“You’ve been avoiding me.” I slid into a chair next to Jee.
He looked up from a bowl of oatmeal. “Is it me or does this look like something not even an infant would eat?” He wrinkled his nose at the thick pale goo.
“Then why’d you make it?”
“Ethan told me I can’t eat ice cream for breakfast every day. What’s unacceptable about ice cream? Ice cream’s never hurt anyone.”
“I agree.”
He raised a brow. “Why thank you.” He threw his bowl into the sink and oatmeal splattered on the sides. “I’ll clean it up later,” he mumbled.
“I’ve been trying to talk to you all week but you keep disappearing.” I rested my elbow on the counter and my head in my hand, feigning innocence.
He batted his eyes. “Me? Never.” He pressed a hand to his chest, acting positively scandalized I’d suggest such a thing.
“Mhmm,” I hummed.
He chuckled. “I know what you want.”
“Do you?”
He nodded thoughtfully. “Just ask.”
“What are you?”
“My mom’s an enchanter, and my dad is a fairy.” He shrugged like it was no big deal.
“How does that happen?” I blurted, shocked. That hadn’t been the answer I was expecting. I don’t know what exactly I did expect.
“Well, you see,” he began. “My dad put his penis in—”
“Okay, okay, okay,” I pleaded, holding my hands up for him to stop. “I get it.”
He chuckled. “You asked.”
“What do fairies even look like?”
He shrugged. “They’re pale, but a funny pale not quite white, but sort of ashen. They have slightly pointed ears—it’s not obvious so they can get by in the human world. It looks more like a birth defect than anything else.”
“Do they fly?” I asked stupidly.
He shook his head and laughed under his breath. “Yes, but not like you’re thinking. They don’t sprout wings from their back and fly away. They … transform.” He shrugged like his explanation was enough.
“Transform?” I questioned.
He cupped his hands and blew into them.
A tiny burst of light appeared and flew around us. It looked like a butterfly at first, small wings and body, but I quickly saw it was a person.
It disappeared with a pop, like a bubble.
“That’s not a real one, of course, just an illusion, but that’s what they look like.”
“Amazing,” I murmured, in complete awe.
I didn’t know how I’d missed out on this world my whole life. I knew it was for my safety, but I still felt a sense of loss.
“Do you see them often?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No, and since my mom’s growing older, it bothers me, but I know they’re safe and that’s what matters. I’ll see them again one day.”
“So, because you’re half fae you’ll live longer, right?”
He grinned. “Bet you wouldn’t believe I’m almost fifty.”
My jaw dropped. “That’s how you knew my dad, isn’t it?”
He nodded. “We grew up together.”
“Wow. You don’t look older than twenty-five at most.”
He chuckled and his dark hair tumbled over his forehead. “There are some perks to this.”
“Is that why you’re a seer? Because of being half enchanter and half fae?”
“Let’s just say, my mixed blood gives me abilities most would only dream of.”
“Most?” I repeated.
He grinned, looking me over. “You’ve never figured out how special you are, have you?”
“N-No,” I stuttered, taken aback and wondering what exactly he meant. “Tell me.”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but it’s not time.”
“What does that mean?”
He shrugged. “It’s not the right time,” he repeated.
***
Sweat dripped from my body from the exertion of performing so many spells.
“Maraaaa.”
I froze where I stood, my heart pounding. I held my breath, listening carefully for the voice.
“Mara?” Winston probed.
“Shh,” I hushed him.
“Maara.”
I slapped my hands over my ears. “Theo, are you there? Can you hear me?”
I squished my eyes closed, focusing on the echoing emptiness of my mind.
“I-I’m heeeere. I’m aaalways h-heeere.”
I swallowed thickly, tears prickling my eyes. “Are you really there? Or is this all in my head? Oh, Theo. I miss you so much.”
“I-I know. I f-feel you.”
“You feel me?”
Silence stretched on, and finally. “Y-Yes.”
“Does that mean … are you alive?”
More silence.
I waited patiently.
Minutes passed, and I knew Winston was growing more confused.
The others watched on, curious as well.
“Theo? Are you still there? Theo?”
When he didn’t reply, my heart clenched, but I reminded myself I’d heard him longer this time, and there was no way it’d been my imagination—I couldn’t have made all of it up, right? He didn’t answer my questions, but …
I lowered my hands. “It’s Theo. I-I hear him,” I whispered. “I’m definitely hearing him. He spoke longer this time.”
I knew in my gut he was there. I also knew it didn’t mean he was alive, but it was more than I had before.
Somehow, someway, he existed.
Ethan stared shell-shocked at me. “Hearing voices isn’t exactly good. Enchanters have gone crazy because of that.”
Adelaide burst into tears, her sobs drowning out his words. “He must be alive.”
I shook my head sadly. “I don’t know. I asked him, but he was gone already.”
I wanted to believe she was right, he was alive, but I couldn’t be sure. He was my protector after all, and everyone always said we were special, so what if, even in death, we were still tethered together?
