Between Mitch and Gavin, I was a complete mess. At the first practice of the year, I found myself unable to concentrate on swimming. Coach Rawlins gave me a little space, but I knew that wasn’t going to last long. State championships were just a few weeks away and he also mentioned that, provided my times were good enough, he wanted me to compete in a national event this year.
After practice was over, I met Doug at the car. My parents hadn’t come today. They were home with the imitation Mitch, who was getting worse by the day.
The fluorescent streetlights hummed in the frigid night air, illuminating the darkness and masking the majority of the stars in the cloudless night sky. Doug crossed his legs and leaned back against his black Jeep as I walked past several of my teammates. He had a devious look on his face and never took his eyes off me.
“Havana, I’ve been thinking,” he began.
“Oh lord, am I in trouble?”
“Well, I hope you don’t see it as trouble. I’m thinking that I’d take you to prom…well…two proms actually. Eureka and Fayetteville.” His eyes were more intense than ever, and he smiled—a smile I’m sure he practiced in the mirror a thousand times. It was freezing and the lighting was terrible, but he was excruciatingly adorable at the moment. Under the damp blond hair, his warm blue eyes looked twice as large as normal, his smile, twice as big.
I considered saying no for a moment, just to play with him, but I couldn’t bring myself to do anything that might change his captivating expression. Besides, I wasn’t about to go to Eureka’s prom by myself, and I knew Candace expected me to be there.
Urged on by my silence, he amped his begging up a notch. “You know you have to go—you’re a junior. I’m pretty sure, deep down, you really want to go with me. Besides, it’d be totally lame to show up by yourself.”
“That would be lame. But two proms? Really?”
“Yes, really. Come on, Havana, don’t make me get down on a knee.” He pulled a semi-pouty look from his arsenal of rehearsed, adorable expressions.
I laughed at the thought, and that spurred him on. He took a knee and grabbed my hand, pulling it gently toward his pleading face.
“Okay, I’m begging you. Besides, if you refuse me, then I’ll be forced to ask Rhonda.” He pooched out his lower lip and acted like he was temporarily nauseated.
“Don’t beg, Douglas. It’s a little pathetic.”
“That’s not a yes,” he said with big puppy-dog eyes.
“You know, I’ve already been asked by two guys, and they only want to humiliate me at one prom.”
“Who?”
“Trey and Macky.”
“Well, Trey isn’t much of a dancer, and Macky is a nice enough guy, but the acne? Do you really want to spend the rest of your life looking back over prom pictures with him at your side, when you could…”
I rolled my eyes. “When I could have you standing next to me? How completely narcissistic.”
“Narcissistic, and true. Come on, are you going to keep humiliating me? Are you that determined to strip me of every ounce of self-esteem?”
“You’re doing that on your own.” I laughed again and glanced around the parking lot. Many of our teammates were watching. Despite the cold, nobody seemed to be in a hurry to leave.
“Get up, Doug. People are staring.”
He grinned and raised his voice, apparently sensing an opportunity. “Oh my dearest flower, you rare jewel of an angel incarnate, I cannot fathom the depths of my despair should you refuse my hand in prom-dom. I shall be forced to shave my head and emblazon a big red “R” in the middle of my heaving chest as a sign of your painful and debilitating rejection. Agony! Self-loathing! Oh, bronze goddess, have pity!”
Now several people were laughing, including Coach Rawlins and his wife, who also appeared to be going nowhere.
“Enough, enough!” I said laughing at him.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I didn’t hear a yes.”
“Just how long did you practice that speech?”
He forced the smile off his face and tried to look innocent.
“I’ll go with you if you stop making a scene.”
“Everyone, did you hear that? She said yes!” He shouted, holding my hand against his chest. There was a round of applause in the parking lot as Doug stood up and bent slightly to kiss me.
I put my hand over his mouth, and laughed. “Um, did you miss the memo about creating scenes?”
