by Abra Ebner
I laughed. “This is true.”
She smiled proudly.
“But what about my Seoul bit and my near death experience when I was little? Won’t it be dangerous for me to be tempted with death again, especially when it’s what my body craves?”
Navia’s back straightened. “No! Not at all! If anything, you’ll probably be able to resist it better than anyone, because you know how it feels.”
I could no longer deny the fact that I was actually beginning to consider this. I looked at my watch then, seeing it was nearly time for school. “We better get going. We’re going to be late.”
She giggled slightly. “So?”
I let one laugh escape my lips. “It’s your first day!”
She slid from the stool, stepping on her toes as she took my plate and spun away from me. “Well, who cares, right? Besides, you need a makeover first, and we pixies are known for that as well.”
Dread washed over me. School sounded like a better idea.
Emily:
“No way!” My voice filled the car.
Wes nodded enthusiastically. “I swear, Em. I have a sister.”
I sat back against the seat, feeling so many emotions for Wes. I was excited for him, mostly because I knew his dismal attitude toward family was destined to change.
“And, what? She’s just up in your room, chilling out?”
He was still nodding. “Yeah, can you believe that?” He started the car. “I guess Stella is hers, too.”
“Really!” My voice peaked once more. “You mean that little brat of an owl that’s been all but humping your leg is actually a family pet?”
Wes grunted. “Yeah, sure. Though I’m not sure that’s how I’d explain it.”
I stomped my feet, overwhelmed by the news. “Wow.”
Wes put his hand on my leg. “Calm down, freak.” He changed the subject. “But I’ll need to borrow some clothes until she can get some for herself. She’s a stick, so it should work just fine size-wise.”
I frowned. “Are you calling me fat, or are you saying that I’m too thin?”
Wes tensed. “Neither?”
I laughed. “I’m just teasing, Wes.”
He grinned uneasily and we backed out of the drive. The ride to school was quiet, both our minds occupied with thoughts of Wes’s sister. He did a bad job hiding it, but whereas it was rather exhilarating news, it made sense. From his mind I learned what she looked like, what they’d talked about, and whether or not he’d spoken fondly of me, which he had. She seemed a little wild, and I knew that would bug me, but for Wes, I’d deal with it.
Lost in these thoughts, I saw a shadow fall across the hood of the car, then another. I leaned forward and looked up through the windshield, just as we slowed to turn into the school parking lot. Two owls were flying above the car.
Wes didn’t bother to look, grumbling instead. “I told her to wait.”
I pointed to the auburn-gold one. “Is that her?”
“The sassy looking one?”
I laughed. “Pretty sure they’re both sassy.”
He finally brought himself to steal a glance. “Yeah, the auburn one, unfortunately,” he muttered. “She was supposed to stay in my room.”
“I can see the stubbornness is a family trait,” I added.
“Tell me about it.” Wes shook his head, trying to ignore their presence. “Where’s Jane this morning?”
I shrugged and leaned back. “I don’t know. Mother said she was with a friend, I suppose.”
“A friend? Where’s Max?”
I looked at him with a baffled expression. He’d never ask about Max. “No idea. I haven’t seen him except for last Thursday night when he came into my room. Usually he’s always around, but maybe he’s just busy.”
“Max came into your room at night? What was he doing there? Why didn’t you tell me?” Wes demanded.
I put my hand on his arm. “Chill out. Max just thought he heard something and came in to check on me.” And he probably did hear something. Last night, the same incident reoccurred, though this time Max didn’t show up to check. I woke to a warm, humid room and another cold, empty chair, audience of stuffed animals and all.
It was Greg all right; I was convinced. Luckily, with the venom still in me, I knew there was nothing he could do but stare in the dark like the freak that he was. I didn’t want to tell Wes, especially now that he had a sister to be excited about. Bad news would dampen his mood, and it wasn’t like anything was going to happen. Based on the way Max had sizzled when he touched me, Greg inevitably would, too.
“That better be all he was looking for,” he further warned.
I nodded big. “It was. Don’t worry.”
“Do you think he’s got that other pixie chick on the side?”
I let one laugh pass my lips. “You mean the Avery girl he almost married? He better not.” I punched my fist into my hand. “I’ll kill him if he does.”
Wes shook his head, the familiar protective thoughts for Jane sneaking through his otherwise silenced mind. “Me, too.” He thought for a moment as he parked the car. “I think Jane deserves to know about it. I bet he hasn’t even told her.”
I agreed. “And if he hasn’t told her, then my admiration for perfect Max is beginning to change.”
“So, we should tell her, don’t you think?” Wes shut off the car and grabbed his bag from the back seat.
“I think we should.” I unbuckled, my hand resting on the door handle. “At lunch, okay?”
Avery:
I shifted my weight on the vanity bench, grinning inwardly as I stared at her reflection. I reveled in the feeling of my new pet beside me—Max’s pet. She was so naïve, so… impressionable. I powdered her cheeks with makeup, wanting to dress her up like the little doll that she was to me. Besides, it was worth enjoying her while I could.
