SPELLS, WISHES & DEATH

SPELLS AND WISHES™

BOOK FOUR

MARTHA CARR

MICHAEL ANDERLE

This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.

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Version 1.00, March 2024

ebook ISBN:979-8-88878-234-7

Print ISBN: 979-8-88878-904-9

THE SPELLS, WISHES & DEATH TEAM

Thanks to our JIT Readers

Christopher Willard

Diane L. Smith

Dorothy Lloyd

Editor

SkyFyre Editing Team

PROLOGUE

Time seemed to stand still as Charlotte, Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat, the dog, all stood frozen, staring into the swirling vortex before them. The gentle breeze barely registered against their skin as they stared at the two black feathers that had been spat out only moments before. The feathers skittered across the grass before finally landing at their feet.

Alex’s jaw fell partially open, words escaping him for several moments before he finally spoke. “What the hell just happened?”

Sir Thomas shifted, his furry paw moving to rest on the hilt of his sword. He looked from Charlotte to Alex before gazing back into the mystical device. “It seems the blackbird sacrificed itself. It’s regrettable, but it showed us what we’re dealing with here. Well, at least in terms of danger.”

Alex’s brows furrowed as he stared into the vortex like it might reach out and grab him. “I’m not exactly sure what I’m feeling right now, but I think it actually warrants saying flabbergasted.”

Charlotte’s saddened expression while staring at the two feathers caught in the taller grass changed to confusion as she looked at Alex.

“What are gasts, and why exactly are they flabbered?”

Alex turned his head, his mouth opening and closing a few times as he considered how to respond to that before he finally shook his head. “It’s… Never mind. I’ll explain later.”

The large, fluffy black Newfoundland plopped down in the grass with a whine, and Sir Thomas moved a few inches closer in a show of support. It seemed Cat was just as disturbed by what they’d witnessed.

The detective jutted a thumb toward the transference warp guarding the back door. “Exactly what the hell are we supposed to do about that? Is that normal?”

Charlotte nodded firmly. “Yes.”

“And that’s supposed to happen every time? Even when it’s meant to be invisible?”

She offered another nod. “Right.” Turning, she offered him a soft smile, more out of pride than happiness. The situation before them was nothing to be happy about. “As usual, you learn quickly. This isn’t something I’d consider easy for a mortal from your world to grasp, so I expected it might take you longer to understand. You adapt even faster than I hoped.”

Charlotte’s eyes narrowed as she studied the Transference Warp from a distance. “How strange the bird chose such a fate just as I was explaining how these work. Hmm.”

Cat the dog whined again at the mention of the bird sacrificing itself by flying into the colorful vortex. Thomas reached down, extending his claws a bit to give the oversized pup a good scratch behind the ears.

“It’s okay,” Sir Thomas soothed.

Still frowning, Alex looked at Charlotte once again. “Strange? You’d consider that strange, do you?”

One of her brows lifted at his tone. “And what would you call it? It seemed coincidental is all. Which, to me, is strange. So, yes. I do consider it that. It’s not like I can sense the thoughts and motivations of every person and creature we come across.”

Sighing, the detective nodded. “I’m sorry. This is all just…” He shook his head. “Confusing as hell. That’s putting it nicely. That being said, you’re right. It was a rare chance that it happened just as you were showing me how this works.” He paused before turning his focus on the Transference Warp again. “So, I’ll ask again. What the hell do we do now?”

“Well, as you’ve now seen for yourself, these are quite effective as a magical safeguard. Normally, they’re invisible. I don’t yet understand why this one isn’t, but I have to hope as we move further along with the investigation that reason will unveil itself to me.”

Alex rubbed his cheek thoughtfully and nodded. “Hope is something I’m starting to run a little thin on these days but have at it. My focus is on those kids.”

The fairy godmother nodded as she looked around at the floating fence posts, bobbing and twisting at different intervals. “Something we can undoubtedly agree on, Detective. Before we move on, do you have any other questions?”

Alex gestured at the Transference Warp. “One. Is that thing only invisible to birds, or does that apply to other creatures, too? Sir Thomas and Cat can clearly see it, and we can, too. Is that because they’re creatures from EverAfter? Or will any random cat, dog, or frickin’ koala see it? Anything except for birds, apparently. I guess that was more than one question.”

Once again, Charlotte found herself puzzled, wondering what a koala was. She first thought to ask, but then decided the detective must be exasperated since that’s when he usually threw out words she didn’t know.

“Flying blind,” Sir Thomas offered. “Perhaps it was scared or even blinded by the intense light and didn’t see its approach.”

Charlotte took a step forward, flicking her dark cloak back. It fanned out around her as she stared deep into the Transference Warp protecting the back porch, studying it intently.

“Yeah, given what happened to the bird, I don’t think you wanna get any closer to that thing,” Alex warned. “Not unless you want your pretty black feathers blowing all over the yard.”

Looking back over her shoulder, Charlotte smirked. “Good thing I don’t have feathers then, eh?” She gestured toward the purple and deep red swirling portal. “We’re headed that way.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry… What? Why the hell would we do that? Need I remind you a bird just exploded going through there?”

She huffed. “I would’ve hoped you trusted me more than that to guide us safely through magical situations.”

He looked at her incredulously. “Uh, yeah. I thought I did, but I’m starting to wonder if I’ve lost my damn mind.”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head before looking back at the portal. “Relax, Detective. I’d never consider going through, mostly because I’m not even sure it’s possible, no matter what world we traveled from.” She sighed heavily, releasing her disappointment with it. “No, I thought we’d walk around it. It’s stable, so it can’t pull anything in. Keep a distance, and you’ll be fine.”

Alex quirked a brow. “Well, hopefully whatever your plan is doesn’t end with us dead.”

“I trust you, Lady Charlotte, but I do have to agree with the detective on this one. This vortex is quite dangerous,” Sir Thomas followed. Cat offered a supportive chuff.

Kneeling, Charlotte studied the base of the vortex from a safe distance. There was at least a one-foot gap between it and the wood planks on the porch, and the dark pink-tinted air moved like heat rising off pavement.

“We should check the back door to see if it’s locked. Then you can investigate as you will.” She pointed ahead of her with a lazy hand. “This seems like overkill to me. A simple lock would keep most people out, so Ginger Haus must really not want anyone sneaking into her house. Certainly seems she has something to hide.”

“Riiight.” Alex nodded slowly, his gaze following Thomas and Cat as they moved closer to the Transference Warp, which wasn’t far from the back door. “Why bother with locks and bolts when you have a giant hungry dog, or better yet, a fire-breathing dragon? Even better still, a deadly vortex that swallows birds whole.”

Charlotte glanced back. “I doubt she has a fire-breathing dragon in there, but there’s no way to know for sure. I suppose it could be small. An adolescent possibly.”

Alex’s eyes fluttered closed as a heavy sigh left him. “That was sarcasm.” This woman was beautiful, intelligent, and fearless, but it was also very obvious they were from two different worlds.

Her eyes narrowed for a moment as she thought. “Sarcasm, that’s where you say something facetious, but it sounds factual? Like a joke?”

“Uh-huh. Something like that.”

She smiled. “Ah, I see. You got me. Either way, I doubt she has anything guarding inside the home, fire-breathing or otherwise. Not when she has this.” Turning to Sir Thomas and Cat, she warned, “Be careful. Make sure you don’t let any part of you or your clothing get snagged by this thing.”

“Let me guess,” Alex quipped, trailing slowly behind the group, “you go in and never come out, right?”

She turned, her eyebrows arched, and gave a half-hearted shrug. “It’s more like it cuts through anything it touches. While these are usually invisible, we can find them by sensing their intense magic. I’ve seen people lose fingers and even whole arms because they weren’t safe. They tried to use magic to sneak in and then…” She shrugged. “A clean slice right through whatever touched it. Quite an effective form of security, don’t you think?”

No one mistook her comment for an actual question, not even Sir Thomas or Cat, as they quietly followed the fairy godmother the rest of the way around the Transference Warp near the back porch of the house.

Charlotte approached the Transference Warp with caution, her wand ready, and her focus never wavered from the enchanted device.

Alex watched with growing anxiety. This was Charlotte’s area of expertise, and he trusted her completely with managing magical situations, but this was quite intimidating.

Magic in Cincinnati still seemed impossible to him, and even worse, it was behaving unpredictably. That was a big problem for everyone. If the fairy godmother’s advice on navigating this Transference Warp was off, even by a little, things could go terribly wrong at any moment. The group could end up in serious trouble, potentially losing limbs…or worse.

Alex was well aware that when Charlotte Weaver set her sights on something, there was no dissuading her. She would either triumph over the odds or come to realize her limits through trial and error with a newfound sense of humility.

At the moment, his only hope was that Charlotte hadn’t let her ambition get the best of her. This seemed like a large challenge. The way he understood the vortex before them might have seemed a bit exaggerated to her if he’d said it out loud, but it seemed logical to him. The twisting, pulsing energy equated to a magical saw, guaranteed to slice through anything it touched.

“Be careful around this part,” Charlotte warned as she stepped onto the porch, showing the way. She navigated the danger, cautiously watching her footing while looking back to ensure everyone else followed closely. “It’s a bit tight back here, so keep track of all your limbs. I have to assume you’re fond of them and would prefer to keep them intact.”

After reaching the safety of the house, Charlotte watched as Sir Thomas and Cat followed her every step to arrive safely by her side. Alex lingered, as he inspected the path with intensity.

“You’ll do fine,” Sir Thomas called to Alex. “Lady Charlotte would never lead you into danger.”

Taking a deep breath, Alex stepped onto the porch and slowly moved as he made his way over to join the rest of the group by the back door. He flattened himself against the porch railing as he navigated around the edge of the energy.

Just as he was almost fully around, a strange sensation jolted through him. It felt like coating himself in Icy Hot, waiting until it turned his skin tingly and warm, then jumping into a frozen lake while getting shocked with electricity.

It was one hell of a combination, and the force of it made him want to turn around, flee down the stairs to his Camaro, and then drive away as fast as he could, but he pushed through it.

Logically, Alex assumed it took little more than a few seconds, but the trip around the magical device felt like it took several minutes. Soon, he made it to the back door next to the group. His breaths were a bit faster than usual, and his heart raced, but that seemed to calm as he realized he had all his limbs.

“Are you okay?” Charlotte asked as she gripped the back door handle.

Alex cleared his throat and nodded. “About as good as I can be.” He gestured toward the door. “I need to be the one to go in first.”

As the fairy godmother backed away from the door, Alex took a moment to catch his breath. Once he felt more controlled, he moved forward and pulled his Glock 26 free of its holster, careful to aim it at the porch flooring as he moved.

He raised the gun with a steady hand while the other twisted the knob and pushed the door open. It appeared Charlotte was right. Why secure the back door with an ordinary lock when there was a death gate on the porch to do the job?

With both hands now on the Glock, he stepped across the threshold and cleared the kitchen and utility rooms before moving into the living room. Since his team traveled without weapons—aside from the partially dressed talking cat with a rapier at his side—they relied on him to handle intense situations.

Intrusive thoughts threatened to overwhelm him. Outside of his frequent nightmares, he’d managed to keep his cool for three weeks, even with the constant presence of magic. But as he and his team of EverAfteran explorers pressed on, the risk grew every day of encountering things that were bigger, more terrifying, and more powerful.

In his opinion, the swirling beast out back was the most dangerous yet.

Shaking his head to free himself of the distracting thoughts, Alex moved around the spacious living room at the heart of the house. Everything appeared to be in order, so he moved down the hall.

He only found one spare bedroom, a closet, and a full bathroom in the hallway. At the end was the master suite with a large bathroom and closet inside. It didn’t take long to clear the area, and then he was on his way back down the hall, through the living room, and into the kitchen where everyone waited just inside.

“The house is clear.” He holstered the gun. “I wouldn’t say safe. I’m sure there’s a magical boobytrap I have yet to step in yet, but it’s certainly clear of another person—magical or otherwise.”

Once everyone was further inside, Charlotte closed the door. Alex sighed with relief to have a barrier between him and the deadly vortex twisting outside.

Charlotte smiled softly. “You okay, Detective?”

That was the second time she’d asked, but as his heart continued to slow, he realized just how much that thing had bothered him.

He nodded. “Oh, yeah. Great. Piece of cake.” He leaned against the counter away from the window over the kitchen sink.

“It’s okay not to be okay, you know. After all, that is one of the most perilous forms of magical security there is.” She gave him a sympathetic look as she moved past him, her eyes wandering around the kitchen as she entered the living room.

He quirked a brow. “One of the most perilous? There are others?”

“There’s one more,” Sir Thomas offered, stepping around Alex. “You mentioned it yourself not long ago, and it isn’t a guard dog. Cats can be quite fierce when they need to be. However, offer a hungry cat a steak, a slice of pizza, or a tin of sardines, and guard duty would be long forgotten.”

Confusion crept into his expression. “A guard cat? I’d think that wouldn’t be very intimida⁠—“

A small smirk curved the sword-wielding feline’s mouth, one of his long fangs gleaming in the low light inside the kitchen as he lifted a paw and unsheathed razor-sharp claws. He moved each small toe individually for emphasis, effectively cutting off Alex’s statement.

“All right, then. I stand corrected.” Alex shook his head. “Aside from murderous cats, you said the other hardcore defense system isn’t a dog. That leaves a fire-breathing dragon from what I mentioned before.”

Sir Thomas nodded as he moved further inside. “Yes, that would be the one.” He turned toward the Newfoundland. “Cat, would you like to go ahead with Lady Charlotte?” He stepped aside, extending his paw as he gestured for the dog to move ahead.

Cat looked back at the door and whined, and it became obvious to Thomas that Cat could still hear the whirring sound of the magical device just as he could. It was a slight hum to human ears, but to them, it sounded dark and threatening, thunderous, even behind the safety of the door.

Sir Thomas patted Cat on the back. “I’ll watch over you.”

Cat glanced nervously between Sir Thomas and through the back door window at the buzzing, sparking Transference Warp. With a soft whimper, he hurried through the dimly lit kitchen, his claws clicking on the wooden floor as he waited for them in the room beyond.

The talking cat adjusted his floppy hat as he turned and confidently walked through the kitchen behind Cat.

CHAPTER ONE

Alex stopped paying attention to the sounds coming from the other side of the door. Without a doubt in his mind, he knew the hum of that monstrosity outside would play a role in his nightmares.

Joy… Can’t wait for that one, he thought.

The images already plagued him as he thought about going to bed later. Once asleep, he would be fully immersed in his mind, lost to his imagination. He would dream of standing outside, staring into the whirlwind of magical destruction. He found the Transference Warp even more terrifying than the spinning blades of a wood chipper—which, before today, was at the top of his “Shit to Avoid Dying By” list.

There was now a new number one.

Charlotte’s voice fluttered into the kitchen from the other room as she spoke to Sir Thomas and Cat, but he found himself turning enough to look back out the window. His eyes focused on the purple and red twisting energy, the sparks flying off in any direction. It sent a chill through him.

He was no stranger to confronting fear thanks to his profession. Dangerous and even life-threatening situations were expected when investigating some cases. That was normal for him. He’d learned how to deal with the adrenaline and being afraid, allowing him to properly do his job.

But since meeting Charlotte Weaver, he’d been pulled into a hidden world. People and creatures from another realm, unpredictable magic, and secrets—both good and bad—waiting to be uncovered.

He tried to remind himself he wasn’t the only one forced to adapt. Charlotte had to adapt to his world, too. Its laws, its simplicity, its lack of magic, and even its laws of physics now that she couldn’t trust her magic to deal with things like fire.

As she’d so kindly demonstrated over an attempt to make breakfast, catching the kitchen on fire and damn near taking the apartment with it. Had Alex not walked in there when he did, it was hard to say what would have happened, though he had a pretty good idea.

While staring out the back door window, Alex still felt the jolt of heat and electricity crawling across his skin. It was a memory he didn’t think he’d get rid of any time soon, though he wished like hell he could.

Cat yipped from the living room as something small fell, shocking Alex out of his thoughts. He walked out of the kitchen and into the living room with everyone to find Sir Thomas lifting a picture frame from the floor.

“Cat, you must watch your tail! If you break anything, the witch will surely know someone was here,” Thomas gently scolded.

The fluffy pooch whined, his head dropping and his eyes turning sad. He tucked his tail between his legs and moved away from the shelf where the frame had fallen.

As Sir Thomas set it back on the shelf, Alex noticed the photo inside contained multiple people, suggesting she had friends. Maybe family. That was something no one had been able to find on Ginger Haus.

Interesting.

Charlotte’s voice rang out cheerfully from across the dim room. “There you are!”

The lights inside the house were off, only the natural light peeking in from the high windows illuminated her smiling face. She knew he had a hard time with all things magic, but she felt genuine pride. More than that, she was impressed with him.

Her smile was kind and gentle as she looked at him. He seemed a bit pale, and she didn’t have to wonder why. It occurred to her that words of encouragement might help. They might not go as far as she would’ve liked, but they could give him a bit more confidence.

“You’ve done something most folks from EverAfter can’t even boast about,” she praised with a twinkle in her eye.

Alex’s eyes found hers. “What, you mean like managing to avoid getting minced by the vortex of doom?” She didn’t miss the hint of sarcasm.

She chuckled. “Sure. Or being pulled in and disappearing forever. Since Transference Warps are invisible and undetectable by those with lesser or no magic, that’s what usually happens.”

“Of course,” Alex said, eyebrow arched in mock surprise.

Sir Thomas rose from the floor in front of the couch where he helped Cat search under the furniture for any items that may have been lost or hidden there.

“And you bravely faced it and survived, in one piece even!” After shaking the dust from his paws, Sir Thomas gave Alex a thorough once-over, similar to Charlotte’s inspection, and nodded in approval. “I promised you’d be safe with Lady Charlotte, and I am a cat that keeps his word.”

“I suppose you are,” Alex remarked. He nodded toward the left side of the living room where a solid, well-made hutch stood against the wall. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just⁠—“

“You’re staying put for now,” Sir Thomas cut in. “We have an unsettled matter between us, Detective.”

“Not now,” Alex countered, shaking his head gently. “I don’t know what you’re talking about or why you’re upset, but this really isn’t the time for it. Entering someone’s house without permission⁠—“

“The back door was open,” Charlotte interrupted from across the room. “Remember…we didn’t break in; we’re here because someone didn’t lock their door.”

Alex sighed, trying hard not to show his annoyance. “You can try to justify it however you want, but we’re on private property without an invitation. As a detective, I can’t just brush off the legality of what we’re doing here. Ginger house witch or not.”

He turned to the talking cat. “We’ll talk later when we aren’t breaking and entering.” Charlotte inhaled, ready to counter, but he quickly continued. “Trespassing. Does that work better for you?”

The fairy godmother sighed heavily and returned to her search.

Alex turned toward the hutch once again. “As I was saying, if you don’t mind, I’d like to⁠—“

“You’re free to go for now.” Sir Thomas stepped forward. “But we will discuss this later. It’s important. I made a vow, Detective, and I’m honor-bound to keep it.”

Annoyance twisted the anxious ball settled deep in Alex’s belly, but he fought it long enough to force a smile and nod. “Deal. We’ll talk about it later when we have more time.”

The swashbuckling feline tipped his wide-brimmed hat before returning to help Cat search under the couches and recliner. Cat seemed rather excited to put his nose to use as he sniffed every inch of the floor surrounding the furniture and the furniture itself.

Alex walked over to the hutch he wanted to investigate. It was beautiful, antique, and hand-crafted with care. It was nothing you’d find in a store today made with cheap materials. He thought the piece must weigh a ton.

Standing around seven feet, the hutch was made from what he thought was oak. It was lightly stained and lacquered, and it had a shine, even in the low light coming through the windows.

He pulled open one of the drawers, finding a pile of mail. Sifting through, he found nothing of importance. Just the usual utility bills, pay stubs, and junk mail. Other than it being strange she kept the trash, there was nothing worth noting in that drawer, so he closed it and moved to the next.

As before, this one offered nothing aside from random objects. Everyone he knew had a junk drawer in their kitchen. Ginger Haus kept hers in a century-old-plus piece of antique furniture. For some reason, he was annoyed by that.

While he was busy looking around the collection of knick-knacks, some of which were hollow, Charlotte moved around the room examining oil paintings, other antique furniture, and even hanging plants with vibrant trailing vines.

A quiet, shared determination filled the air as each person took on a task. Charlotte peered into a China cabinet, carefully opening the glass to examine the inside more carefully.

Cat finished sniffing under the furniture, sitting next to the end of the longer couch to scratch behind his ear. Once finished, he crossed the room to join Sir Thomas by the bookshelf on the right side of the room. The very one Cat had accidentally hit with his tail earlier, knocking a frame to the floor. Out of caution, the dog tucked his tail between his legs.

Sir Thomas found a small footstool in a coat closet near the front door and placed it next to the shelf. He stood inspecting the row of framed photographs at chest height.

“One thing’s for sure,” Sir Thomas mused, “the witch certainly wasn’t lonely, and she must be very wealthy in this world.”

“What makes you say that?” Charlotte asked over her shoulder, her curiosity piqued.

Sir Thomas squinted at a photograph in his grasp before placing it back on the shelf with care. “She has spared no expense in hiring a skilled artist to create these strikingly realistic images.” He gestured toward them with a paw as he looked back to meet the fairy godmother’s gaze.

Alex paused his search, now finding interest in the conversation as well. He turned and saw the shelves of photos, an amused smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. “They’re called photographs or pictures.” He walked over to have a look. “They’re still considered art, but they aren’t painted. A camera snaps a picture of a moment in time, capturing exactly what’s there to create the image.”

Sir Thomas swiveled to face the detective, his expression one of polite confusion. “A camera? Do you have one of those?”

It occurred to Alex that he could simply show the cat the camera on his phone, but it would have to wait. It was hard to say when Ginger would return or if a nosy neighbor might realize they were inside when they shouldn’t have been.

“I do. I’ll have to show you when we have more time,” the detective answered.

Thomas gave a nod, seemingly satisfied with that answer as he turned his focus back on the photos on the shelf.

“These are photos of Ginger Haus and others,” Charlotte mused as her eyes roamed from one frame to the next.

“Indeed, they are,” Sir Thomas confirmed with a nod. “However, I can’t help but notice an unfortunate absence of cats in these images.”

Charlotte turned her attention back to Alex. “You were able to get information on her. Does she have any family?”

Alex shook his head, his brows furrowed. “Nothing on record. She owns this place and the candy shop, Reizvolle, but that’s all we have. No relatives—including parents—no marriages, and no known associates or friends. It isn’t completely unusual. That happens occasionally, but as far as we know, she’s on her own.”

Charlotte shrugged. “It makes me curious. If she has no family and friends, why does she have so many photos of herself with others?”

Sir Thomas once again looked at the detective. “It’s common for humans and witches without mates to have no friends and family?”

“The detective said it isn’t unusual. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s common,” Charlotte responded.

Silence filled the room as each of them pondered who might be in the photos. Alex found no information on her regarding friends, and if she were out taking photos with people, someone would have posted them on social media. He should have found any of these people.

“Perhaps she’s in a relationship, or maybe she’s part of a knitting circle or takes classes of some sort,” Sir Thomas suggested.

That would explain the lack of a connection if they only knew each other in passing. Alex had come across cases a time or two where stalkers had built identities by photoshopping people they’d never met into pictures. Some would sneak photos of themselves with other unsuspecting people, using them to fill frames to look as though they were normal, functioning members of society.

Still, that didn’t make sense here. She didn’t seem like the type. Ginger Haus was very charismatic. Several times he’d caught himself getting drawn in by her personality, but then she’d become too sugary sweet, and it set off warning bells. The normal person would fall for that easily.

“I don’t think knitting is what we’d expect from a woman in her late thirties, who owns and singlehandedly runs a candy shop and teaches music, all while managing her own home. Oh, and apparently setting up screaming magical death traps in the backyard.”

“Okay.” The talking cat curled his paws and placed them on his hips as he turned to face Alex. “Well, let’s hear your theory then, Detective.”

Alex sighed, realizing he’d come off a bit rude. Thomas was only trying to help. His lips flattened to a thin line just before he responded. “Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers. All I can do is take in information and use it to create a profile. Sorry.” He shrugged. “Besides, profiling in this case is a little harder than usual since this is my first encounter with a possible witch who guards her back door with a demonic vortex capable of lopping off limbs.”

“Magical. Not demonic,” Charlotte corrected.

He blinked slowly a single time. “My apologies.”

If the fairy godmother noted his tone of sarcasm, she didn’t show it.

“So, you’re finally seeing things my way? That Ginger Haus is a witch?” she asked.

Movement outside caught his attention, and he watched through a crack in the curtains as a child he estimated at ten years old rode a bike on the sidewalk out front. He watched for several more seconds, waiting for a parent to pass by with him, but no one else came along.

He turned his gaze back on Charlotte. “I’m starting to lean more in that direction, yes.” He lifted a brow. “Maybe. It’s also possible Ms. Haus got herself a new boyfriend who has no online presence like herself, and he introduced her to his family. Maybe she took these photos at a family gathering, and in her excitement, she decided to get them printed, framed them, and put them on her shelf.”

Nervous, Alex carefully moved to the window. He closed the curtains slowly enough no one would perceive them moving the final six inches until they met in the center. Once finished, he turned on the overhead light. In the daytime hours and with the dark green blackout curtains drawn, it would go unnoticed.

Sir Thomas leaned in, scrutinizing each frame carefully. His front paws reached forward so he could lean on the center shelf to get closer. “Looking around, there’s no sign of a mate here. Perhaps she had a large litter of offspring and wanted a record of the memories.”

“Litter?” Alex questioned, stepping back away from the curtains.

“Exactly.” Sir Thomas pointed to the series of picture frames on the shelf. “A litter. A group of offspring. These photos show her with various children.”

“She doesn’t have any kids that we know of,” Alex countered.

“But she teaches piano to children,” Charlotte offered. “Do students often take photos with their teachers?”

Alex shrugged noncommittally. “Well, nowadays, you can take a photo of anything with a smartphone. They’re are all-in-one devices. Just point and click, and there you have it—an instant photo.”

“And does the Cincinnati Police Department also rely on cameras or those smartphones for photos?” Sir Thomas cut in just as Alex was about to speak again.

The detective nodded at the chatty cat. “Absolutely. We photograph everything at a crime scene. Photos are important evidence in any case. It’s something we do regularly, particularly when⁠—“

“Then isn’t this witch quite similar to you, Detective?” Sir Thomas interjected again, midway through Alex’s reflective thoughts. “No close family, no mate. It’s just her living alone here. You have us in your apartment now, but before we came along, your living situations were largely the same.”

Alex rolled his eyes and redirected his attention to something else in the room that might be worth a closer look.

Sir Thomas continued without missing a beat. “Seeing the similarities, I think this woman could easily be a cop if she wanted to, given her broad range of skills.”

“Say what now?” Alex’s face wrinkled in confusion as he tried to make sense of Sir Thomas trying to connect and compare the two. The detective wanted to be supportive of their investigative skills, but sometimes their imaginations went a little wild. “I think you’re going a bit far there. She’s a suspect in a kidnapping case. Two, actually. Trust me, there’s no real comparison here.”

“Take a look, Detective. These are the same kids I saw in what I now know to be photos on your dining table. However, everyone looks a lot happier in these.”

“What do you mean by happier?”

Sir Thomas gestured with his paws as he replied. “You know, smiling, laughing like they’re content. You’ve felt happy before, haven’t you, Detective? Although, I guess it would be a rare sight for you⁠—“

“I don’t need you to define happiness, Sir Thomas,” Alex blurted, his teeth set on edge as he walked back over to the inquisitive cat. “Just tell me what you see in the photos, your interpretation.”

Sir Thomas stretched along the middle shelf to gently tap the frames. “They’re all here in these photos with the witch.”

“You’ve got to be joking,” Alex breathed as he reached for a picture frame that stood in a second row he hadn’t noticed due to his height. “Unbelievable.” He picked up another photo and turned to Charlotte, a frame in each of his hands. “We got her.”

Charlotte moved closer to look at the photos. “You think this is enough for that warrant thing you mentioned?”

“This shows an obvious connection, but it wouldn’t get a warrant.” He tapped a picture frame. “Ginger Haus does more than just teach those kids piano or give them sweets. She spends way more time with them—outside the music shop and the candy store—than she claimed she did.”

“This,” Charlotte pointed at the first photo, “is Emily and Reggie Reynolds. And this one… Isn’t this the child who disappeared… When? Yesterday?”

“Two days ago,” Alex corrected. “These make it look like they’re part of one big happy family. Knowing what we do, it’s deeply disturbing.” He turned to put the photos back on the shelf, trying to keep his composure as the puzzle pieces started to fit together.

Alex furrowed his brow and shook his head. “Those are trophies. Ginger wants to remember the kids she’s taken as kids. They don’t stick around forever. They grow up, or they run away, or worse.”

He inhaled deeply before letting out a heavy sigh. “I noticed something about the background in both photos. They weren’t taken at the music shop, at the mall, the candy store, or even here at her house. They’re all in the same location. A park. But I can’t think of any parks near Northgate Mall or her candy store. She must have taken these kids there and asked someone to take them or set up a tripod. It’s hard to say what else she’s keeping from us.”

“You seem rather excited about those photos, and you talk like you finally believe she’s behind the disappearances now. Is that the case?” Charlotte asked, concern lining her voice.

He nodded, his eyes finding hers. “I do. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“I learn as I go, but I still don’t know a lot about the inner workings of your world’s law enforcement. Are these photos enough?”

“They’re certainly more than guesswork,” he admitted, “but they’re not enough to accuse her officially or get a warrant. Not to mention the fact we obtained knowledge of these photos through a very illegal search.

“We know magical things the CPD doesn’t which is why these are so significant to us. To the rest of the world, to a judge, taking innocent pictures with the children she teaches isn’t a crime. It might raise eyebrows since she’s a common person between them, but without legally obtained evidence other than perfectly normal photos like these, we’re stuck as far as the legal system goes. We know we have her though. Now we know where to focus all our attention until we find that legal evidence that would get a warrant and allow us to accuse her formally.”

“So, what’s our next move?” Charlotte asked, with a sense of urgency. “Just give us the word, and we’re ready to jump into action.”

Alex met her gaze. “We need to make the most of our time. Let’s comb through this place for any clue, any hint of where she might have taken the kids, what she plans to do with them, and why she’s after them in the first place.”

Charlotte pulled out her wand once again, holding it up as she carefully checked every corner of the living room. “With a magical deterrent like she has outside, I’d hoped we’d find the kids in here, but it appears that isn’t her style.

Alex nodded, though the fairy godmother was turned in another direction, searching for magic. “That’s why we’ll search everything, find what we can, and then leave. Just make sure not to leave anything noticeably different. We don’t want her to know we’ve been here. If we don’t find any clues, we’ll wait for her to return and tail her. She has to visit the kids if she’s hiding them, and we’re running out of time.”

“You’re in luck, Detective,” Sir Thomas announced with a hint of pride. “Your team includes some of the quickest EverAfter has ever seen.”

Alex cleared his throat and nodded. “I never had any doubt.”

CHAPTER TWO

“How much time do you usually spend on this?” Sir Thomas asked from the back seat of the Camaro.

Alex sat in the driver’s seat, looking through binoculars. “More than you might think. This is called a stakeout, and they can take hours or even days, but I doubt we’ll have to wait long in this case.”

The talking cat moved to look between the front seats. “It seems police work in this world isn’t all that hard or exciting.”

Alex’s brow quirked as he broke his gaze away from the binoculars to look briefly at the cat whose head was shoved between the seats.

“That’s because you don’t know much about it yet. There are many highs and lows to the job. Being a detective isn’t about seeking constant excitement. Things can go south at a moment’s notice, and I have to handle that. But most of the time, it’s about collecting information, keeping watch, talking to witnesses, and questioning suspects. It’s a slow process that requires patience while moving from one step to the next. I have to be sharp enough to piece together clues to solve the cases that I have to catch the bad guys.”

Looking through the binoculars again, Alex shifted in his seat to get more comfortable. Classic Camaros weren’t exactly known for their comfort so much as their power.

Thomas offered a simple hmm as he pondered over the detective’s words for a moment before responding. “Do you think you do a good job solving cases and bringing criminals to justice?”

Alex sighed deeply, lowering the binoculars to catch a glimpse of the talking cat’s reflection in the rearview mirror. However, Sir Thomas was a bit too short and hidden under the wide brim of his hat for Alex to look him directly in the eyes.

Alex twisted in his seat to face the cat directly. “I’m very good at what I do because I take pride in it and examine everything thoroughly. It’s why I’m sometimes so stern with all of you during investigations, like I was earlier. I’ve solved many cases, captured numerous wrongdoers, and saved a lot of lives. And you three have been part of that success. So, yes, Sir Thomas, I feel accomplished, thanks.”

The start of his statement was thoughtful, but the longer he spoke, the more he felt as though Sir Thomas doubted him and questioned his instincts and dedication.

“I was just inquiring about your feelings on the matter,” Sir Thomas replied with a casual lift of his shoulders. “I wasn’t doubting your skills. You’re a skilled police detective. It’s just odd to me that we’ve been cramped up in this car for hours while watching the same house. We haven’t had so much as a chance to get out, stretch, or explore the area, which naturally piques my curiosity as a cat. I believe Cat would agree.”

“We’ve discussed this several times,” Alex said, turning and raising the binoculars once again to resume surveillance. “This is a stakeout. We stay in the car, we don’t wander, we don’t sleep, and we don’t get sidetracked. We sit, we watch, and we wait.”

“But nothing has happened —“

“All part of the process,” Alex interrupted. “This kind of work needs a lot of patience, and it’s not for everyone. If we were in your world, I would have to follow the rules of how you do police work there. But since you’re here, that means we do things the way they’re done in my world. Can you handle that?”

The Camaro grew quiet. A heavy tension filled the car, particularly from the back seat. Sir Thomas, the knightly cat, was wedged tightly between the seats, and the large, panting Newfoundland sprawled across the back.

The quiet stretched on so long that Alex and Charlotte wondered if they’d asked too much of Sir Thomas’s patience. Maybe a gallant cat like him wasn’t cut out for a police stakeout, even with magic in play.

Finally, Sir Thomas let out a disdainful snort and crossed his arms. “Can I handle it? I shouldn’t even have to answer that, Detective. Of course, I can. I’m just trying to figure out why you humans, especially cops, think you have to spend so much time⁠—“

“It’s not a waste of time,” Alex cut in, his tone clipped. “This is our job. We don’t have magic here. I don’t have any otherworldly way of tracking her down or bugging her house without real devices created in a mortal world by mortal hands. That means the only option is the human option. To sit and watch. Wait to see what she does. Make a plan that fits and put it into action.

“This work isn’t exciting sometimes, but that’s the tradeoff. I help people. I make sure assholes who hurt people are in jail so no one else has to suffer at their hands. The pride that comes with that is from doing things like this. Performing the job well and understanding its limits. So, drop it. We need to watch for Ginger to see if she leads us to those kids. We’re on the same page with that, right?”

Charlotte felt the tension rising off Alex from where she sat beside him up front. As Sir Thomas had pointed out earlier in Ginger’s house, all Alex had was his job before they came along. It was incredibly important to him. Having someone question the need for that—especially a talking cat from another world—understandably got under his skin.

As Alex focused on the house in front of them once again, his eyes briefly met Charlotte’s. She offered him a small, gentle smile, but in return, he only gave a nod so slight she doubted anyone else saw it.

“Very well,” Sir Thomas said with a sigh. “We can agree on that.”

The talking cat turned and patted the Newfoundland on the shoulder, and the dog groaned as he forced himself out of the way enough that Sir Thomas could sit. Once seated, Cat carefully curled up next to him, laying his giant head on the seat next to his friend.

“Excellent,” Alex breathed as he resumed looking through the binoculars. He hoped for a stretch of silence as they waited to spot Ginger. That seemed possible until the constant swish-swish-swish coming from the back seat drew his attention.

The sound drew his eyes to the rearview mirror, already dreading what he knew he’d find. Since Thomas had sat back in his seat, Alex could fully see him in the reflection now. The swishing sound came from the cat’s leather boots softly rubbing against the leather interior as he nervously moved his legs.

