The little dragon turned and blew what looked like a fiery raspberry at the Fae prince.
“I guess they’re not, and I don’t think it cares one lick that you’re a prince.” She giggled. The dragon flew up and settled in the crook of Mina’s hood, and quickly became invisible again.
“I don’t trust that thing,” Jared shot back.
“Relax, I find him quite cute. Isn’t that right, Ander?” She held up a finger and felt the invisible dragon rub its face against her.
“Great, you’ve named it, now you’re gonna want to keep it. But I’m telling you that thing better be house-trained.” He turned to the bookshelf and began to pull open the book to open the hidden exit door.
Mina felt Ander leave her shoulder but didn’t let Jared know he was missing. She saw Constance’s teacup float mysteriously above Jared’s head. She clapped her hand over her mouth to contain the laughter. A second later the cup turned over, spilling lukewarm tea on Jared’s unsuspecting head.
“Oh, it better not have just peed on me!” he screamed.
The teacup clattered to the ground as Ander released it. Jared saw the cup and glared at the dragon. An instant later he turned and jumped into the air. Morphing into a hawk, he took off chasing the miniature dragon around the room.
Mina pushed the door open and headed out the cellar doors, knowing that Ander would be just fine against a quick-tempered Jared. She hoped that Jared would come out with his ego still intact.
It had grown dark since they entered the recycling plant, and the night air was chilly on her bare arms. She walked over to Jared’s bike, sat on the seat, and surveyed the surroundings. The river lined the east side of the building, and the road and the parking lot were overrun with weeds and old containers. On the west side was the edge of a forest, the evergreens that lined the edge of the forest looking like sentinels guarding the Fae Godmothers. So much had happened in such a short time, and she was just as confused as ever.
An intense prickling feeling ran up her back and tickled her fingers, followed by a familiar sound that pierced the night. Mina jumped off the bike, wary and alert. She scanned the dark forest, knowing that was where the sound came from—a very unique sound that she knew belonged to Stiltskin’s bird. She watched the forest and at first saw nothing, but then a glow emanated from the darkness and grew brighter and brighter.
Mina pulled out the Grimoire, and it immediately turned into a bow and arrow. She notched the arrow and pulled back the string, and sighted on her target. The bird flew between the trees, alighting on one branch and then flying to another one a little closer. It continued the same pattern, as if trying to not startle her. Something felt different this time; she didn’t feel any aggression from the bird. The giant golden bird stopped at the edge of the forest on a branch of the nearest evergreen. His long golden feathered tail almost touched the branch underneath him. Fire trickled from under his wings, as if the bird was made of fire and the feathers were holding the inferno in check.
The fire bird shifted back and forth on the branch, and she spun around, checking behind her for a hidden attack. Nothing. They were the only ones in the forest.
“Why are you here?”
The bird tilted his head as only a bird could and became more agitated.
She held up the arrow again and threatened the bird. “You do anything, ignite a single spark, and I’m having Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner.”
The bird screeched, and her body erupted in shivers, its call going through her bones. It really was a chilling sound. The bird bent its glorious head and began to peck at his tail feathers until he had pulled the longest feather off and held it in his beak. The bird opened his wings slowly and glided off the branch toward Mina; he dropped the feather on the ground before her and circled back.
The firebird emitted one more piercing screech, and then it shot into the night, leaving a blazing trail of fire behind him. She watched the firebird and looked back at the gift it had left in parting. The feather was mysteriously still burning brightly. She waited to see if it would eventually burn out, but it didn’t. Feeling brave, she picked up the gold feather and ran her fingers over the top, and felt its softness. Apparently being made of gold didn’t change the texture of the bird’s feather. The after-feather, or soft downy part of the feather, still flickered with fire, and even after she gave it a good shake, it continued to burn. She held her fingers as close as she could and didn’t feel any heat. Finally, her curiosity getting the better of her, she touched the flame itself and felt nothing but coldness.
