready to make an announcement to the world.”
I stared at him in horror. He was trying to save me. Or he was trying to use my blunder to his advantage. I couldn’t tell which.
His grin grew wider. “I have asked Miss Lawrence to marry me.”
I waited for him to say I had accepted. He didn’t. Perhaps he wasn’t trying to trap me.
He went on, “Miss Lawrence has pledged herself to me, my house, and my family. She has been accepted as a faithful servant of the Silver Court.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Elric gazed out at the boxes above. “Miss Lawrence is mine. Her actions are my responsibility. Her misdeeds, her magic, and her silly Witchkin sensibilities expressed in her pink hair or her avant-garde teaching methods of students with such a . . . passionate color are all under my jurisdiction and no one else’s.”
His friendly smile turned grim. “If anyone has a problem with that, they will seek retribution from her masters and sovereign. Should someone wish to do harm to my kin, my heirs, or my betrothed, they will answer to the Silver Court.” His warm smile returned. “If you wish to congratulate us after the show, feel free to do so. As a Fae prince with everything, I’m fine with forgoing the customary gift. Your money would be better put toward the education of tomorrow’s future.”
He was slick. I couldn’t help admiring him, even as I resented him.
Elric placed a hand on his chest. “Those closest to me know how dear Womby’s School for Wayward Witches is to my heart, as my son used to work there as a teacher. This school is important to me because it was where my kin worked, as well as where I hope for more kin to attend in the future. It is where I hope some of your children will continue to go in the future. . . .”
I wasn’t sure if he was addressing Witchkin parents or Fae. He was good at subtlety.
His eyes narrowed. “Which, I might add, Miss Lawrence has ensured a future of tomorrows will be possible . . . if worthy Fae are willing to invest the time, effort, and fiscal responsibility to make it so in this school.”
Oh shit. It was bad enough he’d implied I was going to marry him. It was worse that these Fae now thought I would share the solution to the Fae Fertility Paradox with them in exchange for them investing in the school. Why had I listened to Vega?
The moment I left the stage, I headed to the green room, wanting to make sure Imani was safe and unharmed.
The moment I stepped into the dressing room, Josie grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me. “What is it with you? Do you have a death wish?”
Jackie Frost stood there, arms crossed, shaking her head at me.
“I had to do something,” I said. “They would have hurt Imani.”
Tears in her eyes, Josie hugged me.
Jackie stuck her nose up at me. “Now you’re going to be enslaved by one of them for the rest of your life.”
I patted Josie’s back. Teenage girls changed in the corner, talking about boys. They seemed oblivious to our adult drama going on. Imani wasn’t with them.
I pulled away from Josie. “Where’s Imani?”
Josie looked around. “She didn’t come back. I assumed she was with you.”
I shook my head. Panic crept into my chest, making it difficult to breathe. I told myself there was no reason to worry yet. There could be a logical explanation.
“She’s with Vega Bloodmire,” Jackie said.
That’s right. I’d seen her with Vega backstage in the other wing. Only, it seemed like they should have returned by now, even if Imani had needed a bathroom break.
I started toward the door. “I’m going to go find—”
“No!” Josie and Jackie said together.
Jackie barred my path. “I’ll go find Vega. We’ll bring the girl here.”
Josie and I sat side by side on the couch as we waited for Jackie to return with news.
“I’m sure she’s fine.” Josie held my hand, squeezing so hard it was uncomfortable. “You’re the one I’m worried about.”
“Why would you be worried about me?”
“Oh, Clarissa!” Josie turned her face away. A sob coursed through her. She took a few deep breaths before going on. “They might steal you away from us. Tonight after all this is over, Elric is probably going to make you go home with him. He’ll force you to eat Fae food, and you’ll be stuck in the Faerie Realm forever. You won’t even be able to visit the school.”
“Elric isn’t like that.” I didn’t want to believe he was like that. Even so, dread settled like a brick in my gut. He was Fae, and I’d forced him to take action. This was the solution he’d come up with.
Jackie returned a moment later, her face flushed pink. “I can’t find Vega. No one has seen them since the Prince of the Silver Court left the stage. One of the students said she thought she saw the three of them leave together.”
Leave? “Like leave the premises or exit from backstage?” I asked.
Jackie shook her head.
“I need to find them,” I said.
“No, you don’t. It’s probably a trap. The Silver Court are going to lure you away and snatch you when you’re alone,” Josie said.