Sir Thomas’s eyes met his in the rearview from under his large hat, and Alex sighed, preparing for what he knew would come.

The cat cleared his throat quietly. “What if one of us needs to go to the bathroom?”

Alex groaned low enough that he thought no one other than Charlotte heard it. He kept the binoculars in place, only pulled away far enough to keep his gaze on Sir Thomas. “We handle it discreetly.”

“And how exactly?” Sir Thomas pressed.

“Leaving the car requires opening a door, which draws attention visually. Even if the person isn’t looking, when the door closes, it draws attention audibly. In short, that means leaving the car risks the stakeout. If nature calls, Sir Thomas, I recommend improvising with what’s available. There should be some empty bottles in the back of the car.”

Charlotte’s brows rose, her curiosity piqued as she glanced at Alex. “You wouldn’t leave the car even for that?”

“Even for that,” Alex confirmed.

He twisted his head back and forth, trying to roll some tension out of his neck and shoulders, but it didn’t work. As much as he adored his companions, they were more of a hindrance at the moment.

Sir Thomas shook his head in disbelief. “While I understand the limitations and why, not all of us would be so easily cared for.”

“What do you mean?” Charlotte asked, turning to look back at her furry friend.

“I may be able to manage with my hands, but our four-legged friend Cat doesn’t have that luxury. Detective, what exactly is he supposed to do?”

Alex blew out a sharp huff, his nostrils flaring. “Seriously?” He lowered the binoculars and spun to face the back seat. “Is this really happening right now?”

Cat looked up with wide, innocent eyes. Their deep reddish-brown hue was highlighted by the fading daylight pouring through the car windows. The dog gave a slow, deliberate blink.

Next to him, Sir Thomas nodded before leaning his head against Cat’s. “Indeed, that’s the case, Detective.”

Alex’s jaw tightened several times before he spoke, trying to keep his voice calm. “Everyone was supposed to use the bathroom before getting back in the car. Dogs are more than capable of holding it for several hours, so what’s the problem?”

“We did,” Sir Thomas assured, patting Cat’s furry shoulder. “But Cat had a lot of water earlier since we weren’t sure when he’d have another chance to get a drink.”

With a sigh, Alex raised an eyebrow. “Can you hold it?”

Sir Thomas hesitated. “You’d have to ask Cat.”

The detective’s eyes narrowed. “I am asking Cat.”

“Ah, right.” Sir Thomas peered into Cat’s eyes and nodded. “In that case, yes. He can hold it for now, but he doesn’t know for how long.”

“Fine. We’ll wait until he’s near his limit,” Alex reasoned. “It’s impossible to tell how long this stakeout will take, and we need to do it right for as long as possible. One slip can ruin the whole thing, meaning we wasted our time here. I’ll be damned if this was all for nothing.”

“I was simply asking for a friend, Detective,” Sir Thomas offered with a light tone. “Thank you for telling us the plan.”

For what felt like the four hundredth time, Alex sighed again, his cheeks ballooning before he turned to face forward again. He glanced at Charlotte, his eyes locking on hers.

“Nothing to add?” he asked.

Charlotte shrugged, a quick smirk appearing and disappearing from her face. “Not right now. Should I?”

He shook his head, exasperated. “Not really, but since you’re usually the one with something to say, I thought I’d check in before we focus back on the reason we’re actually here.”

He lifted the binoculars to his eyes again and settled into the uncomfortable driver’s seat. “Taking three newbies on their first stakeout all at once was the best idea ever. Remind me to do it again soon.”

Charlotte grinned, looking out the windshield toward Ginger Haus’s house. “Mmhmm. Can do.” She was getting better at recognizing his sarcasm and meeting it with her own.

After five minutes of peaceful silence, Alex’s shoulders began to relax despite the earlier distractions. But it seemed peace never stuck around for long where the EverAfterans were concerned.

“Would anyone enjoy a seaside shanty?” Cat’s heavy breathing quickly followed Sir Thomas’s question. The dog’s tongue hung out, and drool dripped onto the seat. “Ah, I knew you’d like that, Cat!”

He gave the dog a friendly pat. He was so large that he was practically sprawled over Sir Thomas’s lap.

“You make a fine companion, always appreciating the effort and skills I bring. Time to sing a shanty!”

“No,” Alex interjected firmly, not taking his eyes off the task at hand. “We’re not doing shanties.”

“Are you sure, Detective?” Sir Thomas teased Alex with a playful tilt of his head. He caught a glimpse of Alex’s reflection in the rearview mirror, but the detective was determined to keep his gaze fixed through the binoculars, effectively avoiding eye contact. “The shanties of the Swashbuckling Order are quite unique, you know.”

“We’re here to work, not to entertain ourselves with songs,” Alex insisted with annoyance. “I won’t repeat myself again. We’re staying in the car, keeping quiet, and keeping watch. Need I remind you the occupant of that house has photos of three missing children in her living room? It’s my—our—responsibility to arrest her, find those children, and bring them home safely. Their lives are at stake, Sir Thomas. So no, I don’t want to hear any shanties, even if they are legendary.”

“Car approaching,” Charlotte cut in suddenly, pointing across the street.

Alex’s eyes had briefly wandered to meet Sir Thomas’s gaze in the reflection of the rearview mirror as he scolded him, but they snapped forward in a heartbeat, directly at Ginger Haus’s residence. “The witch is back.”

CHAPTER THREE

After being cooped up for so long, the last thing Alex wanted was to take a restless dog and a talking cat back to his apartment. Or anywhere else. That meant he needed to find a way for them to blow off some of that pent-up energy. It just so happened he had a way to do that and help their mission at the same time.

Send them to follow Ginger Haus. Since they were smaller and built for hunting and tracking, it made far more sense than the four of them or even just the detective and Charlotte going. It was the perfect task.

“That was surprisingly easy.” Charlotte leaned back on the hood of the Camaro, crossing her legs at the ankles and her arms across her chest.

Her eyes followed the last glimpses of Sir Thomas and Cat as they vanished behind the houses and into the dense woods. The enchanted animals were on the hunt, and soon Charlotte and Alex would learn where they’d gone.

“Too easy,” Alex agreed, taking up a similar position as Charlotte, leaning against the hood of his car. “No long-winded explanations to answer pointless questions. No arguments. Seems like they were excited to get to work. We might just have a couple of sleuths before we know it.”

She nodded. “Well, unless they just really wanted to escape the car.”

“Oh, after how the stakeout went, I guarantee that’s part of it,” he admitted.

They shared a laugh before Charlotte shook her head. “Most likely, though I don’t think that’s their main focus or that it ever was.”

“Do you think they’re up to the task?” Alex asked, concern lining his words.

The fairy godmother threw him a knowing look, her smile widening. “If you’re wondering whether our animal friends can pull off the task you’ve given them, the answer is yes. Cat might be a handful with his size and boundless energy, and Sir Thomas can be a bit over the top at times, but they’ve proven themselves before. They get things done when it matters.”

Alex nodded with a casual shrug. “They’re reliable in a tight spot; that’s for sure.” He paused a moment. “I trusted your judgment, or I wouldn’t have let them go. You’re sure Sir Thomas can handle it if the witch spots them before they can return?”

Charlotte’s grin grew. “You came around to her being the main person of interest while we were in the house. But, even with a Transference Warp and fence posts dancing in the air, you still doubted the possibility she was a witch. Have you changed your mind?”

Alex nodded slowly. “I was that guy who watched fantasy movies where a mortal discovered magic and tried to logic it away at every turn. Magic could happen right in front of the main character, and they’d try to come up with any reason it happened. Like a jerk at a magic show dissecting the tricks to explain them away and ruin the mystical fun. I remember thinking it was completely unrealistic. I’m all about evidence, and the evidence was right there in their face. How couldn’t they believe it? It made no sense.”

He turned his gaze to meet Charlotte’s. “I no longer believe that’s unrealistic. You have to understand, magic doesn’t exist here. Our brains fight against things it can’t process. It’s like when a person sees someone killed in front of them. They saw it happen, yet they’ll shake their head and deny it because the brain is in shock.”

He faced forward again, lifting his binoculars to look into the woods. “That being said, I’ve stopped doubting it, even if I instinctively don’t want to believe it. She didn’t even blink when she ducked under that levitating fence.”

“Thank you for explaining that. I’ve sometimes wondered why it’s so hard for you when, like you said, the evidence was right in front of you. Now I understand.”

As she finished, Alex caught a small smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth out of his peripheral vision.

He laughed. “All right, I know you’re just itching to rub it in. Go on. ‘I told you so.’ You can say it.”

Her smirk turned into a full grin as she chuckled and looked down. She kicked at a rock before looking back up to meet his gaze. “Well, I did warn you, but I won’t gloat.”

He quirked a brow. “Not even a little? Honestly, I probably deserve it.”

The fairy godmother snorted before she outright laughed, and he was distracted for a moment by her beauty.

“Oh, you absolutely do,” she agreed, and they shared a laugh.

Her smile dimmed as their amusement waned, and the silence settled in. “More than anything, I’d like to know what’s been troubling you lately. We’re alone, which is a situation we don’t find ourselves in often. If you have something to talk about, now’s the time.”

He took a deep breath and looked away. “I’ve been out of sorts, I suppose. It’s just – when I’m working on a case, I can’t rest until it’s wrapped up, until every piece is in place and justice is served.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her posture straightening a bit, though she remained in a leaning position on the hood.

Her gaze fixed on him. “I’ve noticed something’s been off with you, even before this case with the missing kids came along. You’ve seemed worn down for days, maybe a week. Using the case as an excuse might work on someone who hasn’t seen your energy drop, but not on me.”

She paused, her voice softening. “I know I’ve been all over town with Sir Thomas and Cat, gathering pieces for my handbook, but that doesn’t mean I’m oblivious. I’ve seen the change in you. I understand I’m not always on point with the day-to-day human stuff. But…” she hesitated, “it’s different when it’s someone close to you.”

Alex snapped his head toward her, surprised. He hadn’t expected Charlotte to admit that he mattered to her. Especially while they were watching a suspect.

We share an apartment right now, so she probably means physically, geographically close. Stop overthinking, Taylor. We’ve got work to do.

As Alex pondered Charlotte’s words and searched her face for hints, he didn’t notice his hands slip into his leather jacket pockets.

Charlotte caught the subtle movement, and her eyes darted to his right hand and pocket. That’s where she’d seen the unexpected blue glow surge from the fabric.

She frowned with curiosity but quickly masked it with a smile, meeting Alex’s gaze again. “Whatever it is, if you figure it out, I’m always here to lend an ear or to brainstorm with you when you’re ready.”

He chuckled. “Only the best ideas, right?”

She gave a shrug and opened her arms a little. “When it’s you and me, every idea we come up with is brilliant. After all, that’s how we roll, right, Detective?”

The fairy godmother’s face remained stoic as she spoke, but Alex struggled to keep his own straight. He couldn’t help but gently chuckle.

He glanced around the quiet street and then agreed. “All right. If I need some of that genius thinking, I’ll let you know.”

For a moment, she really thought he meant it—that he’d call on her and that he was clueless about what had been happening with him lately. Nervousness filled her, causing doubt, but she hoped she was wrong.

Instead of calling attention to her worried emotions, she simply replied with, “That sounds good to me.”

For the first time since arriving in Cincinnati, Charlotte sensed a shift in her dynamic with Detective Alex Taylor. Until now, she’d managed to convince him she wasn’t out of her mind, but tension had cropped up, making their usual banter feel strained. The change was subtle, but Charlotte couldn’t shake the feeling it was linked to Alex’s odd behavior over the past few days.

She wondered if she should worry about them trying to define what they meant to each other beyond a professional partnership or a host-guest relationship. She was sure there was something more, but Alex hadn’t given away anything obvious. It was possible he didn’t fully grasp what was happening, which only added to her concerns.

Meanwhile, Alex had other things on his mind. He wasn’t dwelling on the awkwardness between them. Instead, he was focused on the case and the daunting task of explaining to his captain how he’d not only identified the abductor with no real evidence to suggest she was the guilty party, but then followed her, located the three missing children, and caught her in the act.

How the hell was he supposed to explain he owed this success to a fairy godmother and two magical creatures? Because not explaining that meant admitting to B&E, an illegal search of a private residence, and trespassing in order to prove his “hunch” was correct.

And that absolutely couldn’t happen. Not only because it would cost him his job, but also because it would render everything they found inadmissible as evidence. Meaning Ginger Haus would likely walk free.

Alex considered himself incredibly fortunate to have been chosen by Charlotte Weaver as her confidant in Cincinnati. He was the sole person she’d fully revealed herself to shortly after arriving and seeking out the local authorities.

The memory of that day was clear in his mind. She was dressed in unusual purple attire with a large black dog by her side. He’d initially suspected that Charlotte was either under the influence, in need of assistance beyond his scope as law enforcement, or part of one of Sergeant Archwood’s notorious pranks.

Yet, as events unfolded, Charlotte Weaver proved to be one of the greatest influences on Detective Alex Taylor’s life, both in his career and personally in numerous ways.

The challenge for Alex was finding the right way to express his gratitude and his feelings for her. His hesitation came from a lack of practice in such matters and the fear of rejection. It was coupled with the worry that Charlotte might soon recover her full magical abilities, reassemble her Fairy Godmother’s Handbook, and leave Earth behind.

Leave him behind.

If that happened, Alex preferred to remain silent about his feelings.

Charlotte softly chuckled as she watched Alex. “What’s on your mind?”

Alex turned to her with a puzzled look. “Hmm?”

“You seem lost in thought, Detective. I’m curious about what’s keeping you so focused,” she prodded gently.

He shifted uncomfortably. “It’s nothing important,” he said, a bit too sharply.

He’d been playing with his binoculars, letting them hang by the strap around his neck. Now, without realizing it, his hands crept back up toward his jacket pockets.

“Just thinking,” he added.

Charlotte tried to hide her amusement but let out another soft laugh. “Clearly. Remember, we agreed to share our thoughts and ideas. It helps us work better together.”

He laughed awkwardly, more to himself than her. “Yes, we did agree on that.”

He wondered if getting involved was a mistake. Life had taken a turn since meeting the fairy godmother, and there was no going back. He couldn’t help but wonder about their relationship and how it had developed in the past three weeks.

Today wasn’t the day for distractions, but Alex’s mind wandered despite his best efforts. He was knee-deep in a case, and he couldn’t focus. The idea nagged at him.

Just say it now, before the usual interruptions break through.

After all, when would he and Charlotte be alone again? Speaking up couldn’t be that bad. What was the worst that could happen? She’d leave, and his old life would resume. Not the end of the world. Yet here he was, making excuses.

An unusual tension filled the air. Alex sensed Charlotte’s eyes on him as he grappled with how to approach the topic. He knew discussing personal matters during a stakeout was inappropriate, but he’d bent the rules since Charlotte Weaver entered his life three weeks ago. Another slight deviation hardly seemed significant now.

He inhaled deeply, tightness constricting his chest. He kept his hands in his jacket pockets as he gazed past the vacant lot into the tree line where Sir Thomas and Cat had just vanished.

Sharp as always, Charlotte noticed the change in his breathing, the slight widening of his eyes, and how tense his shoulders were. It was obvious to her that something wasn’t right. “Alex, if there’s something you need to talk about⁠—“

“Yeah” he interrupted, clearing his throat. “I think I do need to talk about something.”

“Okay” Charlotte shifted off the hood of the Camaro and faced him, leaning casually against the bumper. Her arms were crossed, unsure where else to put them. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I’m here.”

He let out a short, soft chuckle that sounded slightly sour. “Maybe hold off on being so sure until you’ve heard what I have to say.”

She swallowed, thinking his words sounded more like a warning than an indication that whatever he had to say might be good.

He glanced at her with a half-smile, and she nodded, offering one of her own. She hoped he couldn’t see the worry in it.

Alex opened and closed his mouth several times, struggling to find his words. Finally, he said, “I’m not sure how to start, but —“

“From the beginning usually works” Charlotte cut in, her smile more apparent now. “Or as close as you can get. It’s hard to find the true start sometimes.”

“Right” he nodded, buying some time. It was a good tactic when you needed a moment to think. “The beginning. It’s as good a place as any, though you probably know most of it already. That makes repeating it feel a bit pointless, so maybe the beginning isn’t the best place after all⁠—“

“Just say it, Alex” she urged with a light laugh. “I promise I won’t bite or run off. Whatever it is, I doubt it’s more shocking than anything we’ve seen lately. We’ve handled plenty. So go ahead, spill it.”

“Charlotte, what if I told you⁠—“

BOOM!

A loud explosion rocked the neighborhood, cutting off the detective’s words. The blast sent powerful vibrations through the ground, shaking everything within sight and nearly causing them to lose their footing. Charlotte caught herself with a quick hand on the hood of the car.

Car alarms all over the block chorused as she pulled her hand away from the hood, rising to her full height. Her eyes widened as she observed the field and the distant woods.

“What the hell was that?” Alex asked as he finally righted himself, panting as adrenaline rushed through him. “Do you think Thomas and Cat are okay?”

She shook her head, worry etched in her expression. “I don’t know. I’m worried. I felt the surge of power, but I don’t know where it came from, only the direction.”

His brows knit together with confusion. “That wasn’t you? It felt just like the shudder from when we first arrived earlier.”

She shook her head again. “No, I used a small, straightforward spell on Ginger Haus’s porch earlier that caused that explosive ripple effect,” she admitted before pointing diagonally across the street to the open land leading to the woods. “But I definitely wasn’t casting any spells when that explosion happened.”

Desperation filled Alex’s expression. “If it wasn’t you, then what was it?”

Before the fairy godmother could even open her mouth to reply, another explosion shattered the quiet, causing their knees to buckle this time. They dropped to the ground, using the car to steady themselves as an enormous flock of birds scattered into the sky from the very woods Sir Thomas and Cat had disappeared into.

The blackbirds regrouped in the air as they fell into formation and fled. Their frenzied cries pierced the sky as they flew first over the field, then the street, and then over the neighborhood in a rush to find safety anywhere else.

Charlotte and Alex exchanged startled looks.

“The boys,” they both said at the same time.

The moment Alex moved to stand, Charlotte was on her feet, neither saying a word as they raced toward the woods ahead. Each worried about the fate of their furry companions.

CHAPTER FOUR

Charlotte and Alex raced across the street, heading toward the wood line where they last saw Sir Thomas and Cat before they disappeared into the brush. As they crossed the sidewalk, their feet touched down in tall grass.

They were near the far end of the street where no houses stood. The large lots were wide open and left to grow wild, far from the manicured lawns of the developed portion of the neighborhood.

Charlotte took hold of the skirt of her long dress, lifting it to prevent it from dragging her down, though she couldn’t do much about her cloak.

They stepped high, running as quickly as they could as their clothes snagged on stickers and plants with thin, branch-like structures. Charlotte felt the sting of those fragile little branches as they scraped at her thighs just above the knee where her tall boots didn’t reach.

She huffed and puffed with every step. If only I could use a bit of magic on my wings without any repercussions!

As they neared the edge of the woods, a sudden rustle in the dense underbrush stopped them cold. Worries be damned, Charlotte dropped her skirts, reached into her cloak pocket, and pulled her wand free, aiming it toward the location of the sound.

The loudness of two humans trudging through the field with their heavy boots—the sound of each step crunching foliage echoing through the area—frightened two small birds. Twigs snapped, and young trees swayed as they took flight from their perch, just moments before two larger figures stepped out from the shadows of the trees.

Charlotte widened her stance, her wand poised for action as she faced the newcomers emerging from the forest. “Stop right there! Don’t even think about⁠—“

“Whoa, hold on a second!” Sir Thomas exclaimed, coming to an abrupt stop with his rapier aimed at the fairy godmother.

His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Charlotte and Alex together in the open field by the dense woods. Then, with a puzzled tilt of his head, he redirected his rapier toward Alex.

“Hey, isn’t this against human rules? I thought the furry ones went into the forest while the bald ones stayed with the vehicle.”

As Sir Thomas spoke, Cat had cleverly moved around his friend in the fur-lined boots, slipping past Sir Thomas and positioning himself next to and slightly behind Charlotte. He sat, gazing intently at the trees with great interest while his tongue hung from the side of his mouth, shaking with every pant.

Charlotte and Alex both sighed heavily, both from relief and also at the talking cat’s comment.

“We aren’t bald, Sir Thomas,” Charlotte corrected. “Are the two of you all right? The explosions… We were so worried about you both.”

Cat whined before butting his head against her hip as he might have done back when he was still in feline form. Reaching over, Charlotte gave him a scratch just below the ear facing away from her, and he leaned harder into her. He trembled, and suddenly she realized how frightened he must have been, too.

“It’s okay, Cat,” she soothed, running her fingertips through the long fur at the base of his head.

Next to her, Alex still tried to catch his breath, his heart racing both from exertion and fear for his companions. “The shockwave reached the car, and when we saw the birds scatter from the trees over here, we worried something happened to you.” He swallowed hard. “And maybe lower your weapon, Sir Thomas? I’m not a threat.”

Sir Thomas hesitated, looking down at the rapier before quickly standing to his full height and lowering it with a nervous chuckle. “Right, sorry.”

As the swashbuckling cat sheathed his sword, Charlotte asked, “Now that we’re satisfied you’re safe… Did you manage to track the witch into the woods?”

“Of course we did,” Sir Thomas said. He gave a bow, his boot heel clicking smartly against a rock on the ground. “We’re always determined to aid you and the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild.” As he straightened, he glanced next to Charlotte to look at Cat. The large dog bobbed his head, chuffed, then sighed dramatically before turning back to Charlotte. “It seems Cat shares my sentiment.”

“And we are ever so grateful.” She placed a hand over her heart for only a moment before continuing. “You saw something in there. Can you tell us about it?”

“Indeed,” Sir Thomas answered, glancing back at the trees. “We were able to follow without being detected.”

Sir Thomas’ attention span was easily derailed, so she’d learned to ask pointed questions to keep him focused. “Where did she go? Did she vanish out of sight? Or did the blasts scare you away before you saw anything else?”

Sir Thomas swept a paw toward the forest and clicked his tongue. “You think I, Sir Thomas of the Swashbuckling Order, would be scared by loud noises and a tremor? Not at all, my lady. It takes much more to unsettle m⁠—“

“We should concentrate, Sir Thomas,” she interrupted, locking eyes with him. “I know it’s difficult, but I need you to focus, to grasp the urgency of our quest. We need to find and save three kidnapped children. There may be more we don’t know about who might be in danger.”

Alex was surprised by the way she put her foot down with him, bringing him back to the present. Watching her take control of the situation impressed him.

The cat straightened, giving a determined nod. Charlotte offered a gentle smile. “What did you witness?”

Sir Thomas thought for a moment. “We tracked the witch through the woods. She’s surprisingly agile for a human, as if she’s been doing this for a long time and knew the path well.”

Alex felt impatient despite the information Sir Thomas offered. He wanted all of it blurted out rapidly as an officer or another detective might at a crime scene. The highlights. Straight to the point. No extra descriptions or assumptions. Just facts.

Sensing his tension, the fairy godmother shot him a stern look that warned him to stay quiet. Reluctantly, he crossed his arms, nervously chewing on a thumbnail as he brought it to his mouth while impatiently trying to seem patient.

“Very good, Sir Thomas,” Charlotte praised, striving to appear calm although she was nearly as frustrated as Alex. “You tracked the witch. Did you discover where she’s hiding the children?”

Sir Thomas nodded with a casual wave of his paw as he spoke. “Yes, we found it. That witch didn’t even realize we were on her trail, observing her every move. She struggled to stay unnoticed, I can tell you that. We’d noted her location and what she’s up to. We were just heading back to report to you.”

Alex’s eyes widened slightly, dread settling in his chest as his hand fell away from his mouth. “Please don’t tell me you then triggered some unseen magical trap, leading to the explosions.”

Sir Thomas paused, looking at the human detective. His furry brows, which were nearly lost among the fur of his face, knit together in disappointment. “Detective, I thought you’d have a better opinion or at least trust in my skills by now. No. That wasn’t us. As for the rest, we saw the kids, and from everything we saw, this is only a single witch working alone to take them. “

“Wait, you saw the children?” Charlotte couldn’t hide her surprise.

“Indeed, my lady. We spotted several, but the exact number escapes me.” He turned his attention to the dog. “Cat, were you able to count how many there were?”

The large, furry black dog shuffled slightly. He fixed his gaze on Sir Thomas, rumbled a low growl, then lowered to the ground.

“We think there were seven,” Sir Thomas confirmed.

Seven? Alex thought. He only knew of three!

“Did you catch sight of Everly and Reggie Reynolds? Or Kitty Montpelier from the second case?” Alex rushed out.

Sir Thomas’s shoulders fell slightly. “Regrettably, I’m afraid we couldn’t make out their faces from that distance, even with our sharper eyesight. Cat and I agreed it was best to leave before the witch spotted us. Then we hurried back through the woods to share the news.”

“What caused the explosion?” Charlotte asked, the confusion on her face growing as she listened to his tale.

Sir Thomas released a heavy sigh. “I’m unsure, my lady. We were quite a distance from her lair by the time the first explosion went off. All I can tell you is it wasn’t us. We followed the same path back, only faster.”

Alex blew a heavy sigh from his nose. “With the witch back with the children, we can’t afford to delay. We need to move before she does something to them.”

Charlotte nodded, looking past Sir Thomas to the land ahead. She tapped her wand against her lip thoughtfully, surveying the remaining part of the field and the dark woods beyond.

Sir Thomas watched Charlotte, hesitating before he spoke. “My lady? I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you sure it’s wise to do that right now?”

Charlotte quickly pulled the wand away from her mouth with a sharp breath. “You’re right, Sir Thomas. Thank you for pointing that out.” She let her arm fall to her side.

“Happy to be of assistance, my lady,” he replied.

Alex took a step forward, allowing him to look back and forth between Sir Thomas and Cat. “Can you both recall the exact path leading to where she’s hiding the children? “

“Without a doubt, Detective,” Sir Thomas responded confidently. “My tracking skills are quite sharp, and today, I was pleased to find that Cat’s sense of smell is also incredibly accurate. However, we have yet to decide if a cat’s or dog’s nose is better for tracking.”

“A fascinating discussion,” Charlotte interjected, forcing a smile, “which I’m sure you can finish later.” She nodded for emphasis.

Alex cut in before the cat could speak again. “Right now, we need you to retrace your steps for us. And let’s make sure to avoid any more explosions, please. Regardless of what actually triggered it.”

Sir Thomas gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes before turning back to the woods. As he moved, Cat heaved himself up from his spot on the ground with a low, reluctant bark. He then followed Sir Thomas into the woods slowly.

“I know,” Sir Thomas mumbled to Cat. “He could watch someone else do it and still find a way to blame us.”

Cat quickened his pace to catch up, then settled into a comfortable trot beside Sir Thomas. He let out a noise that was somewhere between a growl and a bark, his tail wagging absentmindedly.

“I’m not sure,” Sir Thomas mused. “It’s up to them to figure that out. If I tried to fix every misconception he has of us, I’d have no time left for our own adventures.”

Their conversation became a soft hum as Sir Thomas and Cat moved gracefully through the forest, weaving through trees and underbrush.

“Do we trust them to actually be able to lead us there without issue?” Alex whispered.

A sharp whine came from twenty feet ahead of them. Sir Thomas followed his four-legged companion’s objection by lifting a paw, a single toe—what would be an index finger on a human hand—pointed upward. “We heard that! Superior hearing, remember? We also heard all the snide little things you said under your breath in the car earlier, Detective.”

Charlotte snorted next to Alex, and his gaze snapped to her. She tucked her lips between her teeth, biting them gently to keep from giggling at the scolding Sir Thomas gave the detective.

“Don’t encourage him,” Alex complained. “Well…them.”

“Oh, leave them be. You seem to forget that along with that superior hearing comes a superior sense of smell. They can scent every step they took in and out of here earlier. Relax. I think we’re in good hands,” Charlotte replied.

“The lady speaks truth,” Sir Thomas mumbled only loudly enough for them to hear. “Now, can both of you be quiet? In your world, detective, humans are supposedly at the top of the food chain. Yet, you have no noticeable skills as a predator. You must be as silent as possible while hunting your prey.”

Alex’s brows quirked. It took everything he had not to comment about how loud and obnoxious the chatty cat was in the Camaro earlier. Then again, at that moment, the animals were playing by human rules. It seemed now that the humans were playing by animal rules.

Remembering Sir Thomas’s earlier scolding, he responded barely above a whisper, knowing the cat would hear. “I see your point. Remember this the next time we’re on a stakeout, and you refuse to see mine.”

Sir Thomas lifted his paw once more, a single toe in the air again, only this time, the detective noticed it was not the same one from earlier.

Alex’s jaw fell open as his widened eyes darted between Charlotte and the cat. “Is that… Did he…”

The fairy godmother touched the detective’s shoulder before gently running it down his arm. She placed a single finger to her curved lips, an amused expression on her beautiful face.

Alex narrowed his eyes as he looked forward again. It seemed the mischievous cat had picked up far more in this world than he’d realized. Being flipped the bird by a sword-wielding cat in leather boots and a ridiculous giant hat with a cattitude problem wasn’t the highlight of his day. Still, he also couldn’t help but be amused by it.

CHAPTER FIVE

Sir Thomas and Cat led the way through the woods, with Charlotte and Alex following not far behind. The tightness in the detective’s chest grew the further they went. Now that he made his way through the woods, it seemed to him like it was taking far longer than it did his two furry companions.

However, he knew that was only his skewed perception, thanks to the anxiety mounting in his chest. He’d removed his Glock soon after entering the woods and adjusted his grip on it now as his eyes inspected the landscape.

The forest seemed suspiciously quiet, and he imagined that had more to do with the explosions from earlier. The birds had taken flight, and he assumed all manner of creatures, large and small, would have either fled or hid in whatever cave, burrow, or hollowed-out tree they dwelled in, respectively.

Still, the silence gave an eerie feel to the woods, and he wondered if Charlotte sensed it, too. At first, he thought to ask, but heaven forbid he risk another scolding from the bossy cat.

Even thinking of Charlotte drudged up thoughts he had no business thinking about while hunting a suspected fairytale witch who preyed on children. Especially this particular witch. One who—if Charlotte was correct—had a penchant for devouring said children after luring them in with candy and fattening them up.

Earlier, while he and Charlotte waited for Sir Thomas and Cat’s return, the fairy godmother showed a keen interest in his unspoken thoughts. She’d urged him to talk to her, to be honest. But now, finding those kids was all that mattered. Alex and Charlotte were equally eager to get to the location, confront the witch, and ensure all the children were unharmed and returned safe and sound.

“Sir Thomas,” Charlotte prodded quietly with as much patience as she could muster, “we should try to hurry. We have no idea what’s happening, and the kids could be in grave danger as we speak.”

The fashionable cat only turned his head enough to speak back over his shoulder. “My lady, with all due respect, rushing us while we scent through the woods is a mistake. With an inferior nose, I know it’s difficult for you to understand. You smell everything at once. We smell each thing individually. While you smell a tree as a whole, we smell the bark, the pheromones for all species of inhabitants—animal and insect alike—and its leaves and budding flowers. We must sort through everything on the forest floor to find our previous steps as well as to keep track of hers. This is a very delicate business, and we can’t be rushed!”

Just as Sir Thomas finished, he and Cat stopped short, taking his time to scan the forest.

His voice dropped so low Charlotte and Alex could barely hear. “Cat, keep low and investigate.”

With little more than a quiet chuff, Cat tucked his tail and lowered his head, slinking off as he might’ve while still in feline form. Were it not for the giant Newfoundland body, Charlotte found he seemed very cat-like indeed. And the thick fur on the underside of his paws she’d been meaning to trim for him helped pad his steps, making them more subtle.

A bad feeling crept up on Alex, one far different than the typical lingering anxiety of pursuing a suspect. Unable to help himself, he focused on Sir Thomas and spoke quietly. “I want to point out that you promised us with absolute certainty that you could lead us on the same route you took earlier and that it would be a breeze to get us to the witch’s location once we started.”

Sir Thomas’s nose went into the air as he sniffed in one direction, then turned his head and repeated the process to sniff in another. Oddly enough, he seemed more dog-like at that moment.

“You’re correct, Detective,” he admitted, his gaze fixed on the shadowy woods. “I did say that. However, at that time, I didn’t foresee how quickly and completely these woods would change.”

Dread filled Charlotte as his statement fully caught her attention. “What do you mean the woods has changed?”

The cat shifted his attention from the trees, tipping the brim of his hat up enough to meet her gaze. “Don’t you sense it?”

She and Alex looked at one another before focusing back on Sir Thomas, a chill racing down each of their spines as they shook their heads.

Thomas’s paws lifted at his sides. “The energy here, it’s different.” His blown pupils wandered in full-on predator mode, his tiny body rigid with tension as if he were on full alert. “It isn’t the same as before.”

Alex swallowed. “What does that mean?”

“Humans, even humans in this world, have senses capable of picking up on energy shifts. I suspect you’ll notice it too once we get closer to the witch,” Sir Thomas offered.

Alex frowned. “That doesn’t really answer my question.”

The talking cat tilted his head toward the area he saw Cat run off in, eyes searching the shadows for any sign of his large companion. He rested a paw on his sword handle, silent.

Alex turned to Charlotte and whispered, “Any clue what he means?”

Charlotte slowly shook her head, just as puzzled by Sir Thomas’s words.

Suddenly, a low, almost whispered bark echoed from the trees. Sir Thomas smiled before turning toward Alex and Charlotte, gesturing toward where Cat’s bark had sounded from. “This way, please. It seems Cat has the keener nose, after all. He’s picking up sharper, more specific scents outside of the confusing mix of smells we’ve encountered since first entering these woods.”

“As you so eloquently pointed out earlier, I smell everything all at once. When I inhale, I smell forest. So, I’ll need a better explanation if you want me to understand the issue here.” Charlotte worked hard to hide her frustration as she and Alex cautiously followed the talking cat in an unexpected direction.

“When you mentioned changes in the smells out here before,” Alex began, “were you scenting magic or forest?”

Sir Thomas didn’t bother to look back at them as he led the way. “The magic in your city and beyond is shifting rapidly. It’s growing, changing. It’s more significant than we thought, escalating since our first walk in these woods.”

“How much magic are we talking about?” Charlotte asked.

“A considerable amount,” Sir Thomas replied, glancing back at her with confusion knitting his brows. “You don’t sense any of it, my lady?”

Charlotte could only respond with a disappointing shake of her head. “Unfortunately, I don’t.”

To hide the surprise from his face, Sir Thomas faced forward again. The moment he did, his eyes widened as worry settled in him. How strange Lady Charlotte can’t sense the change herself.

He gestured with a dismissive wave of his paw to hide his confusion further. “Well, now that you know, I’m quite certain you’ll start to feel it soon. Let’s not dawdle; we have children to save.”

As they navigated the dense underbrush, Charlotte exchanged a puzzled glance with Alex. She gave a slow shake of her head. “I’m still at a loss.”

An eerie feeling prickled at his skin as he wondered what that could possibly mean. Was the witch more powerful than Charlotte? Was there a trap waiting for them?

He frowned at Sir Thomas’s retreating figure as the feline guided them through the forest at a pace that seemed too slow for the urgency of their mission.

Charlotte was alert, though she couldn’t shake what her companion told them. With someone like Alex, it made sense the talking cat would be aware of a shift in the energy around them.

But her?

It made no sense, and it troubled her, to say the least.

She remained quiet as they followed behind Sir Thomas. As he’d mentioned, now that she knew something was amiss, she knew there was something to seek out.

The fairy godmother quieted her breaths so Alex couldn’t hear as she inhaled deeply and slowly blew it out, centering herself as she opened her senses. The flicker of Sir Thomas’s ears peeking through two slits in his hat told her it was likely he heard the change in her respirations, though he was kind not to mention it.

Soon, Charlotte felt a flicker, almost a spark in the night air. It was a strange comparison, but it nearly reminded her of sipping of what Alex called soda. Only instead of a crackle on her tongue, it moved through the air and passed over her skin.

It was subtle, barely noticeable at first, but the harder she concentrated and took in the area around her, the more she felt it. The magic around them had indeed changed, and she felt the tiniest uptick with each second that passed. It was so slight she understood now why she never felt it before. It was a kind of magic she hadn’t felt since arriving in this strange world.