Why? What purpose did the firebird have in giving her a feather when it was obviously Stiltskin’s pet? Stiltskin! Did he follow her here? Did he now know that this was the Godmothers’ headquarters?
Gripping the feather, she ran back toward the cellar and was greeted by a perturbed Jared on his way up.
“Stupid hamster.” He turned on his heels and yelled back into the darkness, “I hope you get rabies, you brat.”
It didn’t take a genius to figure out which Fae had won the challenge.
“Jared? I think the Stiltskin was here.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, look at this.” She held out the feather, and Jared studied the burning phenomenon and reached out to touch it experimentally.
“Huh? Cool,” he intoned.
Mina wasn’t taking it as laid-back as Jared. “His pet firebird appeared out here and gave this to me. Do you think he could be here as well? Did I lead the Stiltskin to the Godmothers?”
Jared stepped away from her and lifted his head to the night. Closing his eyes, he turned in each direction before turning back. “No, there are no other Fae beside the bird. Mina, I think he was trying to help you. I don’t think it’s a trap—I think it’s a gift.”
“Yeah, but what does it do?”
“I don’t know. It’s a phoenix feather. History has all kinds of rumors about them. Some say they can bring back the dead, regenerate, give you infinite riches like a philosopher’s stone. But I can understand why this Stiltskin would want one. If he is obsessed with gold and has a golden phoenix, that would make him even more powerful.”
“And this may be my only clue.”
“Or a peace offering.”
“Jared, I’m running out of time. Do you think the Stiltskin figured out I’m reneging on my deal? How long before he comes to collect me?”
“I don’t know, but he won’t get you without a fight. That you can count on.”
“So you’ve decided to help me save Charlie?”
“No, I told you. You have to forget him and worry about yourself. I was hoping the Godmothers would help you find a way to break the deal you made with the Stiltskin.” He reached for her hand and grabbed it, holding it firmly. His hand felt warm and strong, and sent shivers up her arm. “Mina, I’m doing things for you that I’ve never done for any other Grimm in history, and I don’t know why. It worries me, the choices I keep making, and Ever’s right. Maybe I am getting too involved, too close.”
Her body went cold at his words, and she ripped her hand out of his. “What do you mean, you’re getting too involved?”
He shrugged. “Look at us. The more I think about it, the more I realize I made a mistake.”
“You’re my Grimoire, for goodness’ sakes. You are supposed to help me finish the quests! I realize that you’re at odds with your family on this, but are you backing out now because of Ever? I realize that you have obligations and you can’t always tell me what’s going on, but I thought we’d gotten past that.”
“What you’re doing is committing suicide. You’ll be unprotected in a land of Fae. Who knows where you’ll appear there? It’s too dangerous. I won’t let you go there, even for Charlie.”
She stood there in the cold night air. “I’ll find a way to save him, Jared. Maybe Ever will help me.”
Jared snorted. “Yeah, right. As if she can find her way back home. She can’t even find her way to the nearest mall half the time.”
/> “Well, the Godmothers said I would have to wait until I complete more quests and grow stronger, or use her seam ripper.”
“You’re saying Ever has a seam ripper.”
“Yes,” Mina said slowly.
“When did you see Ever cross over? Think carefully, Mina.”
She was taken aback at the change in subject. “Last year she approached me when the Reaper had stolen the Grimoire and I didn’t know where you were. She used this tube thing, and drew a circle and disappeared.” Mina indicated with her fingers the size of the tube.
Jared was distracted and began to walk toward the parking lot. “It’s a seam ripper, and only a few of them exist. It cuts right through both planes to create a temporary gate, but they are dangerous. Only the strongest of Fae are able to travel back and forth at will, and they become weakened almost to the point of death. Which is why a wizard developed the seam rippers to create gates for the Royals and the ruling Fates. Wherever a gate has been ripped open, it is weakened for a certain amount of time—that’s how the lesser Fae get over here. But these…these are gifts given to a handful of people, and she was not one of them.”
