by Larisa Long
Blu blows something into the air. I hear screams. Curses. Yells. Tables sound like they are being overturned. Glass shatters. People run in all directions.
“Blu, what power did you use?” Arc asks.
Blu giggles. “Full power.”
Zash continues to kiss me deeply. I’ve never in my life felt so protected. I don’t want him to let go of me. Ever.
Zash tightens his grip around my waist while his other hand gently holds onto the back of my neck. Very soon, I will never let you go. I promise.
Something very loud hits the ground.
“Okay, Zash,” Arc says. “You can stop.”
I tighten my grip on Zash instinctively. His lips taste so good. I feel his kiss in every cell of my body. He has so much power. So much sadness.
“Zash?” Arc says.
“Oh … Zash?” Blu leans closer to us and giggles.
Zash finally leans back. “You can open your eyes now.”
I slowly open my eyes. My head spins. My thoughts jumble. There’s no way I could even try to speak.
Zash’s eyes glow silver. He looks as lightheaded as I feel. He takes a few deep breaths.
Blu touches my shoulder. “Are you alright, Mera?”
I can only nod.
Blu giggles when he sees Zash’s blush. “Next time, I give you the potion and I kiss Mera.”
The town looks like a hurricane had a tantrum. Tables are shattered. Bits of chair are impaled into the awnings. Popcorn, candy and for some reason raw pasta litter the ground. Everyone has collapsed. “They aren’t?”
Blu shakes his head as he sips on a soda. “Just the best sugar coma I’ve got.” He looks at them as if he’s jealous.
I search the area. Even the tiny winged things that were asleep on the awnings are huddled together and unconscious. “So, they’re alive?”
“Of course.” Blu puts his hand over his heart. “What kind of faerie do you think I am?”
I look closer and everyone is sleeping and … smiling … which is eerie. “And the big thump I heard?”
Arc steps aside to show the big green beast is snoring away. The beast’s long lizard tongue darts this way and that grabbing pretzels and chips which are strewn around him.
Blu takes a sucker from his mouth and cringes. “Never trust the ones who crave salt.”
Arc grabs me. “I am sure this is very strange for you, but we must move before they wake up.”
Blu nods. “Unfortunately, my full strength sugar coma does have side effects.”
“Do I want to know?”
Zash suppresses a laugh and glances at Arc.
The witch rubs his chin. “Let’s say there’s usually a birth boom three to twenty-four months afterwards.” He shrugs. “Depending on the species, of course.”
Blu giggles. “And let’s say they are not discreet about it. I mean they wake up, feel great, find the nearest partner and have at it.”
“That’s why there are so many hybrids,” Zash admits.
I shudder. “Yeah, I can skip that.”
Arc starts moving again, and I follow. Blu can’t stop giggling. We get to the end of the street and Arc stops. He motions for us to get closer to the building as he peers around the corner. “There’s Risq.”
He steps in front of me. “Are you ready for this?”
I frown. “Ready for what?”
He looks at Zash who nods. “She’ll be fine.”
Blu nudges me along. “Remember, no questions. Orders.”
I salute him as he giggles.
I follow Arc to a small grouping of chairs in front of a podium. It looks like an auction is about to begin. Six large round cages hang in the air. I glance up, but I have no idea what’s keeping them suspended.
There’s a faerie in the first cage which Blu squeaks at. The second cage is empty, but the cage shakes. Maybe it’s invisible. Cage number three has two small versions of the furry green cactus dog lizard thing. The fourth cage holds an old fashioned golden cash register. A young girl is in the fifth cage, and she looks human. Sort of. The last cage holds the vampire, Risq.
Beside each cage is a bouncer with tattoos covering muscles bigger than my entire body. They must be related or the same species because they have identical sneers and tank tops.
Risq gives me his trademark smirk when he sees me.
A painfully thin woman stands in front of the podium. She wears a long dark blue cape and a giant blue crown that almost doubles her height. She glances up from her papers and slowly looks me up and down. “So, this is your new Queen. Pity,” she says in a French accent.
