by Amy Patrick
There was no signature, only the letter “F” and a strange symbol. Was it a nymph marking? A letter from their language maybe?
I set the remarkable note aside and picked up the old hospital record detailing my birth and stay there afterward. As Dad had mentioned, there were some handwritten notes at the bottom of the chart.
—Mother disappeared from hospital room four hours after delivery without being seen or notifying nurses’ desk or physician. Very young and small of stature—teen? Nervous acting. May have given false name on intake papers. Different from name she gave during delivery while medicated—Fallon. Spoke with very heavy Irish or Scottish accent. Clothing bore foreign labels. Illegal immigrant possible. No phone or address. Unable to contact or locate. Abandoned newborn.
Abandoned. Abandoned. That word had always held a very negative connotation for me. You abandoned your chores in favor of going out to play. You abandoned a project when it got hopelessly complicated or too messy. Irresponsible pet owners abandoned a boxful of kittens on the roadside.
But this woman had left a note asking for a good family to take care of me, asking someone to tell me that she loved me and was sorry. And she walked out of a hospital four hours after giving birth. That didn’t seem like abandonment. It seemed like an escape.
What would she have been escaping?
Elves.
Witches.
Both?
If she was from overseas, it was possible she’d come here nine months pregnant specifically so she could deliver me far away from those threats—or whomever else might have been hunting her and her kind.
I could visualize a young, small woman like myself, huge with child, flying across the ocean or maybe taking a boat, having her baby here in America—in the middle of the country nowhere near the Elven strongholds—and then hobbling away afterward, putting as much distance between herself and her infant as possible. So that her daughter would never be a target as she had been. So that she’d be safe.
So that I’d be safe.
Swallowing a lump in my throat, I carefully re-folded the papers and put them back in the envelope, planning to share them with Nic tomorrow when we boarded the plane. But where would it be going?
Heavy Irish or Scottish accent.
Turning off the lamp again and pulling up my covers, I tried to sleep. When I was on the verge of drifting off, my mind turned to our visit a few weeks ago with the young healer’s grandfather and the odd remark he’d made about my appearance. My eyes flew open, and my heart began to race. He’d mentioned Scotland, where he grew up, said I had “the look” of a local. It was as good a place as any to start.
As I closed my eyes again and tried to relax, my mind’s theater filled with visions of rolling Scottish hills and the people who might live under them. My people. The nymphs.
27
Nic
Macy woke me in the morning with a kiss. Not quite conscious enough to realize where we were, I pulled her down on top of me and returned the kiss with vigor.
She rolled off the bed and away from me, giggling. “Nic. Stop it. Breakfast is ready, and these walls are paper thin. Believe me, my parents busted me every time I tried to make a late-night phone call without permission.”
“Okay,” I sighed. “I suppose I can wait until we get on the plane to attack you. Where are we going, by the way?”
“Shhh.” She drew close to me and whispered, “I’m not kidding about the thin walls. My mom and dad think we’re going to Corsica to give your parents the news of our engagement—don’t blow the cover story.”
“Right. So where are we going?” I whispered close to her ear, and she shivered. I loved seeing her react to my nearness, so I added a kiss behind her ear for good measure.
“Stop that.” She gave me a gentle shove, but there was a smile in her voice. “Scotland, I think. The hospital records indicate my birth mother might have been from there or Ireland.”
I nodded. “The lore indicates Scotland used to be fertile, uh… hunting grounds. Before the nymph population was hunted to extinction, that is. It’s a good starting place.”
“I want to call Asher’s grandfather and ask if he knows anything—he mentioned something when we were there. And you should call Estelle and see if she got the shipment of antidote Asher sent to her.”
Sitting up, I swung my feet to the floor. “I will. I think we should leave a few doses here—for your family—in case the Plague makes it to America.”
Her eyes widened. “Good idea. Hopefully, it’ll never make it this far. I’ll put them in my jewelry box, just in case.”
Macy crossed the room to her dresser and opened the lid of a pink and white box with a ballerina on top. Music played in sporadic, tinkling notes. She looked back over her shoulder and shrugged.
“I used to like ballet before I got really into gymnastics and had to specialize. This jewelry box was my favorite thing, so I kept it for sentimental reasons. If it becomes necessary, I’ll tell them where to find the cure.”
Breakfast was a loud, cheerful affair, and there were many promises extracted and made about a return visit very soon.
“We have a wedding to plan,” Macy’s mother said.
“I know. But you and Lily may have to arm wrestle Nic’s sister to get any of your opinions in there about the dress and the decor,” Macy warned. “She is a fashion queen, and she’s going to be in her glory when she hears her twin brother is getting married.”
I chuckled. She was so right. I hadn't even had a chance to tell Estelle yet, and I wasn’t certain my eardrums were ready for the squeal of delight that was sure to come through the phone.
“I can’t believe I’m going to meet a real model,” Lily said. “Your family is really cool, Nic.”
I sauntered over to her and squatted so our faces were on an even level. “Well, I think your family is cool. I never get chocolate chip pancakes at my parents’ house.”