“That doesn’t even make sense. Elric can snatch me whenever he wants because of our contract.
He doesn’t need to lure me away. He doesn’t need an excuse.” It was Imani I worried about. He had been showing an interest in her. I was certain he’d figured out she was a Red affinity. He knew I hadn’t made someone else glow red with my magic like I’d tried to claim.
I just couldn’t figure out what he wanted with Imani. Did he want a harem of Red mistresses? An army of Reds like the Raven Queen might build?
“I need to find Professor Thatch,” I said.
“What?” The color drained from Jackie Frost’s face. “Why would you go to that depraved deviant for help?”
“He isn’t a depraved deviant!”
The students in the corner were silent, watching us. Great. Now they were listening in.
I lowered my voice. “He didn’t do anything wrong. He never tried to molest me or whatever it was people thought he did with forbidden magic. That was just a rumor.”
“The principal was investigating Mr. Thatch for something. Don’t tell me it was nothing,” Jackie said.
One of the teenagers waved her hand at us. “Isn’t it about time for us to go on? Do we have to use an escort? We know the way by ourselves.”
Jackie pointed to Josie. “That’s your job.”
“I should stay with Clarissa.” Josie’s eyes crinkled up in concern.
“Go.” The tips of Jackie’s hair turned white with frost. “I will not have you or Miss Lawrence ruining this show by making students tardy for their performance.”
Josie trudged out, taking three of the students with her. Two remained behind.
I kept my voice low. “Thatch never used black magic or whatever it was people think he did. Elric knew it wasn’t true. Elric accused Thatch because he was being spiteful. I had to beg Elric to drop the allegations. He only would do so if I would convince Jeb to host the event here, so Fae like himself could watch the performance. Now Elric has gone off with one of our students.”
I wouldn’t put such an elaborate scheme past a Fae.
Jackie stared at me dumbfounded. Her spiky brown hair paled into white peaks. “You’re saying he set up this entire scenario to get us here? Our students are exposed to Fae outside the protective wards of the school, and now the Fae are swooping in?”
“Yes! That’s why we need Thatch,” I said. “He’s a Celestor. He’ll be able to find Vega and Imani.”
She nodded with understanding. “Do you know where he is?”
I suspected I did.
I found Thatch in the lobby, looking bored. He scowled when he saw me. “Not you again. Why are you shirking your duties this time?”
“I need your help.”
“I’ll bet you do.” He crossed his arms. “I saw what you did on stage and how your prince ‘rescued’ you. Now you intend to ask for my help solving your problems because you don’t know what to do. I’m not risking my soul to save you a second time.”
His snarky attitude was not what I needed at this moment. “Just be quiet and listen.”
“No. I’m not helping you. I’ve experienced firsthand what you do with people who help you.”
“I didn’t ask for your help before!” I shouted. “This time I am. Just listen. This isn’t about me. This is—”
Thatch put up a hand. My voice cut out.
A group of glittering Fae stepped into the lobby. They were furry and lithe, moving like predators. From the way their noses protruded like snouts and their pointed ears were placed on their heads, they resembled animals more than people. They halted upon seeing us.
The male at the lead leaned on a jeweled scepter. “I do hate to be tardy to a performance, but getting my kin into a carriage is like herding cats. It isn’t too late to watch, is it?” His accent sounded posh and refined.
Thatch bowed. “Please, step this way.”
I couldn’t speak in front of Fae, so I waited as he showed the group to a door that led to the ground-level seats. Thatch disappeared inside. I shifted from foot to foot in impatience. I would not allow him to derail me when he returned. I would get straight to the point and tell him Imani was missing. There wasn’t time for pride or vanity.
Maybe I would leave out that last part.
Thatch returned a moment later. He sighed despondently. “Still here? I thought you’d get the hint.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I tried again.
“What’s that? Sorry, I can’t hear you or your insipid drama. Go back to the green room.”
I shook my head. With all my might, I tried to shout. I mouthed Imani’s name. He wasn’t even looking at me. I shook his sleeve.
He shrugged me off. “Go. If you refuse, I’ll use magic on your feet as well.”
The last thing I needed was to be forced to go to the green room. I had to find Imani. I poked my head into the auditorium. A student sang onstage. We were close to the close of the show. I rushed over to the art and auction room. A few Fae lingered, but Elric wasn’t amongst them. Had I found one of Elric’s guards or servants, I suspected they would know where he was, but if Elric didn’t want to be found, I couldn’t expect they would help me.