But Ethan’s words lingered in my mind too.
Hearing voices isn’t exactly good. Enchanters have gone crazy because of that.
What if it wasn’t Theo at all—what if I was going crazy?
Or what if this was yet another ploy by Thaddeus?
The voice grew stronger.
As March bled into April and April into May, I heard him more and more. The voice was so real I often sensed he was standing over my shoulder guiding me, helping me. At times I swore I felt the pressure of his hand on my shoulder but when I looked there was never anyone there.
Ethan watched me closely, I’m sure looking for any sign I was going downhill, but so far I hadn’t had any side effects from hearing him. Maybe it was because he’d been my protector that things were different, but I didn’t want to speculate too much because then I would go crazy.
I brought the hood of the cloak up over my head, blocking the chilly wind.
Even though it was May, Minnesota didn’t know that. There’d been a light dusting of snow the night before.
I followed behind Ethan, Adelaide, and Winston hoping to hear Theo’s voice.
I was worried I was becoming dependent on the sound of his voice. A desperate druggie needing their next fix. Hearing him made it feel like he was still here. Sometimes I could close my eyes and listen to him and it was like he’d never even gone.
It was probably why there was a real fear of me losing my mind. I could become obsessed with the voice in my head—with a life I could never have.
He’d never answer me when I asked if he was dead or alive—I figured it was because he didn’t want to hurt me with the answer, but I hoped anyway.
The small chance that he was alive kept me going.
We came into the clearing and separated.
It wasn’t long until I had to take off my cloak.
Winston and I had been working on defensive and offensive magic for a f
ew weeks, and I was getting better and better. Most of the spells weren’t easy, and weren’t things I’d normally learn at my age, but the situation called for it.
I shot a burst of bright blue light at Winston and it knocked him back.
That’s it, doll face.
I warmed at Theo’s praise. Thank you.
“Good one,” he chuckled. “I think you nearly broke my arm.” He clutched his right arm.
“Sorry,” I apologized sheepishly.
He shook it out and then shot a blazing mass of orange sparks at me.
I dropped down into a crouch and a bubble burst around me, blocking the spell.
He laughed and danced on the balls of his feet as I stood.
I cupped my hands and a purple orb appeared. I threw it at him and he threw out his arm to block it, but was unsuccessful. The orb hit him in the center of the chest and spread, wrapping around him entirely. It lifted him into the air and dropped him back to the ground before the purple shattered like glass and littered the ground. It disappeared in seconds.
Theo cackled in my mind, and I smirked.
Winston sat up slowly, his hair sticking up in every direction.
He rubbed his sore back. “Ugh, I think you need to be training me. What the hell was that?”
I shrugged. “I felt in my gut what to do.”
A lot of times I just got this feeling deep inside my belly and somehow my mind knew what to do.
He shook his head and stood up, his back hunched. “That’s going to hurt in the morning.”
Good for you, Churchill.
I laughed, amused at the voice in my mind.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
They knew I heard Theo, but it was a headache to constantly repeat everything he said. Besides, I didn’t think Winston would appreciate this particular sentiment.
I felt a fluttering against my cheek and closed my eyes.
I wish I could touch you.
Was that you?
It was as much of me as I can give.
Theo … this isn’t fair. I need you.
I’ll find my way back to you.
How?
I don’t know, but I will.
I love you.
Not as much as I love you.
My lower lip began to tremble. It was so unfair. I’d found the greatest love of my life, possibly of anyone’s life, and had it ripped away.
It was such a cruel joke.
“Hey,” whispered Winston. “What’s wrong?”
I hadn’t heard him move but he was suddenly in front of me, wiping a lone tear from my cheek. “I miss him, that’s all.”
He frowned. “I know, and I’m sorry.”
“It’s not fair,” I whined. “I lost my mom before I even knew her, the only man I knew as my father, and now Theo. Am I destined to lose everyone I love?”
He shook his head. “I can’t believe fate’s cruel. Not for someone like you. You’re good, and you deserve to be happy. But everything happens for a reason—fate has a plan, even if we can’t see it at the time.”
I nodded at his words. He was right, even if I didn’t like it.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” we heard Adelaide chant, and we looked to find her running over to Ethan who was clutching his face.
We hurried over, worried Ethan was seriously hurt.
“Are you okay? Let me see.” Adelaide tugged on his arm.
He let his hand fall away and I slapped a hand over my mouth to hold in my laughter.
“How bad is it?” he asked.
Adelaide snickered and Winston snorted.
“Um, well.” She bit her lip. “You … um…”
“Spit it out,” he growled.
“You have no eyebrows, mate,” Winston told him.
“Fuck.” Ethan hung his head. “No more playing with fire for you.”
Adelaide looked contrite. “I didn’t mean to.”
He shook his head. “I know you didn’t, but I still have no eyebrows.”
“Is there a spell to make them grow?” I asked, trying to be helpful.
“No,” he growled. “I need a break.”
He stalked off into the woods.