Could this really be happening?

She was so caught up in her thoughts she didn’t notice she’d fallen behind. It was Alex who pointed it out after almost marching on without her.

“Charlotte? Hey, Sir Thomas,” Alex called out quietly, glancing back. “We might have a problem here.”

“We’ll have a bigger problem if you don’t keep up with us in these woods,” Sir Thomas replied sharply.

“Just wait a minute, okay?” Alex said, not waiting for a response from the talking feline. His attention was on Charlotte, whose distant and confused look worried him.

Venturing into the dark woods to track down a witch was far from a casual Sunday stroll. However, after three weeks with Charlotte and her magical, four-legged companions, he’d found himself accepting the bizarre as routine. And now, his gut screamed that something was amiss with her and this stretch of the forest.

When Alex noticed Charlotte had stopped entirely—her gaze lost in the dense trees ahead as if she was looking right through them—he quickly made his way back to her.

“Charlotte?” He reached out, placing his hand softly on her shoulder while holstering his weapon with the other. His brows furrowed when she didn’t react or show any sign she knew he was there. “Hey, talk to me. What’s happening? Are you okay?”

Just as he started to wonder if he might have to shake the woman back to the here and now, she blinked fast, looked at the trees ahead, and then focused on Alex standing before her.

“What is it? Is everything okay?” she asked.

He released a quick sigh of relief that turned into a nervous laugh as he shook his head. “It is now that you’re back here with us. I don’t know where you were just now, but your eyes were completely vacant, and you didn’t hear a word I said. Are you okay?”

Charlotte gave a small smile, one that wasn’t nearly as convincing as her usual. “Yes, I’m fine.” Her eyebrows drew together as her expression fell. “Wait…did I miss something? Alex, I’m sorry. I thought we had more time before we got⁠—“

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. It’s okay,” he said, gently holding her shoulders, rubbing his thumbs back and forth to sooth her. “Everything’s fine. You didn’t miss anything. I was worried for a second because you seemed lost in thought. Very lost. You were lagging behind, and I stopped to check on you, but you were completely tuned out.”

Charlotte stood still, her head slightly tilted as she studied him closely. There was still a distant look in her eyes. “Tuned out?”

He nodded. “Like you were daydreaming. You didn’t respond for a few seconds. It didn’t last long, but it worried me all the same.”

The fairy godmother tried to laugh it off, but she saw in Alex’s expression she didn’t quite manage to sell it. “I’m sorry. I usually do that when I’m alone, not around others.”

Alex thought of several things to say but pushed those thoughts aside. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to. It’s probably unknown to even most EverAfterans, and here I am expecting you to understand without explanation. I was – taking a reading, you might say.”

“A reading?” Alex turned to look back as the sound of Sir Thomas’s mumbling reached his ears.

The knight was busy pushing aside thick ferns with his sword, making his way through the dense underbrush. Alex stepped to the side, gently placed a hand on Charlotte’s lower back, and nudged her to follow without a word.

Sir Thomas had been so busy that he didn’t seem to notice their short pause. Alex and Charlotte had no trouble catching up.

Charlotte spoke as they walked. “It’s something fairy godmothers do. I thought it was unique to us until Sir Thomas showed he has a knack for it, too. Though, I suppose that isn’t really shocking given an animal’s heightened senses.”

Leaning in closer, Alex smirked as he whispered, “Sounds like he’s a great stand-in fairy godmother.” His smirk grew into a full smile, though he managed to keep himself from laughing.

Charlotte gave a soft laugh of her own and nudged him gently in the side as they walked on. “I’d keep that joke between us if I were you.”

A groan came from ahead. “No need, my lady.” Sir Thomas turned his head only enough for Alex to catch the almost creepy greenish-white glare of the cat’s visible eye in the night. “I heard it all, and I won’t even dignify it with a response.”

The cat faced forward again, tipping his nose slightly into the air to signal just how through he was with the conversation.

Alex pursed his lips, trying not to laugh as he allowed himself a moment of humor. “Says the cat who just delivered a response.”

Sir Thomas’s head swiveled, his mouth open and ready to reply again when Charlotte took a few quick steps forward.

“Sir Thomas, no.” She turned back to Alex. “Do you mind? You’re always going on about being serious, yet you insist on poking at him.”

Alex held his hands up in defeat. “You’re right. It’s been a long day, and I enjoy picking on him as much as he enjoys doing the same to me. It was a little tense a moment ago when you were lost in thought. I was worried. I just wanted to lighten even a little of the anxiety in the air.”

“I suppose that’s fair,” Thomas mumbled from ahead just before using his rapier to clear away more brush. “Annoying the detective is fun from time to time.”

Alex gestured to the talking cat, his eyes lingering on Charlotte’s as they followed. “See? It’s all in good fun.”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Anyway… back to the problem at hand… Aside from babysitting the two of you, my mind is somewhere else right now. Once Thomas told me what he sensed, I opened myself completely to it. Now that I feel it, I need to monitor it continuously, measure it like rising water. Because our chatty cat is absolutely correct. The magic is growing. So, let’s stay calm, stay quiet, and let me gather my thoughts as we go. When I know something, you’ll know something. Promise.”

He nodded, offering a hesitant smile. She seemed more like herself now, but he was still worried about her. “We understand. Take all the time you need.”

She gave a curt nod and a forced smile. “Thanks.”

Alex was concerned about the abrupt change in Charlotte. She walked beside him, her expression troubled. He thought she almost seemed disoriented, as if she’d been awoken out of a deep sleep. He was also aware his worry had diverted his attention from the investigation.

What troubled him the most was that in all the time he’d known her, Charlotte had never appeared so lost and disconnected. She was usually sharp, intelligent, and quick to act—a stark contrast to how she seemed now.

As they continued on their journey through the woods, Alex once again pulled his gun free. If the fairy godmother would be lost in thought, he needed to make absolutely sure he was ready to act at any sign of danger.

He decided he had to put his faith in her the way she’d put hers in him so many times. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her as long as he stood. Somehow, as anxious as he was about everything, he had faith they’d come out okay on the other side.

He just hoped they were able to bring those kids along with them.

CHAPTER SIX

It wasn’t long before Cat once again joined their group, bringing them to a complete stop. Once Sir Thomas had caught up with Cat, he turned to his human companions.

He glanced back and forth between Alex and Charlotte, who squatted before him. He placed his paws on his hips, let out a short sigh of frustration that shook his whiskers, and twitched his little nose.

“Are you prepared for what comes next?” he asked, turning his attention to the Newfoundland.

The oversized dog had been busy sniffing around in the dense underbrush of the forest, following an interesting scent while trying to keep his snuffling quiet.

“Cat, this isn’t just about your curiosity,” Sir Thomas snapped. “We’re on a tight schedule, and there’s more at stake than you realize.”

The enormous black dog suddenly stopped sniffing the forest floor and sneezed softly. He licked his jaws, then made a quiet sound that only the talking cat understood.

“Yes, yes, very well.” Sir Thomas waved his paw toward the trees ahead, his gaze never leaving Cat. “So, should you lead the way or –“

He stopped when Cat chuffed and walked past him, pushing through the trees. Sir Thomas shook his head and touched the handle of his rapier.

“Well, then – No need for rudeness,” he muttered and hurried after his companion. He barely spared a glance over his shoulder to warn Charlotte and Alex, who trailed behind. “Don’t dawdle and keep calm. Only panic if you want us found before we even start.”

Sir Thomas continued to push his way through the thick underbrush as he followed Cat, only the moonlight above to light the path. Alex and Charlotte watched as their two furry friends darted ahead.

The detective picked up his pace a little, glad their trackers had finally started moving faster. Charlotte’s footsteps crunched quickly behind him, and he knew she could keep up just fine, even while sensing magic around them.

Cat, whose shaggy black coat stood out starkly against the forest even in the dark, suddenly vanished from sight.

“What the hell?” Alex asked, stopping short. Just as Charlotte nearly passed him, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Sir Thomas! Stop!”

He tried to warn the cat, but it was too late as he then also blinked out of existence.

“What is it? What happened?” She looked forward, her brows furrowing.

Alex’s eyes scanned the area, looking for anything out of the ordinary, listening for any signs of their four-legged companions beyond the next patch of brush they’d disappeared into.

“They were right there,” he said, pointing ahead. “Cat just…vanished. I tried to call out for Sir Thomas to stop, but…”

“He vanished, too,” she finished for him.

He nodded. “Exactly. Do you sense anything over there?” His eyes widened before he turned to her. “You said Transference Warps were usually invisible. That wasn’t wh⁠—“

Charlotte reached out quickly, taking his free hand in hers. “No-no-no. It isn’t that. While I don’t know where they went, I can tell you they didn’t run through a Transference Warp. I would have sensed that for sure.”

A heavy breath rushed out of Alex, his heart racing at the thought of Thomas and Cat running into one of those twisting energy voids capable of mulching whatever passed through.

“Holy shit, that scared the hell out of me.” His lips pressed into a thin line as he took a couple of deep breaths. “So, what now? This is all you. I’ve got nothing here.”

A mix of concern and sympathy knit the fairy godmother’s brows as she realized how distraught the detective was. Alex was a good man, and despite how unpredictable his life had become since their arrival and also how crazy Sir Thomas drove him, she easily saw how much he cared for them.

“I’m as clueless as you are right now. Without my full power, it’s nearly impossible for me to see exactly what we’re facing. What I can tell you is that whatever they walked through was not a Transference Warp, which means there’s a good chance it’s passable. It also means I’m going after them.”

His eyes widened a moment. “Y-you’re going in there?” He paused, considering that for a moment. “No, we’re going in there?”

Charlotte nodded. “Yes. I won’t leave them, and from the looks of it, you won’t either. Unless you’ve got a better idea, this is our only option.”

Alex let out a sigh. “No, I’ve got nothing.”

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze before stepping back. She pulled her wand free of her cloak pocket. “Then let’s not waste any more time. You need to let me lead. Magic took them somewhere, and that means this is my territory.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and started toward the thick area they’d seen Sir Thomas and Cat disappear through, wielding her wand like a knife in front of her.

It took Alex a lot of effort to simply stand back and let her charge ahead first, but it was no different than what he’d demanded of her when he cleared Ginger Haus’s residence earlier.

They’d only moved a few more feet toward the thick bunch of trees when a piercing pain shot through Charlotte’s eyes and temples as an immense magical pressure gripped her head like a vice.

The prickle she’d felt along her skin in the forest earlier now felt more like a burn as a wave of magic far more substantial than any she’d felt in Cincinnati threatened to overpower her.

As she stumbled, Alex was there to take her arm and hold her upright. Even his hand on her hurt mercilessly. She wanted to tell him so, but she couldn’t form words even if she tried.

“Charlotte!” Alex whisper-yelled. “What is it? Are you okay?”

She grunted as she willed the panic to subside. It was the only way to think through the situation. This was caused by magic, which meant she could handle it.

“H-hold on,” she ground out.

Her entire body was rigid as she fought for every breath she took. As she struggled to take deeper breaths, she began to feel the familiarity of the magic pressing in on her. Once she realized that, she began to calm down faster, and her body suddenly began to acclimate.

Trembles shook her entire body from how hard she tensed, but she felt herself coming down. Alex seemed to visibly relax next to her, though his eyes looked no less worried.

This magic is powerful, she thought, puzzled by its presence in a world where magic was supposed to be dormant. It was like stumbling upon a hidden powerhouse of energy.

“You seem a bit better. Can you talk yet?” he asked cautiously.

She took a much easier deep breath, inhaling fully for the first time before blowing it out, nodding. “Y-yes. I th-think so.” Her body still trembled, causing her to stammer a bit.

Alex might not have her magical intuition, but the air buzzed with strange electricity that even he felt. He wondered if that was what she felt, only the full brunt of it.

He lifted his arm to investigate the little tingles along his skin only to find the fine hairs standing on end.

“You can feel it, too,” she mused, still a bit breathless.

He nodded. “If I can, I imagine it was a thousand times worse for you.”

The recent memory of the pain splitting her skull returned, and she shook her head as if she could shake it out.

She nodded. “Imagine swimming for hours, then getting out and trying to walk. While you were in the water, your body grew accustomed to floating, being weightless. Once you’re out of the water, you’re forced to hold all your weight again, and it takes time to adjust. Apparently, magic works like that, too. I wasn’t aware of it since I’ve never been in and out of worlds without magic.”

His brows furrowed. “In other words, you’ve been in a non-magical world long enough you adjusted to being ‘weightless,’ free of magic, but just then, walking into an area filled with it, the weight of it nearly took you to the ground.”

She was impressed with how easily he’d understood. “Exactly. I think you’re finally starting to accept without doubt. You understand what I say far quicker now without hesitation.”

He snorted. “Yeah. Well, at this point, the proof is becoming redundant. I’m in the last part of the movie now.” He forced a smile, trying to lighten the intensity as he recalled their earlier conversation about non-magical characters in movies discovering magic. “I’ve accepted everything, and now I’m ready to help save the day.” He paused. “How are you?”

Slowly, Charlotte rose to her full height, testing how she felt. Taking another deep breath, she nodded. “I’m okay now. I think I’ve adjusted. It feels…unbelievable.”

“Do you think your magic would work here?” Alex wondered aloud.

As her eyes met his, he saw obvious hope, but instead of verbalizing it, she said, “I don’t know. I’m almost afraid to try, but I will if and when the time comes.” She jerked her head to the right a little. “Let’s get moving.”

Alex wanted to question her, to ask her to take a few more moments to herself, but he knew she wouldn’t. Before, she was motivated because of the kids. Now that Thomas and Cat had vanished too, Alex imagined she’d be damn near unstoppable.

Together, the duo crept through the forest as quietly as they could. It was impossible to know who or what they might alert with any fumbles. Surrounding them was an undeniable surge of magical energy that grew stronger with every step, and the risk they could alert the witch was high.

After a short distance, Charlotte stumbled and nearly lost her balance. Her eyes fluttered shut, a soft sigh slipping through her lips as she wobbled amid the dense underbrush.

“Whoa, Charlotte.” Alex reached out again to steady her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” she insisted, lifting her hand as if to show him she was steady. “Just a bit dizzy. No need to worry.”

His brows knit together. “Uh, yeah. That’s not how this works. I’m still worried. Are you sure you’re okay to keep going?”

“Absolutely,” she pushed. “I just need a moment longer to adjust. Remember, it grows stronger as we walk, so I’ll constantly need to acclimate. Let’s keep moving.”

The fairy godmother righted herself again and stepped forward, nearly overwhelmed by the powerful magic in the air. It was a magic that shouldn’t have existed in Cincinnati, or so Charlotte believed.

She stumbled again, taken aback by a wave of surprise and disorientation as she approached the place in the brush where Sir Thomas and Cat had disappeared.

Alex reached out to steady her, but before his fingers could wrap around her arm, she vanished, his hand closing on empty air. His eyes widened, and a spike of adrenaline immediately shot through him.

“Charlotte!” he exclaimed, staring at where she’d just been.

Alex spun quickly, his heart racing as a swell of confusion and panic nipped at his heels.

“Charlotte!” he called out louder than before, his voice betraying his growing alarm.

“Just keep walking, Alex,” came her voice, surprisingly from right in front of him. It was hushed, as if she didn’t want to be heard by whatever or whoever was around. Assuming that was the case, he decided to proceed with that assumption.

His gaze jerked directly forward, his brows furrowing as he inspected the area. All he could see was a small clearing and underbrush, abruptly ended by the broad side of a tree.

“Walk where? Into the damn tree?”

“Just keep walking forward, Alex,” she breathed, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Take a deep breath and try to relax. You know I would never lead you into danger.”

If anyone else had told him that, he would’ve doubted their intentions. This was not how a chase through the woods—or any pursuit, for that matter—was supposed to go.

“Alex,” she whispered once more. “Just take a step. That’s all. Then you’ll understand.”

“Why can’t I see you?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

“I think it’s because of the energy levels here,” Charlotte mused. “It’s designed to keep humans away and affects EverAfterans in other ways, too. We’ll talk about it later. For now, just keep moving forward. You won’t feel the effects once you pass through the first layer. Just focus on my voice, Alex. Trust me. We can’t turn back now. We have to keep going. Take another step.”

He paused, licking his lips with a hint of nervousness. Here goes nothing, he thought just before closing his eyes and taking the first step.

CHAPTER SEVEN

A wave of energy engulfed him, pushing him away mentally, urging him to run while physically pulling him forward. He wondered what Charlotte had felt when she stepped through. Was that pressure overwhelming? Did it feel like it might crush her?

“What’s taking him so long?” Sir Thomas’s voice cut through the silence, clear and sharp despite it being barely a whisper. “He’s the biggest of us, though Cat is arguably the strongest. So, why is he acting like such a coward?”

“Sir Thomas, really?” Charlotte scolded quietly, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Is that necessary?”

“I’m sorry, my lady,” he replied urgently, “but we’ve wasted far too much time already. The change in magic caused Cat and me to track far slower than we did when we came through earlier. It easily took twice the time to get here. He’s just wasting time with this nonsense. Clearly, everyone is fine.”

Charlotte scoffed. “That seems a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

“No, I’m afraid not,” he countered firmly.

Alex rolled his eyes as he slowly made his way through, no longer listening to Sir Thomas. He’d make it through if for no other reason than to prove that little shit wrong.

As Charlotte had said, the first layer was brief. When he cleared it, the repulsion he felt ceased. The air was thick with dense static electricity, and the energy then felt like the pressure of a full-body weighted blanket. It was almost soothing to him, but he again wondered what it had been like for the others as they passed through.

As he continued, it seemed this sensation wouldn’t fade anytime soon, and he realized he needed to acclimate just as Charlotte had said she would need to. Without a doubt, he knew it was far worse for her, and he was determined that if she could do it, he could do it with her.

While he wasn’t sure how long he walked through the wave of energy, he thought it felt like an eternity, though he assumed it was no more than a few seconds. However, he’d experienced so much in that brief time that part of him wondered if time may have been slower inside.

As Alex took another step, he soon noticed he wasn’t alone anymore. In front of him stood three figures, two noticeably shorter and nearer to the ground, but it was the tallest of the three who first drew his attention.

Charlotte.

Her grin emerged from the shadows as she leaned in, her whisper barely audible. “There now, that wasn’t too bad, was it?” A serene smile lit up her face.

A nervous sigh escaped Alex as he met her gaze, lowering his voice as she’d done. “Yeah, I’ll have to get back to you on that one. What was that?”

“It was a potent magical barrier to keep humans away,” she murmured. “And a rich source of magic for EverAfter. This place pulses with more magic than I’ve seen in the entire city recently. Take a look.” She turned and gestured ahead gracefully.

Pulling his gaze from the fairy godmother, Alex surveyed the area, realizing the dense woods were no longer so dense. They stood in a vast clearing, unlike any part of the forest he’d seen before.

Trees almost seemed pushed aside to create a broad, nearly circular space. Lush green grass carpeted the forest floor, while bright wildflowers added splashes of color where bright moonlight now poured through what was once a dense canopy.

The surrounding forest had changed, too. Towering trees with robust trunks stood, possessing a sense of ancient vitality in the undergrowth. The smell of damp soil mixed with the musty scent of last year’s fallen leaves still lingered, and there was a subtle hint of it in the field as well.

Birds chirped in the branches, even at night, their songs echoing from every direction. It was beautiful now, but he couldn’t imagine its beauty in the full light of day.

“Everything feels…” He paused, considering his words as his eyes surveyed the area. “Heavy.”

She nodded, her voice still low as she spoke. “That’s the concentrated magic you feel. You have much better senses than I gave you credit for.”

He shrugged, offering a smirk as he continued to look around. “Maybe I had a good teacher.”

Alex trusted Charlotte’s assessment of the surrounding magic. He couldn’t tell if it was good or bad, helpful or harmful. However, when he looked across the clearing and saw a cabin with a thatched roof and smoke rising from its chimney—a cabin that wasn’t there moments ago—he knew something powerful was at work.

The scent of burning wood confirmed it. They were transported to a place that felt age-old and potent.

“This whole situation is⁠—“

“Please don’t say ‘impossible,’” Sir Thomas whispered harshly, his words dripping with annoyance. “Detective, you should know better at this point.”

Alex scowled at the talking cat. “You’ve been riding my ass pretty hard since I gave you lead, you know that? No. I wasn’t going to say that. I was just going to say it’s…awesome. As in full of awe. Not awesome as in cool.”

“First of all,” Sir Thomas breathed, his hushed tone angry as he pointed at Alex, “I have never sat, stood, or so much as touched your behind, let alone ridden it, sir. Secondly, we can all feel it isn’t cold. Pointing out the obvious is a waste of time.”

The detective let loose a heavy sigh, shaking his head. He wanted so badly to respond, to set the cat straight, but the cabin was within sight.

“Boys, please,” Charlotte scolded quietly. “Back to the matter at hand. Sir Thomas and Cat say that’s where Ginger Haus and the kids are.”

Alex nodded. “That’s great news. We need to end this, fast.”

Sir Thomas gave a curt nod. “I agree. Who knows when that front door might swing open and catch us with our pants down.”

The detective’s brows furrowed. “You don’t wear pants.”

“It’s an expression, Detective. One I picked up from your world. How do you not know it?”

“Okay, look,” Charlotte interrupted, placing her hand on Alex’s shoulder to guide his attention away from Sir Thomas, “less arguing, more rescuing. Seriously, I think the magic is scrambling your brain like an egg.”

Alex shook his head to clear his thoughts. She wasn’t wrong. He and Sir Thomas had been after one another more than usual. “You’re right. Also, I didn’t realize witches had this much power.”

“They usually don’t,” she answered, her face deadly serious as she locked eyes with him. “I have a feeling this isn’t Ginger Haus’s natural talent. I think we’re dealing with a sly, crafty witch who found a powerful nexus, and I plan to make sure neither she, or anyone else, can ever abuse this kind of power again. Let’s go. We’ll weave through the brush and come up from behind.”

Her focused stare turned sharper, her eyebrows knitting together. Without a word, she turned and motioned toward the cottage nestled within the magical clearing.

Anxiety crept into Alex’s gut, fueled by the fairy godmother’s grim expression as she stayed low and moved back into the woods, avoiding the edge of the barrier as she led their group toward the rear of the cabin in the center of the clearing.

It was time to confront the witch and end their quest.

CHAPTER EIGHT

It seemed almost too easy for them to reach the cottage in the middle of the clearing without issue. Charlotte, Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat skirted around the field just inside the tree line, staying low in the brush as they made their way to the thick woods in the back. Once they reached the woods, they crouched even more before stepping out into the clearing and moving toward the cabin in its center.

The cottage looked empty, but smoke billowing from the chimney meant someone could be inside. They had to be careful. Things could change at any moment, and someone could open a window or one of the doors in front or back and step outside.

Charlotte and Alex had yet to see Ginger Haus, but Sir Thomas seemed sure they were in the right place. When they looked at him, he signaled to the others, and they rushed to follow.

The group needed to get close enough to peek through one of the windows. The thin, lacy curtains didn’t hide much, which was just as bad as it was good. With minimal coverage, any wayward glance could get them seen, but the material would easily allow them to look through the glass to see what and who was inside.

Alex resisted sighing with relief when they reached the back of the house. Each of them ducked low, placing their backs against the log wall to catch their breath, calm their hearts, and prepare for what came next.

In their current circumstances, Alex was confused about who should take point. The animals had led them there, and he felt confident their time on point was finished. It was between him and Charlotte.

This was now detective work, so he felt it should fall on him. But there was magic all around, and there could be other mystical barriers or traps he might not see that she could.

Reluctantly, Alex looked over, making eye contact with Charlotte. He jerked his head slightly, his eyes darting toward the back window closest to her before meeting her gaze again.

She nodded once before twisting to position herself on her knees, slowly lifting herself to look in through the corner where the curtains were thickest.

The cottage was modest in size, with just one large room divided into different areas. A cozy living space was arranged near the fireplace, a table marked the dining area, and the corner next to it with cabinets and a basin was no doubt the kitchen.

Despite the absence of modern conveniences like running water or electricity, the scent in the air combined with the smoke rising from the chimney made it clear that someone was cooking a meal.

Just a few feet to the right of Charlotte was a door that likely led to a small bedroom—the only other separate space in the home.

The cottage itself looked too small for even the three kidnapped children Charlotte and Alex knew about, let alone the seven Sir Thomas and Cat reported earlier. The small room to the fairy godmother’s right was probably the witch’s room. That is if she ever stayed long at the cottage.

All questions, theories, and assumptions ceased to matter the moment someone walked into view.

Charlotte inhaled sharply, her entire body stiffening. She knew Alex noticed when he immediately scooted closer to her, carefully keeping his head down.

Miss Ginger Haus crossed the large room and sat by the fireplace on a short, three-legged stool. Her long, flowing red hair spilled down her back in sleek waves as she used a long wooden spoon to stir the contents of a large iron pot hanging over the fire.

Bubbles boiled over, hissing as they hit the coals. She moved with ease, seemingly content with her day’s work and whatever she was cooking. To any unknowing person, Charlotte imagined Ginger looked just like anyone else, relaxed and maybe ready to enjoy a meal with others.

But that wasn’t the case at all.

There was nothing normal about a mysterious cottage that shouldn’t exist or the woman inside it.

Charlotte was about to duck back under the windowsill, thinking they needed an official plan to catch the witch now that they’d confirmed where she was. But just before she could, she caught movement inside and paused.

It was a small human child. She stood, reaching high above her to stretch out her body. Charlotte’s brows knit together, and tears threatened to fill her eyes as she saw how young the girl was.

She quickly looked around the cottage, desperate to find the others, as realization struck that she and her companions had indeed found what they were searching for. Once one of them stepped into view, the rest moved further into her line of sight.

Each child was as small as the girl who had just stood to stretch, their ages probably between eight and twelve.

Unable to help herself, Charlotte moved slowly to the left to see better through the open space between the open curtains. It was a risk. She was no longer concealed at all, and if any of them turned, they would surely see her, even in the darkness.

Pillows, blankets, and mats were spread across the floor near the hearth. The spot was close enough to the fire to be warm but far enough to be safe from its flames and out of the witch’s way while she cooked in the cauldron.

Scattered across the room, the children found their places and laid down among the blankets and pillows. The firelight highlighted the dark circles under their eyes, suggesting the toll the ordeal had taken on them.

Ducking back out of sight, Charlotte rested her back against the log wall, a tear spilling down each cheek. Cat crawled closer to rest his giant head on her lap, and she quickly accepted the gesture as she silently let the tears fall.

While the fairy godmother had been searching the room, Alex saw her stiffen the moment she saw something. He’d waited for her to come back down and tell him what she saw, but she continued staring off.

He saw the worry and sadness grip her, her beautiful face twisting in torment, and he couldn’t stand it any longer. While she looked, he’d moved to another rear window and had a look for himself.

Seeing the children alive inside made his heart leap with hope, but he realized then exactly why Charlotte had appeared so broken.

When she finally ducked back down to gather herself, Cat lovingly offering her support, Alex moved on his hands and knees to sit beside her.

“Are you okay,” he whispered in her ear.

She looked at him, forcing a smile as another tear slid down each beautiful cheek. Though she nodded, he knew it was a lie.

The magical hum filling the air, the chatter of birds, the rustle of wildlife, and the snap of the fire from the hearth created enough background noise that he felt confident their whispers would go unheard.

“We’re here. The kids are all there, alive, and there are even more than we knew about. We found them.” He paused before taking a risk and reaching out to gently move a large lock of her hair that had fallen in her face behind her ear. “Everly and Reggie are propped up against the couch with their pillows. I couldn’t make out the other missing child among the others.”

Charlotte had seen Everly and Reggie’s faces on the photos in their case file, which Alex had brought from the police station. When the fairy godmother had peered into the window, she was so stunned by what she saw that she couldn’t recognize any of them. Now that the detective had pointed out their location, she remembered them clearly.

She wondered if the children inside had ever been told the story of Hansel and Gretel. In reality, the gingerbread house witch had been banished, but if the children had been told the fairytale, they would know it ended by pushing the witch into the fire.

I wish they’d push her into the fire, too.

The moment she thought it, she felt terrible to wish such a horrific trauma on a child.

I’ll push the bitch into the flames myself then, she thought angrily. She had no idea if her magic would work here or not, but she damn well knew a swift kick to the gut, throwing the witch into that scalding hot cauldron and down into the flames would work perfectly.

“Sir Thomas and Cat were right,” she breathed, her whispers catching on her tear-filled voice. “There are seven in there.”

Alex nodded. “I counted the same. They’re all thin. Too thin. She’s been starving them. I can’t imagine the pain they’re in.”

Charlotte’s nostrils flared as rage she hadn’t felt before scorched through her veins. The intense power around her licked at her skin, almost magnifying her emotions. That power nearly seemed to call out to her.

The wand in her hand suddenly felt like a knife held to a flame. It burned, and she felt her own power snaking through her body, connecting to the wand in her hand, aching to be of use.

At that moment, all logical thought vacated. The magic and fury engulfed her, swallowing her down as it begged her to act on impulse.

And she had no plans to argue.

No doubt sensing the change in her, Cat jerked back, a low whine escaping him. Alex didn’t need any supernatural abilities to know Cat sensed something off with the fairy godmother, and he needed to do something quickly.

Charlotte moved to stand, and Alex reached for her. The moment his hand touched her skin, a wave of nausea and fear gripped him so hard he jerked back, the feeling almost immediately subsiding.

Repulsion spell, he thought, but she hadn’t spoken any words or wielded her wand.

His eyes widened as his own genuine worry replaced the magically induced fear. “Charlotte!” he whisper-yelled, but as she rose to her full height, he realized this was now out of his hands.

Power radiated off her in waves, and he couldn’t fathom just how much there must have been for him to sense it so clearly, especially over the intense power pressing in on them from all over.

Alex’s eyes darted to Sir Thomas, who stared at her in shock and awe. The talking cat seemed more enamored than worried. It was Cat who seemed just as concerned as the detective. The giant dog lowered his head, shrinking in on himself as he tucked his tail.

With one hand balled into a fist and the other in a death grip around her wand, Charlotte stood just to the side of the cottage window, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Her instincts had taken over, driven by the thought of those terrified, starving children taken from their homes, their families, and their everyday lives. It made her blood boil.

“Charlotte,” Alex called out again softly, but he might as well have whispered to the wind. “Charlotte, get down!”

She showed no sign that she heard him, and he doubted he could gain her attention even if he grabbed both her shoulders and shook the hell out of her. He imagined telling her to stop, grabbing her wrist to steer her away, but he knew it would be useless.

By the time Alex climbed to his feet, Charlotte was already on her way to the back door. Cat stayed low to the ground as he scurried out of her way over to Sir Thomas, watching with wide-eyed surprise.

A confrontation with the redheaded witch was imminent. There was nothing Alex could do to stop the rage-possessed, protective fairy godmother, so he decided to back her up no matter what.

He clicked the safety off on his gun, and a snick echoed behind him, a sound he recognized as Sir Thomas unsheathing his rapier.

Alex had never seen this version of Charlotte before but was truly in awe. And despite all the magic pressing in around them, he was prepared to act if she needed him. Though he wasn’t so sure she’d need any of them with the energy radiating off her right then.

When Charlotte reached the back door, her wand pulsed with energy just as she kicked at the thick door with her boot. Wood splintered, flying in every direction as the door was flung open and off its hinges.

The back door didn’t open into a small bedroom at all, she thought. Good. Let her see retribution coming for her.

Alex’s eyes widened as he watched Charlotte step across the threshold like an avenging spirit, her violet dress and dark cloak billowing around her without the tiniest bit of wind present.

The children screamed and scurried to a far corner in the room, huddling together as Ginger bolted to her feet, spinning to turn wide eyes on Charlotte.

The fairy godmother’s wand pulsed with energy as bright violet light emanated from the end.

Lifting her wand, Charlotte’s normally calm, gentle eyes darkened as they narrowed on the witch. “Move, and you die, witch. This ends today.”

CHAPTER NINE

Alex rushed through the door, moving to stand just to the left of Charlotte, his firearm ready. Sir Thomas confidently marched in, moving to her right and pointing his sword at the witch.

Cat rushed in and darted ahead of everyone like the giant guardian he was. He stopped just feet from Ginger, snarling and snapping in her direction when she tried to move. His black fur stood on end, his eyes ablaze with a stark warning.

Her eyes widened at the sight of the massive Newfoundland growling inches from her face. The witch took a slow step back, leaning away from Cat.

“Wow,” she murmured, a mix of alarm and admiration in her voice. “Not much for conversation, I see.”

Charlotte raised her glowing wand. “When it comes to kids, I’m really not.” Her voice was harsh and cold, much different from what Alex and the others were used to. “I won’t let you harm them anymore.”

“Hold on a moment,” Ginger said.

She nearly took a step forward, but Charlotte moved quickly, taking a large step of her own to stand right beside the growling Newfoundland. She pointed her wand at the center of Ginger Haus’s forehead.

“It would be wise of you to remember we’re both newcomers to this world. Perhaps you’ve picked up a few tricks, but it’s foolish to think I haven’t as well.”

“Okay, wait,” Ginger replied, raising her hands to show she meant no harm. “You’ve got it all wrong.”

Charlotte looked from the witch over to the starving children and back again. “You have seven weak and emaciated children in your possession. The only thing wrong here is you.” The fairy godmother narrowed her eyes. “Detective Taylor, can you take the children outside?”

“With pleasure,” he answered.

Alex lowered his gun but kept it aimed at the floor with the safety off as he made his way to the children. His boots thudded on the wooden floor as he passed the living room, where the heart of the danger was.

When he reached the children, he noticed they were eerily calm. After his group initially burst in, there was no further screaming or panic.

“Hey there,” Detective Taylor greeted softly, pausing a short distance from the corner they’d scurried away to hide in when the fairy godmother blew in. He flipped the safety on his Glock, holstered it, and held his hands up to show the kids that he was unarmed and meant no harm. “My name is Detective Taylor,” he continued calmly. “We’re here to help you, okay? Everything’s going to be all right.”

A girl who appeared to be one of the youngest and smallest of the seven looked up at Alex with a mix of curiosity and confusion. “What’s happening?”

Alex’s heart ached at the sight of them huddled together in such a cramped space. He expected shocked and blank stares, but the youngest girl’s calmness was unexpected. She studied Alex with curiosity, tilting her head.

Alex knelt to be on her level, his demeanor gentle and reassuring. “You’re safe now, sweetheart,” he assured her. “No one’s going to hurt you, and we’ll make sure you all get out of here safely. Okay?”

Ginger let out a sound that was a mix between a groan and a sob as if she were watching him threaten her own children instead of helping those she’d taken.

“Cassandra… This wasn’t supposed to happen. Don’t let him⁠—“

“Quiet,” Charlotte snapped, her tone as threatening as the low growl of the Newfoundland dog beside her.

A burst of violet light shot from her wand and hit Ginger’s raised hand. The witch quickly pulled her hand back with a sharp breath, trying to soothe the sting with her other hand. Despite the jolt of fairy magic, she kept her gaze fixed on the youngest girl, Cassandra.

“It’s just a misunderstanding,” she said quickly, “but we’ll sort it out. I promise you.”

“What did I just say?” Charlotte cut her off. “Don’t speak. These children don’t need to hear your lies.”

“Ginger,” a little boy called from across the living room, “what’s happening?” His tone was laced with confusion. “What is she talking about?”

One look at the boy confirmed to Alex that they had found Reggie Reynolds. The boy’s gaze locked on Ginger’s, and his wide, fearful eyes weren’t for himself or his sister, who sat beside him, gripping his hand tightly.

They were filled with worry…for the witch.

Charlotte heard the boy’s question, yet she remained still. She didn’t utter a word, nor did she need to move her wand. The earlier shot of magic directed at the witch’s hand had been warning enough.

“Ginger?” Reggie asked again, seeking reassurance.

Another boy chimed in now. “Who are these people?” His voice quivered as he sought understanding. “Do you know them?”

“Why are they here?” Reggie asked, his question hanging in the air.

“Did we do something wrong?” a little girl asked.