With a huge smile spread across his face, he pulled my hand away and kissed me. I let him. For a moment I felt a familiar tingle in my stomach, but it quickly disappeared as I gingerly pulled away.
“Okay, can we drive home now?” I smiled and tugged a tuft of the blond hair behind his ear.
“Anything you want,” he said, lowering his voice so no one else could overhear us, “but before we go, can you tell me what it’ll take to get you to go out with me before then? You know, on a real date?” His blue eyes flickered under the glowing lights.
A pang of dread spread through my stomach. I was afraid he would ask me that, and I wasn’t about to lead him on. Going to the prom was one thing, but dating was another entirely. I chose my words carefully, trying to sound as neutral as possible. “Oh, not much, Doug, just more time.”
He grew visibly frustrated, exhaling loudly. His breath turned to steam in the cold air, and circled his head. I tugged at my coat, tightening the collar around my neck, while I thought of what I’d say next.
“Doug, you’re my friend, but I’m not ready for that. We’ve talked about it over and over again.”
“I know, I know…”
“I need more time, that’s all. Unless prom isn’t enough.”
“Oh no, you’re not going to back out on me that fast. Prom is great. I’ll wait on the other, like I promised, but what I can’t figure out is what you’re waiting on.”
My face flushed and I felt exposed.
“Maggie, Gavin moved away and he might not come back. I’m here and my feelings haven’t changed since last March.” His eyes were intense and he seemed a little on edge.
He was right about Gavin—more than he even realized—but I wasn’t going to be goaded into that conversation while we stood in the middle of a parking lot surrounded by a dozen spectators.
“Doug, don’t push,” I snapped.
“Okay, okay, sorry.” He threw both palms up and backed away a half step. “We still good?”
I was peeved, more at myself than him, but I managed to forge a smile and nod.
On the drive home he acted like nothing had happened, but I knew he was upset by my reticence. I struck up a conversation to focus his attention on Mitch, which allowed me to do the same. At the moment, Mitch was my paramount concern. When the Jeep pulled down to the cottage garden, I sensed several Fae gathered about. Great!
Drevek was sitting on a bench with Sara next to him in human form. She acted as though she was trying to keep a ten-year-old entertained, but I knew better. Mom and Dad were at the garden wall talking to a Fae in human form just on the other side, and two more Fae lingered a few feet away, concealed by the darkness. Billy was behind the Jeep. He’d followed me to practice and stayed close the entire time I was gone.
The muscles in my chest tightened as Doug turned off the ignition. I stared at the Fae standing across from my parents, but I couldn’t see her face. Only a Fae, I thought, would not look to see who was approaching it from behind.
“Who’s the brunette?” Doug asked.
“I’m not sure.”
“She’s beautiful.”
She was. In fact, she was nearly radiant, even dressed in a heavy overcoat and thick shoes. Her long black hair was more lustrous than mine, and her pale skin had a bluish glow under the moonlight and gas lamps.
There was no wind, but the air was even colder than it had been in Bentonville. I wasn’t sure if that was the reason I suddenly felt a chill or not, but I moved closer to introduce myself. As I came to within a few feet of h
er, she turned to face me, and I nearly gasped.
She was the beautiful brunette from the island—the one who’d called me “insolent” and said she didn’t make bargains with mortals. My shield flared up immediately and I heard a little voice in my head.
“Cool it,” Sara said so that only I could hear her. I shot her a quick glance, and the next word she popped into my mind was, “Caretaker.”
My inner dialog flared up. You have to be kidding. Why doesn’t Ozara just douse me in gasoline and hand Chalen a book of matches?
I hadn’t considered it, but of course the Unseelie had to have a representative on the Weald. But why her? Hadn’t she been punished for her role on the island? Was she really the best the Unseelie had? Is Ozara on crack?
Her voice was silky. “I’m Cassandra, and you must be Maggie?” With fluid grace, a warm smile formed on her perfect face as she extended her pale hand for me to shake.