“Come back anytime, bro,” she said, making everyone laugh.
Before Macy and I had left her bedroom, she’d asked me to sway her parents into consenting to a blood transfusion for Lily. Of course I’d agreed, and I girded myself for what would probably be the most important—and certainly the most noble—use I’d ever made of the Elven skill.
Gesturing to the two of them, I said, “Could I have a word with you in private before Macy and I take off?”
They looked at each other and smiled, obviously assuming I intended to make it official and ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage. Which, now that I thought of it, was an excellent idea. There were so many steps to this process that my people skipped over in favor of arranged marriages.
I wouldn’t use my Sway for that part of things—unless absolutely necessary. I didn’t think it would be. They already seemed predisposed to say “yes.” The greatest desire in each of their hearts was for their two daughters to have healthy, happy futures, and I wanted the very same thing.
They sat together on the sofa opposite the chair I took. Both dark haired, they looked like they could have been Macy’s natural parents—apart from her diminutive size. They looked at me expectantly, and I realized with surprise that my hands were shaking. It was a big moment. Taking a deep breath, I began.
“Mr. and Mrs. Moreno, I love your daughter. I know you don’t know me very well, but I promise you I will be a good husband to her—always. I won’t ever desert her. I will love her and care for her until the sun no longer rises and sets.”
From the kitchen behind me I could hear Lily’s delighted giggle and Macy’s admonishment. “Get away from the door. He said, ‘in private’ nosy bug.”
I continued as if I hadn't heard both the girls eavesdropping. “She’s already said yes to me and made me the happiest man on earth, but I would still like to have your blessing. I cannot promise you that our life together will be free of challenges, but I will always protect her with my own life and do everything in my power to make her happy.”
Macy’s mothe
r lifted her hands to her mouth and burst into tears. “That’s all a parent can ask for.”
Her father rose from the sofa, extending one hand. “You have my blessing, Nic. Welcome to the family.”
I stood, and we shook on it. Her mother composed herself and came to hug me. I found myself profoundly glad I’d asked. But now it was time for the other life-and-death issue. I checked over my shoulder to ensure that Lily was no longer in the doorway eavesdropping. And then I put the full measure of my Sway into my next words.
“I encourage you strongly to take Lily for the treatment Macy suggested. As soon as possible. She will come to no harm, and I believe it will result in the miracle I know both of you have been praying for.”
When I broke eye contact with them, the husband and wife looked at each other. “It’s worth one more try, isn’t it hon?” Joel said.
His wife nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Very good then. Macy and I will stop at the blood bank on our way to the airport and arrange for the transfusion procedure. Someone from the medical center will call you with the details.”
I’d no doubt be applying my Sway a couple more times at least before departing Missouri, but hey, if you couldn’t use it in a situation like this one, what good was it? Since meeting Macy I’d come to realize it could be used for good.
Both her parents promised their compliance, and I let out a long breath.
“Okay girls,” Joel called out. “You can come in now.”
Macy and Lily burst into the room, smiling and laughing.
“How did it go? Did they shoot you down?” Macy teased, sidling up to me with a sassy smirk.
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her close to my side. “Afraid not, piccola. Looks like you’re going to be stuck with me for a lifetime.”
As we made our good-byes, there were tears of the best sort. I was profoundly grateful I’d brought Macy here. Yes, we’d needed the information about her birth parents, but she’d also needed to reconnect with the family who’d raised her and obviously loved her deeply. They were just as much a part of her as her nymph heritage was, and I loved them for making my betrothed the amazing woman she was.
She wiped her wet cheeks as our car pulled away from the house, took a deep breath, and let it out.
“They loved you,” she said. “I love you. Thank you for making me go home again.”
Threading my fingers through the soft hair at the back of her head, I drew her face to mine for a kiss.
“I love you, too,” I told her when it ended. “You have a lovely family. I only hope mine will be half as gracious about our betrothal. They’ve come around about some things, but they’re still pretty steeped in royal tradition and the ancient ways of the Court.”
“It’s okay,” she assured me. “As long as you love me, I can deal with a disapproving Elven mother-in-law, if necessary. And who knows? You may not be out of the woods yet when it comes to future in-laws. My nymph family might be a hotbed of family drama as well.”
Before heading to the airport, we followed the pre-flight plan, stopping first at the blood bank for Macy’s donation and then at the office of the Moreno family doctor to arrange for the transfusion. He was resistant at first, but a bit of Sway and he got with the program.
Now all we could do was wait, at least where Lily’s cure was concerned. As far as the next health crisis—the Plague—we couldn’t afford to wait. We had to find Macy’s birth parents as soon as possible.
* * *
Once we boarded the plane and reached proper altitude, I called Asher to work out the next steps in our battle plan. He confirmed he’d shipped the antidote overnight to Los Angeles and said Wickthorne had made good progress on a vaccine to prevent new infections, though it still needed tweaking.
Then I spoke to Estelle, who sounded like she was in a car on the highway. She told me she hadn’t received Asher’s package yet but would be on the lookout for it.