Soon, several little voices echoed individual worries, questions, and outright fears. They melted together, and neither Alex nor Charlotte could make them out.

Worried the children may be in shock, which would explain all the confusion and their concern for their abductor, Alex moved to get them to safety.

“Everyone, stand up,” he instructed calmly, offering a hand to those who needed it. He slowly made his way toward the front door. “Time to leave, okay? Everyone, follow me. Forget your stuff for now. Everything will be fine.”

“This way, brave children,” Sir Thomas called out, sheathing his sword.

Turning slowly, Sir Thomas moved toward the open door, his rapier moving rhythmically at his side. “Rest assured,” he proclaimed to the children behind him, “everyone will be returned home safely.”

“You can’t!” Ginger cut in, her eyes darting between the bewildered children, the detective and talking cat ushering them out, and the fairy godmother keeping the witch at bay with her wand. “You’re mistaken; this isn’t what it seems!”

“Silence!” Charlotte barked, her voice commanding yet calm. “These children need to be with their families. They’re weak and starving. What it seems is that we got here just in time.”

“Come on, kids,” Alex called out, moving through the cottage. “I’m with the Cincinnati Police. Your families are searching for you. And⁠—“

“A detective is the police? Are we in trouble?”

“Our families?”

“No, no, you can’t!”

“Who sent you?”

The children’s voices rushed out in a flurry of confusion and concern, which only made the situation more chaotic.

“Please! I didn’t bring them here. Please, listen to me, and I can explain everything!” Ginger pleaded. Then, driven by a mix of obvious fear and urgency, the witch charged at the detective.

Charlotte took a deliberate step back to gain momentum and yelled, “Stop!”

Ginger didn’t even pause, and Charlotte acted quickly. Almost effortlessly, with only a minimal flick of her wand born from instinct and years of practice, a streak of silver light burst from Charlotte’s wand with a sharp crack. It quickly stretched out and transformed into a shimmering chain of magical energy.

The chain hurled through the air toward Ginger Haus, wrapping around her and securing her arms to her sides. With a final tug, the chain pulled sharply, causing Ginger to drop to her knees on the floor with a thud.

The cottage fell into a deep hush. The children, along with Alex and Sir Thomas, were silent, unsure of what to make of the scene that had just unfolded.

Even the fairy godmother needed a moment to process what had just occurred. She paused, took a deep breath, and surveyed the reactions of those around her. Then, with another glance, she confirmed the reality of the magic chain tightly wrapped around her captive.

Smiling faintly at the tip of her wand, she muttered, “Well, it’s about time.”

“Come on, kids,” Alex urged, shaking off his initial shock and focusing on the task at hand. “Follow me. It won’t be long before you’re reunited with your families.”

“Do you even know who our parents are?” Everly Reynolds challenged, her eyes flashing with skepticism. “You wouldn’t talk like that if you knew them.”

“What will happen to Ginger?” another child asked, concern in their voice.

“Please, don’t hurt Ginger!” yelled a boy.

Another girl sobbed. “Ginger, don’t die.”

Confusion crept up Charlotte’s spine as she stared into the children’s eyes. They looked genuinely terrified on her behalf. But why? She’d taken them from their families, sequestered them away in a mythical cabin in the woods, and clearly allowed them to become malnourished.

“Alex,” she mouthed in his direction while Ginger’s gaze was focused on the children.

He shook his head. “I thought it was shock at first, but it might be Stockholm Syndrome.” When the fairy godmother looked at him with apparent confusion, he continued. “Where an abducted person develops feelings of love, familial or romantic, for their captor. Basically, she takes them, gives them the bare minimum, and brainwashes them into believing they love her.”

“No!” Ginger yelled. “That’s not what’s happening here! I swear!” That last part she cried out with a sob.

Charlotte shook her head, clearing herself of the thoughts. She trusted Alex’s assessment far more than the witch’s, especially since Alex came from a world where they studied the human mind closely.

The fairy godmother leveled a glare at the redheaded witch. “I knew who you were from the moment I entered your candy shop. I knew you were responsible for these disappearances.”

“Given where I kneel and where you stand, I highly doubt you really know who I am,” Ginger said with an unamused chuckle. “You never even bothered to ask, and now you’re about to make a huge mistake.”

“Enough!” Charlotte raised her wand, ready to silence the witch.

Suddenly, the youngest child in the cottage, Cassandra, sprang into action. Moving faster than anyone expected, she darted across the room and threw herself in front of Ginger, who was bound on the floor.

“No!” Cassandra shouted, collapsing into the witch’s lap and wrapping her arms around the older woman. “You can’t do this!”

Charlotte stepped back, startled by the unexpected intense emotion in the young girl’s eyes.

“Sweetheart, I know it’s hard for you to understand, but Ginger isn’t who you think she is.” She paused, sighing as her brows knit together in sympathy for the child. “You know her as your piano teacher, but in reality, she’s the gingerbread house witch from another world called EverAfter. She’s put many children from EverAfter in danger. Have you heard of Hansel and Gretel?”

“Oh, for the love of—“ Ginger muttered, rolling her eyes before allowing her head to fall forward in frustration. After a couple of moments, she lifted her eyes to Charlotte’s. “Seriously? That’s what this is about?” Disbelief laced her voice.

Charlotte nodded. “That’s the heart of it. I wasn’t in EverAfter to see it myself, but I know the story. How you tricked Hansel and Gretel into your woodland house, captured them, and fed them sweets, all while planning to use them for your own gain.”

Ginger let out a heavy sigh, her expression turning to one of deep disappointment, even as she remained wrapped in magical chains. “You too?” Her tone confirmed a mixture of sadness and frustration. “The guild still spreads those stories, huh? Even to their new recruits? They told you the same horror story they told everyone else before sending me away.”

“It doesn’t matter what you say⁠—“

“It’s a conspiracy! It’s all lies!” Ginger cried out. “You are a soldier for the wrong people, Fairy Godmother.”

Charlotte paused, a frown forming as she rapidly blinked, surprise causing her to lower her wand slightly.

“A conspiracy?” she repeated, her tone incredulous. “Are you suggesting there’s a conspiracy within the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild?”

Ginger sighed, an expression that Charlotte thought might have been sympathy if the woman wearing it were anyone else.

“Oh, you poor thing,” Ginger responded, her eyes wide as she looked up at the fairy godmother. She shook her head slowly, a mix of pity and sadness in her gaze. “I’m so sorry. You’ve been caught up in this too, haven’t you? You’re a victim as well. All this time, you thought you were doing the right thing—following your instincts, serving the greater good, and protecting the innocent every chance you got.”

Charlotte found herself without words. The idea was so unexpected, so wildly unbelievable, that it left her momentarily speechless.

“That sounds quite unlikely to me,” Sir Thomas chimed in from the cottage’s doorway. “I wouldn’t dare to choose for you, my lady,” he said with a small bow of his head, “but at your command, I’ll deal with this witch as she deserves.”

“I’m sure you would,” Ginger responded, an edge to her voice, “Swashbuckler.” She met Sir Thomas’s gaze with a slight tilt of her head.

The cat’s green eyes narrowed as he aimed his sword at her once again. “Witch with a sharp tongue,” he accused.

“Thank you, Sir Thomas,” Charlotte interjected, her voice even but her mind racing. “I’ll handle this,” she declared firmly.

Sir Thomas seemed unsure, but he bowed his head once again. “As you wish.” He lowered his rapier, leaving it ready at his side.

With her heart thumping loudly and the sound of her blood rushing in her ears, Charlotte turned back to the bound witch. She slowly walked over, kneeling in front of Ginger and the small, defiant girl guarding her.

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, making sure she had Ginger’s attention. “Tell me everything you know about the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild.”

CHAPTER TEN

Ginger moved off her knees as Charlotte assisted her to her feet so the bound witch could once again sit on the stool by the hearth. Once seated, she sighed in relief and stretched out her legs.

“Thank you.”

Charlotte stepped back, training her wand on Ginger from several feet away. “Your comfort is largely dependent on the information you have. Things don’t add up, and we need answers.”

With a nod, Ginger began. “Everything I know comes from my own experiences. These are things I saw for myself. Outside of that, I can’t offer anything more. And while I know my next words will have no bearing on whether or not you believe me, I will tell you what I’m about to say is fact. Though, I highly doubt any of your superiors would tell you such things.”

Charlotte nodded. “Begin whenever you’re ready.”

The red-haired witch glanced again at the tip of the fairy godmother’s glowing wand aimed at her forehead. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you lower your wand, Fairy Godmother? It would be a shame to frighten the kids before we even start.”

Charlotte pointed her wand at the floor, closer to Ginger’s feet. “This is as good as it gets. I won’t put it away.”

Ginger nodded slowly. “I wouldn’t ask you to. I appreciate the compromise.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Charlotte responded, her voice edged with irritation.

After taking a moment to calm down and reassess the situation in the cottage, she was ready to hear what Ginger had to say. She also felt less driven to punish the witch, now considering the possibility that Ginger might not be guilty of any crimes at all. The children’s need to cry out for her, vouch for her, and even physically protect her was too much to ignore.

Still, Charlotte was cautious, unwilling to take unnecessary risks with the witch, especially with the children around.

As she pondered the children’s fate, her gaze swept across the room and locked with Alex’s. “Alex,” she began, her voice steady, “would you still take the children outside for me?”

Alex shook his head firmly. “I don’t think I have a choice in the matter.”

One of the children stepped forward, determination on his face. “We’re staying right here.”

A girl joined him, holding his hand. “You can’t make us go,” she insisted. “We don’t want to leave.”

Moving to stand shoulder to shoulder with the others, another boy added, “We’re sticking with Ginger.”

Alex gave a subtle shrug. He wanted to follow her lead, but Alex couldn’t force seven children to stay outside if they didn’t want to. Not without scaring them, which wasn’t an option. They’d been through enough. Charlotte was no longer sure what their next move should be.

The fairy godmother’s centuries of experience had served her well. She’d faced countless challenging situations and had always trusted her instincts to guide her through. Up until now, they’d never led her astray.

This time, however, she faced doubt for the first time in ages. The possibility that she was wrong about Ginger Haus—a woman she’d suspected was a notorious EverAfteran villain—was slim but not impossible. Her emotions seemed real, but it was just as possible she was stalling, buying time until she could figure out what to do.

That still didn’t explain the children’s undying loyalty though.

After considering the advantages and disadvantages, Charlotte nodded at Alex. “The children can stay while we talk.” She stepped back and further relaxed her arm that held the wand. “That’s all we’re doing. Just talking.”

She turned and focused on Ginger’s green eyes. Impressively, the witch didn’t look away. With a subtle twist of her wand, the silver chains that had ensnared Ginger began to loosen. They slipped to the ground and vanished with a flash of light and a cloud of sparkling silver dust that quickly faded away.

“Thank you,” Ginger said, her voice quiet as she met Charlotte’s steady gaze.

She turned to Cassandra, the youngest child in the cottage, who had bravely rushed to protect Ginger at the first sign of trouble and stood near her still. Ginger touched the girl’s shoulder lightly and guided her to the side.

“Go sit with the others,” she instructed. “You heard the fairy godmother. It’s time for the adults to talk now.”

Cassandra glanced suspiciously at Charlotte, moved a few steps away, and paused. “Do I have to close my eyes and cover my ears, too?”

Despite the tension in the cottage and the dangers surrounding her, Ginger let out a gentle chuckle at the young girl’s question. “Only if you wish to,” she said with ease. “Now off you go, back to the others.”

The girl, still wary of Charlotte, Alex, and Sir Thomas, did as told and moved across the cottage to where the other children quietly waited for the conversation to unfold. Unlike the others, she seemed more trusting of Cat, who stood from his watchful position.

As she neared, he licked his jowls and wagged his tail, offering her the puppy dog eyes he’d perfected since becoming a dog. To further show her he meant no harm, he rolled onto his back, giving the girl access to his belly. This friendly gesture drew Cassandra’s attention. She paused, reached out, and gently touched Cat’s shiny black nose.

He warmly sniffed her hand, his tail wagging faster before giving her fingers a gentle lick. Cassandra’s giggle broke the silence, and the other children at the back of the room smiled. A couple even moved to join them as Cat stood and walked by the girl’s side while she returned to her peers. It looked as if he’d always been her loyal companion.

As they walked by Sir Thomas, the adventurous cat stared at his furry black friend, his mouth wide open in surprise. He soon regained his composure and said, “Well, of course not. Jealousy isn’t a good look for anyone, you know. And yes, if extra pets are to be had, I’d be silly to say no.”

The Newfoundland quickly became the star among the seven children at the back of the cottage. They surrounded him, stroking his fur and offering their hands for him to sniff or lick. They delighted in scratching him behind the ears and down his back. Within moments, he was lying on the floor, basking in their affection.

After just a few short seconds of watching, Sir Thomas headed over to the kids with a spring in his step. As he passed Alex, who looked at him skeptically, the cat lifted a paw and gestured toward the large group.

“It’s all for the kids, Detective.” His eyes drifted from Alex to Charlotte and back again. “After all, a little fun might do them some good for a while.”

Without another word, Sir Thomas made his way over to the group. Alex watched him join Cat and the other kids on the floor. They played with the large dog and the strange talking cat that walked on two legs. It seemed that was enough to make them laugh and forget their worries, giving Charlotte and Ginger the chance to speak without too many interruptions.

Alex shook his head, moving away from the playful group to stand by the open front door. From there, he could watch over everyone while giving them their space, ready to act if any new danger appeared outside the cottage.

He leaned against the wall next to the door, arms crossed over his chest as his legs crossed at the ankles. Deep down, he felt that whatever Ginger had to say would change everything for Charlotte, and it made him worry.

It was highly possible she was just spewing lies to protect herself and confuse the fairy godmother, but Alex’s gut told him otherwise. He had a feeling everything she was about to say would be true, but he decided to leave that judgment to Charlotte.

Ginger pointed to the iron kettle over the fire, offering warmth and the promise of dinner. “Would you like to join us?” she asked.

Alex frowned at the kettle. “That’s not enough for all those kids,” he said. “There’s no way you have extra for us, even if we wanted to eat with you.”

The red-haired woman flashed him the same overly sweet smile that had annoyed him when they first met in her candy shop. It seemed like ages since they’d met her. Now that they were surrounded by seven children who showed no desire to leave, it made her smile slightly less irritating.

“You’re so kind, detective,” she said gently. “Here you are, a human battling for justice in your own city, for your very own people. And now, you find yourself entwined in EverAfteran affairs amidst magic and darkness. After all you must have seen by now, do you really believe a tiny cottage in a forest clearing, brimming with enchantment, is too cramped for the eight of us? Or that a single-person cauldron can’t provide a meal for more?” Her smile briefly widened as she shifted her gaze to Charlotte.

“We agreed to talk about what you know concerning the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild,” Charlotte reminded her.

Ginger gave a slow nod, her eyes scanning the fairy godmother from head to toe. “I saw through you the moment you entered my shop, and yet you managed to convince everyone that you survived the banishment and emerged here with no recollection of your true identity. I must admit, your performance is quite remarkable.”

Although Charlotte noticed the witch’s repeated efforts to change the topic, she couldn’t suppress a brief smile.

She nodded at the witch. “Thanks for the compliment.” With a wave of her hand, she indicated it was time for Ginger Haus to proceed. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind…”

Now that they’d found them, Charlotte’s interest was less about the seven children in the witch’s hidden cottage and more about her own role in the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild. She wondered what truths her leaders had kept from her or what might be missing from the Guild’s narrative.

Charlotte was ready to press harder for answers if needed, but she felt that wouldn’t work with Ginger. Her instincts were usually right about people, but Ginger had managed to shake her.

Now, she just had to figure out if pieces to an entirely new puzzle were missing.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“There aren’t many who know the full, true story. You might be the first to hear it all, Fairy Godmother.” Ginger cleaned the ladle that had fallen to the floor in the moments just after Charlotte burst through the door.

“I’ll start by confirming your suspicion. Yes, I am the one you call the gingerbread house witch.” She sat on the stool once more, setting the ladle aside and stirring the contents of the cauldron with the large wooden spoon inside. “Quite the name, isn’t it? Whoever invented it…” She shook her head. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. I’ve been in Cincinnati for so many years I’ve lost count of them. They’ve flown by so fast and yet so slow.

“My real name is Ada Albrecht, but that name doesn’t ring a bell for most. I doubt it’s been used much. That’s not the way stories work, right? The so-called villain gets her comeuppance, the heroes are celebrated and revered, and nobody really digs into the reasons those things happened, do they? Not in our world anyway.

“In this world, they have psychology. They study the human mind and dissect why people do what they do. Criminal investigations look for motives, and the following hearings will argue about those motives. But where we come from? They don’t care about the truth. That being said, I have found one similarity in our worlds. No one questions how history is shaped by those who benefit from it the most. In this world, it’s called government. In ours… Well, it’s called something else, isn’t it, Fairy Godmother?”

Their side of the room remained silent as Alex and Charlotte listened intently. The children giggled and played quietly with Cat and Sir Thomas across the room. Ginger, or Ada, stared into the pot she stirred like it held all the answers in the world. She seemed lost in her memories as she spoke.

“Where the story of the evil gingerbread house witch began…” She sighed. “Hansel and Gretel approached me willingly, eager to find a way to retaliate against their father. They perceived him as overbearing despite his deep love for them. Rules set by their father, like a curfew or a bedtime, felt like constraints to their burgeoning spirits. They yearned to express themselves freely and thought their father’s rules were more restrictive than those of other parents in the village.

“Contrary to the tale you know, any version of it, they were not lost. They didn’t stumble upon a cruel, hideous witch in the forest. There was no house made of sugary treats to tempt them. They sought me out. They weren’t a victim of trickery, but adventurers by choice, looking for a way to assert their independence.”

Ginger laughed softly, her head nodding as she remembered. There was a hint of bitterness in her tone, but she gently pushed a lock of her bright, curly red hair back from her face.

“I was so happy to see two kids show up at my door,” she shared, her gaze fixed on the ground. “I’d been alone in those woods for a while. A relative of mine had trapped me there, and I couldn’t call for help or leave on my own without an escort. When you think of the word escort, you might picture a strong young man who could fend off wild animals or was capable of defending us against a group of thieves. However, all I needed to leave the house in the woods was someone who wanted to go somewhere with me. It was quite the twist for a witch who already had trust issues. Those issues grew worse after I trusted my relative and ended up bound by magic to a house in the woods that wasn’t even mine. But that’s a story for another time.”

She took a deep breath before continuing. “Hansel and Gretel arrived that day, their eyes wide with wonder and smiles on their faces. They asked if I had anything to eat, explaining they’d been walking all day and were famished. Naturally, I gave them all I could spare. They were children who had emerged from the forest and were the first people I’d seen since that awful curse was cast upon me. Of course, I was grateful for the company.

“For three days, I poured my heart into caring for them. I cooked them meals from scratch, foraged for fresh ingredients in the woods, and repaired their clothes. I let them sleep in my bed while I made do with a makeshift bed on the floor for myself. I even listened as they grumbled about their father, making him sound like a tyrant.”

Ginger’s head fell forward, her brows knitting together as she recalled the past. “However, as it turned out, they were masterful at spinning tales. Liars. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that at the time, and I decided to help them, driven by both a sense of pity for their hardship and a longing to end my unbearable isolation. Then, they revealed their true intentions. They wanted me to come with them to their village to cast a spell on their father, a spell that would either end his life or strip him of his power over them. ‘It’s your choice, witch,’ they said, leaving the decision up to me.

“I was crushed. I truly believed I was about to leave that old cottage behind. I thought my wait was over when those two bright-eyed, strong-willed children stumbled upon my part of the woods. They seemed so kind, and I needed someone like them to break free from that place.”

Ginger dipped the ladle into the pot before pulling it free. She blew a few times into it before giving it a small taste. A small mmm escaped her before she dipped the ladle into a bucket of water to rinse it, tapped it off, then set it aside before stirring the contents with the large wooden spoon.

“I didn’t blame their father. As far as I was concerned, his actions were those of a caring father. And because of that, they didn’t help me leave the woods. We parted ways, but I held on to hope the right person would find me eventually.”

An unamused chuckle escaped Ginger. “And soon after, my prayers were received. Someone did, in fact, find me—a messenger from the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild. They had precise directions to my secluded spot in the forest. I’ll give you two guesses on who gave the guild those directions, but I have a feeling you’ll only need one.”

Ginger’s attention was pulled across the room when one of the children giggled as Cat licked his hand and tackled him with snuggles. The witch smiled warmly, but it faded quickly as sadness took over her expression. Her eyes wandered to the floor again for several quiet moments before she shook her head of the terrible memories.

“The emissary told me a tale, which was exactly what it was because it held no truth. It came straight from the mouths of two children named Hansel and Gretel, whose father loved them dearly.” She emphasized the last part as she turned to give Alex and Charlotte an almost sarcastic smile. “You see, in their story, their father was a kind, loving man, and I was the wicked witch who enchanted them to get lost in the woods.

“They’d told the guild I tricked them into my house made of delicious candy and let them eat as much as they wanted. Gorging themselves until they couldn’t eat another bite on their own. At that point, I supposedly captured them, locked them away, and force-fed them sweets. Sometime after, they said I tried to push Hansel—while still alive—into my kiln that was large enough for a boy or a fully grown witch.”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head at the story’s ridiculousness.

“At first, I tried to convince myself it was some kind of cruel prank, maybe set up by my distant cousin. But those hopes died the moment the envoy from the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild gave me an ultimatum. My first choice was to go to Hansel and Gretel’s village and admit to all the terrible things they said I did during the short time the kids were with me, which was all lies except that they’d been in my cottage.

“My other choice was banishment. I would have to leave EverAfter and never return to the world I knew. I knew if I chose to go, it was obvious there would be no one to oppose the tale of the gingerbread house witch preying on children before being outsmarted by them. Those awful children and even the guild would tell that tale, which would go on forever. But what choice did I have? Regardless, the story lived on, either by my own admission or by the lies of others. So, I chose truth. I chose banishment.”

As she spoke those last words, a frown curved her lips as she looked back at Charlotte.

The fairy godmother swallowed hard, searching the other woman’s eyes for any sign of lies. But she found none. Ginger seemed heartbroken and angry to relive the tale. Charlotte couldn’t imagine a story inflicting that much pain without it being true.

Alex looked at the witch through new eyes. EverAfter, the name of their world, suddenly seemed to take on a different meaning for him. It no longer sounded like a magical place or a happy ending. Instead, it seemed like a horrible fate to avoid at all costs.

“I’m sure you can imagine why I couldn’t confess to being a wicked witch, a child-eater.” Ginger’s lower lip quivered before she spoke her next words. Charlotte’s chest tightened, indeed knowing what she was about to say. “All I ever wanted was to have children of my own to love.”

The saddest smile the fairy godmother had ever seen pulled at the corners of Ginger’s mouth as a tear spilled down each cheek.

“I wanted a family. I wanted babies to kiss who grew into toddlers that I would chase around the cottage. Toddlers who grew into children and then teenagers who I taught all the little things I’d learned growing up and as a woman. Instead, I was forced to accept banishment and face an unknown fate. It didn’t feel like a choice at all. What it did feel like was death. All hopes of ever having the life I dreamed of died that day.”

The broken woman before them wiped away her tears and smoothed her hair back over her shoulders as she tried to compose herself.

She cleared her throat before continuing. “The next morning, a group of Fairy Godmothers’ Guild soldiers came to my door. The curse was lifted, and they led me out of the clearing. I felt the weight of that curse lift, and oh, how I’d longed to feel it. But it was no time for celebration. There was nothing to be happy about at all. In fact, at that moment, I wished to have that curse back. At least then I would still live in the cottage that hadn’t started as mine but had eventually come to feel like home. I would’ve had hope a kind man might have stumbled upon my place and set me free. That we could have fallen in love and had a family.”

More tears fell now as she stared down at her hands, her fingers fidgeting with one another absentmindedly.

“My sentence went through quickly, which was strange because the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild usually took a long time to decide on a punishment. Somehow, my case was rushed through without a chance for me to defend myself, share my side, or suggest that those rotten kids might have lied for their own gain. As retribution for a betrayal that simply didn’t exist. But there those soldiers were, ready to carry out their orders, and carry them out they did.

“They opened the banishment portal and forced me through without a second thought. I wasn’t even given an opportunity to say any last words as a prisoner in this world would be before…” She trailed off, her eyes wandering over to the kids to ensure they were distracted. She swiped her thumb across her neck. “You know.”

Charlotte nodded, her brows furrowed as she listened to Ginger’s shaky voice.

“What happened to Hansel and Gretel after that, I can’t say. I ended up here, and it was very different back then. I’ve been here so long that cottages with thatched roofs were still used. I don’t remember much from back then aside from that. I’ve blocked it all out due to what I now know was crippling depression. But I remember feeling abandoned, realizing no one could or would save me. I was alone again, only this time without my land, my people, and especially without my magic. That was my new reality.”

She might have seemed lost in fond memories if it weren’t for her tightly clenched jaw and her hands slowly forming fists in her lap.

“That feels like another lifetime,” she told the Fairy Godmother. “I suppose in mortal terms, it was several. Unfortunately, what I’ve told you is the truth they’ve hidden. It’s the truth they don’t want you to know. And I hope you can look into my eyes and see just how sorry I am for that.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

The cottage became silent in an instant. Even the sounds of the children huddled around Cat and Sir Thomas faded away. Alex straightened from where he’d been leaning against the wall by the door. Ginger had ensnared him with her story.

Charlotte paid close attention to the redheaded woman’s every word, comparing them against the stories she knew. She watched Ginger Haus’s body language, noting which parts of her tale seemed to stir her emotions the most.

With centuries of experience and training by the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild in discerning truth from tales, Charlotte had all the information she needed. She’d listened to the entire story and felt ready to pass her judgment.

Charlotte was partly convinced that she just heard the accurate tale of Hansel and Gretel for the first time. That Ginger was the actual witch who had encountered Hansel and Gretel in the EverAfter woods, the same one woven into the fabric of that fairytale from the start.

Deep down, the fairy godmother was convinced that the witch had spoken the truth. The tale was nothing more than that. Fiction. Lies. This version—Ginger’s version—was the real one, and Charlotte doubted anyone else outside of the guild knew about it.

As Ginger had said, the only person who could deny it and fight the allegations was banished. Even if she hadn’t chosen banishment, Ginger would have been paraded through town, forced to speak lies under the guise of keeping the townspeople safe.

To teach Charlotte about law enforcement and the things that come after, Alex once gave her a lesson about cases she now thought sounded very similar to Ginger’s.

An example he gave was about a father stealing food from a store for his children in need.

He could take a deal offered by the opposing attorney to plead guilty, which would mean receiving less time in prison. In the court of public opinion, pleading guilty told the world that he did it without a doubt. The downside was that it might seem to the public that he did so for selfish gain, not as a necessity.

He could also plead innocent. It gave him the chance to plead his case and win, resulting in being free. However, because of cameras in the human world, the father would more than likely be found guilty and possibly receive a worse sentence because he didn’t take the deal offered to him earlier and plead guilty.

He said it was designed to close cases quickly.

Listening to Ginger’s story, Charlotte thought it sounded much the same. She was damned if she did, damned if she didn’t. EverAfterans would consider her guilty either way. She chose the path she felt most comfortable with.

However, as a fairy godmother of the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild and a guardian of magical law and order, Charlotte struggled with the witch’s story. The idea that her colleagues could be involved in something so terrible seemed wrong.

“That isn’t the role of the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild,” Charlotte asserted. “They aren’t supposed to pressure someone into admitting to crimes they didn’t commit just to move things along quickly for the citizens of EverAfter or to save the reputation of two kids who weren’t hurt to begin with. It isn’t right to turn someone who’s a victim themselves into a villain. This whole thing is just…unbelievable. I can hardly wrap my head around it.”

The witch’s expression was gentle when the fairy godmother’s gaze met Ginger’s again. She seemed to understand what Charlotte was struggling with. She gave Charlotte a small, weary smile that still held a glimmer of hope despite the dire situation she found herself in.

“And that’s the reality, Fairy Godmother,” Ginger offered sadly. “You’re very right. It shouldn’t have happened.” She paused, inhaling through her nose before sighing deeply. “But it did.”

“I’m sorry, I just can’t fully believe it,” Charlotte whispered, her confusion deepening as she tried to piece together the puzzle. “It can’t be true.” That last part was said more to herself than to the room as she tried to convince herself.

“Well,” Ginger replied, “I’m not surprised to hear doubt. It isn’t often I get to tell my side; when I do, it’s hard for people to accept it as truth.”

“I just can’t figure it out,” Charlotte said, shaking her head. “As long as I have been a fairy godmother, the guild has never just thrown ultimatums at people. It goes against our training. We bring the villains and wrongdoers to the guild headquarters for a trial of sorts so we can decide their fate together.”

“Yes,” Ginger replied, nodding slowly while her weary smile remained. “That’s also what I believed the guild stood for when EverAfter was my home. However, that isn’t how things played out for me. They didn’t give me that opportunity. They gave me two horrible decisions to choose from, and I chose the one I thought was the lesser of two evils.”

Charlotte worried that everything she knew about her life’s purpose now stood on shaky ground. She watched the other woman closely. There was no hint of deceit in Ginger’s eyes; she genuinely believed what she was saying.

And if she wasn’t a sinister witch, that meant her words were likely true. The possibility of that could change everything.

Alex shifted, bringing her back to the present. His gaze focused on the witch. “What about the children?” he asked.

Ginger shifted her attention away from Charlotte to Alex. She offered him a smile. “What about the children, Detective?”

“Why are they here?” Alex asked. “I understand feeling unjustly labeled as the villain in the tale of Hansel and Gretel. But if you’re innocent, if you truly meant to help those kids, then what’s your purpose now? Why are there so many children in this cottage?”

She seemed surprisingly calm. “If you listened closely enough, I suppose you might have guessed. Though I’m not exactly surprised that you missed it. These children are here because… Well⁠—“

“She always wanted kids of her own,” Charlotte interrupted, finally piecing together the bits of the story as they started to fit together in her mind. “She could never have them in EverAfter. Not with the curse that trapped her in that clearing forever, effectively cutting off any possible way of her meeting someone, and especially not after what Hansel and Gretel did to her.”

Ginger grinned, her green eyes sparkling with delight and a touch of mischief as she looked at the fairy godmother. “I didn’t think I’d ever see the day when a fairy godmother would understand anything about me, but here we are. I’d say this is a step in the right direction.”

“I never claimed to see things your way,” Charlotte scoffed. “Despite disagreeing with your methods, I understand why you’d think this is the only way to mend the deep wounds you’ve carried for centuries. I can hardly fathom what it’s like for the guild to target you directly. That is, if your story was true, and I haven’t yet decided if I believe that part yet, though I do believe the rest.”

Ginger threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, I’m quite sure you can do more than just imagine it. If I were to take a guess, I’d say you’re in the midst of a similar struggle yourself at this very moment.”

Alex’s brows furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing,” Charlotte answered, her eyes locked with the witch’s. “She’s just trying to throw us off.”

“Am I, though?” Ginger asked, tilting her head a bit to the side. “The story I know best is my own, of course. But yours, Fairy Godmother, shares a surprising number of similarities. You might want to revisit those similarities in the coming days. It could help you remember why you felt it was so crucial to continue fighting for a world that seemed to have given up on you.”

“Knock it off. We both know I’m not the one being investigated here,” Charlotte scolded while keeping her voice even. She hid her inner turmoil well, though she felt conflicted inside. “You’re right to feel hurt by what happened to you, but it doesn’t justify kidnapping innocent kids. These children don’t know our world, and it’s wrong to take them from their lives to satisfy your desire to have a family.”

The witch opened her arms slightly, seemingly unbothered by Charlotte’s words as she grinned. “You don’t have to tell me, Fairy Godmother. I agree with you. I would never take children from a world they felt comfortable in and place them in ours, one they didn’t understand.”

Alex sighed, annoyed with the witch going around in circles. “This is the last time I’ll ask. I’m not nearly as patient as the fairy godmother you’re talking down to. Why do the children seem to care so much for you? Why are they here if you agree with Charlotte so much?”

Ginger’s laughter echoed throughout the cottage again. “You really think I snatched them, don’t you? That I crept into their homes, pulled them from their little beds, and whisked them away in the night? And for what? So I can pretend I have a real family? To settle a score in this world carried over from EverAfter?”

She scoffed and rolled her eyes as she shook her head. “Your powers of deduction aren’t that great, Detective. You’re no Sherlock Holmes, that’s for sure.”

Alex’s nostrils flared, and he stepped forward, but Charlotte raised a hand. She stepped forward and leaned over, lowering her voice to ensure only the adults heard her.

“Alex may not be able to carry seven children out of here to give us privacy, but I can assure you he can throw you over his shoulder while I aim my wand at the back of your head while we walk outside. Try again.”

Charlotte rose and took a step back. Her eyes briefly wandered over to Alex to find his expression rather amused.

The witch inhaled sharply and blew it out. “Fine. Have it your way. The answer is no, Detective. Everything I’ve done here, I also would’ve done in EverAfter. Take a moment to think here. Just look at them. Do they seem unhappy or scared to you? Are they frightened of me in any way? What about this lifestyle? Do they seem at all bothered by it? Or do they seem…comfortable to you?”

Charlotte kept her eyes fixed on the witch, wary of any deception. Still, in this instance, it seemed no such trickery was afoot.

When no one spoke, Ginger continued. “I have never made these kids do anything they didn’t want to. If they ever want to return to their families, they’re free to. I told them I’d even give them a ride back, but they never ask. Talk to any of them, Detective. See what their lives were like before they met me.”

She readjusted on the stool to see Alex better. “When you came to my shop, you were looking for Everly and Reggie, right?” She pointed to the children huddled around Cat and Sir Thomas. “I was honest with you about them. They’re good kids. But what’s waiting for them at home? A caring family worried sick about them? Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or siblings who can’t sleep because Everly and Reggie aren’t in their beds? No. And you know that for a fact because you told me you’d interviewed them. They’re horrible people. They treat those kids like…”

Her voice trailed off momentarily, her eyes wandering over to the kids before moving back to Alex. “Well, you know what they treat them like. Do you really think they’re better there?”

That was twice Charlotte had caught the witch censoring herself on the kids’ behalf despite the fact they were busy playing with Sir Thomas and Cat. That told the fairy godmother the witch cared about the children. If she couldn’t even bring herself to say a curse word in front of them, she couldn’t imagine the woman hurting them.

Still, it was hard to absorb everything they’d discussed. It was far more information than she had ever imagined.

Alex struggled, too. He couldn’t bring himself to respond to the witch’s probing because he knew she had a point from the start. Annette and Marcus Reynolds immediately struck him as off-putting. He noticed how indifferent they were about their missing grandchildren and even displayed a lack of concern that unsettled him.

He couldn’t deny that Everly and Reggie would likely suffer if they returned to their grandparents, who hadn’t even bothered to report them missing. That task was left to a neighbor who cared more about their well-being than their blood relatives.

The detective wondered if the Reynolds elders hoped their grandchildren would stay lost, which would explain why they didn’t file a report. After all, Annette Reynolds had practically admitted to him that they were better off gone.

Ginger’s smile bloomed again as if she saw his inner battle. “No, I didn’t think so. Because you know it isn’t true. Your eyes say enough. You’re one of the good ones. The fairy godmother must value having someone like you around, especially with what’s coming her way when⁠—“

“We’re not talking about me,” Charlotte snapped, cutting the witch off.

Her wand, which had been pointing at the ground while Ginger spoke, raised slightly. It wasn’t exactly a threat, but it wasn’t casual either.

Charlotte needed to hold herself together. They weren’t done here, so it was crucial to proceed cautiously. Being too impulsive could be dangerous, and that wasn’t who she was, nor the kind of fairy godmother she wanted to be.

As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she found herself thinking about the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild and her colleagues. They were the individuals who welcomed her, mentored her, and encouraged her to go out and spread goodness in the world, no matter the place.

But now, thoughts of her fellow dedicated protectors and civil servants of the EverAfteran realm caused a lump to form in her stomach. What Ginger said about the guild troubled Charlotte. Despite her reluctance, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that there might be truth in the witch’s claims, and that realization was deeply unsettling.