“Yes, I’m Maggie,” I said without taking her hand.
She smiled more broadly, knowingly, and let her hand drop. She knew I recognized her.
“So, you’re the new caretaker?” I shot an accusatory glare at my parents and Sara.
“Yes, Chalen asked me to take over for him while he’s travelling.”
Doug extended his hand and introduced himself. He was enamored with her, entranced, really. I cringed when she shook his hand, worried that she’d rip his arm out of its socket.
“Oh, the boyfriend?” She raised an eyebrow and grinned at him.
“I wish,” he said, rolling his eyes. If my parents hadn’t been standing right there, I’d have blown him into the side of the barn.
“Honey,” Mom started, “Cassandra just came down to introduce herself. She’s already done wonders with the caretaker’s cottage. It doesn’t even look like the same place.”
“Your hands are perfect,” I said. “Not a single callus—amazing.”
Cassandra smiled at me. “I always wear gloves.”
“We’re going to take Mitch inside, so don’t be too long,” Mom said, oblivious to the clue I’d left.
“How is he?” I looked back over to Drevek, who was slumped over on the bench.
Mom said he wasn’t any better yet, but she seemed relieved, saying the doctor suspected it was just a bug. Nonetheless, she said they were going to take him to a specialist in Fayetteville in the morning to run a few more tests. Drevek looked up wearily as Sara walked over to me. Billy, who was still invisible to mortal eyes, moved closer to the changeling and followed them inside.
When the front door closed, Doug said goodnight and drove home, staring at Cassandra as he made his way to his Jeep. She watched him leave and turned to me, smiling. She appeared to be no older than twenty-five. Looks can be deceiving.
“You’re awfully pretty to be a caretaker.” I stared at her without blinking.
“Yes, it wasn’t a role I asked for, but I could never refuse Zarkus.”
“Were you working for Zarkus the night I saw you on the island.”
“I haven’t been on the island in years.” She feigned shock, but I wasn’t convinced. The Unseelie lie as easily as they breathe.
“Maggie,” Ozara said. She took the form of a white owl and perched on the stone wall. “Cassandra was not on the island. I think you’re mistaken. So much happened that night—it was dark.”
I studied Cassandra’s face for a moment and considered the possibility that I could be mistaken. I wasn’t. Still, I had no intention of challenging Ozara.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. My mistake,” I said. “You look so much like a Fae I saw that night.”
“Yes, well, we can take any form we want.”
“Yes, I am aware.” I barely managed to keep the snide tone out of my voice, though I felt it to my core.
“I do look forward to working with you, Maggie. And if it isn’t too impertinent of me to say, I’m very sorry about your brother. Changelings, humph, such terrible business.” She frowned.
Once again, I knew I recognized her. The frown, while less vicious than I remembered, was exactly as I’d seen it on the island. Then a terrible possibility struck me. Either this Fae was on the island and Ozara was lying about it, or Ozara was simply in the dark. That seemed even more dangerous. Of course, I admitted, I could be mistaken. Cassandra could be identical to the Fae I encountered on the island. Either way, I played along.
In an apparent attempt to allay my fears, Ozara said, “Cassandra, forgive me for being blunt. This poor family has already been through so much at the hands of your clan. I will not allow any further victimization. You must follow the rules of the accord. I will hold you personally accountable for any deviation, regardless of how slight.”
“I understand the rules, and surely you understand the attacks were not the work of the Unseelie Clan, but rather a few rogues who claimed allegiance.” Her voice was silky, and while she showed deference to Ozara, she clearly wasn’t afraid of her. “Were there not two or three Seelie complicit as well?”
“I must apologize. Something I said led you to believe that I wanted your opinion. I do not. I want your obedience. Do you understand me, Cassandra?” Ozara said with metered authority.
Cassandra turned her head and faced the snowy owl. “You have my word—I will bring no harm to the O’Shea family or any of your other human pets.” She glanced back and cast a cruel smile toward me—the same one I saw on the island.