He motioned for her to get on the bike. He started the motorcycle, and they were once again off into the night. Mina had no clue where Jared was taking her and was only slightly surprised when he pulled up to a small rundown motel. Jared flew off the bike, and stormed over to room number eight and pounded on the door. A few seconds later, Ever opened the door, wearing a cute gray dress, and smiled brightly at Jared…until she saw his expression. Then she cast an accusing look at Mina. Behind her, Mina could make out a sparsely decorated hotel room with a few books and a backpack on the bed.
Jared motioned with one finger for her to follow, and he walked briskly into Ever’s room. Mina followed, keeping her head down as she entered the pixie’s private domain. She felt terrible that the girl was sleeping in a motel. That was, until she closed the door and the glamour lifted. What once was a room with a single dirty bed with a broken lamp turned into a very large apartment filled with every plant imaginable. There were wide windows that gave the room a greenhouse effect. The dining room table and furniture were white, but the artwork and statues that decorated the home were filled with pixies.
Ever’s face was pale, her eyes wide with worry, but she was still spunky enough to throw Mina a perturbed look before following her into the living room.
It was obvious from the way Jared didn’t bother to look around the room that he had been there before.
“How could you, Ever?” Jared asked, his voice like ice.
“How could I what?” she snapped back.
“Why would you lie to me?”
“Do you know what he is talking about, Gimp, ’cause I sure don’t?”
Mina was uncomfortable under Ever’s scrutiny. She shrugged.
“This isn’t about her, Ever. This is between you and me,” Jared shot out.
She stood up, her eyes blazing. Her hair started to blow about her shoulders.
“No, it’s not. It’s always about her! There is no you and me—you’ve seen to that. Ever since she showed up, you don’t care about me anymore.”
“That’s not true. It’s complicated, and more so now that you can’t be trusted. What deal did you make with the Fates? What deal did you make with my mother?”
“Who told you?”
“Who gave you a seam ripper?” he demanded.
Ever’s eyes snapped up to glare at Mina accusingly and then went innocent when she looked up at her prince. They filled with tears. It was obvious that she loved him and had done something terrible.
“I left everything behind for you! I gave up everything so I could come over here to be with you. They helped me come over, and all I had to do was report back about you. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.” Her gaze traveled back over to Mina. “She was supposed to fail like the others, and then it could be like the old times again. You weren’t supposed to really help her!”
“Give it to me!” Jared held out his hand to Ever.
Her back stiffened, and her shoulders rose. “No, I can’t.”
“Ever, you weren’t meant to have one. Now, give it to me!”
“I—I won’t. I can’t. It’s my only way back to visit my family. It’s not my fault you’ve become soft-hearted and want to help the Gimps.” She let slip the derogatory name the Fae called the Grimms.
“It’s too dangerous for you to have one. How many times have you used it already, and where? Here? Mina’s house?” Ever’s head dropped, and she looked over at Mina guiltily. “Please don’t tell me you’ve used it near her house?” Jared pointed to Mina.
“I had to,” Ever squealed. “You were spending too much time with her, getting attached. We were afraid of losing you. I had to follow you both.”
“Anything could have come through! We don’t know what is roaming around here now. You probably even let in another Reaper.”
She shook her head and held up her hand. “No.”
Jared’s fists were turning white from how tightly he was clutching them. Mina thought she could actually hear his knuckles pop from the strain.
“Ever!”
She bit the bottom of her lip in worry, and, finally realizing there was no other option, she got up and dug through her purse. Her hands were shaking, and Mina thought she heard a few sniffs come from the pixie’s direction. Ever turned with her fist closed and held it out to Jared.
He snatched it out of her hand fast as lightning and bolted for the door. Her shoulders dropped and she nodded. Before grabbing the doorknob, Ever turned and spoke, her voice ringing with fear. “Please don’t hold this against me, Jared. I did this for you. I did this for us.”