“I really made him mad, didn’t I?” Adelaide asked no one in particular. “I didn’t mean to. I was aiming for his chest.”
“I think you need to work on your aim then.” Winston chuckled. “Maybe we should get you some archery targets.”
“Oh, shut up.” She playfully swatted his chest and rolled her eyes.
They exchanged a look and I quickly turned away, feeling like I was spying on something I so should not be seeing.
I could see Adelaide and Winston as a couple, though. They balanced each other out. Winston was more quiet and laidback, while Adelaide was a hyper spaz who never shut up. They kind of worked in some strange way.
He better stay away from my sister.
I sighed. Don’t you want her to be happy?
No.
Theo, I scolded. He’d be good for her.
You know what else is good for her? A chastity belt.
You’re impossible.
It’s part of my charm, and you love it.
Yeah, I guess I do.
Winston worked with the both of us, and by the time Ethan returned it was getting late so we headed back to Jee’s.
Jee had already made dinner, which was rare, so he must’ve been in a particularly good mood.
We all sat around together in the living room.
I balanced my bowl of soup on my legs and cleared my throat.
“We’ve been practicing for months now, and I think we’ll be ready to start pursuing the Iniquitous soon, but we also need to figure out who Cleo is.”
“Cleo?” Jee repeated. “The old bat?”
“Um ...” I paused. “You know her?”
“I only know one Cleo, and she’s … interesting, to say the least.”
I couldn’t believe I hadn’t said something sooner to Jee about Cleo. Up until the last few months, though, I hadn’t really trusted him. There was still something about him that made me nervous, but he was different. Now that I knew he was half enchanter and half fae, it made more sense, the strange aura he put out.
“How do we find her?”
He chuckled. “Hold on to your weave—the mall.”
“The mall?” I repeated.
“Yeah, she has this fortune teller stand in the mall.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. She’s here? In Minnesota? At a mall?”
“That’s what I said. Can you hear? Should you clean the wax out of your ears?”
I rolled my eyes. “I can’t believe of all places, she’s here.”
“What can I say? All the freak enchanters end up here.” He shrugged.
I gave him a look.
“I’m serious. We have a club and everything. I’m the president. All hail, President Jee.”
I shook my head. “I want to believe you’re joking, but something tells me your not, which is scary.”
“We meet every Tuesday in the basement of a warehouse. It’s like Alcoholics Anonymous but cooler, and you know, without the being alcoholic part.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re psychotic,” I muttered under my breath.
“What was that, young Mara?” He cupped a hand around his ear. “I’m fabulous? I know, but thank you for agreeing.”
If I’d had solid food I would’ve thrown it at him, but I didn’t want to get soup everywhere so I refrained.
“Do you think she’ll speak with us? Victor said we needed to find her.” I closed my eyes trying to remember his exact words. It took a moment but they came to me.
“G-Get away f-from here. F-Find C-Cleo. She h-holds the k-key.”
“The key to what?” I pleaded, begging him for answers.
“T-The truth.”
The truth. What did he mean by that? What truth?
He twisted his lips in thought
. “She’s a bit … snippy. So it depends on her mood.”
“What are the odds we need to find this Cleo person and she’s here?” Adelaide asked, looking around at all of us. “It’s super creepy.”
“Like I said, this place is sort of a hub for the weird and strange.”
“Why is that?” Winston asked.
Jee thought for a moment. “I guess weird and strange is more easily acceptable in cities. You’re always going to find more of it in places like here, New York City, and Los Angeles. We can be ourselves more, and we’re also safer because there’s a bigger population. The Iniquitous …” he paused. “People like us are like trophies for them. The Iniquitous are sort of like collectors. The problem is they don’t display their pretties on the shelf to look at. They use them instead. Force them to do their bidding, or worse turn them to their cause.”
“What are they really fighting for anyway? It has to be more than power.”
He frowned. “Sadly, power is all that matters to them. Control. Domination. They want to rule over us, turn us into slaves. If they had their choice I’m sure they’d love to rule over all magical creatures—fairies, vampires, shifters—but they know their numbers will never be large enough to spread their power that far.”
Turning the conversation back to Cleo, I asked, “So do we make an appointment with Cleo or just show up?”
He thought for a moment. “I’d say it’s better if we show up. If we tip her off beforehand and she’s not interested she may flee, and if she does I can promise you’ll never find her. She’s a chameleon of sorts.”
“Great,” I muttered. “We need her, so we can’t risk her leaving. The problem is, I don’t know what we need her for. Victor said to find her—she holds the key to the truth.”
“If anyone knows the truth,” Jee intoned, “it’s Cleo.”
We made plans to see Cleo on Friday.
I counted down the days of the week, eager for answers.
After so much confusion and chaos I felt I deserved to know something for a change.
When the day came, I changed my clothes three times before settling on a pair of ripped black jeans, a black shirt, and a leather jacket. I acted as if I was going on a date of some sort, but I wanted this Cleo person to be impressed with me. I wanted her to think I looked badass and worthy of whatever knowledge she needed to bestow upon me.
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