“I didn’t take these children, but I did take them in,” Ginger explained. “They were lost with no place to call home and no one who seemed to care. They were sad and unable to muster even a flicker of hope in their lives because of the hands they were dealt. Uprooted from the only place they’d ever known and dropped into another. It was worse than even you can imagine, Detective, though I think the good fairy godmother can.”

Her eyes briefly wandered over to Charlotte, and the witch’s expression sent a chill through her. The fairy godmother’s brows furrowed as goosebumps spread along her skin.

No…

There’s no way…

Alex sighed with obvious annoyance. “Yes, the Reynolds children lived with their grandparents instead of their parents. I haven’t looked into the other four you have because I didn’t even know they were missing. Did they come from foster homes?”

Charlotte couldn’t move. She couldn’t speak.

Not foster homes, Alex, she thought, wishing she could say the words.

Ginger smirked. “Play along, Detective, and listen closely. Imagine how it must feel to be pulled from the only world you’ve ever known, only to be placed in a completely new environment that promises better things. Instead, you quickly discover that your family—the same one you moved to the new place with—is still just that. The same. Living in a brand-new, exciting place doesn’t change your family. It doesn’t make them love you differently or in the way you always deserved. They still can’t be bothered to give you even basic human decency.”

“Wait, hold on,” Alex interjected. “Keep your topics straight. You’re comparing their situation to yours.”

“Really, detective?” she replied with a chuckle. “Is that what you think?”

Alex shook his head. “Yes, I do. You’re comparing being in foster care to what you went through. It’s very different.”

Charlotte’s gaze drifted away from the redheaded witch to the group of children. She took in their forms, realizing then that only a few of them were sickly looking. The three known abducted children from Alex’s case files looked healthier.

Her eyes fixed on the wall near the warm fireplace without really seeing it. As much as she didn’t want to believe what the witch was saying, it was hard to deny now.

The guild had shaped Charlotte’s identity and the path she took in life. She’d trusted them with every fiber of her being, only to learn now it was all an illusion, a lie dressed in pretty robes.

“All these children,” Charlotte began with a trembling voice as she turned to look at Alex. “They’re all from EverAfter.”

A brief smile appeared on Alex’s face before it vanished. “Really? They’re EverAfteran? I didn’t take you for the joking type in a situation like this.”

Charlotte shook her head. “It’s no laughing matter, Alex,” she responded gravely. “Ginger has been trying to tell us. The Fairy Godmothers’ Guild hasn’t just been exiling villains. They’ve been sending entire families through that portal.”

His brows furrowed as he straightened. She saw the confusion and even a bit of fear in his eyes. “But these kids…” He shook his head and turned his gaze from her to the children and back again. “No. That’s impossible. They’re part of the community. They go to school here.”

Ginger stood now, and Charlotte made no effort to stop her. “Yes, Detective. However, that’s because they’ve been here long enough to build a life. Like I have been here long enough to build a life.” She gestured toward the children. “Everly and Reggie slipped through the cracks because their grandparents didn’t bother with them. Their situation is uncommon. Most families try to settle in. Some, however, have misused their power, neglecting the children and leaving them to struggle on their own. Those are the children I take in. Those are the children I save.”

The witch offered a tight smile. “What happens next is up to you.”

“So, what do we do with her?” Sir Thomas asked, lounging on his back amid the cluster of children. It seemed he’d listened in with his superior hearing while still receiving pets.

Alex frowned at the cat before turning back to Charlotte. “I think I have an idea.” He turned to Ginger. “This will be a complicated process, and it will put my ass on the line, but I’ll do whatever I can to make sure these kids are taken care of.” He paused, inhaling deeply through his nose before sighing. “Exactly how much can I trust you not to stab me in the back?”

Tears filled her eyes as a bright smile curved her lips. “For these kids, I’ll do absolutely anything, Detective.”

He nodded. “Good. Here’s what we’re going to do…”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Three weeks later

Charlotte barely slept the night before, tossing and turning the whole time, keeping her awake for hours. Talking to Ginger had been eye-opening, to say the least, and that wasn’t even all of it. She and her team had felt several earthquakes and tremors since that fateful day in the woods. The fairy godmother wasn’t yet sure if the two were related, but she had a feeling it was yet another case on the horizon.

Emotionally, she couldn’t believe what she’d learned. It was a terrifying truth that felt like a betrayal. Logically, however, she knew the witch had been telling the truth. It simply made too much sense—no matter how much the fairy godmother wanted to believe otherwise—for her to ignore.

Sleep-deprived and annoyed, Charlotte stared at her wand as golden light blossomed at the tip. She pressed her lips together, focusing hard because she suspected her struggle was due to a mistake she was still making.

“Come on,” she whispered to herself, trying not to clutch her wand too firmly. “This must be the way. Just show me what I’m overlooking.”

The slender beam of golden light that linked her wand to the glowing orb floating in the air wavered.

Her eyes widened as she inched toward the orb. “Just a bit more–“

She hadn’t figured out yet if her habit of talking to herself or her open display of magic drew so many curious gazes from the people around her. However, once she stopped to think about it, she realized magic to people who lived in a world without it would naturally be curious. Of course, it was her magic.

My brain doesn’t work without sleep, she thought.

Charlotte was intently focused when a familiar voice interrupted her, though she didn’t make out the words due to her concentration on the orb. She was startled, and the golden light from her tracking spell—which had formed a map of Cincinnati—shattered into tiny sparkling pieces. They fell to the floor and vanished, and the light from her wand went out. She blinked in surprise.

Turning quickly, she looked at the newcomer with a hint of irritation. “Would it be too much to ask for you not to startle me when I’m working on this spell?”

Sir Thomas looked at the fairy godmother with his bright golden cat eyes and shrugged. “I can’t change who I am, my lady.” His orange fur bristled slightly.

Charlotte eyed the shiny black boots on his back paws and raised an eyebrow. “You’d think those boots would make more noise.”

“My lady, only the best shoemakers craft my footwear. The artisan who made these was truly gifted,” Sir Thomas replied.

Charlotte let her annoyance fade and nodded. “Alright, now that you have my attention, Sir Thomas, I need it back so I can concentrate on what I was doing.”

“Forgive me, my lady,” Sir Thomas said, “but maybe we should find a quieter place. Somewhere less busy and more magical, perhaps?”

Lowering her wand, Charlotte straightened from her forward lean and surveyed the store. She could have sworn the Kroger was nearly empty when she began her spell in the early morning quiet. That didn’t seem to be the case now as a woman in her thirties, who had been pushing a cart with a toddler seated up front, stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Charlotte.

As usual, the fairy godmother wore a lavender dress and a dark purple cloak, with sunglasses perched on her long, dark brown hair. Charlotte was more than aware she was a curious sight to mortal onlookers.

Even so, she was the least curious of her group since her companion—a ginger tabby cat as tall as a toddler—walked on hind legs clad in black boots. The talking cat wore a small rapier at his hip, and a feathered hat.

The other woman’s breath caught as she realized the peculiar duo in the baking aisle had spotted her staring. Without a word, she quickly steered her cart away. Her full cart rumbled along, one wheel squeaking nonstop while another had a constant click, click, click with every rotation.

Judging by the sounds of the cart, she didn’t just head to the next aisle; she made a beeline across the store, only slowing down when she’d put a reasonable distance between herself and the oddly dressed pair.

Meanwhile, Charlotte merely shrugged before turning back to consider the shelves stocked with flour, sugar, and cupcake liners as if nothing had happened.

Sir Thomas glanced at the fairy godmother and gestured towards the now-empty end of the aisle. “As I was saying…”

Charlotte let out a deep sigh, then pursed her lips, giving Sir Thomas a look that said she understood the situation all too well. “Did it ever occur to you that they’re surprised by the sight of a cat in boots walking on two legs? Don’t even get me started on the attire, especially the sword!”

She shook her head, exasperated. “Honestly, Sir Thomas, between the two of us, I’m the normal one, which I suppose is saying something. Also, convincing the employee at the front to let you in to begin with was hard enough. If Alex hadn’t mentioned that stores have to allow something called service animals and that humans dress up their pets like ridiculous things all the time, you would never have been allowed.”

She looked back at the baking ingredients before her, then quickly turned back to him as something else occurred to her. “Speaking of which, thanks for pretending to be a normal four-legged cat in a costume while sitting in the cart. That helped.”

The talking cat rolled his eyes. “Don’t mention it. Literally. Never mention it again.” A shiver rolled through him as though the thought chilled him to the bone. “Horribly degrading. I’m never doing that again.”

She snorted. “You will if you plan to come inside public places. Alex said some places won’t take a person at their word if they claim their pet is a service animal. He said we might have to get you a little harness that says service animal on the back.”

The cat’s eyes widened. “You would never!”

She smiled, unable to entirely hold in her amusement. “Oh, I would. Especially if you insist on coming inside. Honestly, I shouldn’t have even let you out of the cart. What happens if that woman goes and tells someone?”

He sighed, his head falling forward. “In that case…I suppose…” He growled under his breath. “Well, I suppose I’ll just have to get back in the cart then, won’t I?”

Charlotte laughed at his dramatics. She was tired, stressed, and confused about so much, but this took a bit of the edge off. Even if for only a moment.

“Humans,” Sir Thomas said, tapping the sheath on his side. “They tend only to see what they want, don’t they? We’ve been around long enough to know that much.”

“That’s true,” Charlotte agreed, glancing at the quiet end of the aisle one more time. She prepared herself to use her wand again. “I better seize this moment. So, if you could just hold on for a second…”

She was about to wave her wand and conjure the map spell again, but Sir Thomas stopped her before she could even begin.

“Sorry, Lady Charlotte, but if your spell couldn’t find anything among the fruits, or by the bread, or near the fresh fish, I doubt a packed aisle will help. I did hope the fish section would work, as I might have nudged you to get more salmon,” Sir Thomas said with a light-hearted tone.

Charlotte made a tsk sound and shook her head. “Why would we need extra salmon?” He looked at her with a playful glint in his eye. “To eat,” she answered her own question with a hint of exasperation. “Yes, I suppose so. However, Alex gave us a clear shopping list for this market. I’m uncomfortable spending more than he gave us for this trip. Plus, it seems a bit unfair that extra salmon wouldn’t last as long with you as it would with someone else.”

“Obviously not,” Sir Thomas said with mock offense. “It wouldn’t last because I’d share it with Cat, naturally.”

“Ah,” Charlotte said with a nod. “You have a point. If my spell had worked, I would’ve gladly bought all the salmon over there. But it seems magic is temperamental in this market, just like in other parts of the city. The only place it does work is by Ginger’s cottage because of the nexus.”

“Perhaps we should wrap up our shopping and leave,” Sir Thomas suggested, giving her a once-over. “If you’re set on not getting the salmon, let’s take our goods and head back. Detective Taylor is making us breakfast, remember?”

“Are you looking forward to that?” Charlotte asked, a playful edge in her voice as she eyed the articulate cat.

“Do you really need to ask?” he replied. “Besides, he’s far less likely to set the kitchen on fire and burn all the food.”

Charlotte let out a short laugh, remembering her day in the kitchen trying to cook breakfast. She’d set the kitchen on fire, and Alex had to rescue them. It wasn’t funny then, but it certainly was now. There was a reason she hadn’t given cooking in the human world another chance.

At least, not yet.

The fairy godmother gave the baking ingredients on the shelves a final glance. She moved down the aisle, pushing the cart filled with their items. “Okay, I think we’ve got it all. Could you double-check just to make sure we’re not missing anything?”

“Of course,” Sir Thomas agreed, flourishing a tiny folded piece of paper. He unfolded it carefully and held it up for inspection, a paw above and below as though ready to read a royal proclamation off a priceless scroll. Clearing his throat, he began. “Two loaves of bread. Three boxes of crackers. One pound of sliced deli ham.”

Charlotte sighed softly. “You don’t have to read the entire thing out loud. Just look at the list and compare it to what’s in the cart.”

But Sir Thomas either missed her protest or chose to ignore it.

He continued, “One pound of sliced deli turkey. Three boxes of thick-cut bacon. Really?” He shot Charlotte a skeptical look, whiskers twitching with disbelief at their grocery list. “It seems quite a lot, my lady. I think ham and bacon are from the same animal in EverAfter. Perhaps things are different in this human world. There are odd foods here that aren’t what they seem. Like those goldfish.”

“You must read the packaging, Sir Thomas. It said on the package Goldfish crackers. I agree it’s a strange food, but the information was right there. At any rate… Ham and bacon are the same here, too,” Charlotte replied, her attention half on their shopping cart. She reached for the list. “May I see that?”

“Wait a moment,” he said, clearing his throat again. “I’ve barely started reading down this list, which is missing⁠—“

“Okay, Sir Thomas, we get it. We’ll pick up some canned tuna before we leave,” she interrupted, reaching out with her hand. “Give me the list, please.”

His golden eyes glanced at her and narrowed. Then, with a huff, he finally handed over the paper. “Fine, but canned tuna is just another nuisance I’ll have to put up with. It isn’t even fresh. Then again, the salmon in the cold section didn’t smell fresh either, despite its labeling, which I did read,” he grumbled, turning his gaze to the colorful frosting tubes across the aisle.

She almost laughed at the sight of Sir Thomas looking so serious. Such an angry kitty! she thought. But she held back her giggles out of respect for his pride and focused on the shopping list that Alex had jotted down that morning.

It seems we all have our limits, even Sir Thomas with the shopping list. Speaking of which, I still can’t figure out where he hides it.

Her eyes flicked to Sir Thomas, standing still beside her. A quick look over the silent cat told her nothing about where he might keep hidden things. She doubted he had pockets hidden in his fur. She thought he might keep things in his boots, but she’d never seen him pull anything from there before.

Hmm…

Shaking her head to clear her wandering mind, Charlotte checked the grocery list one last time. She reviewed the items as she read each one, matching them to what they had in their cart.

Sir Thomas acted like he didn’t notice her, obviously still upset because she decided to give him canned tuna instead of “fresh” salmon from the ice-packed seafood display.

The fairy godmother decided to try one more time. She folded the list and tucked it into a pocket in her cloak. Lifting her wand, she faced the shelf and got ready to cast her locator spell again, hoping she hadn’t missed anything before.

A sharp squeal and a series of cracks and pops burst from the grocery store’s speakers, abruptly ending the pleasant music that had been playing. Charlotte and Sir Thomas quickly turned to face the ceiling, each of their hearts racing. Charlotte noticed Sir Thomas’s paw had swiftly moved to his sword. A slightly distorted voice then rang out through the store.

“Attention, Kroger shoppers. The person who owns the large black dog outside, please come to the front. The owner of the big black dog at the entrance, please come to—Oh. Okay. Please head to the customer service desk. Thank you.”

After the message, there was a loud clamor followed by another piercing electronic squeal. The music resumed but didn’t seem as soothing as before.

“What on earth was that?” Sir Thomas said, touching his ear. “It sounds like a whistle is blowing in my ears now. Why was that so loud?”

Charlotte shook her head. It was loud for her, so she couldn’t imagine how awful it must have been for her sensitive-eared friend.

“That,” Charlotte replied, pointing a finger in the air, “is our signal to leave. I’m curious to see what kind of mess Cat’s made now.”

“Mess?” Sir Thomas looked surprised and shook his head. “That doesn’t sound like Cat. How much trouble can he get into just sitting outside? I told him to stay put. He isn’t some normal mutt from this world, my lady. He’s intelligent and listens carefully.”

“Truly, Sir Thomas,” she remarked as she tucked her wand away into a hidden pocket of her cloak, “it’s wise for us to examine the evidence we’ve gathered and be ready for any surprise, especially concerning Cat.”

Sir Thomas nodded in agreement. “Very well. I share your sentiments, my lady.” He pointed toward the store’s entrance. “Let’s head to the checkout. Our friend awaits, and so does my hunger.”

He patted his round belly for emphasis and strutted down the aisle with gusto, his arms swinging and his sword’s tip bobbing in time with his steps and the lazy swish of his tail.

Charlotte laughed softly and paused. “Oh, Sir Thomas,” she sang.

He looked up at her innocently, but his furry brows knit together in annoyance when he saw her amused expression.

With a groan, he lifted his arms. “My lady…we shall never speak of this again.”

She leaned over to lift the angry cat under his raised arms before helping to arrange him where she’d seen humans place their children. Once they were both satisfied—or as satisfied as possible in Sir Thomas’s case—she snorted and put her hands on the handle.

“Off we go, my angry, little friend.”

He grumbled under his breath all the way to the front, though he stayed quiet enough that human ears couldn’t make out the tirade.

Halfway across the store, a familiar yet subtle sensation crept along the fairy godmother’s shoulders. She slowed the cart to scan the aisles and the few people shopping for groceries. Surprisingly, no one was looking at her, but she felt sure someone was watching.

This sensation was twofold: the feeling of being observed and the presence of magic. Since arriving unexpectedly from EverAfter to Cincinnati, Ohio, she’d been searching for this exact magical signature. Not the erratic, weak kind she’d been using here. This was strong, reliable magic she’d grown up with and used back home. The absence of it here had only made its sudden presence more noticeable.

Could there really be something magical in the grocery store?

The sudden drop in temperature made Charlotte stop in her tracks, halting the shopping cart. Sir Thomas looked up at her in alarm as she glanced up to realize there was a blast of cold air pouring from an overhead vent.

He lowered his gaze once again when she relaxed. With a quick frown, she surveyed her surroundings once again, reminding herself that the conveniences of Earth still felt new to her. It wasn’t a danger, she reassured herself, just a chill in the air.

Urging herself forward, she increased her pace, but that didn’t last long as a thin layer of frost began to form on the floor.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Charlotte stopped and looked around, watching as the frost spread across the floor in the immediate area. She was about to say something to Sir Thomas when it began to recede again. Her brows furrowed as confusion took her.

What is going on? she wondered to herself.

When it completely dissipated, she quickly made her way to the customer service counter, which she’d seen at the front of the store when they’d first entered.

“Hello!” she greeted the woman across the counter. “The large black dog outside is mine. Is there a problem?”

The woman, who Charlotte now realized was more than likely a teenage girl, looked almost bored.

“Yeah, dogs are supposed to be leashed at all times.” Even her voice sounded bored. “He’s a big, scary dog. Leaving him out there is dangerous.”

A low growl came from Sir Thomas, and Charlotte scratched under his chin to quiet him. She couldn’t see him scowling at her efforts to calm him due to the wide brim of his hat, but it was there all the same. He wasn’t a fan of someone saying Cat was dangerous.

“I assure you that Cat is a perfectly well-behaved boy. We told him to sit quietly outside since animals aren’t allowed inside.” The girl looked down at the cat dressed in boots, a hat, and an oddly situated sword in the seat of the cart. Charlotte giggled nervously. “Uh, right. This is my emotional support cat. I like to dress him up. This is his favorite outfit.”

The girl’s eyes narrowed further. “Riiight.”

Charlotte offered another beaming smile. “As I said, we told him to stay put, and he’s a very good b⁠—“

“We?” the girl questioned as she looked from Charlotte down to Sir Thomas and back again, her expression turning concerned.

Charlotte swallowed thickly before giving a dismissive wave of her hand. “Anyway, Newfoundlands are known as gentle giants in this world.” Her eyes briefly widened, and she felt just how slick her palms had become as she gripped the handle on the cart more tightly. “Country. In this country. Forgive me. My accent is very good, but English isn’t my first language,” she lied.

She cleared her throat just as she heard Sir Thomas mumble a quiet, “Nice save.”

Her smile growing more nervous by the second, the fairy godmother rushed to be finished here. “Anyway, we’re—I’m—very sorry if he seems large and scary, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s a very gentle boy. Has he done anything wrong?”

There was a pregnant pause as the girl, who no doubt thought Charlotte had lost her mind, stared at her. Finally, she offered another bored-sounding statement. “No. My manager just said he’s a public safety risk and wants him chained or taken off the property. He said, and I quote, ‘A dog that big could maul the absolute shit out of someone or even eat a small child in one bite.’”

Uh oh, Charlotte thought only a heartbeat before Sir Thomas bolted upright.

“Sir Thomas, don’t—“ she began, but it was all ready too late.

The angry feline proudly stood on his hind legs in the seat of the cart, his front paws bent at what would be a human’s wrists as he placed them on his hips.

“Oh, no,” the fairy godmother mumbled with exasperation at the same moment the magical cat began to unleash his anger.

“I’ll have you know that dog isn’t a dog at all! He’s an enchanted beast with far more intelligence than you seem to have blindly following orders. Lady Charlotte told you several times we instructed him to sit outside and stay. He understands the language better than you do, it would seem. And another thing⁠—“

Charlotte sighed heavily, scrubbing a hand down her face before she turned to see several people staring wide-eyed at the ranting cat.

Alex is going to kill me.

“—the policy on animals here is ridiculous. Clearly, I am not a normal, clever but still unsophisticated house cat! I am a knight! I deserve respect. A talking cat should be allowed into a store to shop without issue. Miss, I can assure you that I’m far less likely to destroy anything or potty—as you humans call it—on the floor than one of your human toddlers. They’re more animal than I am! Cat, too. He is not dangerous. Well, unless someone tries to hurt an innocent. Then, your superior would be correct. Cat would stop at nothing to put down the evildoer.”

With his little paws still on his hips, Sir Thomas stood nearly panting through his nose from how passionate he’d become in defense of Cat. The girl, however, stared at him in wide-eyed shock, her mouth slightly hanging open.

Worried the girl’s brain might actually melt, Charlotte anxiously cleared her throat. “Uh, can I pay for these things over here? Or do I need to go to one of the lines?”

Closing her mouth, the stunned employee turned to look at the fairy godmother and blinked several times. “Yes. You can pay here.”

Charlotte smiled. “Excellent!” She placed a hand on the angry cat’s back. “Sir Thomas, would you mind checking on our intelligent furry friend, please?”

He reached up to straighten his hat. “Yes, my lady. I would be happy to.”

Without missing a beat, he turned, stepped onto the edge of the cart, and dove off before tumbling gracefully in the air and landing on his silent, artisan-crafted boots.

The other patrons in the lines at the other checkouts gave several excited gasps and comments, but Sir Thomas didn’t seem to care. He adjusted the sword at his side and made his way out of the store, the feather in his hat waving with every step.

Charlotte nervously looked from the retreating cat to the girl at the checkout. “Cats.” She shrugged.

Upon exiting the grocery store, Charlotte found Sir Thomas sitting on a curb next to Cat. The large dog’s tail swung back and forth with force, and his tongue hung to the side as he panted, eager to investigate the plastic bags in Charlotte’s hands.

“I missed you, too,” she admitted with a grin.

Sir Thomas grumbled. “This is ridiculous. Making Cat wait out here was rude. They don’t want him inside, even though he’s extremely friendly. Honestly, I’m quite upset about it, and I’ve decided we won’t shop here again.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “You’ve decided we won’t shop here, huh? Isn’t that a bit much?”

Sir Thomas shot her a sharp look. “Not at all! Cat’s harmless. When I came out to sit with him, several children were thrilled to be around him, yet the staff labeled him a menace. It’s unfair, and I won’t support that. We’re done with this place.”

“I hate to break it to you, but this is the nearest supermarket to our apartment,” Charlotte insisted, adjusting her hold on the numerous plastic bags in her hands. “And we still have to walk all the way back.”

“Walking never held us back before, my lady,” Sir Thomas replied with a flourish. He stood and moved to take a light bag from the fairy godmother in each hand. “However, a lack of good manners is something I cannot ignore.”

She turned to Cat. “My strong friend, would you mind carrying some heavy bags?” The Newfoundland barked excitedly, his tail doubling in speed as he made his way over to her. She chuckled. “Thank you, kind sir.”

After separating a couple of heavy bags and ensuring the load wasn’t too much for the powerful canine, she carried the rest.

“Let me know if that becomes too much,” she offered, and Cat nodded once with excitement.

“As for you, Sir Thomas,” she began as they walked down the Kroger sidewalk leading to the one along the road, “I’m truly sorry things went as they did. Though, I must say, you left quite an impression on that girl in there. I don’t think you’ll have to worry about being let in again once she reports that to the manager, especially if he checks the cameras to see proof.”

“Handy devices, those cameras,” the talking cat mused. “I suppose you’re right. In that case, I’ll leave the decision in your hands, my lady.” He thought for a moment as he continued to walk. “Though you should inform the detective that if that establishment should insult us again, he can do his grocery shopping himself.”

Charlotte suppressed a giggle and followed the chatty cat. “That’s going to be an interesting chat.”

Cat trotted beside her, panting happily, tail wagging energetically. He occasionally sniffed at his companions’ grocery bags since he couldn’t sniff his own, curious about their contents.

The Newfoundland emitted a brief whine followed by a low, almost grumbling bark of frustration.

“Of course,” Charlotte thought aloud, a smile creeping onto her face. “He’s probably just hungry.” She peered down at Cat. “We’ll take care of that soon, right?”

In response, Cat let out a muffled but still enthusiastic bark around his bags, which widened the fairy godmother’s smile even more. They rounded the corner beside the grocery store and started the journey back to the cozy, inviting apartment.

Charlotte thought to herself that a hearty breakfast might just solve a few problems. After all, a full stomach tends to sharpen the mind. That must be true for chatty cats, magical godmothers, and detectives alike—even for cats under spells that have turned them into dogs.

Halfway back, she had to pause for a break. Her arms were tired, and Cat stopped, set his bags down, and barked to get Sir Thomas’s attention.

He paused and called out from up the sidewalk, “Troubles, my lady?”

“Just the usual challenges,” she replied, setting the grocery bags on the ground to rest her hands.

She reached for the wand hidden in her cloak but then stopped as an idea flashed in her mind. 

Charlotte looked up and smiled at Sir Thomas, who waited patiently. “You know, a cloak enchanted by the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild might have been the perfect solution from the start. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner!”

When the front door to Detective Alex Taylor’s apartment swung open, the first of his long-term temporary guests strode in without uttering a word. With his boots treading softly, Sir Thomas made his way to the small kitchenette counter and deposited a lone grocery bag upon it.

Subsequently, the articulate cat sauntered toward the cozy couch in the living room, and after a brief struggle with the inconvenience of his sheathed rapier, he nestled into a disgruntled, furry orange orb in the corner.

Alex, who was seated at the other end of the couch, lowered his sock-clad feet from the coffee table to the floor and sat up straight, a frown creasing his brow. He opened his mouth to speak but paused as his eyes fell upon the silent furball.

He shifted his gaze to Charlotte. “What happened?”

Before Sir Thomas could muster an irritated response, Charlotte and Cat entered. The cheerful Newfoundland bounded into the living room, greeting Alex with an enthusiastic tail wag and several friendly sniffs.

“I would’ve thought we’d run into this problem before,” the fairy godmother commented as she shut the front door. “But it seems it took us this long to realize that the folks in Cincinnati don’t take kindly to seeing a friendly dog left alone outside a store without a leash.”

Alex glanced at Sir Thomas, who didn’t look back. He got up and turned his attention to the single grocery bag the fairy godmother put down. Meanwhile, he absentmindedly petted Cat, enjoying the dog’s warm welcome and soft ears.

“That’s not uncommon. You usually see dogs on leashes or tied up while their owners shop.”

“Barbaric,” Sir Thomas muttered with a hint of disdain.

“Not every dog is as well-behaved as Cat,” Alex mused, his frown deepening. He threw his hands out in a questioning gesture. “So, what happened? They told you to leave before you finished shopping?”

“Not at all,” Charlotte replied with a bright tone. “We were creative. We told Cat to be good outside, and I had Sir⁠—“

Sir Thomas jerked his head around, glaring at the fairy godmother, which caused her to struggle hard not to laugh. She didn’t even need to ask. He’d told her they would never speak of what happened in the store again. So, she decided to tell Alex later.

“Anyway, Sir Thomas and I finished the shopping. Just as we were wrapping things up, we were called up front, and they were quite concerned about Cat. They called him a public safety hazard.” She scoffed.

Sir Thomas had just curled back up when Charlotte finished her statement. He mumbled angrily, saying something about Cat not being a public safety hazard, but Alex couldn’t quite make out the exact wording.

Charlotte continued. “Sir Thomas then had quite the argument with the girl at the customer service desk, which left her shocked, as I’m sure you can imagine. After that, I sent Sir Thomas outside to sit with Cat, and I paid for our items before we returned home.”

Sir Thomas expressed his annoyance with a click of his tongue and coiled himself into an even tighter ball on the couch, turning his back to the room and hiding his face between the armrest and back cushion.

Such an angry, dramatic little thing, Charlotte thought to herself with amusement.

Alex exchanged a look with her, his eyes filled with questions. “So, let me get this straight… He argued with an employee in a busy Kroger, with people all around and cameras everywhere? Oh, God… Camera phones.”

Charlotte’s smile didn’t waver as she reassured him. “Oh, it’s fine. I’m sure it would have happened sometime soon anyway. He’s still upset, but I’m sure he’s mostly just hungry now. He’ll be fine, too.”

The feisty feline scoffed. “It would have been nice to have something to eat before going to that dreadful place.” The cushions muffled his voice, which only made his little tantrum more amusing to Charlotte and Alex.

The detective fought back a chuckle. “Well, buddy, that’s hard to do when someone raided the pantry and cleared out the fridge last night.”

Sir Thomas kept his face buried and responded with a muffled, “I have nothing to add to this conversation.”

Cat sat and let out a sharp yelp, momentarily causing his fur to stand on end before smoothing down again.

“Well, we can sort that out now,” Charlotte remarked as she entered the cozy kitchenette, picking up the grocery bag Sir Thomas had left there. “At least we completed one successful task.”

Alex looked at the two bags they brought in. “There were several items on that list.” He watched her lift the bag onto the countertop and remove the limited contents. “And you ended up with just two bags?”

“What?” Charlotte turned to him with a mock frown, then laughed. “Oh no, certainly not. I just didn’t want to carry too much. I also gave poor Cat a couple of heavy bags, but even still, my hands cramped terribly.”

“I apologize, Charlotte.” Alex gestured toward the towering pile of case files he’d brought from the police station. “I’m buried in reports, and my captain is expecting⁠—“

“Everything’s taken care of,” she said with a nod. “No need for explanations. The walk was nice, and it felt good to stretch our legs.”

“Speak for yourself,” grumbled Sir Thomas from the couch.

Alex glanced at the curled-up ball of orange fur, then back to Charlotte. “So, if you left with so many bags, how are there only two?”

Charlotte smiled knowingly. “Sometimes, a straightforward solution is the best. We managed to get what we needed.” She reached into her cloak, digging around for something. “Ah, there we go.”

She stopped her search before producing two plastic bags. They rattled as she set them on the counter, then she reached back into her cloak again.

“And then we have– One, two, three–“ Pulling out three more bags was more challenging, but she managed. She then adjusted her cloak to reach into the other side. “Just a little more– Oh, no. That’s not right. I had them right here, and now they⁠—“

Alex watched the pile of groceries grow as she pulled them seemingly out of nowhere from her cloak.

“What the hell? Is that Mary Poppins’s cloak or something?” Alex questioned curiously as he studied her with interest.

She looked at him with apparent confusion. “I don’t know who Mary Poppins is, but you know where my cloak came from, Detective.” She dug around again, growing more frustrated. “This darn cloak. It was supposed to help, but now it’s just stuck.” Charlotte tugged at her cloak with a huff before looking at Alex. “Could you help me out?”

Alex cleared his throat and walked over to where she stood by the kitchenette. “Not a problem,” he said. “Tell me what you need me to do.”

“Please, reach inside here,” she instructed, shaking her cloak and guiding him with her gaze. “It’s stuck, and I can’t pull it open by myself.”

“Why not remove the cloak?” he offered.

Charlotte stopped and stared at him, incredulous. “That’s not an option. The cloak must be worn to work properly and only responds to its owner. So, if you could just lend a hand, we might be able to loosen it. Right here,” she indicated, nodding at the spot where her hand was lost in the purple fabric.

Alex was caught between mild amusement and slight confusion, a feeling that had become familiar in Charlotte Weaver’s presence. He hesitated, then edged his hand toward where hers emerged from the cloak.

“It’s not going to bite, right?” he half-joked.

“No way,” she replied with a bright smile. “Though, if I hadn’t given you the go-ahead, we might be in a different situation.” Alex sharply inhaled and pulled his hand back from her cloak, looking at her with surprise. The fairy godmother gave a playful wink and tilted her head. “I gave you permission, so you’re in the clear. Go ahead.”

Alex let out a relieved chuckle, reaching out to her cloak again. This time, he gently touched her arm under the fabric, joining hands with the fairy godmother.

His eyes widened, and he stopped short. “Whoa.”

Her smile widened. “Yes, it’s quite something, isn’t it? Unfortunately, this cloak can be as stubborn as the rest of the magic in this world. It doesn’t malfunction, but it does get a bit moody. Here is where we need to⁠—“

She stopped, realizing she’d taken hold of Alex’s hand within her cloak, and judging by the look on his face now, he certainly noticed. Charlotte now found herself acutely aware of his proximity, his body angled towards her, his arm near hers. Looking up, she met his gaze; he wore a mix of surprise and a playful smirk.

With a nervous laugh, Charlotte nodded. “Right here. If you could grab a bag from this spot, that would be great.”

“Uh-huh,” he responded, his eyes flickering. He consciously shifted his gaze away and nodded.

“Perfect. Yes, that’s it. Pick up those few bags, please.” Charlotte’s lips pursed in focus as she reached further into her cloak, accidentally brushing her shoulder against his chest. “Oh, my apologies. I’m just trying to – We’re almost there – Alright, now pull on it, please, and hold tight.”

“Sounds easy enough,” Alex murmured, his voice unexpectedly close to her ear.

She thought about turning to look at him, but their awkward position ruined any semblance of romance. Charlotte scolded herself mentally. Lost groceries and a troublesome cloak were hardly the ingredients for a fairy-tale ending.

“Okay,” she said, giving a decisive nod. With one hand still free, she grabbed the outside of her cloak and nodded again. Together, Charlotte and Alex tugged hard. The cloak began to loosen, and gradually their fists clutching the grocery bag handles appeared.

“Look at that!” he exclaimed. “It’s actually working⁠—“

“Don’t stop!” Charlotte cut in, her voice firm yet striving to sound upbeat. “This cloak can be tricky. Messages get muddled, and intentions blur. It had a mind of its own back in EverAfter, too. Let’s keep going to avoid any trouble.”

Just as she spoke, a strange shimmer of light flickered around Charlotte’s cloak as though something was on the verge of materializing in the detective’s living room.

Alex’s eyes widened, but he held on. Charlotte tightened her grip on her cloak and nodded, this time to reassure herself. “That’s it,” she encouraged. “Just a little more.”

“I get the feeling we’re not as close as you think,” Alex remarked.

“This thing is so stubborn,” Charlotte complained, her teeth gritted. “Just pull!”

Driven by frustration, she gave a final, forceful tug. She pulled her cloak one way and the grocery bags the other. Suddenly, the air around them sparkled, flashing with iridescent light, and a grating sound filled the room, like a cross between tearing cloth and nails scraping a chalkboard.

The next instant, Charlotte was propelled toward the fridge, and Alex was sent flying back against the apartment’s entryway wall. The rustling sound of their shopping trip’s last four grocery bags split the air. Cat leaped up with a sharp warning bark, and even Sir Thomas roused himself in the corner of the couch from his curled-up position.

The shimmering light and sound from the fairy godmother’s cloak vanished suddenly, leaving Alex and Charlotte sitting in a silent kitchen, each holding two plastic grocery bags.

Alex let out a laugh and glanced at his bags. “That was⁠—“

“Totally out of line,” she cut in, standing to place her bags firmly on the counter.

She took off the cloak in irritation and marched to the living room, heading for the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Although the enchanted cloak had brought her both help and trouble over many years, her anger didn’t last long. She couldn’t mistreat anythingcreate, no matter how annoyed she felt.

By the time she reached the hallway, she had folded the cloak gently over her arm. She laid it down with care on the quilt of the guest bed, which had been her room in Alex’s apartment.

She wanted to whirl around and march back the way she came, but she stopped to wag a scolding finger at the cloak and arch an eyebrow. “Believe me, I’m just as frustrated with the wonky magic in this world as you are. And don’t you dare think I wouldn’t leave this place without you if you pull another stunt like that.”