Jane coughed. “Whoa, Navia. That stuff really gets up your nose, doesn’t it?” She choked.
I gave her a little pat. “Try not to breathe too deep, darling.” Try not to breathe at all, I thought. If only she were frozen in time like a real doll, then I could keep her always like a trophy.
I ran my hand down the length of her dark hair. She was so soft and delicate, and I could almost see what Max saw in her. It was like having a little bird, so diminutive, with her life in your hands. If I wanted to, I could crush her with one finger, but that would defeat my goals of making Max suffer.
I’d decided that she needed to be caged in a place Max could see her but could never touch. To do that, all I needed to do was make the temptation of eternal life and limitless love too tempting for her to pass up—so tempting that she stupidly attempts to become an angel. Already I could tell she was leaning toward my idea, but what I hadn’t told her was the practical certainty that it would result in her death. She’d end up trapped on the other side, away from Max, tragically just out of reach. What they face now in their intimate life is nothing compared to the torture they will face when I’m done.
“There. You’re beautiful.” I set the silver compact back on the vanity. I had to admit, she was gorgeous once you put a little makeup on her. If I hadn’t known her, I’d venture to believe she was an Element Pixie in her the fall season, even. At least until she opened her mouth to speak.
Jane twisted her neck and faced the mirror. “Wow. I love it.”
I ran my hand down the back of her head one more time, obsessed with petting her hair. “Lovely, my pet. The boys will fall all over you today. Just you wait.”
Jane giggled. “I’m excited to see the look on my friend Liz’s face. She’ll be red with jealousy!”
I sighed, taking it as a compliment. “As all women should be, my pet.” And I meant that in so many ways, even for me.
Max:
The ceiling was fifty feet overhead, making me appear as small as I felt in this room. My hands were clasped before me, waiting. Jane’s scent still lingered within the fibers of my jacket, my throat tight because of it. No ma
tter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking dangerous thoughts about the other night: The way her skin felt so close to mine, the feeling of her life as it made my heart beat in a way it hadn’t in too long. I wanted to taste her, the pain of being away from her dehydrating my very spirit.
I drew in a deep, shaky breath, hearing the distant sound of footsteps approach. I shut my eyes one last time, hoping to hold myself together long enough to ask for forgiveness. I assured myself that this was the right thing to do, saying it over and over in my head, beating with each step that echoed. The sound was sure and strong, just as it had been years and years ago.
“Maximus!”
My eyes sprang open, seeing the Crown just a few feet before me. He was smiling, and as he drew close, his arms welcomed me in. I was surprised by the action, but stepped into his embrace, giving him one pat on the back before stepping away. My eyes became fixed on his.
“Maximus, I am not ashamed to say I’m relieved to see you. I’ve worried about you immensely over the years.”
I nodded politely. “I find myself surprised to hear it, Srixon.” I wanted to feel nervous, but forced myself not to.
He laughed. “Please. What happened I could never blame you for. I fear you feel that way, but I realize that what happened was my fault. I should have never put you to the task of caring for Avery, let alone expect you to love her when I knew you didn’t. I regret to admit that I was desperate, and felt it would fix what was destined for her. I am not shocked to find that it has only fueled the fire.”
Guilt overcame me, despite his kind words. “She’s turned, hasn’t she?”
The Crown nodded gravely. “I have received word that Avery has been spotted in many of the Black Cities, though I do not believe she has yet committed to their side through any of their members.”
“I took her light,” I admitted with shame. “That’s why she turned.”
Srixon placed one hand on my shoulder. “Believe it or not, dear son, but her light was taken long before it disappeared under her love for you. Avery was claimed, years before you came into our life. Her light had a destiny, and it was to fade.”
“She had already been claimed by the Shadow Pixies? Why didn’t you tell me?” I felt further betrayed by Winter Wood. Anger flashed in my eyes, replacing my remorse.
Srixon’s expression was dark. “I’m sorry, Maximus. Of all the lies, I did not want Avery’s fate to be another one.” His head bowed. “When she was small, an elder Shadow Pixie visited me in my chamber one night. She warned me of the Shade’s intent to destroy me, and placed a curse on my head. She said great despair would fall upon me, and my bloodlines would end. At the time, I did not know what she meant, thinking I would be stripped of the ability to produce an heir. Clearly, when Avery came along, I saw that those notions were untrue. For many years, I forgot about the Shadow Pixie’s warning, until Avery came of age. She began turning toward dark magick, taking an unhealthy interest in such things as torture, fire, shadow dust, and other heathen things. I soon realized what the warning meant, that the Shade was to claim my children and leave me void of an heir that way. At first I denied it and did everything I could to force Avery away from the darkness, but clearly, that did not work. She’s their queen now.”
“Avery will inherit the Shadow throne?”
Srixon nodded slowly. “My own daughter will become my greatest enemy.” His face became deeply grim and pale. One day he would have to face her, and I could see that already he knew he’d lose. “The Shade was smart this time. I fear we’re facing some dark days.”
I couldn’t think of anything to say, too blown away by the whole thing. Could I have stopped her by staying here, or would it still not have made a difference? Worse yet, would the Shade have come after me if I stood in his way?