If only I’d been more familiar with the concert hall. The only room I’d actually been in before Vega dragged me to the lobby was Elric’s private booth. If Elric had his own soundproof room, he could have taken Vega and Imani there, though I still couldn’t imagine why.
I ran up the stairs to the next level. I wasn’t sure if his balcony was on this floor or the next one. He had been to the right of center and the Raven Queen’s had been to the left because I had been able to see them from his booth. I prayed no one had invited her court to the auction. It would really suck if I accidentally met her here.
I flung a door open. The booth was empty. I tried another door. A Fae couple wearing clothes made of vibrant feathers and gold turned, eyeing me with vexation. I tried to apologize but couldn’t without a voice. I closed the door.
There were still several more doors to try on this level.
“Miss Lawrence, how good to see you again.”
I whirled. The man was tall and red-haired. He looked familiar. I’d met him at the ball. He’d claimed to be a friend of Elric’s and had danced with Vega at the swing club recently.
I mouthed Elric’s name.
“What’s that? Cat got your tongue?” He chuckled at his own joke.
I shrugged and pointed to the doors and mouthed Elric’s name.
The man went on, ignoring me. “Normally I would undo that minor hex as a favor to your intended, but I’m unable to do so tonight. I made a bargain with him to not use magic for the evening. It’s quite vexing, really, forgoing the ability to bring myself a cream puff or chocolate mousse on a whim.”
I waved my hands at him, trying to get his attention. “Elric,” I mouthed slowly, hoping he would get the hint.
“I suppose you’re looking for your betrothed. He’s in his private booth, I would wager.” His smile was cloying. “Shall I take you there?”
I shook my head and backed away, before remembering my manners. I smiled, trying not to look like prey. I mouthed. “Point out the door, please.” I pantomimed pointing to the doors.
He inclined his head. “As you wish.” He pointed to a door to the left. “Go upstairs. You’ll find his booth to the right of that one.”
“Th—” I caught myself from thanking him. Instead I curtsied, the appropriate response to a favor if you didn’t want to owe your eye or soul or something else later.
The man smiled, his eyes filled with cunning. He might have been one of Elric’s friends, but he was still Fae. I was certain he would snatch me up if he could have.
I raced upstairs and burst into the box he’d pointed to me to. Imani and Vega sat in two seats. Elric sat on the banister, facing them. He pushed himself off upon seeing me. “Why, Miss Lawrence, how unexpected. We were just talking about you.”
Vega shook her head. “What do you know, it’s Princess Fucktard here
to mess things up yet again.”
Imani stared at her with wide eyes. “Miss Bloodmire, you aren’t supposed to say bad words in front of me. I’m a student.”
“Honey, I’ve earned the privilege to swear when I want to. When you’ve survived to adulthood, you can do the same.” Vega looked Imani up and down as if doubting this was a possible accomplishment.
I pointed to Elric and tried to ask what was going on, but still no sound came out.
“Did someone hex you?” Elric asked.
I nodded my head and mouthed Thatch’s name.
“Oh dear! That dreadful man is up to his antics again,” Elric said.
Vega leaned back in her chair, making slouching look sexy. “Knowing Thatch, he probably had a good reason for it.”
“It will only take a little magic to undo that,” Elric said.
“No.” Vega said. “You absolutely promised. No Fae magic of any kind.” Her smile turned mischievous. “Which is just as well. I like Miss Lawrence better this way.”
This wasn’t getting me anywhere. I pointed to Elric and then to Imani. “What’s going on?” I mouthed.
“Sorry, I don’t play charades,” Vega said.
Elric pointed to himself and Imani making an attempt to understand me. “We were having a conversation away from other Witchkin and Fae. This is the only place in the building I can be assured is soundproof and free of spies.” He removed his pocket watch from his vest and eyed it. “Just as I thought. We’re nearly out of time. There is only one act before the finale.”
Imani remained seated, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She looked anxious.
I shook my head and pointed to my throat and then to Vega. I didn’t actually expect her to fix my voice.
“I believe this might be what’s called a teachable moment.” Elric directed his gaze at Imani. “Your magic is set off by kinesthetic movement, primarily dancing. Although it can be further enhanced by movement with someone, Miss Lawrence’s magic works differently from yours.”
Hex Crimes Page 23