FOUR
SECOND GUESSING
After telling me that she was in the process of restoring the Seoladán, Cassandra, in an oddly pleasant voice, invited me to visit before she darted up the hill in a wake of dead leaves. It still seemed bizarre that Ozara and the Council would trust an Unseelie to do anything with the Seoladán—the single most important attribute of the Weald. I’d feel a lot more comfortable with a Seelie keeping tabs on the Fae gateway to our world.
When Cassandra and Ozara departed, Sara and Billy followed me to the basement where we sat outside Mitch’s room. They took turns trying to convince me that Cassandra wasn’t on the island with me that night.
“Maggie, I don’t doubt that you saw an Unseelie in that form, but I promise you, I know each and every Unseelie who fought with us. Cassandra was not among them. She is very old, nearly five-hundred thousand years, and Air inclined. She could have snapped though your shield in a moment.”
I didn’t like hearing that she was older and more powerful than any I’d faced—it made me feel vulnerable. Considering what Billy said for a moment, I searched my memories and couldn’t remember seeing her on the shore, but I knew she was in the clearing. There were forty-nine of them in the clearing and forty-nine on the shore, but I hadn’t thought to memorize every face.
Even though the Fae are capable of taking any form they desire, my gut was telling me she was one and the same.
“Is she older than either of you?”
“It’s rude to ask a lady her age.” Sara shot me an amused look.
“Oh…um, sorry.”
“I’m kidding, of course,” Sara said. “She and I are approximately the same age, give or take a hundred years. If I read the meaning of your question correctly, we are evenly matched in ability, though I have spent more time in physical form and am, theoretically, more powerful.,”
Billy nodded his head. “I’m not as old. I rud a aireachtáil bheith, became conscious of existence, slightly before Gavin did, but he is more powerful. None of the Fae who were on the island that night are older than one hundred thousand years, including Chalen. Many are not half that old. The point is, Cassandra could have pierced your shield with relative ease—keep that in mind.”
“Oh, thanks, just rip my piece of mind to shreds why don’t you.”
Billy laughed, or rather the form he’d taken, a blue-tailed skink perched on the fireplace, laughed. “I will work with you to strengthen your shield, and given the likely case of misidentification with Cassandra, I think your training should also focus on learning to recognize indi
vidual Fae, especially given our propensity to take forms freely.”
Misidentification? A part of me wanted to challenge him on that point, but arguing with Sara and Billy wasn’t going to get me anywhere. They were as intransigent as always and hadn’t learned to trust my instincts. So I dropped the subject.
“Billy, no human has ever learned to identify us in our natural form. It may not be possible for her.”
“I know, Sara, but she has greater skill at isolating individual Fae than any human I’ve ever encountered. It is simply a matter of expanding on what she can already do, of learning our nuances. You and I do it intuitively, and if any human is capable, it would be Maggie.”
“That is true, actually. I’m ashamed to admit I’d not considered it.”
He chuckled. “That’s why I’m her Treoraí.”
Sara rolled her black eyes and offered a reluctant smile. “Perhaps I should work with her on the shield—that is my specialty after all. If she can learn to resist me, Cassandra shouldn’t pose too much difficulty.”
“If you think that’s best.” Billy said, despondently.
“Don’t be glum Billy, it was your idea.” Her words dripped with sarcasm.
For the first time in my life, I witnessed a lizard give someone a dirty look and I cackled.
“Thanks. I’m going check on Drevek and then go to bed. I’m exhausted.”
“Do you want one of us to go with you?” Sara asked with a concerned look on her face.
“No, I’ll be all right. He’s no danger to me.”
Her eyebrows raised. “It’s not you we’re worried about.”
I laughed again. “Not necessary. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. Can we continue this conversation, soon? There’s still a lot about you I don’t know, and since I’m in a holding pattern for a year I think it’s high time that changes.”