She opens a notebook as if she couldn’t possibly be any more bored. “I’m Queen Marseil. I run the auction, and it appears your vampire is about to be sold.”
Blu nudges me.
“Why?”
She glances at me as if she didn’t except me to actually have a voice. “He must be punished. He’s violent and irritating.”
I don’t disagree, but I try not to nod as enthusiastically as I want to.
Blu grabs my arm and giggles.
King Pole whips around. He has on a red cape which swirls so fast it almost suffocates him. “Come to bargain for your property, Queen …” He waves his hand around. “Whatever your name is.”
Arc stiffens. “You know the Queen’s name is Mera.”
The King glares at Arc. “I need a new witch. My last one was too fragile when I tortured her. Would your Queen trade her vampire for her witch?”
I take a deep breath and throw my shoulders back. I try to channel bad ass, but I only end up with a neck ache. “I am not going to bargain. I am not going to trade. You are going to let Risq go.”
The King laughs, and it sounds like an old screen door.
I cover my ears. “Sounds like a rusty spring needs to be replaced.”
Queen Marseil grins. “This one has backbone. The others you chose were too weak.”
“Agreed,” Arc says.
Risq moves closer to the edge of the cage and grips the bars.
The bouncer dude guarding him bangs a tiny orange stick against the bars making the entire cage vibrate. Risq jumps back and grimaces.
“Stay in the center, filthy vampire.”
A crowd starts to gather around us. I don’t want to be pushed or shoved or see anything like Blu described of his sugary side effects. I remember not to ask any questions. Order. Declaration statements. I aced my SATs for a reason. Maybe it wasn’t to get into a good university but to save a vampire from a supernatural auction in a … I stop myself before the migraine arrives. “I’m tired of waiting.”
The woman cocks her head. “Why the rush?”
I shrug. “Not a big fan of crowds.”
She leans forward. “Best to get used to crowds,” she hints. “That might be problematic when your thirty days are up.”
Zash tenses, and I feel sadness from Blu and regret from Arc. Mental note: ask them what the hell is going on.
I calm myself and continue. “Plus I have loads to do. So many things on my bucket list.”
The Queen narrows her eyes. “You must be from the current world. Your speech is most unusual. What time period did you hail?”
My smile turns into a grimace. “Maybe we can discuss our histories over a double mocha, but right now I’d rather do business.” I channel my inner bad ass Queen. “Return my vampire. Now.”
The Queen flashes me a creepy all knowing grin. “You claim him as yours? You claim all of them as yours? Because I for one would love to taste your faerie if you ever tire of him. I’ve heard he is delicious.”
“Is every human here the worst of humanity?”
Her smirk morphs into a glare. “You might last longer than I thought.”
“You sound disappointed.”
Arc flinches. I don’t know if he’s impressed with me or afraid of me.
He grins. “Maybe a bit of both.”
“So, Queen Mera?” The Queen glances at her long red nails. “The question lingers. Do y
ou claim them?”
I know this is going to bite me. I know there’s something else going on, but I don’t have much of a choice. Or do I? I glance around. Where would I run to? Where would I even go?
“Sure,” I quickly blurt before I talk myself out of it. “I claim Arc as my witch.” I look at Blu. “I claim Blu as my sugar faerie.”
Blu giggles. “Sugar faerie. That’s totally me.”
I look into Zash’s eyes. “I claim Zash as my reaper.” I look at Risq. “And I claim Risq …” I’m really going to regret this, aren’t I?
“No,” Zash whispers. “Blu and I will make sure of it.”
I gather some courage from Zash. I take another breath and, ignoring every single cell of regret, I do it. “I claim Risq as my vampire. Not that I ever wanted my own vampire.”
I close my eyes and wait. I didn’t know if I’d end up in an auction cage or be turned inside out or be a pet for that furry lizard cactus dog.
Instead, we’re back in the castle.
Chapter 5
Risq leans against the window sill like he did before and sips from a glass.