The fairy godmother didn’t really expect an answer after delivering the scolding, but she gave the cloak a firm nod anyway, then pivoted and strode back down the hallway to the living room. She rolled her neck and stretched her back along the way, trying to work out the kinks and ease the tightness in her muscles before she got there.

When she returned, Alex was at the kitchen counter, putting away groceries. Cat was sprawled out on the floor, stretching himself as much as he could with his head snapping up to follow her movements. Even Sir Thomas had moved from his cozy corner on the couch.

Now, he sat with a leg propped over the armrest, his shiny boots swinging off the cushion as he watched her with a hint of a smirk. “I stand corrected, my lady. This morning, your cloak wins the prize for the most troublesome and out-of-line behavior.”

“Thank you, Sir Thomas,” she replied with amusement. “What a grand title you’ve given the cloak.”

The talking cat bowed his head gracefully, a broad smile peeking through his twitching whiskers.

“So, skipping the local market doesn’t seem like such a big deal now, does it?” he mused.

Suddenly, Cat’s loud bark cut through the room, drawing all eyes to him. He sniffed the air and licked his lips.

“You’re right, Cat,” Charlotte agreed. “We’ve waited long enough. Alex, how can I help speed up breakfast?”

“Don’t!” Alex and Sir Thomas exclaimed together, their voices filled with worry.

Then, silence filled the room. Charlotte observed their surprised expressions, took a deep breath, and grinned. “I’m kidding. I’ll just set the table.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“I hadn’t really thought about it until now,” Charlotte remarked, passing a clean dish to Alex, who dried dishes next to her. “It’s actually surprising how fast they managed to fix the water problem in the building.”

Alex took the plate, wiped it with a towel, and placed it neatly in the dish rack. “Yeah, I’m thankful for that. But honestly, they could’ve been faster. Sometimes, I wonder if the maintenance team really knows how to handle these magical water issues.”

She laughed lightly. “Are you still teasing me about that?”

“Absolutely.” He smirked. “And I’ll continue to do so for as long as you let me.”

She gave him a playful glance and smiled. “Is that so? I see how it is.”

In the background, Sir Thomas was deeply engrossed in yet another chess match with Cat. They were using the chess set they’d found in the apartment’s dumpster weeks earlier.

Sometimes, Cat made a cheerful sound or breathed a bit louder, which was his way of showing amusement at his opponent across the coffee table. The furry chess players seemed to pay no mind to what the two humans were doing. After all, breakfast had been served and enjoyed, leaving a dozen empty tuna cans cleaned and stacked atop the brimming trash can.

As Charlotte handed the last of the clean dishes to Alex, she reflected on their routine since he had generously welcomed her and the other misplaced residents from EverAfter into his home.

She realized she would miss these simple moments when their mission ended, and they found a way back to EverAfter. Then again, returning home wasn’t certain. There were hundreds of scattered handbook pages across the city, and there was no way to track them down just yet.

“So,” Alex began, puncturing the quiet that had settled around them. “Looks like we nailed breakfast and the grocery run today. How’s the hunt going?”

Charlotte turned off the faucet, grateful for the return of running water. She faced Alex and half-joked, “Are you sure you’re not a mind reader?”

Alex let out a chuckle as he wiped down the final plate, his hands pausing as he considered her words. “Absolutely sure. If I could peek into thoughts, I’d definitely notice. Yours would stand out,” he replied with a warm smile.

“Oh?” Charlotte quirked an eyebrow in mock surprise.

“I just mean you’re pretty transparent with your thoughts,” he clarified quickly, his laughter easing the tease. “It isn’t hard to guess what you’re thinking.”

Charlotte crossed her arms and leaned casually against the counter. A playful smirk appeared on her lips. “Oh, you think I’m that easy to read, huh?” she challenged.

Alex shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe you’re not used to someone actually noticing the details.” After placing the last plate in the dish rack without breaking eye contact, he turned and opened his arms. “Like now, for example. You’re dodging the question.”

“I am not,” Charlotte insisted with a playful tone, prompting a shared chuckle.

“But you are,” Alex confirmed with a nod. “I asked how collecting your handbook pages is going, and you’ve dodged that question.”

Charlotte exhaled, letting her guard down on the sensitive topic, and her smile grew tense. “You’re right,” she admitted. “I haven’t answered because there hasn’t been any progress. Certainly not since everything happened at Ginger Haus’s cottage.”

Alex’s lips pressed into a thin line as he considered her worried expression. “And despite all the magic there and how much it grew, nothing has improved?”

She shook her head. “Not at all. I can’t figure it out. From the moment I arrived in the city, I’ve been able to cast at least one spell without fail. The tracking spell. It always worked. Initially, I thought it was faulty, like the other magic here, until I realized the map showed multiple handbook pages, not just one. But now?”

Charlotte slowly shook her head. “We found no evidence anywhere near Ginger’s that she was the cause of the explosions and quakes. That means they could be linked to the spell failing. It could be the cause or another symptom. I’m unsure. However, since they started, I haven’t found any more pages, no matter what we do.”

His brows furrowed. “Have you checked the park?”

“Three, to be exact,” she replied.

“Really?” His brows lifted in surprise now as he leaned in. “What about the mall?”

She nodded. “Yes, I’ve been there.”

“The university on⁠—“

“Been there, too,” she interrupted.

“Alright, what about the cafe on⁠—“

“Checked that as well.”

Charlotte sighed, her shoulders caving in a bit as she leaned back against the counter and crossed her arms over her chest almost defensively.

“I revisited every single place that once buzzed with magic. The diner, Skyline Chili, the museum, even the sealed subway tunnels, and the old sanatorium estate. Then I tried the creepy house on the hill, the train station, and yes, even the docks by the river. I went back to all of them again with Sir Thomas and Cat. But the locator spell? It just doesn’t work anymore.

“There isn’t even a whisper of the magical energy I used to sense. I even checked out The Ascent again yesterday, just to be sure. Luckily, none of Repel’s followers were lingering around. They vanished after our last encounter, and I can’t really fault them for that. I also tried my luck at the market this morning but came up empty.”

“Kroger?” Alex questioned.

She nodded. “Oh, yes. I felt something there, but it wasn’t strong enough to help with the locator spell or to give me a clear picture of what we’re up against. I thought I felt something else, too. Like I was being watched, though I couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary. I just…felt it. And strangely, on the way to the front, frost spread across the floor and receded again. How strange is that?”

That certainly caught his attention. “You felt like you were being watched? Maybe you shouldn’t g⁠—“

She leveled a knowing look at him. “Don’t you dare. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself, Detective. Like I said, there was nothing there. Everything was fine. Emotions were high this morning. You saw how Sir Thomas acted. To be honest, I wasn’t much different in the store.”

Alex cracked a grin. “You curled up in a little ball in the frozen food aisle?”

She scoffed, playfully slapping him in the chest. “You’re so mean.”

He laughed. “Forgive me. I thought you could use a laugh.” He paused as she gave him a small smile. It wasn’t enough to reach the corners of her eyes, but it smoothed the worried creases between her brows. “I’m sorry I interrupted. Go on.”

Exasperated, the fairy godmother scrubbed a hand down her face. “I feel like I’m losing touch with my magic. I know how powerful I was at Ginger’s, but that was because I was feeding off energy that was already there. She’d created a barrier where magic existed inside. It was just like being back in EverAfter, so my magic worked. But now… Ugh. Honestly, Alex, I’m starting to feel like I’m out of options.”

“I don’t believe that,” he said, a small smile forming as he looked at her again. “From what I’ve seen, Charlotte Weaver doesn’t seem like someone who runs out of ideas easily, magic or not.”

She let out a dry chuckle and looked down, though she knew the floor held no answers. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I have to admit, even those of us who come up with ideas hit a wall sometimes. I’m also running out of places to search. And now there are the new problems—everything we learned from Ginger about the banished folks from EverAfter stuck in this city. I feel like solving one problem creates several more. Like they splinter off from a larger branch.”

Alex stared at the profile of her face as she vented. Even frustrated she was beautiful. To him, he couldn’t imagine a situation she couldn’t power through. She was brave and powerful, even without her magic, in spite of not having her magic.

He swallowed thickly before turning his body fully toward hers. “You’re right. Everything seems impossible right now. And it also seems like every time we solve a puzzle, it leads us to others. You have every right to feel the frustration you do, but I can’t help but think that maybe there’s something else on your mind, too—that it’s not just coming from the magic, Ginger, and the displaced families.”

“Is that so?” Charlotte gave him a playful look. “That’s an interesting thought, coming from the Cincinnati detective who claims he can’t read minds.”

“Understanding motives and any factors influencing a person can be tricky…” Alex ruffled his hair and gave a shrug that looked more awkward than he expected. “Figuring people out is part of my job, and not to boast, but I’m pretty good at it.”

“In that case, Detective,” she said, gesturing for him to take the lead, “what’s distracting me from the answers I seek?”

He laughed softly, and it faded into a sheepish grin as he found himself in the hot seat he inadvertently placed himself in. “Well, you’ve seemed distracted. I’d hoped you’d find your focus again, but it seems like you haven’t been able to snap out of whatever is pressing down on you.”

“Find my focus?” she retorted, scoffing. “I don’t think there’s anything I need to snap out of.”

“Maybe not,” he replied with a shrug. “But there’s more on your mind than just the missing pages from your handbook. I’m aware of that, and I believe I know what it is.”

Charlotte turned away from him, aware they were edging too close to the truth. She knew he was right, but she couldn’t bring herself to discuss the other thing they’d learned from Ginger. The fairy godmother wasn’t ready to embrace the guild’s betrayal yet, despite having had ample time to let it settle in her mind.

Instead, she opted for classic evasion. “I don’t follow.”

“I think you’re like me and tend to hold onto the harder cases. I think you’re struggling to move on from our previous case.”

“Our case?” she echoed, her smile brief but genuine. “I admit, I quite like how that sounds.”

Alex laughed again. “You’re pretty good at dodging questions, but you’re not that great at hiding that you do it. What I’m trying to say⁠—“

“I get what you’re aiming at, Alex,” she cut in, her tone turning heavy with a seriousness she rarely showed anyone.

It was especially hard with this particular human detective who’d become her most trusted friend in the human world—perhaps one she’d come to think of as even more than just a friend.

She pushed that thought aside before it could take root. Thinking about that now wasn’t an option, and she couldn’t process that any more than she could anything else.

What scared her more than facing these challenges alone in an unfamiliar place was the thought that her worst fears about the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild might be confirmed if she found the answers she was searching for.

Talking to someone is necessary, Charlotte, and this man is reaching out to help you right now. He’s probably your best and safest bet, maybe your only one.

Charlotte sighed deeply, swallowed, and then nodded before lifting her eyes to meet his. “You’re right. I’ve been more distracted lately, especially because of our last case.”

They’d learned so much that day in Ginger Haus’s hidden cottage.

“It isn’t the children,” Charlotte reassured him. “After spending that whole day with them, I really believe they’re in good hands.”

He nodded. “I do, too. The four children I didn’t have case files on weren’t an issue. I didn’t have to cover anything up, and it’s all on Ginger to make identities for them. As for the other three, it took no effort at all to convince their guardians to go along with the story that they were too old to care for the children as they wanted, so they sent the children to live with their cousin. I talked to the neighbors and smoothed it over myself so she wouldn’t go looking into them anymore.”

Charlotte smiled. “I still can’t believe you did all that. That was really nice of you. I didn’t think to ask before because my mind has been a mess, but hasn’t it caused an issue with your records or something? You mentioned at the cabin that the children went to school here.”

Stepping away from the counter, Alex walked over to the fridge and grabbed a soda for himself and a bottle of apple juice for Charlotte.

“It would have. However, being a detective in a city the size of Cincinnati has its perks. Like having a CI who was very, very good at doing falsified documents and hacking into things he shouldn’t be hacking into for the purpose of creating new and very elaborate identities for very bad people. That’s a lot to explain right now, so I’ll save it for another conversation.

“The short version is that he was able to change state records and falsify custody documents that gave Ginger custody of those kids. And since Ginger was willing to work with me, and the asshole families of those innocent kids were willing to work with me, no one can question anything. It’s all solid. No one will ever know Ginger didn’t go through a legitimate adoption process.”

Charlotte smiled softly. “You’re right. That’s a lot of information. And while I don’t understand the terminology, what I heard is a lot of big fancy words for ‘Alex broke a lot of the rules he holds so dear to help a bunch of kids.’ You’re a really good man.”

The detective’s cheeks heated as his eyes found the floor. “Thanks. I don’t like breaking rules. You’re right. I absolutely respect my work and all I do, but the law would have seen Ginger in prison, and those kids split up in foster care or back home with families who hate them. I couldn’t do it. Not when they’d suffered so much already. I’ve realized when it comes to my world, the laws are easy to uphold, and rules are easy to follow.”

His eyes found hers again. “But when it comes to your world…” He shrugged, then cracked open the lid of his soda. “Sometimes, I’m going to need to think outside of the box, and that’s okay.” He took a sip, then leaned against the counter again. “Now, stop deflecting and start talking. You’re stuck on the last case. Why? Does knowing exactly how I took care of the kids and Ginger help relax you?”

The fairy godmother paused for a moment, considering her words. “I’m grateful you told me. I knew Ginger was free. I knew the kids were safe with her. I knew you wrapped it all up. I didn’t know how, so I’m glad you explained it to me. But I was satisfied knowing the kids were in good hands. It isn’t the kids I’m worried about.”

Alex nodded, showing he understood. “Then it’s definitely the guild, as I’d suspected. Outside of the displaced families, which we can’t really do anything about until a problem pops up—if a problem pops up—you learning what the guild has been doing behind your back is all that’s left from our last case.”

Charlotte clicked her tongue and gave him a surprised look. “Are you sure you can’t read minds, Detective?”

He chuckled again and spread his hands. “Like I said, it’s all part of the job. Plus, to be honest, I feel bad claiming that one. It was a pretty easy guess.”

“Is that so?”

Alex nodded. “You’re like me. You value honor, duty, and law. You dedicated your life to the guild and everything they stood for. I’ve done the same to the CPD. If I learned the department was targeting families and doing things to hurt their communities, I don’t know what I’d do. It would feel like losing a part of my identity. While I’m not centuries old—and don’t think I didn’t catch that slip-up a time or two during this case—I’ve been dedicated long enough to know it would make me question everything. Even myself.”

Charlotte sighed and nodded. “That’s exactly what it’s like. I’m still hesitant to believe it, but logically, I know it’s true. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Ginger was a good woman, a good witch. She was blamed for a crime against Hansel and Gretel that never happened, was actually mistreated by those destructive children, and was forced to admit to that nonexistent crime or choose exile. The guild did that. How many other so-called fairytale villains aren’t villains? It makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about EverAfter and its stories, including their outcomes.”

“That’s certainly a logical train of thought. If one was innocent, it stands to reason others are. There have been cases in our world where cops or someone in forensics is caught somewhere down the line making huge mistakes that caused innocent people to go to prison. When that happens, the courts then have other cases of theirs investigated. Suppose they find other inconsistencies in other cases. In that case, it can warrant all their old cases to be pulled and re-examined. It makes the court wonder if more people are innocent. Different worlds. Different systems. Same situation.”

“Wow. It really is strange how much our worlds have in common. I complain about the lack of magic and how different things are here, but in reality, there are a lot of similarities.”

Alex nodded. “Exactly. You’re not alone. I may not be going through what you are, but at least I can understand it on a certain level. I’m here. Whatever you need.”

That made her smile. Along with Cat and Sir Thomas, he’d been a great support in her journey, but facing him now was difficult. It was obvious how much he cared for her, and it made it hard for her to look at him without feeling overwhelmed by the other truths she was struggling to accept.

Instead of thinking, she decided to talk.

“I can accept that people, even those from EverAfter, lie. I can even accept that there are some bad eggs in every bunch. However, what I can’t get over is finding out just how many people are behind those lies. It wasn’t a single soldier or godmother. It was a team. That team was sent by someone else who was part of another team controlled by another above that. Each level has checks and balances, just like your police department here. Different but the same. It’s the guild as a whole. All of it might be bad. Not just a few.”

Her voice trembled as she finished her sentence. She looked at the detective with wide eyes and raised eyebrows, feeling unexpected tears well. They burned behind her eyes and in her nose. She swallowed hard before going on.

“If what Ginger said is right,” she began, “then things are much more serious, complex, and dangerous than I ever imagined. It’s bad for all of us. According to Ginger, there might not be any help for us after we go through the portal to our world. It could be that my mentors, friends, and colleagues from the guild are the ones who made so many people from EverAfter leave their homes and come here. And that’s something I just can’t⁠—“

Her voice cracked, and she quieted immediately. She couldn’t bring herself to cry in front of him. It was too much.

Peering across the room, she watched Cat and Sir Thomas deep in a game of chess. The talking cat made his move, stared at the Newfoundland, and almost tumbled off his pillow when Cat pushed the final piece with his nose and barked to celebrate his win.

Charlotte and Alex watched their teammates immersed in a harmless game, unaware of the serious conversation in the kitchen or, more likely, pretending not to hear it out of respect.

The fairy godfather shook her head. “No,” she spoke softly, “I can’t accept that the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild isn’t what it seems without solid proof. We don’t do that. We don’t hear something and decide it as fact without investigating. So,” she took a deep breath, turned to the detective who had stepped closer, and managed a smile. “You’re right. I’m distracted. For the first time in a while, I’m unsure what to do about it.”

“I get it,” he replied kindly. “Trust me.”

Alex watched Sir Thomas and Cat set up their chess pieces anew, then clasped his hands and nodded. Leaning closer to Charlotte, he paused. She caught the scent of his aftershave and the coffee he made that morning but stayed still, not turning to face him.

“I do see one significant difference in our situations,” he said, his voice quieter now. “You’re fortunate to have someone to talk to about all this.”

Charlotte gave a playful eye roll. “That’s kind of you, Alex. Thanks. I really value you and all you’ve done for us so far. You’ve been a great help to all of us EverAfterans who ended up here by mistake. We’re definitely going to find a way to get everyone back home, but it’s different when⁠—“

“I wasn’t actually talking about myself,” he cut in.

Surprised, the fairy godmother looked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Oh. My apologies. I thought⁠—“

He smiled. “No worries. From the look on your face, I have to guess you don’t know what I mean.” She shook her head, and he continued. “I mean that you’re not alone as an EverAfteran out of place. I don’t claim to understand the ins and outs of your world, like the politics, how the stories were created, or how you deal with villains. That’s way out of my league.” He shrugged, tapping his fingers on the counter. “I don’t expect to be the only one you’d talk to about this stuff. If you need to find someone with more insight than I could ever provide, that might be a good next step.”

The fairy godmother lingered, letting his words and their meaning sink in. As things settled, and she fully understood what he was implying, a smile spread on her beautiful face.

“Detective, I’m about to give you a compliment,” she warned playfully, “but don’t let it go to your head.”

Alex snorted and looked up to catch her smile. “Oh, I’ll do my best.”

“You’re a genius,” she declared.

Before he could even respond, she dashed past him, her shoes clicking on the floor as she went through the living room and disappeared down the hall in her simple violet dress. She quickly returned wearing her dark purple cloak, all signs of her earlier troubles with it gone.

She zipped past Cat and Sir Thomas and headed for the front door in a hurry.

Alex chuckled. “Well, that was fast. Where to now?”

“To follow your advice and have that talk,” she called back without slowing down. “And if I’m not back by sundown, it means I’m on to something. So, I’ll tell you now: Don’t wait up!”

The front door closed quickly behind her, and Sir Thomas let out a groan. He slid his paws down his furry cheeks. “Unbelievable! Time after time, my friend, you outplay me on this checkered battleground. Was that a record time? Do you have some secret knowledge I lack?”

His tail flicked across the floor as he leaned back, eyeing his opponent across the coffee table.

Alex paused to watch them for a moment before turning to get a freshly washed mug. He filled it with the last of the coffee and muttered to himself, “Looks like I’m going to need a lot more coffee today.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Strangely, the fish market’s scent and the constant hum of busy people moving about quickly grew on Charlotte. These things now felt like the comforts of home, even though she’d settled into Alex’s apartment.

The market and the docks reminded her of EverAfter. They were a touch of familiarity in Cincinnati. As she approached that well-known street, the vibrant energy hit her senses before she even entered the fish shop. A surge of confidence and a sense of belonging enveloped her.

With a smile, she pushed open the door of the fish shop, ready to seek out some answers. She reminded herself that solutions weren’t guaranteed. Peter didn’t have all the answers, as they’d proven many times. However, if there was someone in the city who might have a clue about the current happenings, it would likely be him. She certainly didn’t.

The fish shop was always dim and carried a strong, salty scent that was even more potent inside. Charlotte suspected this particular smell kept most local people away. If the residents of Cincinnati discovered that fairytale creatures and characters had made this part of the city a safe haven, she’d have bigger problems than figuring out the recent unsettling earthquakes and the truth in Ginger Haus’s confessions.

When Charlotte closed the door behind her, the noise from the busy docks fell silent. She found herself in the shadowy shop surrounded by fishing gear and cuts from the catch from the day, all displayed on the walls. A section for cooking items stood in the back of the shop.

The fairy godmother highly doubted anyone actually bought fish from the Ohio River to eat.

“Hello?” she called out, peering into the dim front room of the shop and waiting for her eyes to adjust to the low light. “Is anyone here?”

A succession of loud bangs and thuds began to echo from the back room, followed by a muffled voice. “Just a moment—I’ll be there soon! Oh, for heaven’s sake.”

Charlotte walked up to the counter at the rear of the shop, a playful smirk on her face as she anticipated the store’s owner showing up. She tapped her fingers on the counter while she waited.

The noise from the back grew louder and more frantic until the partition was flung open. One of her oldest friends and former rivals, and for now an ally from EverAfter that she considered a friend, stepped into the room.

“Fairy Godmother!” Peter exclaimed, his arms open wide and a big smile on his face as he saw her. The partition closed behind him as he quickly made his way to the counter to meet her.

Charlotte gave a slight nod. “Peter Pan.”

He paused opposite the counter and glanced over his usually deserted fish shop, then offered a slight frown. “I think this is the first time you’ve visited without your usual crowd.”

Charlotte gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I hope that doesn’t mean I’m less welcome without my three friends.”

That comment drew his gaze back to her, a spark of mischief in his eyes. “Not at all. I just got used to seeing you and your group come through like all of you were one person. But honestly, I do like it when you come by yourself.”

“I hope that’s not because you’ve started disliking humans coming in here,” she said, her eyebrow arching in question.

Peter let out a laugh. “No, nothing like that, though your detective friend is the only human who knows about this place.”

Charlotte nodded with certainty. “And he will keep the secret.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “Even though they aren’t here with me, I want you to know that anything you share with me can also be shared in front of my three companions, regardless of whether I’m with them or not.”

Peter examined her thoughtfully. It was clear to Charlotte that he was already considering his response. “As you wish,” he said smoothly. “Why do you grace me with a visit today, Charlotte? If you’re looking for the grumpy dwarf who hoards living EverAfter creatures, I haven’t spotted him since our first encounter.”

“No, it’s not about Damien,” Charlotte clarified, though her interest was piqued by the mention of his absence. “He always did prefer solitude over the company of those who might question his activities in the mines.” She paused, shaking her head with a soft laugh. “Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to divert the conversation?”

Peter’s smirk grew into a relaxed, lopsided grin. His hands rested on the counter separating them. “I’m merely seeing how easily distracted my fairy godmother friend is before she comes seeking my insights or advice. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

Charlotte met his gaze, acknowledging his knack for understanding the underlying currents of their world—insights into people and mysteries that others in EverAfter or Cincinnati might not grasp.

“You’re sharp,” she admitted. She both admired and remained cautious of Peter Pan’s ability to always seem one step ahead.

He’d admitted it himself. He was just testing the waters, and she was revealing her intentions faster than she would have in the past.

Now Peter Pan and the fairy godmother were in the same situation. Both were far from home and had to figure things out by themselves. That’s where forming temporary partnerships and friendships came in handy.

“You seem to know me quite well today, Peter,” she mused, trying to appear unfazed by how well he could read her, as if he could see her thoughts. She pushed aside her unease to focus on the present. “You’re right about why I’m here. I wanted to ask if you’ve seen anything unusual in the city lately, say in the last week or two?”

Peter tilted his head to one side and casually moved his hand along the counter before touching his chin thoughtfully. “Besides the growing number of people from EverAfter arriving in the city each day and finding their way here?”

“Yes, it’s strange that we’re here at all,” she admitted. “But I’m looking for something beyond that.”

He crossed his arms, nodding with a thoughtful frown. “You’ll need to be more specific, Charlotte. You know I deal with all sorts of strange things.”

“Right, I get it,” she replied. Pulling out her wand from her cloak, she stepped back from the counter and waved it between them, casting her locator spell.

A golden light shot from her wand in a slender beam, exactly as it should. It stretched and shimmered in the air, forming a large map of Cincinnati. The map wasn’t labeled with street names or landmarks, just the shapes of roads, water bodies, and the river. As Charlotte maintained the spell, she watched for Peter Pan’s reaction through the radiant map.

Charlotte’s unease needed to take a back seat to the world-changing, perilous shifts happening around her, including the looming threat over Cincinnati and EverAfter that she sensed was on the horizon. Ever since her talk with Ginger Haus and catching a whiff of a plot by the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild, her concern had only deepened.

“This is my locator spell,” she explained patiently as she peered through the shimmering transparent window of golden light at Peter. She tried to make it seem like she was simply consulting her map. “It’s the one I’ve been using to track down the lost pages from my Fairy Godmother’s Handbook.”

Peter lowered his head, scanning the window of golden light that displayed a reversed map of Cincinnati from his side. “And you’re worried because…?”

“Because the map should be showing lights where my missing pages are scattered across the city,” she said with concern. “I’ve retrieved perhaps two dozen so far, thanks to those lights.”

“That seems like good progress,” Peter commented, more to himself.

“It was,” she agreed, frustration edging her voice. “But now the spell’s stopped showing me anything. There’s no hint of where the rest of my handbook might be.” She pointed at the map while her other hand kept the wand raised, sustaining the spell’s power.

Peter pondered for a moment. “Have you tried altering the spell to change the view? This map centers on our location, marked by that large dot—the only one visible at the moment.”

She nodded. “I have, and that’s the problem. The map right now doesn’t even show the whole of Cincinnati. If you have any wisdom about my spell that I’m missing, I’m all ears.”

He motioned to the floating map between them and looked directly at her. “May I?”

She nodded. “Go ahead.”

Peter moved to her side of the counter, his fingers tapping lightly on the Formica as he passed. His eyes never left the map. Charlotte kept her spell steady and moved over to give him room to work.

It was a surprising move, considering she was part of the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild, and he was Peter Pan, but times had changed. Friends could turn into enemies, and enemies could turn into friends. Even a former Lost Boy like Peter could be a wizard with untold powers.

Peter halted before the hovering map. He furrowed his brow, lips pursed in concentration, and stretched out his hands toward the luminous display as if it were a tangible barrier. Carefully, he brought his hands together, causing the map’s details to shrink and merge, making space for countless other streets, pathways, bodies of water, and more throughout Cincinnati’s varied landscape. The magical map reacted to his touch, and a slight satisfied smile briefly crossed his features.

As he worked, Charlotte felt a mild protest from her wand marked by a tingling sensation that raced through her fingers. It was accompanied by a barely noticeable twitch, perceptible only to her.

This is indeed an odd use of magic. I’ve never felt anything like it, she thought.

She hoped she could place her trust in Peter not to tamper with her magic or her wand with something foreign. It would be worthwhile if she could.

After Peter compressed the map to reveal Cincinnati’s full scope, he stepped back and faced Charlotte. “I wasn’t sure that would actually work,” he admitted.

Charlotte couldn’t help but chuckle. “Did you pick up that trick from one of those smart devices humans use?” she teased.

He looked surprised for a moment, then smiled knowingly. “You’ve caught me once again.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not upset. Can you tell me what you were trying to learn?”

“To be honest, Charlotte, I wasn’t exactly sure myself,” he confessed, crossing his arms and moving to stand next to her. Together, they looked over the magical map she’d created as he continued. “It seems we’ve hit a bit of a wall in finding your pages. We’re just east of the river, which tells us your magic knows where you are in relation to the city limits.”

“That’s very perceptive,” Charlotte said softly.

After exchanging a glance with her, Peter pointed at the map again. “Nothing else shows up here. So, I’m guessing something is interfering with your spell, or perhaps the rest of the pages from your Fairy Godmother’s Handbook have vanished for good.”

Her brows furrowed. “I didn’t come here just to hear you say all my irrational fears out loud, Peter.”

Charlotte waved her wand, and the bright map before them flickered once, then dissolved into countless golden specks that vanished before touching the ground.

She slipped her wand back into her cloak and faced Peter directly. “The pages of my handbook are indestructible, so we can’t even think about destroying them. And we can’t take them out of this world, because only a complete Fairy Godmother’s Handbook—restored in this world—has enough magic to send someone back to EverAfter. So, we can’t do that either.”

“Are you sure yours is the only handbook here?” Peter asked.

“Well, I—“ Charlotte paused suddenly, realizing she couldn’t be sure of that. The thought struck her for the first time. “Belinda,” she whispered.

“Isn’t she another member of your guild?”

Charlotte pressed her lips together and nodded. “Yes, that’s why Prince Repel could perform so much magic here. He gathered his followers at The Ascent. I thought he used it as a power source, but it turns out he also had Belinda’s handbook.”

“And the encounter with Maraval the Gatekeeper?” Peter asked. “Did that destroy the handbooks once more?”

“They can’t be destroyed, just torn and dispersed,” Charlotte clarified. “That’s what I believed happened. But now I wonder.”

Their eyes met, and the usual twinkle in Peter’s gaze was gone, replaced by a serious concern. “In this world, Charlotte,” he said softly, “anything is possible.”

“I’ve seen that to be true,” she agreed. “Even without the broad use of magic.”

“So, we might be dealing with someone who has collected the pages of your handbook to avoid your detection, or perhaps someone with another Fairy Godmother’s Handbook. Have you found this Belinda?”

Charlotte shook her head, a heavy feeling in her chest reaching up to clutch her throat. “No, my sister is gone, Peter. She didn’t survive.”

Peter lowered his head, his gaze drifting to the side. “Charlotte, I’m sorry to hear that. Having one fairy godmother in this world gives us hope for better days. If there had been two of you, that would’ve really helped our cause.”

“I have no doubt in your abilities, Charlotte,” Peter continued. “Despite how little recognition you got from your guild back home, we both know your true strength.”

Charlotte’s smile faded a touch. “Thanks for the compliment, even if it reminds me of my past struggles.”

Peter laughed softly and ran his hand along his jaw. “It isn’t meant to flatter. It’s just the truth.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

After a moment of quiet thought, Peter resumed. “The problem we have is figuring out what happened to the pages of your manual and if anyone has laid hands on them—or your sister godmother’s manual, for that matter. I’d be quite shocked if this mysterious person hadn’t tried using Belinda’s manual to leave this world. I’d assume that could spell trouble for our city, right?”

“That’s right,” Charlotte agreed. “Magic that powerful doesn’t go unnoticed, regardless of one’s expertise in the subject. So, I’m confident we’d notice that.”

“Indeed,” he nodded.

Charlotte grappled with the possibility that she was overlooking something obvious. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t detect any strong magic or cast her spell correctly. She wondered if the pages of her handbook had been taken, if they’d vanished entirely, or if someone was using Belinda’s handbook. Then again, it was possible her magic was simply failing her.

The two stood in silence in the dimly lit, pungent fish shop. With a kind gesture, Peter placed his hand on Charlotte’s arm. “I really don’t think this is about your talent,” he assured her.

Charlotte managed a smile. “Thanks for believing in me.”

“But if it were,” he added, “we’d all be in a much worse situation.”

Her smile faded a little as she looked at him incredulously. “So much for feeling confident.”

He laughed, and despite feeling so helpless at the moment, she chuckled, too.

“What’s the story with the places where magic is strong?” Peter asked. “Have you been back to any?”

“Yes, we returned to The Ascent just yesterday,” she confirmed with a nod. “It was empty. I suspect the magic I sensed before might have been a fluke. Then there are the tunnels, where we found Damien the dwarf and the creatures he’d trapped.”

Saying this left a sour taste in her mouth. In her rush to collect the pages of her handbook, Charlotte had neglected to think about the fate of the animals hidden in the disused mining tunnels beneath Cincinnati’s derelict subway.

Was Damien’s conduct down there defensible?

She couldn’t say.

Damien had his own moral code, but Charlotte understood now that morality wasn’t universal. The concept of right and wrong had become blurred in this new world, complicating her ability to follow her own moral guide. It didn’t help that her locator spell, complete with a detailed map of the city, was less reliable than before.

“I’m thinking of revisiting the mines to see what else I can find,” she mused, considering the possibility of Damien giving permission. “I bet he’s been extra vigilant since our last visit.”

“He doesn’t own the mines,” Peter pointed out. “And I don’t own this shop. Yet, we all claim our little corners to feel more grounded. It’s like we’re trying to find our footing in this world, just as we did in EverAfter.”

Charlotte glanced at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “That’s quite humble of you, Peter Pan.”

“Don’t expect it to last,” he replied with a hint of his usual bravado.

She laughed softly. “Understood.” Charlotte’s gaze fell on the messy countertop as she gathered her thoughts. “Looks like I’ll have to be even more thorough. I’ll retrace my steps to the mines with their strong magic, and I shouldn’t forget the woods that⁠—“

She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes flashing wide before she schooled her expression once again. Discussing Ginger Haus and the strong magic she felt there with Peter Pan wasn’t what she’d planned when she headed to the fish shop.

She didn’t want to talk about conspiracy theories or the possibility that the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild was manipulating stories and banishing entire families from EverAfter. All she had to go on was the word of a witch, Ginger, who seemed honest, and that itself was troubling.

“You’re unsure about sharing more with me,” Peter said, noticing her pause.

“You’re not wrong,” she replied. “I’m still trying to make sense of it all, so please don’t judge me for that. It’s quite recent, and I haven’t had the chance to think it over.”

Peter nodded. “I’m here to listen, Fairy Godmother. And if you need more than a listening ear, you know I’m here to help. That’s why you came, isn’t it?”

“Much appreciated,” Charlotte said, pausing to gather her thoughts.

She needed to ask Peter Pan a question. He was known for causing chaos and stirring up trouble, so she hoped he would understand her concerns about the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild. That they were rumored to cause more problems than they solved, often pitting heroes against villains and using banishment portals recklessly.

“Do you know if the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild ever wrongly labeled EverAfterans as villains for their own gain?” she asked directly.

Peter leaned back, his eyes widening as if seeing Charlotte for the first time. “Wrongly labeled? You mean framing them?”

Charlotte nodded firmly. “Yes. It seems unbelievable, but I’ve heard a believable story that suggests this might be the case.”

“What exactly do you mean by ‘framing’?” Peter asked, looking genuinely curious about the details.

“Twisting the truth,” Charlotte said, her eyebrow arched. “They give you impossible choices—banishment or consequences that are even worse—with no chance for a better future or even a trial. They paint the victims as the bad guys, so they have a reason to send someone else away through the portal into this world.”

Peter let out a long, slow breath and stared at the ground, pondering her words. It seemed he was also new to this idea. “That’s a lot to take in.”

“You’re telling me,” Charlotte replied with a shrug. “I would’ve dismissed it as lies from someone with a grudge against the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild, but it was a very believable story. The mere thought of it is unsettling. Have you ever come across anything like this before?”

“Not in so many words,” Peter answered, shaking his head. “It makes sense that people can be good and bad at the same time. Sometimes, victims turn into bad guys. Sometimes, heroes face their biggest challenges from within. But the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild? They’re the ones who decide who can change for the better and who can’t. It isn’t just about right or wrong. It’s about who deserves a second chance, or maybe even a third or fourth before it’s too late to make things right. After making the same choice again and again, it’s nearly impossible to choose differently. You get that, right?”