Srixon drew in a deep breath and re-gathered his composure. He changed the subject. “I learned of your father, Maximus. I’m sorry,” he admitted. “I assure you that if I had known Patrick was your father before his death, I wouldn’t have allowed the lie to continue.”
“How did you learn of it?” I demanded.
Srixon took a moment before speaking. “I received a letter from Patrick that arrived just after his passing. He told me about his regrets by way of you, and wanted me to be the one to tell you who he really was when he was gone. By then, I had no idea where you were. I’m sorry that you never knew. I know he’d tried many times to tell you, but I’m afraid he just couldn’t.”
Hearing Srixon inform me that Patrick was too much of a coward to tell me he was my real father hurt. “How did you know I knew about Patrick being my father in the first place?”
Srixon lifted one brow. “I’m not a fool. I knew you had come back. Someone from the faerie community, a waitress at the café, said they’d seen you. Aside from her claim, I also had people watching over the apothecary, hoping you’d show up one day. I knew that you’d eventually figure out who Patrick was when given access to Patrick’s things. It was only a matter of time.” He paused. “We’ve been waiting for you to return for a long time. I’m not ashamed to admit that we need you.”
I felt my muscles relax with mutual understanding. “I need the Priory as well.”
Srixon nodded with a noticeable relief. “If we could have brought you back sooner, we would have, but you didn’t make it easy to be found. I knew you had taken a human to guard, and I figured that had become your sole priority…” his voice trailed.
I felt Jane as he mentioned it—I felt her laughing. “I did. She did.”
Srixon pressed his lips together, a look I knew all too well.
“You disapprove?” I asked.
Srixon’s eyes met mine. “It’s not that, Maximus. It’s who.”
“Who?”
Srixon leaned close. “I suppose in retrospect you couldn’t have chosen a better muse, but it still concerns me. The faerie I mentioned before recognized her right away, given that the faerie is a Light Seer.” He lifted one brow. “She’s John’s child, isn’t she?”
I nodded. “I did not know he had a daughter, let alone two, not until...”
Srixon sighed. “I don’t blame him for hiding it. He was a Priory member with a particularly dangerous marriage to a human. He was trying to protect them.”
“What about Jane is any different than any other guarded?” I ventured. Why had Srixon made such a point?
Srixon rubbed his chin. “She’s yours, at least. That alone gives me hope.”
He hadn’t answered my question. “But why Jane? Why the emphasis, and why did the seer recognize her?”
Srixon bit his lip. “There’s a Truth about her.”
Just the mention of the term angered me. My Truth had caused me nothing but pain, false hope and confusion for Jane, and now another Truth?
“She’s been seen in it, but not as you’d think.”
“How?” I demanded, feeling my protective nature begin to surface. Jane was supposed to be mine and mine alone. She was my Truth, so having her in the Truth of Winter Wood brewed jealousy.
“I honestly can’t say because telling you would put the outcome at risk. Already we’ve removed the faerie from the streets of Winter Wood for her own safety. This future has to remain a secret.”
“Please, tell me something,” I pleaded.
Srixon closed his eyes. “All I can tell you is that Avery is involved.” His eyes opened. “Saying that is mistake enough. There are so many things that will have to happen for the Truth to come to pass, and right now, it leans in our favor, but barely. If anyone affects the outcome at this point, it could be catastrophic. It was always about fate, all this time, and now it’s all finally coming to pass.”
I clenched my fists. I wanted nothing more than to be able to read his expression, but it was too vague to offer further answers. My personal problems with Jane were now shadowed by the gloominess of this new development. “So Avery will return.”
Srixon drew very close. “Maximus, you need to watch that g
irl of yours. I cannot press the point enough. Avery is my daughter, but I will be the first to tell you that she is not who she once was, and never will be again.”
I swallowed, knowing Jane didn’t even want me around. Because of my stupidity, I now had to suffer in the shade, watching her the way I always had, without her.
“Find your guarded, Maximus, and do as you’ve sworn. That is our best hope for keeping this Truth in our favor.”
Wes:
At lunch I found Emily outside. I sat beside her. “Have you seen Jane yet?”
She frowned. “No, not at all. I don’t know what’s going on, but she almost never misses class.”
“You said she stayed with a friend all weekend? Who?”
Emily shrugged. “The only person I know of that even remotely resembles a friend to Jane is Liz.” Emily rolled her eyes until they were glaring right at the culprit in question. “And see, given it’s a miracle, she’s here.”
I looked across the yard as Liz walked briskly through it, her coat wrapped tight around her and her minions acting as the second layer between her and the cold. I nodded and laughed. “I can see that.”
Emily sighed long and hard, leaning her head against her arm as it rest on the table.
“What’s up with you?” I wrestled my sandwich out of its small plastic bag. It was the third peanut butter and jelly sandwich I’d had today.
“I’m just tired, is all. I haven’t been sleeping very well.”
I chewed through the soft bread, the jelly leaking through the air holes and onto my hand. “You should stay with me tonight.”
