Was it only a few minutes ago I was sharing the most epic kiss ever?
Why, yes. Yes, it was.
And now, a horde of wizards march Alec away. I pull on my inner fae power. A small cloud of fairy dust hovers over my palm. I send it out to find Gustav. Sure, the mice ran away when the wizards showed. Still, they wouldn’t have gone far.
The silver mist flies off my hand and into the nearby grasses. Gustav marches out.
“We lost the cat,” says Gustav.
I kneel. This way, I can better chat with Gustav and still keep my voice low. You never know; a rogue wizard may still be lurking nearby.
“I’m not worried about that,” I whisper. “I need you to—”
“On it, Elle.” Gustav takes off in Alec’s direction.
Clever mouse.
Rising, I brush some bits of grass off my skirts. Tonight was a disaster. Even so, I can handle this.
In my heart, the fortress surrounding my emotions grows taller than ever. There’s no room for Alec. I must stay inside, alone, and protect my soul.
All the while, I grip my little bag more tightly. If I’m so strong and solo, why did I give Alec one of my glass slippers?
Well, I did. It’s done now.
Turning, I scan the park, trying to figure out the fastest route to my new apartment and its creepy doll collection.
That’s when I see her.
Marchesa.
She still wears a black dress along with a disgusted look on her face.
“Hello, Elle.”
With a flick of her wrist, Marchesa tosses a small potion bottle to the ground. Green smoke balloons into the air. I try to run, but the spell is too fast. Plumes of emerald-colored magic quickly surround me.
And everything in my mind turns to black.