Blu devours yet another cake. Zash watches me. Arc can’t look at me which is creepy but whatever.
I want to ask … I need to ask. But maybe I just need a few minutes of fantasy before I know the truth.
I stare out the window for the longest time. I know they are waiting, but they don’t interrupt my thoughts. I finally turn around and face them. “Which one of you is going to tell me what the freak I just agreed to?”
Zash takes a deep breath. Blu swallows hard and peeks at me in between stirring hot cocoa with a candy cane. Arc glances at Risq.
I stare at the vampire. “Were you really in danger or was that a trick?”
Risq chokes on the red goop in his glass. “You are smarter than the others.”
“It wasn’t my idea,” Zash quickly admits. “I’m sorry.”
“As am I,” Blu says.
“And if I didn’t rescue you?”
Risq taps the side of his glass.
I roll my eyes. “Was any of it real? The town? The sugar coma?”
Blu nods. “Believe me, everything was real, and we were in danger the moment we stepped in town. Getting taken by the King was—”
“That was my idea,” Arc admits. “It was a test. I would have rescued Risq if you didn’t. You are already bonding with Zash and Blu. I thought the kidnapping and danger might make you bond with Risq and I.”
I shake my head as I study him. “Arc, you really shouldn’t be making decisions.”
Blu and Zash glance at each other and smile.
Arc tenses. “That’s fair. I underestimated you.”
I turn back to the window, but I turn around too quickly. “Head rush.”
Blu instantly hands me a chocolate milkshake. “It’ll help. You need more sugar.”
I try to get out of my cloak.
Zash immediately helps me out of it.
I scootch, kick and shove one of the chairs. I scrape the floors badly, but hey at least I got the damn chair in front of the window. I plop myself down.
Arc watches me with amusement. “Why didn’t you just order me to move the chair for you?”
“And why do you have to be so far away?” Blu asks, jutting out his bottom lip in a pout.
I close my eyes. I want to sleep, but I’m not tired. I can’t even cry. I should be inconsolable. Every moment I’m here I’m further away from everything I’ve ever known.
I look around the castle but don’t see any vents. “Is there something being pumped in to make me so … I don’t know. Giving up? Resigned? It’s like my ass is being bitten by thousands of fire ants, and I’m like where are the cookies?”
The four stare at me as if I’ve sprouted a hairy foot from my nose.
Blu huffs. “Why must you be so far away from me?”
I calculate the distance. “It’s only like six feet.”
Blu puts his hand over his chest. “It’s oceans away from me.”
I turn my attention to the scenery out the window. Looks like a forest, but looks are obviously deceiving. “Why don’t you just kill me now and save the trouble?”
Arc frowns. “I wouldn’t. I would never hurt you.”
I look to Risq. “What about you? Still willing to kill me?”
Arc nervously laughs. “He won’t do that again.”
I give him my exaggerated nod. “Right. Because he’s so calm and in control. Maybe if you kill me I’ll wake up back home.”
“You are home,” Arc says. “We all are.”
I put my feet up on the window sill and admire the knee high boots with various zips and buckles. “These look goth. You’re idea, Zash?”
He nods.
I sip my milkshake. “It’s good.”
Blu jumps up and bows. “Thank you.” His wings vibrate and droop. “Oh no, I need more sugar. That coma really lowered me. I’m going to create a kitchen.”
“So, the faerie devours sugar. The vampire sucks up red goop by the bucketful.”
Risq sadistically grins at me.
“What does a witch eat?”
Arc narrows his eyes. “Same as humans. You don’t have to stall. You can ask us anything.”
I ignore Arc and glance at Zash. “What does a reaper eat?”
Risq laughs so hard he snorts. “Tell her, Zash. What do reapers eat? It’s super sexy.”
“Souls,” Zash whispers so low I can hardly hear him.
I nod. I don’t know why but nothing shocks me anymore. “Sugar. Blood. Souls. And human food.” I think about it. “I like Blu’s diet the best.”
“Right?” Blu nods. “Good choice. What’s your favorite flavor?”