“I do,” Charlotte replied, trying to sound less annoyed than she felt. She straightened and looked around the fish shop, attempting to clear her mind and focus on the matter at hand. “I know how our world operates, and it’s been the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild keeping EverAfter in balance for as long as anyone can remember. Still, I can’t stop thinking… What if they aren’t the right ones for the job?”

“Do you think your own order might have a hidden agenda for what they do?” Peter asked.

“I’m not sure what to believe yet,” Charlotte answered. “Could it be that the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild isn’t the best option to place judgment and sentencing on EverAfterans? Maybe they never were.”

She pondered the possibility that her question might have unsettled Peter Pan. His eyes went wide as he looked at the cluttered counter, his brows knitting together as he sorted through his own thoughts.

“Charlotte,” he finally spoke, “I don’t know what to think. What you’re suggesting could change everything in ways we can’t even imagine.”

“Should I have kept my thoughts to myself?” she wondered aloud.

He shook his head. “No, I’m relieved you brought it up. You’re always the one who thinks outside the box. So, it’s no shock that you shared these things with me. Your unique way of seeing things probably played a big part in why you’re here now.”

“And that’s a trait that might have gotten me into this mess to begin with, especially if what I believed about the guild is partly—or mostly—false,” she replied.

Peter gave a helpless shrug as a puzzled expression crossed his face. He was clearly struggling to grasp the situation at hand.

“If our problem is that big,” he began, “then it’s far more serious than just finding the pages of your handbook. We need that magic to try and send at least one of us back to sort things out—hopefully all of us.”

“Getting us back is still my number one priority. Now, it’s about figuring out who to trust and what moves to make once I’m back in EverAfter. Unfortunately, that seems like a distant future now since I can’t track those handbook pages anymore.”

“True,” he agreed.

“Which means I still need to focus on finding those pages,” Charlotte mused, crossing her arms. She joined her friend in looking at the clutter on the counter, an oddly captivating spot for deep thought. “That brings me back to why I’m here despite how the conversation derailed.”

He gave her a half-smile, encouraging her to continue.

“I need to know what’s happening, whether it’s about recovering the pages of my handbook to piece them back together or discovering what’s causing the magical troubles in Cincinnati that’s messing with my spells.”

“When did these problems start?”

“About three or four weeks ago,” she replied. “Sir Thomas, Cat, and I were successful at finding the pages. They were almost jumping into my lap, which was fantastic. But then the earthquakes started. The first one⁠—“

“Earthquakes?” He stepped back, looking as if she had just thrown something at him. “What earthquakes?”

“The tremors,” Charlotte said, waving her hand toward the rest of the fish shop. “I felt them first right after we met with Ginger Haus in her cottage. I thought they only happened in that secret spot where she was tapping into a lot of magic to keep the kids she rescued safe and the cottage hidden. But then the ground continued to shake. There have been about four quakes in the past few weeks, and they’re hard to miss. My magic has always been a bit off, but it started to go totally wrong just after the first tremor. I was wondering if you knew anything about them.”

Peter, who had been her companion in many adventures, looked at the fairy godmother for a long time before blinking rapidly and shaking his head. “I don’t know anything about earthquakes, Charlotte,” he said, his voice carrying a tremble of fear she hadn’t heard from him before.

“Well, maybe the tremors haven’t reached the fish shop or the river. If that’s the case and you’ve been here the whole time, it makes sense you didn’t feel them. They were strong.”

“It’s possible,” Peter replied slowly, sounding unsure.

“Have any of the other EverAfterans in your care been exploring the city? Many work on the docks, trying to make a life, but some, like Damien, may not know of this sanctuary,” Charlotte said.

Peter shook his head. “No. I keep in touch with many EverAfterans, and I have friends in many places. If anyone had noticed anything, I’m certain they would’ve told me. However, I’ll talk to some who watch the city for their own reasons. If I learn anything that could help you, I promise to let you know.”

Charlotte noticed the change in Peter’s usual playful expression. As a grown man, his face now showed a seriousness she wasn’t used to. She felt a twinge of concern.

“Thank you, Peter,” she replied, nodding. “I’m grateful for your help.”

“Of course.” He cleared his throat and stepped back, moving behind the counter again. “We’re all in the same boat until you fix your handbook and find a way for us to go back home. I trust you’ll manage it, and until then, we should work together. That being said, I have a busy day ahead. I need to show some new folks around. Plus, there’s trouble with the pirates at the docks—they’re not too thrilled about me being in charge. Honestly, running anything in this town is a challenge. I’ve got a lot on my plate, and I bet you do too, so we should get back to work. I’m sure we’ll catch up soon.”

“Of course.” Charlotte forced a smile and nodded, turning to the shop’s entrance. “I appreciate the talk, Peter. It’s good to have someone who understands.”

Peter shuffled things around on the counter without really looking at them, then suddenly met Charlotte’s gaze with a sense of urgency. “Yes, absolutely. It’s always helpful to share ideas. Best of luck with your search.” He turned back to his task, punctuating the end of their meeting.

He’s scared, she thought.

Charlotte turned toward the exit and quickly crossed the shop, her dark purple cloak trailing around her ankles. The echo of her footsteps on the aged concrete floor filled the space as she reached for the door.

Stepping out, the late morning breeze that carried the warmth of the sun, the fresh Cincinnati air, and a blend of verdant scents mingling with a hint of fish from the nearby docks greeted her. The bustling sounds of the docks and the EverAfter sanctuary dominated the atmosphere, silencing any competing noise.

The fairy godmother was sure Peter was scared, and he didn’t want anyone to know it, especially not her.

Charlotte and Sir Thomas might have been the only EverAfterans in Cincinnati to sense the disturbances underground. They’d theorized it was possible that only certain EverAfterans felt the earthquakes at particular times and places. However, that theory fell apart when Charlotte recalled that Cat and Alex had also experienced the tremors.

Alex, the sole human in the mix, had even rushed home from work after the second quake, puzzled that his colleagues at the CPD hadn’t mentioned feeling anything. It was a mystery why Charlotte, Sir Thomas, Cat, and a human detective were the only ones in the city aware of the seismic events.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Two hours later, Charlotte, Alex, and Sir Thomas were sitting on the grassy crest of a hill in the nearby public park, just a short walk from Alex’s apartment. At the bottom of the slope, Cat leaped joyfully through the grass. He chased after butterflies, pounced on bugs, and took every chance to roll around in the exciting scents he found.

The big Newfoundland didn’t notice his human friends’ heavy moods; he was too busy exploring to hear Charlotte’s detailed account of her meeting with Peter Pan at the fish shop.

Alex sat in stunned silence while Sir Thomas lay on the ground in a position a house cat might take. He didn’t complain this time since no one was forcing him to do something as degrading as sitting in a seat meant for small, destructive human children.

The story Charlotte had told them was a lot to take in. The cheerful yells of kids on the swings, the laughter of people strolling through the park, and the friendly barking of other dogs couldn’t shake off the serious atmosphere that hung over the trio.

Charlotte stretched her legs out in front of her and crossed them at the ankles. Her dark purple cloak draped over her knees. She looked from Alex to Sir Thomas and back again, waiting for someone to break the silence.

Alex drew his knees up to his chest while Charlotte told her story, wrapping his arms around them and resting his chin on top. He looked out over the park, seemingly oblivious to Cat playing below. Charlotte understood the struggle to find the right words. She’d felt the same way before and after her encounter with Peter Pan.

Eventually, Alex broke the silence. “Well, that doesn’t sound good for any of us.”

“It’s not terrible, either,” Charlotte countered. “It’s just confusing and a bit concerning. We need to sort out what’s happening. I doubt Peter can help, especially if he’s clueless about the earthquakes shaking the city for weeks.”

“How does that even happen?” Alex lifted his gaze to meet hers, his frown deepening. “How can we be the only ones in Cincinnati who know about the quakes? There are three hundred thousand people here, not counting the EverAfterans, and you’re telling me no one else felt a thing?”

Charlotte nodded. “It seems that way. Believe me, if I had any answers, I wouldn’t keep them from you.”

“I know you wouldn’t,” Alex agreed, shaking his head as he ran his fingers through his short brown hair. “This is all so confusing. Magic, banishments, conspiracies, and two worlds colliding—it’s a lot, and I’m not exactly an expert here. However, I’m here to help you, whatever you need.”

“This shows us the situation is even more complicated than we thought,” she answered. “I get it; it’s impossible to know where to start with this ever-growing puzzle, but I have faith we can figure it out. It’s just –“ She paused, letting out a deep sigh as she looked out over the park. “I’m not sure where the starting point is. And without my locator spell, I can’t even find my handbook pages. So⁠—“

“It’s like we’re back to square one,” Alex guessed.

“More like before square one,” she countered with certainty. “And that’s new territory for me.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s impossible,” Sir Thomas added.

He’d been quiet throughout Charlotte’s entire story, lying on the grass enjoying the warm sun. Since he was forced to lie as a cat would next to them to keep up appearances, he decided to remove his hat so they could hear him better.

Charlotte and Alex turned to Sir Thomas, waiting for him to continue. “The problem, my lady, is that you no longer have a way to find the lost pages of your handbook. You believe the trouble began with the earthquakes, since your map worked fine before them. Start there. If we find out what’s causing the earthquakes and stop it, I bet both the earthquakes and your spell problem will stop at the same time. It’s quite straightforward.”

Both companions stared at him, eyebrows raised in surprise. Sir Thomas frowned at their identical expressions, snorted, and laid back down on the grass, pulling his hat over his face again.

Charlotte smiled at the temperamental cat. “It’s a great first step. Obviously, I can’t start with the pages. Thank you, Sir Thomas. You’ve lifted our spirits.”

“At this point, I feel like we just need an army at our disposal,” Alex joked. “Delegate some of these things to the soldiers.”

“There we go. Wouldn’t that be nice?” She sighed thoughtfully. “Honestly, though, there may only be four of us, but we’re a force to be reckoned with. We’ve faced plenty of challenges together since we’ve met.”

“Not an army, though. That might be a stretch for only four individuals,” Alex said, his head tilting as he pondered. “But we’re certainly on a mission.”

“Then we’re in agreement,” Charlotte declared, slapping her hands on her thighs. “It’s settled. We find the source of the earthquakes, deal with the issue causing them, and I get my spell back. Then, we can continue the quest we’ve been dedicated to for so long. Sir Thomas, I can’t express enough how grateful I am that you’re more than just a dashing figure in boots.”

Sir Thomas’s voice, slightly muffled by his hat, added, “I aim to please, my lady.”

“What are we waiting for?” Charlotte looked around at her friends and stood. “It’s Saturday, and Detective Taylor isn’t at work.”

“I’ve been stuck doing desk work,” Alex said, sounding less than thrilled.

“And it’s not as if Sir Thomas and Cat are overwhelmed with commitments,” Charlotte added quickly.

Sir Thomas sat up abruptly, no longer caring about any roaming eyes. He removed his hat to look at Charlotte with a mix of humor and annoyance. “For your information, Cat and I are quite occupied,” he stated. “We don’t waste our days. We’ve been sharpening our minds, wits, and occasionally our claws.” He glanced at his extended paw, wiggling his little toes for emphasis.

“While a talking cat playing chess with a former cat-turned-dog is wildly impressive, I don’t think that counts as contributing to battle readiness,” Alex mused.

Sir Thomas gave the detective a look of indifference. “But you can’t say for sure, can you?”

Charlotte dusted off her dress and cloak. “Let’s get moving. It feels like we’ve spent too much time sitting around and discussing a problem that requires action. Now that we have a way forward, I see no point in wasting more time talking. Let’s get to work. I’m counting on both of you.”

Alex and Sir Thomas looked up at her for a moment, her optimism and almost giddiness a stark contrast to their relaxed mood at the moment.

Then Sir Thomas sprung to his feet. He bowed deeply to the fairy godmother as he held his hat to his chest. “I’m at your service, Lady Charlotte. I will happily accompany you wherever you venture.”

Charlotte turned to see Alex, who still sat on the grass, his knees still hugged close to him. The detective met her gaze, his eyebrows arching a moment before he sighed deeply and then stood.

“It seems our only choices are to sit here feeling sorry for ourselves or to get moving and do something about our situation.”

“Absolutely,” Charlotte said with a smile. “Taking action is better than waiting around, as long as we have options. Let’s start by searching for something other than a page from the Fairy Godmother’s Handbook. After that, we’ll figure out our next move.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

After settling on their next steps, Charlotte and her friends soon realized tackling this mystery was easier said than done. Pinpointing the source of the earthquakes would be a challenge.

They’d stopped or at least slowed to the point of seeming they had. Plus, no one outside their group seemed to have felt them in the first place. After much thought, Alex suggested they turn to the internet and put their detective skills to work.

Over the weekend, Charlotte and Alex dove into online research, hunting for any mention of earthquakes in Cincinnati. He taught her more about computers and search engines and even showed her how to use YouTube and TikTok so she could learn how to do things in the human world.

Sir Thomas wanted to contribute, but the talkative cat quickly grew frustrated by his struggles with technology. Unlike Charlotte, he wasn’t interested in the least about learning how to work smartphones, tablets, computers, or anything else.

The humanoid members of their team chose to stay inside, immersing themselves in the digital realm of news, social media, and articles. They even tapped into Alex’s connections with the Cincinnati Police Department to investigate any reported seismic activity in the area over recent months.

This task demanded patience and perseverance from both the fairy godmother and her human detective companion. Charlotte quickly learned that it was easy to get absorbed in this work with so much at stake and the clock ticking.

She felt a growing sense of urgency. The longer they took to find pages of her handbook or to pinpoint the cause of the strange quakes, the greater the risk seemed. She realized that danger loomed not just over her and her friends but also over the humans and displaced EverAfterans surrounding them.

As Sunday evening settled in, the sky darkened as they finished dinner, a simple meal of sandwiches and another round of coffee. After they finished, they returned to their tasks.

Sir Thomas felt the weight of the day and decided to retire early, making the couch his bed. Cat had already succumbed to sleep, exhausted from their extensive search throughout the city for any clues about the earthquake.

Charlotte could no longer fathom how they would find answers on the streets. She was more engrossed in mastering the digital realm, getting surprisingly good at using this world’s technology, a skill she hadn’t expected to need upon her arrival.

Before she realized it, her eyes were heavy as she gazed at the laptop screen that Alex had lent her. She used it while he worked on his tablet. When she next checked the time, it was past 1:00 a.m., which explained why she was struggling to stay awake.

Charlotte lifted her gaze from the laptop screen she’d spent an enormous amount of time staring at sitting on the dining room table and noticed Alex on the sofa across the room, his eyes fixed on his tablet.

“How’s it going?” she called out.

Alex didn’t answer right away. He seemed so absorbed in his work that he didn’t even move. The longer Charlotte waited, the more she sensed that something on the screen had gripped his attention, and it didn’t seem like good news.

“Alex?” she tried again. “Can you hear me? Hello?”

Startled, he looked up from his tablet with a jolt, blinking fast, and met her eyes. “What?” he asked, confused.

“You seem deep in thought. Find something interesting?” Charlotte asked.

“I did?”

He still looked puzzled, like he’d teleported from somewhere far away and dropped back into his living room. She wondered how much of it was her startling him and how much was her question. He quickly scanned his tablet before shaking his head.

“No, I didn’t find anything. Actually, I can’t even remember what I was doing. You know what? I’m just really tired. I think I’ll go to bed.” Each of his words dragged a bit, as if he was fighting sleep.

“That sounds like a good plan,” Charlotte responded. “You have work at the precinct tomorrow, right?”

“Unfortunately,” he replied, his voice distant, as if he were already drifting off. Then, rubbing his forehead, he added, “I need to go in tomorrow. My job is important, but this work is important, too.”

He offered her a weak, tired smile, reassuring her that whatever had captured his attention was now forgotten.

She returned his smile and nodded. “I’m not far behind you. I still want to look over a few things. Cat and Sir Thomas brought a bunch of recent newspapers from town. I’ll dig into those.”

“Sure thing.”

Alex pushed himself up from the couch but wobbled slightly. He steadied himself, then walked toward the hallway leading to the bedrooms. As he went, he patted his pockets, looking for something.

He walked into the kitchen, momentarily placed the tablet on the counter, and then picked up his leather jacket, which was resting there. He stood still for a moment, a puzzled expression crossing his face as if he’d suddenly forgotten his next move.

Slinging his jacket over his arm, he looked at Charlotte and whispered, “Good night, then.”

“Good night,” she replied, her eyes following him until he turned into the shadowy corridor.

Just before he vanished from view, she caught a glimpse of a soft blue glow emanating from his jacket pocket. There was definitely something unusual about that jacket, or perhaps something hidden within it…

After she heard him settle into his bedroom with a final thud, the apartment returned to silence. The only sounds that filled the air were the occasional snorts and snores of their two magical animal companions, comfortably spread out in the living room.

With a weary smile, she shook her head and plunged back into the heap of research before her. She was determined to sift through it meticulously from start to finish. She wouldn’t rest until she’d explored every single option, no matter how many alternative paths appeared, as she delved deeper into this mystery.

“Excuse me, Lady Charlotte, it’s time to wake up,” came a gentle nudge. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but we have a lot to do today. It looks like you’ve been hard at work already while we were all sleeping.”

Charlotte snorted as she lifted her head from her folded arms on the dining table, her eyes blinking rapidly. She glanced around, her memory snapping back into place as she noticed Sir Thomas, the ginger cat, with his paw on her arm.

His big, bright eyes met hers as he tilted his head. “I don’t think you meant to fall asleep here, did you?”

Charlotte straightened with a yawn and stretched, working out the stiffness in her neck with a grimace. “You’re right.” She massaged her neck. “I definitely didn’t plan on dozing off like that. I must’ve been more tired than I thought, lost in all the work.”

“Yes, that seems to be the case,” Sir Thomas replied as he turned slowly to look around the living room, making a thoughtful noise. “But I have to wonder, did this happen before or after the tornado hit Detective Taylor’s living room?”

“What?” Charlotte needed a moment to grasp his meaning. Then her brain clicked, and she wondered how she’d forgotten such chaos. “Oh, that’s, that’s remarkable. Yes, I was completely wrapped up in my work last night.”

The living room was in disarray, with newspaper clippings and magazine articles everywhere, alongside a multitude of notes on yellow-lined paper, some ripped to various sizes and others just scattered about. Charlotte ran her fingers through her hair, her brow furrowing at the mess.

“I can see that,” Sir Thomas agreed with a click of his tongue. “Did you find anything useful in all this? Is there anything we can follow up on now that you’ve combed through every piece of information about earthquakes in Cincinnati?”

“Well, I—“ Charlotte paused, her face twisting as she tried to recall how she’d turned the room upside down.

She couldn’t remember jotting down any notes. However, the evidence was right there on the table—her pen, the legal pad, and Alex’s laptop, which had been her research companion over the weekend.

Why can’t I recall any of this? Was I so absorbed in my task that I didn’t notice what was happening around me?

The fairy godmother had often worked tirelessly to keep her focus sharp, knowing that losing it could be risky. She had a habit of getting lost in her thoughts, but never to this extent, especially when her work was fraught with danger and tight deadlines.

“There’s something important here; I just need to find it,” she mused as she stood.

Instead of the expected squeak from her chair, the sound of shuffling papers met Charlotte’s ears. Glancing down, she surveyed the disarray of snipped newspapers and magazines mingled with the crumpled yellow legal papers that lay scattered around her seat.

“Perhaps I left a note for myself in this mess.”

Cat playfully yelped as he scampered into the room, his tail in a merry wag. He stopped in front of Charlotte, his expressive brown eyes locking on hers as if eager to help.

Sir Thomas snorted. “Unless you’ve delegated the task of recalling last night’s brainstorming revelations to someone else?” He approached Cat and plucked a yellow sticky note from the Newfoundland’s thick fur. He slapped it onto the table before Charlotte and pointed. “Does this look familiar?”

Charlotte leaned in to decipher the messy scrawl on the note and frowned. “Could you help me out?” She gestured to the note. “Is that ‘Gingerbread House’ written there?”

“It might be,” he said with a shrug, carefully scrutinizing it. “But I can’t seem to interpret this handwriting any better than you, and no, I did not pen that.”

“Okay. Well, I guess we should talk to Ginger Haus again. It adds up since her cabin sits atop a massive magic nexus.” Charlotte placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the cluttered room. “Where’s Alex?”

“Detective Taylor left for his regular job this morning,” Sir Thomas informed her, waving a paw at the surrounding chaos. “He was quiet about all this, though I was half asleep when he rushed out.”

“He went to bed earlier than me and seemed overly tired,” Charlotte added, a bit puzzled by his behavior. She rapidly shook her head. “Right. I think we ought to visit Ginger’s place, but not before we clean up.”

“We?” Sir Thomas echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Cat simply sat back and gave a quiet chuff in response.

Sir Thomas turned his attention to his four-legged friend. “I’m trying to figure that out.”

Charlotte waved a hand as she picked up a stack of papers with another. “Any help you two can provide would be greatly appreciated. But first, I’m in desperate need of some coffee.”

Sir Thomas watched her navigate a sea of scattered papers and clippings on her way to the kitchen. “You’ve been in this world a mere two months, my lady, and you’ve already adopted the common human coffee habit,” he observed with a hint of amusement. “I can’t say I’m fond of the taste. It’s bitter and keeps me wide awake.”

“That’s the general idea,” Charlotte called back.

“Yes, well, it’s the exact opposite of how I prefer to feel,” Sir Thomas conceded, “but if it’s to your liking, then by all means, enjoy.”

Charlotte knew her way around Alex’s compact yet efficient kitchenette quite well. She could find everything she needed and operate the coffee maker with ease. However, this morning’s coffee-making endeavor abruptly halted when she discovered the bag of coffee grounds was empty. A bit surprised, she shook the bag a few times, only to be met with a small cloud of coffee dust before tossing the bag into the trash.

“Okay, there’s a coffee shop just down the street. Let’s head there first,” she suggested.

“Could this be a delay tactic?” Sir Thomas asked with a hint of teasing.

“Believe me, Sir Thomas, if stalling was my intention, I wouldn’t have spent the entire night poring over research,” Charlotte replied.

She briefly questioned whether she was, in fact, the one who had worked throughout the night. It made the most sense. After all, everyone else in the apartment had been asleep.

“Very well, the matter is settled,” she stated, reaching into her cloak for the small coin purse that Alex had given her to hold spare change. “A brisk walk to the coffee shop for a drink and some fresh air should fully awaken us, don’t you think?”

“Well, I’m certainly wide awake now,” Sir Thomas declared, stretching with both front paws in the air as he yawned. Moments later, Cat followed with a yawn of his own and loudly licked his lips. The talking cat turned to his giant friend. “If this helps Lady Charlotte get ready for the tasks we have ahead, then I won’t object.” He turned to the fairy godmother and gestured toward the door. “After you, my lady. To the coffee shop we go!”

“Okay. Yes. I’ll just… Oh, here we go.”

Charlotte extracted the spare key from the inner pocket of her cloak, the one she’d held onto since discovering it under the welcome mat at Alex’s apartment. She frowned at the mess again, the worst one since she started sharing the space with Detective Taylor.

“Coffee first, then we’ll tackle the cleaning. After that, we’ll review my notes and plan our next move.”

“A splendid strategy, my lady,” Sir Thomas agreed with gusto. “I’m at your service whenever you’re ready.”

Charlotte quickly adjusted her hair, cloak, and the violet satin dress she wore. Then, with her shoulders back and chin lifted, she let Sir Thomas and Cat walk ahead.

Pausing at the open door for a moment, she glanced back at the disarray in the living room, sighed, and then gently closed and locked the door. She wondered if Alex might reconsider their standing invitation to stay after witnessing the mess. It puzzled her that she hadn’t heard him getting ready that morning or leaving.

Key in hand, she tucked it into her cloak and set off to find some much-needed coffee, considering the full pot she missed out on making.

Nearly an hour later, Charlotte and her two companions returned from their outing to the small yet efficient coffee shop that she and Alex frequented a few times in the past months. The front door opened with a soft thud against the stopper, and the trio entered Alex’s apartment with an air of ease.

Charlotte and her friend Cat strolled in without a worry. Sir Thomas, on the other hand, was quite agitated. As Charlotte held the door for him, he vented about their outing, once again taking exception with curious onlookers.

“It’s simply outrageous! The nerve of some people to approach a stranger and fiddle with their hair as if it were nothing!”

Charlotte closed the door with one hand while holding her coffee in the other. “You mean fur, right? There’s a difference, I believe.”

While Thomas wasn’t happy about pretending to be a fashionable yet normal cat from the human realm, as long as it didn’t involve anything overly degrading, he merely grumbled as he did it.

Walking around on all fours was difficult in his artisan-crafted boots, but the soft leather that rose up the legs was flexible enough to allow him to do so. It was stiffer than usual, but not so uncomfortable he refused.

“Of course, there is a difference,” Sir Thomas replied, his tone laced with frustration. “My magnificent ginger fur should never be likened to mere human hair, but the idea is similar. I was trying to explain in a way you could grasp, especially since you don’t have a luxurious fur coat like mine.”

“I’m sure a lot of people here are just used to stroking friendly dogs and cats whenever they feel like it,” she commented. “Besides, I’ve seen some of what Alex called ‘cute cat videos’ online, and they are indeed precious. One of the common things humans do is dress up their pets. He’d told me that before, but seeing it is entirely different.” She shrugged. “To the human world, you look like what they’d call an adorable ginger floof, and that means people will want to pet you. If you didn’t wear⁠—“

“I shouldn’t have to change myself in order for people to keep their hands to themselves,” he interrupted as he halted in the middle of the living room, then spun to shoot her a stern look. “Don’t you grasp the issue here?”

She began to answer casually, but stopped dead in her tracks. It was only then—after having a long walk and enough caffeine to fully rouse her mind—that she really saw the state of Alex’s apartment.

“Oh, I see a big problem…” Her voice trailed as her forehead creased in thought. “…but I think it’s a different one than you’re upset about,” she mumbled that last part under her breath.

Sir Thomas pointed at Cat as he continued to rant. “Our friend here deserves the same respect and manners as anyone else in this place, maybe even more. Cat has faced a lot. He’s dealt with literal life-altering change, and that can shake anyone. Those old ladies who just reached out and touched his fur without asking? It isn’t right. I can’t stand for it, and neither should you, Lady Charlotte. I’m sorry for my strong words, but this is serious.”

“Sir Thomas, are you more upset about strangers trying to pet you? Because I’d wager Cat didn’t mind the attention one bit,” Charlotte said, still distracted. “He seemed to enjoy all the fuss. He always does. It isn’t fair for you to put your own issues on him.”

“That’s not the point, Lady,” Sir Thomas insisted. “The dog is, um, Lady?” He let go of his frustration when he caught the puzzled expression on the godmother’s face. “Lady Charlotte, is everything alright?”

“I’m not sure,” she said, her voice trailing again as she took in the living room and kitchen. “It seems we have a problem, and I’m not talking about the older women who enjoyed petting our dog so much.”

“What could you possibly be—“ Sir Thomas began but stopped abruptly as understanding dawned on him. He scanned the room, his eyes widening as if he had just seen it for the first time. Finally, he breathed out a soft and astonished “Oh.”

That simple word was all that was needed because now they both noticed the change. The interior of Alex’s apartment was strikingly different.

She rested her hand on the kitchen counter, needing the support. She continued to stare, hoping she wasn’t imagining the room’s unexpected tidiness. “Just to confirm, fellas… This place was, in fact, a mess when we left for the coffee shop, yes?”

“Without a doubt,” Sir Thomas confirmed. “To put it simply,” he paused, his voice as uncertain as hers, “it appears someone cleaned the entire apartment while we were away.”

Charlotte nodded slowly. “Thank you for confirming that. Honestly, I wondered if I’d lost my mind for a moment.” Her frown grew as she stepped further inside, reluctant to release her grip on the counter.

“Although I understand the concern, rest assured, you have lost no part of your mind. We see it, too.”

“What on earth happened in here?” she asked, more to herself than anyone else.

The fairy godmother couldn’t remember making the mess in the first place, and now this.

As they walked through the mysteriously clean living space, Cat roamed the living room. The large dog sniffed the baseboards, the rug, and under the couch. When he reached the armchair, he gave a loud snort, sniffed eagerly, then sneezed hard before pawing at his nose and sitting with a huff.

Sir Thomas addressed his dog friend, “I can assure you, I hid nothing there. We’ve been over this.”

“Did he find something?” Charlotte asked.

The cat dismissed her question with a wave. “It’s nothing important. Dogs have great noses but sometimes find trivial things. It isn’t worth your attention, my lady. He’s just being a dog.”

With a puzzled look, Charlotte scanned the living room, then rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe Alex came home for something and tidied up in a hurry?” she suggested, turning to glance at the kitchen clock before shaking her head. “No, it’s only eleven in the morning. He should still be at work.’

Sir Thomas paced the unusually neat living room. “There’s no way for us to know unless we actually check with the detective. You still have the phone he gave you, right?”

“Of course I do,” Charlotte replied, feigning confidence.

Inside, she was an anxious mess. In addition to all the other things she’d forgotten, she also completely forgot about the extra phone Alex had given her. He told her to call him if she ever needed help.

She dug into the depths of her magical cloak, a garment that could hold far more than any suitcase. The night before, Alex had told her later into the evening who Mary Poppins was and why he’d made the comparison, which she’d found amusing. To Charlotte, the nanny seemed like somewhat of a fairy godmother herself.

Her fingers searched the cool, spacious fabric until they wrapped around the familiar shape of a cell phone. She recognized its unique texture, which was different from anything else in EverAfter. Pulling it out, she turned it on to check for any messages or missed calls from Alex, only to discover there were none.

Charlotte set the phone on the kitchen counter and ventured further into the apartment. She then faced the kitchen table, relieved to see that Alex’s laptop, wireless mouse, and notepad with a pen were still there, just as she had left them.

Next to these, three separate piles of paper were arranged: one for clippings from newspapers and magazines, another for her quick, roughly torn notes, and a third for the sticky notes that had been scattered around the living room earlier. Now, all were neatly sorted.

“This is oddly convenient,” Charlotte thought, appreciating the unexpected tidiness. She glanced at Sir Thomas and Cat, her companions peering up at her with anticipation. “Well, it looks like it’s time to dive back into work. One problem at a time.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Charlotte sat at the dining room table, surrounded by stacks of papers she didn’t remember writing. She’d been reviewing the notes for over an hour, but it seemed impossible that she’d uncovered and recorded all this information by herself the previous night. The sheer volume of work involved in sorting through each neatly piled document was overwhelming. It all appeared far too comprehensive to be the product of her efforts alone.

I worked hard all weekend, and Alex pitched in, too. It’s possible some of these notes are his, she thought.

Only a few of the papers were written in her familiar handwriting. Others might have been Alex’s, and the rest were as tricky to read as the note they found on Cat this morning.

Despite the strangeness of it, she stayed focused on her task with renewed enthusiasm. If they could find the source of the minor earthquakes, she might be able to solve several problems with the small amount of magic she was capable of using in this world. She wasn’t ready to join Sir Thomas and Cat for another chat with Ginger in her secluded cottage until she had solid information, no matter its source.

Charlotte could make sense of several notes that caught her eye. While they didn’t directly mention earthquakes, they contained precise details like cross streets, city landmarks, and dates with times. She found it odd because these details were new to her, and she couldn’t recall reading about them before.

Cat and Sir Thomas were great companions during her investigation. Cat found a cozy spot on the rug under the coffee table and settled there to watch the activity. Before long, the large dog was sound asleep, his snoring a soothing backdrop in the room.

Sir Thomas helped Charlotte sift through the sticky notes, setting aside those that seemed important. However, he lost interest after a while and took his usual place for a nap on the corner of the couch.

Charlotte remained committed to her task, delving into the mysterious anonymous notes for a solid hour. She’d neglected her coffee in the process, and by the time she remembered it, Thomas and Cat were already napping across the living room. Their peaceful slumber somehow calmed her, even as she felt time escaping. She took a couple of generous gulps from her still-warm coffee, sweetened with cream and sugar, then sat back down to continue her work.

As she reached for her pen, it wasn’t where she expected. Puzzled, she scanned the table multiple times. “Where on earth is it?” she muttered before checking under the table and among the papers, but it was nowhere to be found.

“Okay…” She made her way into the kitchen to retrieve a new one. She paused midway, giving another quick look back at the table, but the pen remained elusive.

She plucked a replacement from the junk drawer, which Alex had claimed was a staple in every household, and went back to dissecting the notes.

Not even ten minutes later, her coffee cup also vanished. “What the…?” she exclaimed, her chair screeching as she stood rapidly, causing Sir Thomas and Cat to wake from their slumber.

“Sir Thomas?” she called out before realizing that neither of her friends could have moved her things while unconscious.

Charlotte whirled around to the kitchen. Sure enough, her coffee cup was back on the counter where she’d left it, though she could have sworn it was just on the table. She shook her head, trying to push aside the confusion. She didn’t need these strange occurrences on top of everything else.

Each time Charlotte went back for her coffee, there seemed to be less in the cup than when she set it back down. She told herself it was her imagination, but doubts nagged at her. Still, she forced herself back to work, spending another forty-five minutes sifting through her notes. Eventually, she concluded that revisiting Page and Jirau’s seemed like the most promising move, even if nothing in her notes directly pointed to that.

“All right,” she breathed, setting the pen aside and leaning back in her chair with a sigh.

Charlotte closed her eyes and ran a hand through her hair. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, away from the glare of screens and the clutter of paper and scribbled notes.

I need to focus on one thing and stick with it until it’s clear it won’t work.

Usually, that was her approach, but now she had a nagging feeling she was missing something important. It felt as though it were right there, calling for her attention, but it somehow eluded her.

How much time will be wasted if I ignore something crucial?

Sighing, she opened her eyes and decided it was time to power everything off. Doing so would help her resist the urge to keep diving into her notes and searching the web for more information. Since Alex taught her how to use the computer’s basic functions and how to power it on and off, she made sure to close all the programs and properly shut down the laptop.

Charlotte surveyed the table before her: a pile of notes, her carefully written reminders on a yellow legal pad, and the laptop charging beside her. Another frown crept over her face.

With a shout, she slammed her hands down. “That’s it!”

Cat remained undisturbed as he simply turned onto his side and continued to snore loudly. Sir Thomas, on the other hand, jerked awake from his cozy position in the corner and looked at the fairy godmother with sleepy eyes.

“What’s wrong, my lady? Did you have a breakthrough? Did you figure out what’s causing the earthquakes? Are we off to save the townspeople and put an end to our problems?”

Charlotte was ready to answer him, but she stopped short. “Did you take the mouse?”

Sir Thomas uncoiled from his restful pose, stretched, and gave her a puzzled look. “Detective Taylor won’t be pleased to find a mouse here. Just because I’m a cat doesn’t mean I⁠—“

“The computer mouse, Sir Thomas,” she interjected, her voice sharp with irritation. “The one that goes with the laptop. It’s been right here all weekend, and now it’s missing.”

“I can tell you I certainly haven’t taken any electronic devices in my sleep. I wouldn’t touch one of those things if I had to.” He paused. “I suppose that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Only if you needed me to retrieve something for you. However, for amusement, absolutely not.”

Charlotte clicked her tongue and shook her head, clearly bothered. “You’re right, I apologize. I’m just frustrated. Everything seems to be moving or disappearing faster than I can keep up with. As strange as it sounds, since I’m the only one here who was awake, I’m certain it isn’t me. I’ve been completely alert and aware the whole time.”

“Ah, yes,” Sir Thomas said, rising from the couch for a stretch, then walked across the living room to where Charlotte sat at the dining table. Cat slept on, undisturbed by his friend’s movement, even with the hushed sound of leather boots on the floor. “Human homes seem to have mystical properties themselves. Just recently, I heard two people at the laundromat claiming the dryers were ‘eating’ their socks.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Eating them? That sounds absurd.”

“I had the same reaction,” he agreed with a nod. “But these individuals were quite convinced. Humans can be very superstitious, which is intriguing, considering they rely so heavily on their modern gadgets and don’t believe in magic—not that there’s much magic here to believe in outside of the growing EverAfteran community, which they know nothing of. There’s a strange contradiction there.”

“Do you think they ever talk about their belongings vanishing in broad daylight with no explanation?” Charlotte asked.

