Chapter 30

Ava went out into the garage. She couldn’t listen to any more of it. Karma and Flora had told everyone what had happened at least ten times now. The first time she’d been caught up in hearing their version of what happened. Now, she didn’t want to think about it. What she’d done—no one should be able to do something like that. It wasn’t even about the wings and whether they were see-through or not; it was the power. Having the power to do something like that was wrong. She didn’t understand it and was starting to think her mind being messed with had been a good thing. So what, she didn’t remember her life before meeting Capri. There had to be a reason for it.

She sat on her bike and looked out the door. Something was so out of balance inside her right now that she didn’t even want to go for a ride. That never happened. Since the day she’d learned how to ride a bike, she was always up for going out for a ride, whether for three minutes or three hours.

She heard the door open but didn’t turn to see who it was.

“A few of us were asked to meet here.” It was Jeri.

“For what?” She glanced to see she sat on the step.

“Update. Aireese has discovered some things.”

Ava snorted. “Oh yeah, we discovered things.”

“I heard.” She heard her come down the steps. “Are you okay?”

Ava looked down at her hands. “I don’t know.”

“I understand that feeling.” She came over and sat on the bike parked beside Ava’s. “I think that river should be drained and turned into an empty ditch.” She gave her a half-smile.

Ava shook her head. “They found nothing on the other side.” After she’d done whatever it was she had, all of them had scoured the other side and found nothing to indicate who it had been and why they’d been there.

“There has to be something.” Jeri sighed. “I know you hate the attention, but what you did—” She leaned down and looked her right in the eye. “If you hadn’t, Flora and Karma may not be here.”

Closing her eyes, Ava drew in a deep breath and exhaled before opening them again. “I don’t know what I did.”

Jeri nodded. “I understand that. When I stopped the water, it was like I was outside my body watching someone else do it.” She played with her pendant, and Ava was surprised she was wearing it. Pausing, she held it out and looked down at it. “Any time I’m here without Trendan, I’m to wear it.”

“It’s not a bad idea.”

“No, it’s not.” She motioned to the stairs. “Capri has cleared the basement, it’s going to be a meeting space now.”

Ava raised an eyebrow. “Never thought I’d see that happen. Capri welcoming bodies inside and holding meetings.”

“I know. Spells and safeguards are still in place.” She winced. “One in particular so if anyone has any malicious thoughts, a thousand knives will stab into their head, or something like that.”

Ava sat straighter. “Excluding us, right?” Half of her thoughts were darker than she’d like.

“Of course, we’re immune, or Karma and Sym would be screaming in pain all the time.”

Ava chuckled. “This is true.” Getting up, she looked around the space. “I’m so messed up, I don’t even want to go for a ride.”

Jeri ran her hand over the leather seat on Em’s bike. “That’s when you should go for one. It clears the fog.”

“Fog? I don’t think what’s in my head could be considered fog. It’s like a storm that you can’t see through to find the other side.” She tapped her finger against her forehead. “And if I do try to think about it, the pains start.” She sighed. “It’s all connected, and I don’t have what it takes to put the pieces together.”

“Perhaps someone should help you.”

They both jolted and looked to see Firo standing outside the garage. The princess stood beside him, but Ava gave her a glance and looked back at him. Something was different. Usually, he stood tall, a blank, unreadable expression on his face. This time, she could see something in his eyes that made her stomach knot.

She walked toward him. “Has something happened?”

Aireese smiled. “We found out quite a bit of information that needs to be shared.”

Ava shrugged. “So, share.”

The princess looked at her guard, a compassionate expression on her face. “We thought, perhaps, Firo could have a talk with you while I inform the others.”

Firo looked down at her, a hesitant look on his face. Jerking his head back to look at her, Ava saw his expression had hardened. “Yes. I can tell you of all we’ve learned, but I do need to speak with you about other matters.” He looked in the garage to where Jeri stood. “Alone.” The last word was whispered and sounded like it was forced.

Ava turned and looked at Jeri. She tilted her head in question. Ava shrugged. “Sure.”

“Princess, there’s a door to the side of the building that leads to an area Capri has set up for everyone.” Jeri walked by Ava, giving her a quick, cautious look. “I was sent out to direct everyone there when they arrive.”

Aireese inclined her head. “Have many been called?”

Jeri motioned to the corner of the building, “A few from Alterealm, Solrelm, and Veiltide, I believe.”

Aireese nodded. “After I speak with them, I believe we need to call a meeting at the Circle of Stones to share it with everyone.”

Ava watched them walk around the corner and then looked back at him. “It’s that important? That they want to go somewhere magic can’t work?”

He looked uncomfortable. “It’s going to be upsetting for some.”

She gnawed on her lip for a second. “And what you have to tell me—am I going to be upset?”

His gaze flicked to hers briefly, before he looked back at the pavement. “Undoubtedly.”

Ava nodded. “Great.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she eyed up. “Go ahead.”

Firo looked back at her. “I thought, perhaps we could go somewhere we won’t be interrupted.”

She raised an eyebrow. “That bad?” Blowing out a breath, she nodded. “Okay. Where do you want to go?”

He held his hand out. “There’s a place I like to sit and watch the humans from. It’s peaceful.”

The knot in her stomach grew more intense. “I could use peaceful right now.” She grinned. “Or a Xanax candy bracelet, that would be good too.”

“A bracelet?”

She shook her head. “It’s a human thing. You wouldn’t get it.” She looked at his hand, that he still held out. “I don’t know why, but I trust you.” She sent him a hard look. “Don’t screw that up.”

“Never intentionally.”

When she touched his hand, that tingling feeling went up her arm. If she wasn’t having a meltdown after his talk, she really needed to ask him some fae-related questions.

He lifted his other hand, and she felt a warm burst go through her whole body. The next moment, she was standing on top of a very tall building.