I stare at him as if he’s suddenly gone mad. “Hello? Chocolate.”
Blu’s wings tap on the sides of his head. “I’ve got it. We’ll have triple chocolate dipped chocolate fudged chocolate covered chocolate iced chocolate filled chocolate cupcakes.”
I stop myself from wincing. “Sounds good.”
Arc moves closer. “What are you doing?”
I look at him. “How much do you know about me?”
Arc raises his eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
“Did you do any research on me before your little world invasion kidnapping escapade?”
“You’re a human. We needed a human. What else should we know?” Risq grunts.
“You grunt a lot. You should look into that. Could be something.”
Arc and Zash stifle a laugh. Risq’s face turns bright red as his hands tighten into fists. He sighs and glares and grunts and growls.
“Impressive. You’re the fearless leader, Arc. What did you learn about me?”
Arc’s eyes dart a thousand different directions as I assume he tries to figure me out.
Zash gets up and stands next to me. He leans down and feels my forehead. “Are you feeling okay? You’re a bit warm.”
“What are you up to?” Risq asks suspiciously.
Blu meanders over. Before I know what he’s doing, he squeezes next to me in the chair. He hands me another milkshake. “What’s happening? What are we doing?”
“We …” Risq motions to everyone except Blu. “… are trying to figure out what she’s planning.”
Blu’s eyes find mine. “What are we planning, my chocolate loving Queen?”
I sigh. “Well, my immortal ones, I’m a Type A personality, and I’ve had my entire life planned since I was five.”
Risq laughs out loud. “How’s that working out.”
I flip off the snarky vampire.
Blu chokes on his shake. “Totally deserved that.”
“I graduated as Valedictorian.”
“What’s that?” Risq asks Arc.
Zash smiles. “It means she’s smarter than you.”
“Much smarter,” Blu agrees. “Of course, this straw is smarter than the vampire so…”
“Was accepted early to the University of Chicag
o. Going to do a double major in prelaw and …” I sip more of the best milkshake I’ve ever had. “… psychology.”
“That’s ambitious,” Arc says.
Risq huffs. “What does this have to do with us?”
I take my time sipping the milkshake which never empties. “Love this,” I say to Blu.
He winks. “It’s an immortal milkshake.”
“Awesome.”
“Hey,” Risq interrupts, kicking my chair.
“Watch it, vampire.” Blu’s wing pushes Risq backwards. “Do not upset the chocolate loving Queen.”
“It means my little impatient vampire—”
Blu giggles. “Little. That’s so true.”
Risq rolls his eyes and sighs so loud it sounds like the crackling fire.
“I can plan the bejesus out of anything. That’s what I do. So, let me in on this whole thing I’ve just agreed to by claiming all of you.”
Arc steps back. “I don’t think this is wise.”
“Why?” I look to Blu who shrugs.
Risq’s eyes narrow on me. “I’ll tell her all the gory details.”
I roll my eyes. “Okay, here’s what I know. You kidnap a human, and they need to fall in love with all of you before a certain period of time.”
Blu nods. “So far so good.” He hands me a candy cane. “Let this swirl a bit in there. Totally worth it.”
“It obviously never worked out which is why I’m here.” I study the vampire. “Wonder why it didn’t work out before.”
He glares at me.
“I’m guessing there were more of you. Now, you’re down to four.”
Blu nods. “Again, nailed it.”
I decide not to think because obviously the immortals will read my thoughts. I best just plunge quickly. “I’m also guessing this love thing is only the latest in the creepy things you’ve had to do?”
Blu nods again. “This one is easier than the others.”
Risq grunts. “Easier for you maybe.”
“Each group had twenty-six different species and A to Z with the names?”
Arc’s eyes widen. “How in the worlds did you know that?”
I sip more of the shake. “You got anymore of that mocha flavor?”
Blu pours a bottle into the shake. “Try it.”
I sip it. “Yum.”
Risq growls and runs his hands through his very short hair like he could pull out each piece.