“I still haven’t found out where the Plague was activated,” she said. “My source in Italy knows nothing. It’s terrible. It could be happening anywhere, and we won’t find out until the media reports it. I wish Alessia had told you where it was before she… poofed.”
I swore. “You and me both.”
“I wish there was something I could do. I feel so useless, and it seems wrong to be in the back of a limo on the way to an awards ceremony. Anders feels awful, too.”
“Anders? You’re with him now?”
Macy leaned over from the seat next to me and yelled into the phone. “Hi Anders!”
From the other end there was a chorus of happy male voices.
“Yeah. With all the guys.” Estelle’s voice sounded funny, containing a forced nonchalance. “The Hidden is performing the theme song from a movie at the show tonight, and you may have been too busy to keep up with the news, but Anders is up for the Oscar for best movie score.”
Okay, now I detected an unmistakable note of pride.
“Estelle… I know now is not a great time to talk, but when you get a moment alone, I’d like you to call me.”
“Nothing’s going on,” she snapped back. “I’m just having a good time.”
“Ooookay. I was saying that because there’s something I need to tell you—but now I really want us to talk soon.” When Estelle said nothing was going on, something was definitely going on.
“Okay, gotta go. Love you, mio fratello.”
Macy plucked the phone from me and held it to her ear.
“Estelle? You still there? Listen, don’t feel guilty—Anders needs your support tonight. Tell him we’re thinking of him. And you’ll do your part to help the American girls when the antidote gets there. As far as I’m concerned, that’s saving all my friends and family because they’re in the line of fire on this side of the pond. You’re right where you need to be. So thank you.”
Macy smiled at whatever Estelle said in response and handed the phone back to me.
“Ciao, mia sorrela,” I said to my sister and ended the call.
“Can we watch it? I mean, can that thing pick up a live broadcast?” Macy nodded toward a big-screen TV mounted to one corner of the jet’s passenger cabin.
“I’ll find out.” I went to the cockpit and spoke to the pilot, coming back with good news. “It has a satellite receiver. So yes, we can watch it. Want a glimpse of your old boyfriend, do you?”
She slapped my shoulder. “I want to see my friend realize his dream and win an Oscar. And see what my future sister-in-law is wearing.”
I laughed, and we settled in to enjoy the pre-show broadcasts. Estelle did look rather resplendent on the red carpet, in the company of all the members of The Hidden. Even the snarky humans doing commentary for the red carpet coverage had nothing bad to say about her silver evening gown and upswept hair. When it came to Nox, Anders, Rolf, and Matteus, the hosts positively gushed. I was a little embarrassed for them.
Several hours later, the awards show itself was well underway. The Hidden had already rocked the house with their live performance, and the Best Original Score category was introduced.
As the nominees were announced, the camera focused on their faces. Anders looked nervous, smiling tightly and nodding his head.
The starlet in front of the microphone on stage opened the envelope. There was a dramatic pause before she read the name inside. “And the Oscar goes to… Anders Jensen for Mirror Image Mirage.”
Anders reappeared on the screen, displaying genuine shock this time. His mouth open, his eyes wide, he rose slowly from his chair. Beside him, Estelle jumped and clapped. Her smile was euphoric. She turned to him, spreading her arms to hug him.
Instead of returning the gesture, he took her face between his hands and planted a kiss—a very long, very deliberate kiss—on my sister’s mouth. The audience around them went wild.
Grabbing my arm, Macy let out a little squeal and drummed the soles of her shoes on the floor in a rapid
pattern. “Oh my gosh, Nic—are you seeing this?”
How could I miss it? Everyone in the world could see the tall, blond musician declaring his unmistakable affection for the internationally known supermodel. The entertainment programs would love it. But how did my sister feel about it?
When they pulled apart again, Anders’ bandmates slapped him on the back and pushed him toward the aisle, encouraging him to go up on stage and accept his prize. He gave them the come-along gesture, shaking his head to indicate he was going nowhere without them.
My eyes stayed on Estelle, who remained in place, holding one hand to her cheek and wearing a very dazed expression. That answered my question. She was either terrified or completely smitten. Probably both.
I laughed out loud and pointed at the screen. “Te l'avevo detto, mia sorella. I told you so.”
Macy crawled into my lap and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. “You’re feeling pretty good about that glamour of yours, aren’t you?” she teased.
“At the moment? Yes. Very good, indeed.”
My hands slid over her back and hips, all thoughts of Estelle and Anders instantly banished. As we shared a lengthy kiss of our own, Macy’s clever fingers explored my shoulders, chest, and abdomen, running up beneath my sport coat.
Encountering something protruding from the inner pocket, she lifted her head and withdrew several sheets of paper folded together.
I captured her wrist, realizing what she’d found. I’d completely forgotten they were in there.
“What’s this?” She was genuinely intrigued now that I’d tried to stop her from taking the love letters.
“Nothing.” I tugged the papers from her hand and held them out of her reach. “Just some thoughts I jotted down while I was looking for you.”
“Thoughts? About me? Oh, now I have to read these. You’ve been able to read my thoughts since the day I met you—it’s my turn now, buddy.”