Jared ran his hands through his dark hair and spun on her angrily. “No, you did this for you. I forget how selfish pixies are—they are unable to truly care about anyone other than themselves.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“Then prove it. Prove that your race doesn’t define who you are. Show me that you are not just like all the other pixies. That you care more about others than yourself.”
Ever’s beautiful eyes filled with tears, which she tried to blink away. Her head dropped to her chest, and she took a deep breath before closing the door.
Jared stared at the object in his hand and tucked it into his pocket before making eye contact with Mina. He smiled wanly, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes; he looked tired, worn-out.
“Let’s get you home,” he said.
She didn’t respond, just sat stiffly on the bike as he once again drove her home. This was becoming the night that would never end. When he once again pulled up to her house, he sat on his bike, immobile.
She got off the bike and stared at him. She knew then from the angry look in his eyes that he had no intention of ever helping her save her brother. He did all of that to take the seam ripper for himself, not to help her. He could just give her the seam ripper and she could go alone. He wouldn’t have to even cross over and endanger himself.
Jared left her no other choice—she was going to betray him, betray what little trust they had gained. And once she finished her quest, she would deal with the repercussions then. She closed her eyes and opened her senses, willing the feeling of power to come to her. It did. She was living in a home made of Fae magic, close to a royal Fae prince. It was becoming easier and easier to recognize the lingering power that was always there, just on the edges. She remembered when she’d called out for help and Jared had answered. He didn’t come because he wanted to; he came because she commanded him to help her. Now she was about to do the same thing.
“Jared, give me the seam ripper.” She pushed all of the power into those words.
His eyes went wide in shock, and he backed away from her in horror.
“Mina! What are you doing?”
“Just as you are bound to the Grimoire, you are bound to me and my will. I command you to give me the seam ripper.”
“Don’t do this, Mina. You don’t know what you’re messing with. You can’t trust Fae magic—you’re not Fae.” Even as he said the words, she could see that he was fighting with himself and the power of the command. His hand thrust into his pocket and gripped the seam ripper and pulled it out.
“I know what I am asking you to do, and I’m sorry that it has to be this way.”
“Mina, don’t make me do this!” Jared’s eyes were pleading, his whole body struggling with inner turmoil as he fought the Fae magic. “Please,” he called out.
The tears she had been holding back flowed freely. She was taking away his free will.
“If you do this, Mina, I won’t forgive you!” He yelled out the words as he fell to his knees in pain, his fist flung out in front of her.
“I have to, Jared. There’s something I have to do.”
“NO…not like this.” One by one his fingers uncurled to reveal the shiny silver tube. “You are breaking our trust.”
“Jared, you never fully trusted me to begin with, and right now I have to save Charlie. When this is over, I can only hope you’ll forgive me. But right now, I’m not asking for your permission or forgiveness.”
Jared let out a painful grunt, and with a final act of free will he threw the seam ripper to the ground and crushed it under his boot. Pieces of it flew across the ground, scattering into the darkness.
Shock. Anger. Hurt. It all rushed over her and took control of her body. Her hand slapped Jared so fast across the face, she surprised herself.
Jared’s cheek turned an angry red, and the muscle in his jaw twitched in anger, but he refused to look at her. Instead, his angry glare was directed at the darkness behind her.
“You could have chosen to go with me to help me,” she hissed.
“I can’t.” He looked into her eyes to show her how serious he was. “If you go there, Mina, you’ll be going there alone.” Jared glared at her.
Chapter 17
School was a torture. Nothing could make her happy. Jared was refusing to talk to her, and Ever was avoiding sitting at their lunch table. Mina kept staring at the clock on the wall in first period, always wondering how many minutes would pass before Stiltskin came for her. Could it be weeks? Months? Days? The Godmothers made it very clear that the magic of a deal in blood could very well be stronger than the power of her Grimoire, so she needed a Plan B. Another way to beat him if he came for her, ’cause she obviously had no way to cross over.