“Definitely,” Sir Thomas answered. “Now that I think about it, Detective Taylor has been quite upset about his things going missing in the past few weeks. It all started when we moved back here from that hotel, which, I must say, was far from pleasant. This place may be compact, but at least it meets the detective’s high standards for cleanliness, unlike those weekly-rent rooms.”

Charlotte’s frown grew. “I assumed he was just stressed and tired when those things came up missing, but you have a point. What exactly did he lose? Clothes? I don’t see how that connects to the vanished pen, computer mouse, and coffee cup. It would seem these things spontaneously grew legs!”

Sir Thomas placed his furry paws on his hips and looked at her, amused. “You’re quite the entertainer, my lady. While a wandering coffee cup would be funny for a bit, I doubt you’d waste your valuable magic on such a prank when you could be doing something far more useful.”

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Charlotte said, pressing her lips together as she scanned the table and then glanced beneath it. “Something’s not right in this apartment. I can’t put my finger on it, but it doesn’t sit well with me. Maybe I should call Alex after all.”

“I wouldn’t bother, my lady,” Sir Thomas reassured her with a casual flick of his tail. “Alex is more scatterbrained than he seems. He has his own issues, and I’m not sure adding ours to his would do him any good. Remember when he put his car keys in the cookie jar last month?”

Charlotte nodded with a half-smile. “Another point, Sir Thomas.”

Alex was juggling a lot already and was the only one in Cincinnati privy to the secret that magic and fairytale creatures were real. It was no wonder he’d had a tough time adjusting.

But what about me? Surely, I’m not losing my grip on reality.

Lost in thought, Charlotte didn’t notice how long she sat in silence, staring at the table until Sir Thomas’s polite cough snapped her back to the moment.

“Apologies, my lady,” he began, noticing Charlotte’s pensive mood. “I’d like to reassure you that there’s no reason for concern. You seem just like your usual self, and I think it’s best not to dwell on this. I’m sure it’s nothing. You’re likely stressed.”

Charlotte released a wry chuckle and offered him a crooked smile. “Really?”

“Absolutely. In fact, I have just the thing to lift our spirits after these exhausting days,” Sir Thomas continued, his voice brightening. “You’ve been buried in the online world, which is baffling to me, but let’s not get into that. What we need,” he pointed at her, “is a hearty meal, maybe a quick nap, and then we should leave this apartment and visit the gingerbread house witch as planned.”

“And will you be the one to cook for us?” Charlotte asked in a playful tone. “I haven’t watched nearly enough tut…” She paused, looking off as she tried to remember the word. Finally, she snapped her fingers. “Tutorials! I haven’t watched nearly enough cooking tutorials to cook anything elaborate. However, I do think I’m almost ready to try again. Especially now that I understand what a fire extinguisher is and how to use it. I suppose I could possibly do something simple that didn’t require the use of the stove.”

Sir Thomas’s expression turned sheepish as he shrugged. “Despite my hatred of technology, I’m pleased you’ve found use in it. However, while I’d love to cook for us, my lady,” he replied, laughing, “sadly, I’m not quite up to the task of cooking for three. Plus, I doubt you’d enjoy anything I might whip up on the floor.”

“I understand,” Charlotte said with a smile as she rose from her seat. “Alright, Sir Thomas, I’ll take on making us a simple, nourishing meal. You’ve made a good case for it.”

Heading back to the kitchen, she noticed Sir Thomas following with an outstretched paw. “May I suggest,” he began politely, “if you’re going to prepare something⁠—“

“Don’t worry,” Charlotte interrupted as she entered the cozy kitchenette. “I won’t use any magic this time either. Even a fairy godmother can learn from her past errors, and I’ve had my share.”

Sir Thomas sighed audibly and nodded, then rubbed his paws in anticipation. “Good, that’s very good.”

“Luckily, the grocery list Alex gave us is full of items that don’t need much preparation. I won’t even need to touch the stove or microwave, which is the only reason I volunteered for this. So you can relax while I take care of things. Food was a good idea. We both know trying to solve mysteries on an empty stomach is pointless.”

“You’re absolutely correct, my lady,” Sir Thomas agreed. “I’ll wait here then.” He jumped onto the chair across the dining table and looked on, expectant. “If you require assistance that doesn’t need a hands-on approach, I’m here to help.”

“Thank you, Sir Thomas,” she replied, her smile conveying comfort and confidence in their progress. “I’m glad to have you.”

“The sentiment is shared, my lady,” he said, giving her a wink and then glancing meaningfully at the fridge.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The idea of a sandwich was new to her when she first mingled with humans in Cincinnati. However, at this point, Detective Taylor had prepared so many of them for Charlotte, Sir Thomas, and Cat over the past months that making one had become almost routine. Luckily, sandwiches were simple to make and didn’t require much thought.

Or fire.

Charlotte appreciated the chance to take a break from her quest, the pages of her handbook, and the mysterious earthquakes that seemed to escape everyone else’s notice.

Instead, she could focus on the simple task of putting together a variety of cold foods. She just had to take them out of their packaging, arrange them on a plate, and serve them to her companions.

Humming a simple tune, the fairy godmother danced in the small kitchen to the rhythm in her head. She placed slices of bread on three plates with a flourish and tore into packets of deli meat and cheese as she moved from the fridge to the counter. She twirled the butter knife in her hand before using it to spread tasty sauces like mustard and mayonnaise on the bread. Digging through Alex’s fridge, she added a bit of pickle relish, some carrot slices, and the last two apples, thinly sliced, to her sandwich-making lineup.

“Sir Thomas, do you want peanut butter?” she called.

The talking cat lifted his head from where it had been resting on his paws on the table and considered the question. “Not today, kind lady.”

“Understood. What about Cat?”

The Newfoundland had woken from his nap, clearly intrigued by the lively chatter and smells coming from freshly opened packages in the kitchen. He glanced between the jar of peanut butter in her hand and Sir Thomas, let out a bark, and eagerly licked his lips, struggling to contain his slobber.

Sir Thomas grimaced, then turned to Charlotte and gave a nod. “It seems Cat would like some peanut butter.”

“Of course,” she chirped.

She popped open the jar of peanut butter, plunged the same knife she’d been using into it, and generously spread it on two of the sandwiches. After placing the knife on the jar’s rim, she stacked the tall layers of bread. Suddenly, the knife slipped and clattered to the floor, startling her.

“Oops!” she laughed lightly and bent down to pick up the knife, which she then tossed into the sink with another clang. She looked over the three sandwiches and clapped her hands together. “Now, what are we missing?”

“Maybe we should grab those packets of, you know, the creamy dairy spread?” Sir Thomas suggested.

“Yogurt!” Charlotte exclaimed, pointing to the chatty cat with a smile. “That’s the missing ingredient, Sir Thomas. You’re brilliant.”

Sir Thomas chuckled modestly, fluffing his fur with a paw. “It’s nothing, my lady, though I appreciate the kind words. However, I must confess, watching you prepare our meal has certainly sharpened my hunger.”

“Just a moment more,” Charlotte reassured him.

She searched the countertop for the peanut butter lid, which seemed to have vanished. Deciding it wasn’t necessary for now, since it would likely turn up later, she hummed a simple tune and moved to the fridge to get the yogurt.

She opened the refrigerator, peered inside, and pulled out three yogurt packs, checking the flavors. “Is strawberry okay?”

“Absolutely. I enjoy strawberries,” he replied with a nod. “Any flavor suits me. Even Cat would agree, though he might not be familiar with strawberries.”

Cat made a playful yip and a low grunt, joining in the conversation.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant,” Sir Thomas insisted, shifting his gaze from the kitchen to his furry companion. “I’m just looking out for what’s best for both of us. As we’ve seen, our interests usually align.”

Charlotte laughed at the seemingly one-sided chat and opened a yogurt. She used her heel to nudge the fridge door closed and turned back to the counter, ready to savor the result of her effort.

Then she stopped, her smile falling.

She was unsure how to react to what she saw. The mix of surprise, disappointment, sudden irritation, and rising anger left her with clenched fists as she stared at the counter.

“That conversation doesn’t seem too important right now,” Sir Thomas went on, absorbed in his discussion with Cat. “As you can see, Charlotte has put in a lot of work, and I think we should focus on⁠—“

Charlotte’s frustration cut through the air as the yogurt containers she clenched burst open, sending pink splatters across the counter and staining her dress. “Of all the⁠—“

“My la—“ Sir Thomas began, only to be interrupted.

“I know you were hungry, and it took me time to prepare it,” Charlotte scolded, her voice tight with anger, “but you two had no right to devour all the food I just made before I even had a chance to serve it. Look at this mess! The yogurt is ruined, too!” With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the containers into the sink, their contents leaving her fingers covered in pink-tinted globs she then wiped away with a paper towel. “This is unbelievable.”

Sir Thomas and Cat stood motionless, sharing a glance of wary confusion before turning back to the fuming fairy godmother. “My lady? I must admit, I’m lost. What do you mean?”

“Sir Thomas, the sandwiches! They were right here, set and ready. We just needed the yogurt, and now they’ve vanished!” Charlotte scanned the room, her gaze landing on her two furry companions as she pointed at them. “Who took them?”

Sir Thomas immediately raised his paws in surrender, his mouth agape in shock. Cat emitted a soft whine and pressed his belly to the floor, resting his chin on his large paws. Despite looking guilty, the unwavering eye contact he held with Charlotte suggested he wasn’t the thief.

“My dear Charlotte,” Sir Thomas began, his voice shaky as he looked between the raging fairy godmother and Cat, “it wasn’t Cat or me. We wouldn’t dare snatch the food from the plates, especially not all three, without your permi⁠—“

“Then where did they go?” Charlotte snapped, her tone sharp. “Food doesn’t just grow legs and walk off. It wasn’t even possible in EverAfter, so it definitely isn’t possible here.”

“I’m sure there’s a simple enough reason for this mess. You mentioned earlier your things kept disappearing, remember? I get that you’re upset, my lady. However, glaring at us won’t make us admit to something we didn’t do.”

Charlotte straightened, the anger melting from her expression as Sir Thomas’s words sank in. “I did say that. How strange.”

A loud noise startled her as plastic hit the floor. She jumped with a yelp, and all eyes turned toward the sound. Only Charlotte saw what happened, but she took a moment to make sure she didn’t imagine it. She walked to the other side of the kitchenette, bent down, and picked up the peanut butter jar lid that had been missing.

“My lady?” Sir Thomas asked, sounding worried. “What did⁠—“

“The lid,” she breathed, showing the circular piece of plastic to them. “It fell from the counter.”

Sir Thomas laughed nervously and wrung his paws. “Oh, I see. That’s a relief. I feared we had a bigger problem on our han⁠—“

“It’s still troubling,” Charlotte interrupted, looking closely at the lid with a deepening frown. “This lid was on the floor all the way over here. I opened the jar over there.”

Sir Thomas was silent for several moments before he spoke. “Maybe it fell earlier and rolled across the⁠—“

“It didn’t roll, Sir Thomas,” she said sharply, her eyes wide.

“And I haven’t been able to finish a sentence in the last five minutes!”

Her shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ve been rude.” She glanced at the plastic lid in her hand. “I just…don’t understand what’s happening.”

“What do you think is happening, my lady?” Sir Thomas asked, his eyes sweeping across the living room.

“I wish I had an answer,” Charlotte admitted. “Any answer at all. Unfortunately, my best guess is there’s an issue with Alex’s apartment.”

“How so?” Sir Thomas raised an eyebrow. “Do you think this is something we can uncover soon?”

“I hope so. I’m sorry that I assumed it was you two who stole the sandwiches. I’d like to sort out one last thi⁠—“

Before she could finish, a quick shadow caught her eye. She tried to react just as swiftly, but found it surprisingly difficult. By the time she whipped around, it had vanished near the counter, where an unopened yogurt lay.

In an instant, that vanished, too. Her eyes widened as she saw it for herself. Despite her best efforts, Charlotte couldn’t match the speed of whatever it was. She slapped the counter where the yogurt had been, only to hit the bare surface with a loud smack. Wincing from the sting, she rubbed her hand and frowned.

“What the hell is going on!”

Sir Thomas was visibly taken aback by her language, his eyes widening as his mouth fell open slightly. “My lady, are you quite all right? What is it?”

The fairy godmother’s expression contorted in anger. “Pardon my language. Clearly, I’ve been hanging around Alex too long.” She pointed at the empty space on the counter. “There’s definitely something mysterious at play. There was a cup of yogurt right there, and it’s gone! It vanished just like every-da⁠—“

She cut herself off, trying to cool off enough to stop the spontaneous explosion of expletives erupting from her usually child-friendly vocabulary.

“It vanished like everything else this morning, like the sandwiches.” Her voice was noticeably calmer, though both magical animals could hear the serrated edge to it.

Too much time with Alex, indeed, Sir Thomas thought.

Schooling his expression and hiding his lingering shock, he offered his services. “Time to search.” He raised his finger with resolve. “Just say the word, Lady Charlotte, and Cat and I will eagerly seek out this sneaky invader and⁠—“

Before he could finish, the dishes Charlotte had stacked in the sink clattered, and a knife caught the light before it, too, vanished without a trace.

“That does it!” Charlotte exclaimed, her hands slamming down on the counter with a loud smack. “Whoever or whatever you are, I’ve had enough! This needs to end now!”

Cat, full of energy, barked and growled nonstop while darting around the living room, his tail a rigid banner in the air.

“Please, let’s be reasonable,” Sir Thomas countered over the noise. “Lady Charlotte doesn’t know what we’re dealing with, or we wouldn’t be guessing. I’m quite certain your loud barking won’t assist her in thinking this through.”

Nonetheless, the Newfoundland dog ignored such counsel and continued his loud barking.

Charlotte had already drawn her wand from her cloak and was on high alert, her eyes sweeping over the kitchen. “If you spot anything, let me know immediately. Shout out where it is,” she instructed her friends, poised for action.

“Understood,” Sir Thomas responded. “You can rely on us to be observant.”

Suddenly, another blur dashed across the countertop. Charlotte nearly caught sight of it, but the sound of the refrigerator door opening made her whirl around.

“Hold it right there!” she commanded.

The fridge door slammed shut, and the clinking of plates from the drying rack caught her attention, causing her to turn yet again.

“What’s going on?” Sir Thomas called out.

Cat became increasingly aggressive as the energy in the connected rooms ramped up.

“Don’t let it escape!” Charlotte ordered, spinning toward where she felt the elusive creature might be. She sensed the tricks of a mischievous being, even if she couldn’t identify it.

Her instincts were true, and as she ended her spin, she found her wand aimed at the speeding blur in the kitchen. There was no time to second-guess her unpredictable magic.

She pointed and cast a spell. A bolt of silvery light flew from her wand, racing across the room toward the blur where the wooden floor of the living room met the kitchen tile. The magic hit, and with a bright flash, a shrill squeak rang out. A small, gray shape, no bigger than a baseball, soared over the counter and across the living room.

“Get it!” Charlotte yelled.

“After that thing!” Sir Thomas ordered.

The gray lump hit the floor and bounced. It nearly slipped under the armchair, but in a flash, Cat pounced with surprising precision, successfully pinning the elusive creature.

The wriggling gray mass squeaked again, this time its voice dulled by the Newfoundland’s firm grip. Cat shook his head, trying to warn the captive in his jaws to stop fighting him. Charlotte watched, hoping the unwanted guest’s brain wasn’t too jumbled to identify itself and why it was in Detective Alex Taylor’s home. Her worry faded as Cat proudly carried the creature back as if it were a plaything.

“Bravo!” exclaimed Sir Thomas, his paw raised with excitement. “Impressive speed, Cat. Now, bring it here.” He extended his paw, fully expecting the obedient Newfoundland to comply.

Instead, Cat nodded his head gently and strode over to the dining table. There, he stood tall, his tail swishing from side to side as his warm brown eyes earnestly watched Charlotte.

Unphased, Charlotte seemed to understand immediately what the large black dog wanted. “Cat, your help is appreciated. Please keep that steady, will you?” She spoke with gratitude as she stepped out from behind the kitchenette.

Cat let out a soft growl, which served as a clear warning, convincing the tiny creature in his grasp to cease its wriggling. A last squeak that almost resembled a huff of exasperation echoed from within the Newfoundland’s grip.

“Good call waiting for Lady Charlotte, Cat,” Sir Thomas exclaimed.

As Charlotte neared the dining table, she exchanged a nod with Cat. The Newfoundland gave a final warning growl before carefully lowering his head to the table and slightly opening its mouth.

A small, gray ball of fur tumbled out from Cat’s jaws and onto the table. Charlotte and her friends watched in fascination as they encountered a creature they had never seen before in Cincinnati.

The tiny being—just three inches tall—stood on short, sturdy legs wrapped in what looked like tattered cloth. Its chest was bare, revealing mottled gray skin that matched the color of its large, partly webbed feet.

The creature stood, shook off the dog’s saliva, and ran a hand through its bright blue hair, adding a touch of height. It then looked up with big, yellow eyes that shone like those of a startled mouse or a rabbit caught in a garden.

“What in the world is this creature doing here?” Sir Thomas blurted, his face mirroring the creature’s surprise.

They all took turns looking at the creature, then at each other, wondering what to do next. The small being alternated its gaze between Charlotte, Cat, and briefly at Sir Thomas as if trying to understand the situation it found itself in.

The creature began to inch away slowly, as if it had gone unnoticed at the center of the table. However, three pairs of eyes watched it closely.

“Stop right there,” Charlotte said firmly, leaning in with her wand aimed at the creature’s pudgy, gray body. “You’re not leaving until you’ve answered our questions. I mean it.”

The creature kept moving until Cat brought his nose to the edge of the table and growled. It stopped and turned to look at Charlotte once more.

With a raised eyebrow and a slight tilt of her head, Charlotte hoped the creature would understand the explicit warning. She didn’t want to risk another spell with Cincinnati’s unpredictable magic. Last time, the fairy godmother had meant to trap it, not send it flying. She wasn’t sure what might happen if another spell was used, and she doubted Cat and Sir Thomas could catch the quick little beast again if things got messy.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The critter on the table finally realized it couldn’t escape. It stopped trying to sneak away and let out a little squeak, its chubby shoulders drooping. “Ah, shoot,” it said in a high voice. “You can see me, huh?”

“We certainly can,” Sir Thomas said with a sneer, throwing a quick look at Charlotte from where he stood on a dining chair to see better. “Is this a mini-troll or what?”

Despite its small size, the creature spun around to face the cat. It glared at Sir Thomas with such anger that the cat blinked in surprise and leaned back, quickly removing his paws from the table edge.

“I ain’t mini!” the creature squeaked out, clearly offended. “It ain’t nice ta toss around names like they mean nothin’. Say it ta my face again! I dare ya.”

Not only did the little guy have a rather comical, high-pitched voice that Charlotte found amusing, but he had a bit of an accent, too. She did her best not to smirk, which was made far easier by the talking cat starting to throw a fit.

Sir Thomas’s throat emitted a loud yowl of anger as he tensed, ready to leap at the intruder. “Why, you little sh⁠—“

“Sir Thomas!” Charlotte interrupted him. She quirked a brow at the angry feline, and he calmed, his ruffled fur slowly calming back to its normal state.

“Forgive me, my lady. Apparently, I, too, have spent too much time with the detective. He’s a terrible influence.”

She rolled her eyes. “Please be calm. We caught him. He knows we can see him. Everything is fine, and there’s no need for further insults or threats.” Charlotte turned toward the newcomer. “From anyone, right?”

The tiny creature nodded, his bright blue hair billowing with the movement.

“Hmm, I don’t know,” Sir Thomas muttered, his eyes locked on the small, gray figure standing defiantly. “This cretin seems to think the usual rules of respect don’t apply to him.”

“That’s enough from both of you,” Charlotte cautioned. “He’s not a mini troll or a cretin. He’s a gnome.”

The cat huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Now,” she began as she turned back to the gnome and arched an eyebrow. “Our new little friend here isn’t planning to run off again now that we’ve caught him red-handed. Isn’t that right?”

With a deep sigh, the gnome’s shoulders dropped even lower, and he slowly turned to face the fairy godmother again and threw his hands up. “Yeah. Ya caught me, and all o’ ya can see me. So, what now? I’m ya prisona?”

Charlotte struggled to keep from smiling as the gnome crossed his arms and tried to act like he didn’t care. “That’s not how I see it, though I get why you’re upset. You didn’t think you’d be found out.”

Imitating her, the gnome said in a mocking tone, “You didn’t think you’d be found out,” while bobbing his head side to side and scrunching his little face.

Sir Thomas glared at him and lifted a paw, and unsheathed his claws, ready to swipe. “You’re in the presence of Fairy Godmother Charlotte Weaver, you disrespectful little…creature. Mind your manners.”

Charlotte quickly intervened. “It’s fine. He’s just mad we caught him, is all.”

Sir Thomas’s brows furrowed. “What? This little⁠—“

“All right, I get it,” the gnome grumbled. “Ya caught me. No need ta keep mentionin’ it.” He rolled his eyes. “Look, Fairy Godmotha, it ain’t a great time for me. I’m not in the besta moods, and your orange servant there ain’t wrong. I admit I’ve been unpleasant. It’s been a tough few months⁠—“

“Servant!” Sir Thomas yelled in protest, clearly offended by the term.

A stern glance from Charlotte quelled Sir Thomas’s rising temper. He managed to suppress his desire to chase the gnome around. Instead, with a huff of annoyance and a sharp hiss at their unexpected guest, he gracefully leaped down from the chair, and strutted across the room, fisted paws at his sides.

“Good riddance,” the gnome muttered under his breath as Sir Thomas left.

Charlotte cleared her throat to get his attention. The gnome whirled around, his wide, bright yellow eyes finally taking proper notice of her.

“Be careful,” she cautioned. “An apology for being rude is fine, but that doesn’t give you a free pass to keep doing it without facing the music, got it?”

The gnome let out a long sigh, then exaggeratedly bowed so low that one of his large, pale feet stuck out comically in front of him. “I apologize, Fairy Godmother,” he said with a squeak. “I’ll…try harda, which is all I can promise unda the circumstances.”

“That’s more like it,” Charlotte replied. “If you’re more pleasant, we’ll be fine.”

He nodded. “Then I guess it sounds like we might be able ta reach an agreement.”

“I think we can work something out,” she replied, her tone firm. “But first, you need to explain what you’ve been up to in our apartment, why you devoured all our food, and then—if your reasons are good enough—we might consider discussing your freedom. At the very least, we’ll discuss the opportunity for you to move around under watchful eyes.”

“Your food? Your food?” The gnome’s scornful laughter was piercing, making Charlotte involuntarily flinch and lean back just a bit from the tiny figure with an unexpectedly powerful voice. “I was just collectin’ what ya owe me.”

Charlotte shot a quick look at Sir Thomas, who kept his distance on the far side of the room, before focusing back on the gnome. “What do you mean?”

“Seriously?” He looked at her incredulously. When he found no hint of humor, he continued. “It’s like that time I had ta explain baby delivery to a stork.” He sighed, shaking his head. “I’m talkin’ about compensation, Fairy Godmotha. For the services I’ve provided.”

She looked at him with apparent confusion. “Services?”

“I’ve been slavin’ away here, unappreciated and without a single thank you! You four are messier than a burrow of Enchantamonium Sludge-Whallopers. And you,” he pointed an accusing finger at Charlotte, “decided it was a good idea to catch me just ta get a closer look at this face. Well, just forget it. Our deal is off!”

“Lies!” Sir Thomas bellowed, his sword singing as he pulled it from the sheath in the stillness of the living room. In a swift motion, he turned, leveling the sharp point at the gnome’s round belly. “You deceitful creature, we didn’t even know you existed! How could any of us have made any such deal with you?”

“Sir Thomas.” Charlotte’s voice was a gentle reprimand, cutting through his heated words.

Taking a breath, Sir Thomas eased the tip of his sword downward but kept it unsheathed and aimed near the dining table, just in case.

Charlotte addressed the gnome with a clear tone. “What we mean to say is that we had no idea we were involved in any deal, and so we couldn’t have possibly agreed to anything with you.”

The gnome let out a mocking laugh. “Sure, sure.”

Charlotte continued, “It isn’t a trick. You have my promise on that. We’re in the dark about this supposed agreement you’re referring to. If you’re the one who has been moving things around, then surely, you’ve seen how confused all of us have been. Think for a moment. If we were confused, that means we had no idea what was happening. If we had no idea what was happening, that means we had no idea it was you who was doing it.”

“Which means we didn’t know there was a you to have a deal with,” Sir Thomas finished angrily.

The gnome studied Charlotte with narrowed eyes, then put his hands on his hips as he scoffed. “You really are clueless, ain’t ya?” he said mockingly.

“Mind your words, you troll,” Sir Thomas snapped, his patience thin.

The gnome crossed his arms again and stuck his tongue out at the cat.

“If you please,” Charlotte scolded. “I want to understand. Please.”

“Fine, let’s get ta the heart of it. If ya didn’t want my help, ya shouldn’t have taken it.”

“How did we accept your help?” she asked.

“By keeping things the same. Look, Fairy Godmotha,” he said, counting on his fingers, “there was your terrible first try at magic with a water bottle. Then your attempt at cooking was a disaster. Then there were all those notes and papers ya been working on for days. Plus, that cleva dog keeps bringin’ dirt inside, and don’t even get me started on the fuzzball’s muddy boots.”

He shook his head, as if those muddy boots offended him on a personal level. “I’m here quietly cleanin’ it all up with no thanks or propa pay. I thought about fixin’ the sink for ya, but that ain’t my job. It woulda cost extra. And we’re not even close to settlin’ our bill.”

“That was you,” Charlotte realized, her gaze fixed on the table as her wand remained aimed at the gnome. She noticed the cautious look he gave her wand before he stepped back. “All this time. The cleaning, the organizing—it was a gnome living here with us.”

The gnome gave a dismissive snort. “Not like it did me any favas.”

Sir Thomas checked the bottoms of his black leather boots for dirt and found none. He turned with a hint of annoyance toward the gnome. “I’ll have you know my boots are clean.”

Charlotte connected the dots, understanding the past weeks’ mysteries. “All of Alex’s missing things—the pens, the notebooks, my coffee cup, our food. That was your doing?”

Picking at his teeth with a fingernail, the gnome responded casually. “Ehh. The food was okay.”

Charlotte’s thoughts raced. “And Alex’s vanishing clothes? His keys ending up in the cookie jar?”

The gnome shrugged, as if to say ‘what of it?’

The gnome leaned his head back and let out a groan toward the ceiling. “Come on… The cookie jar. Really? Ya didn’t get that? I thought it was obvious, but ya all so caught up in ya own petty problems, nobody notices what’s happenin’ right here. For weeks, I’ve been droppin’ hints, and no one picked up on ‘em. No one listened. You guys need things spelled out? I tried ta warn ya.”

Charlotte frowned. “Warn us? About what exactly?”

“Now ya want answers,” the gnome’s voice rose slightly. He paced across the tabletop. “Fine, because you’ve been kinder than the furball there, I’ll be straight with ya. Let’s start at the beginnin’. I stumbled upon this place when it was deserted. The authorities cordoned it off with yellow tape. Y’know what I mean?”

“The Cincinnati Police?” Sir Thomas asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Yeah, them,” the gnome replied, ignoring the sarcasm and continuing. “The place was a wreck. And after they finished their so-called investigations, they just left. Honestly, between us, Fairy Godmotha, their crime scene ‘clean up’ is pretty poor.”

Charlotte stifled a giggle with her hand when she saw the mischievous creature use air quotes mid-rant.

“But they left, and I thought I’d pop in, see what’s left. Quite a bit as it turned out. I figured, why not stay? The place was empty, no police around, nobody else was livin’ here. And if the Ice Queen destroyed it once, she’s unlikely ta come back, right? At least, not soon, I hope. So, I grabbed my stuff, moved it here, and settled in. That was fine until ya friend decided he wanted his old place back. And here we are, sharin’.”

Alex won’t be too happy to learn that it wasn’t his old police buddies who tidied up his apartment, Charlotte thought.

She nodded at the agitated gnome. “Let me express our genuine gratitude for your efforts in cleaning up the mess and our deepest apologies for not realizing it was you who did it.” Sir Thomas glared at her and tried to interrupt, but Charlotte stopped him before he could. “We also recognize the various other tasks you’ve completed these past weeks despite the mischief with our possessions.”

The gnome huffed. “An apology is good, but ya know what’s betta, Fairy Godmotha? A lavish steak dinna would be fantastic.”

“We can certainly discuss that soon,” Charlotte replied calmly. “Right now, I need to ask what you meant about a warning.”

The gnome raised his voice a notch. “It ain’t a guess, Fairy Godmotha. I’m certain. The threat ain’t on its way—it’s been here, lurkin’ among us. It ain’t just me ya sharing ya space with. Somethin’ else is here, someone else.”

“Something else? What do you mean? Have you seen it?”

“There’s an additional presence here drawn ta somethin’ strong that one o’ ya brought here. It arrived shortly after ya returned from the adventure with the Ice Queen.”

He paused, inspecting his nails with an air of indifference, though his tone had been anything but casual. “It’s been weeks now, and I’ve been droppin’ hints, tryin’ ta catch your attention, but no one picked up on the clues.”

Charlotte gazed across the living room at Sir Thomas. The moment her eyes met his wide ones, he averted his gaze as if he knew the danger they were in but couldn’t find the words to express it.

Charlotte made a mental note to ask him about it later in a more private setting.

“Thank you for telling us about this. Since none of us knew we had a sixth apartment-mate, could you give us any clues about this person? Assuming it is a person.”

“Yeah, I’m guessin’ it’s a ‘he’,” the gnome answered with a relaxed air. “I ain’t one ta spill someone’s secrets for fun, but I’ll share what I know. It ain’t much. Wheneva I sense this guy around, I don’t stick around ta ask questions. It’s tough enough not ta just leave altogetha, y’know?”

When no one responded right away, the gnome sighed. “Okay, Fairy Godmotha, here’s what I know: This shadow creature has been tamperin’ with your human. It seems he might be an easier target because he’s human, but that’s just a guess. This thing has been lurkin’, mostly around that detective, and it’s aware of ya group, too. Just a tip: you’ll face more trouble than an uninvited guest if ya don’t handle this situation. Those warnin’s ya been gettin’? They were pointin’ ta this.”

Charlotte bit her lip, thinking over her knowledge of mystical beings from EverAfter, but came up empty. “Can you share anything else about this intruder?”

“Nope,” was the gnome’s immediate high-pitched reply. “I haven’t seen it with my own eyes, but I can sense its presence, same as those tremors. Honestly, I’m not sure which is worse, the dark presence around your human or the quakes in the city. This world’s gone crazy!”

He noticed the earthquakes, too? Interesting. Since other EverAfterans haven’t sensed them, I have to assume it’s because he’s been staying in our apartment.

“Okay,” Charlotte said, forcing a smile. She nodded at the gnome and pushed aside her doubts. “Thank you for clearing things up. It’s been tough being out of the loop, but I think we understand each other now. Sir Thomas? Cat?”

Cat yipped with delight and hopped onto the table with his paws spread wide, tongue lolling to the side, and tail wagging as he gazed at the gnome. The gnome chuckled nervously and edged away from Cat’s large head, inadvertently moving closer to where Charlotte stood, wand in hand.

Sir Thomas wasn’t convinced so easily. “Lady Charlotte,” he started, easing his sword down, which was a promising sign. “I’m unsure about fully trusting our new acquaintance.” He looked uncomfortable saying this, especially under the fairy godmother’s intense stare. Yet, he didn’t abandon his manners. “Perhaps we should give him a chance to show he’s trustworthy.” He sheathed his sword and crossed his arms. “Would that be alright with you?”

Charlotte nodded. “That’s a solid suggestion, Sir Thomas. What are your thoughts?” She glanced at the gnome with an encouraging smile. Then, she discreetly tucked away her wand, turning to the newcomer. “How about a fresh start? Can we agree to a truce?”

The gnome placed his hands on his round hips, his large ears quivering as he took in everything around him. The fairy godmother, the giant dog’s terrifying jaws and big teeth, and Sir Thomas, sulking in his black boots and hat, his steel sword now at rest.

“All right,” he agreed in his high-pitched voice. “But don’t call me friend, pal, or little guy.” He pointed a firm finger at Sir Thomas, who remained silent. “And ‘troll’ is off-limits.”

“And instead of those names,” Charlotte added, pausing for effect, “you prefer we call you…”

The gnome looked up, his eyes sparkling as he declared, “Danger.”

Sir Thomas let out a sigh, quickly turning on his heel. He leaped onto the couch and curled into a tight ball, his fur bristling as he continued to show his outright displeasure.

Charlotte tried to keep a straight face. “Danger,” she echoed, the corners of her mouth betraying a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Don’t get too comfortable with that name, Fairy Godmotha,” Danger warned, his tone serious yet warm. “It’s the name my mama gave me, and she means the world to me. We have a strong bond, y’know? Best friends.” He gestured with his hands, trying to demonstrate their closeness. “Like this… or… Well, like… Here.”

Danger struggled to intertwine his fingers, eventually giving up with a shrug. “Anyway, ya get the point. We’re tight. I miss ‘er tons, and she misses me. I’m not sure where she is right now, but… Well, that’s how it is.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you finally, Danger,” Charlotte said. “We’ve been going crazy trying to figure out where our things kept disappearing to. If you could stop moving things around like you’ve been doing recently, we’d really appreciate it. Alex might even warm up to the idea of you sticking around, since this is his place after all.”

“Yeah, but findas-keepas,” Danger said with a squeak.

“I’m pretty sure ‘finders-keepers’ doesn’t apply to someone’s apartment,” Charlotte replied, a hint of amusement in her tone. “But don’t worry, we won’t kick you out. As long as we all learn to live together peacefully, things should be fine.”

Danger pointed a finger at her, shaking it a bit. “Just don’t forget about the shadowy, dark figure that’s been lurkin’ here fa weeks. That’s serious. I know ya got a lot to deal with, Fairy Godmotha, but this dark presence followin’ your human friend ain’t somethin’ to ignore. And hey, consida this a free tip. I won’t charge ya for my advice and intel this time, but in the future, I might ask fa somethin’ more interestin’ in return.”

Before anyone could reply to the gnome’s comment, Danger dashed off in a gray blur and vanished the moment he jumped off the table. Charlotte wasn’t sure if he used some unknown gnome magic to disappear or if he was just that fast. Yet, she and Cat found themselves gazing at the spotless tabletop for a few moments after his hasty exit.

The fairy godmother sighed as she glanced at the Newfoundland, who still had his paws on the edge of the table. “We solve one puzzle only to encounter two more. This situation is becoming far more complex than I anticipated.”

Cat responded with an eager bark in agreement, then moved away from the furniture and walked back to the living room. The fairy godmother watched the dog sniff around Sir Thomas, who’d curled up in a corner.

Alex is going to love this…

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Charlotte found herself unable to proceed with her original plan for the day. Instead, she was now focused on identifying this enigmatic entity and figuring out ways to protect Alex and their friends from its influence.

The prospect of informing Alex about the gnome’s antics wasn’t appealing, but she felt it was unfair to keep such information from the detective. The revelation of a sixth, unseen occupant in their home would require a delicate approach when telling Alex.

For the moment, their intended quest to Ginger Haus’s enchanted cottage in the woods was put on hold, awaiting a more suitable opportunity.

The spare cell phone Alex had given Charlotte mysteriously reappeared after her search proved fruitless. She ordered pizza, using cash from her coin purse, and thanked the delivery man for bringing their much-needed lunch.

Under normal circumstances, Sir Thomas would have been doubtful about eating pepperoni pizza, more so than with Charlotte’s fancy sandwiches, but his hunger made him less choosy. Cat eagerly ate his share, though Charlotte and Sir Thomas had to stop him from going after the second pizza meant for later. Once Cat understood, he searched the floor for any dropped pieces.

Sir Thomas sat across from the fairy godmother, leaned back, burped loudly, and quickly apologized, covering his mouth with a paw. “Excuse me. My apologies, my lady.”

“Don’t apologize. It took us too long to get food –“ Charlotte said, but her words were cut off by a loud burp of her own. She covered her mouth and laughed. “See? No need to apologize.”

Sir Thomas dabbed his mouth with a napkin and looked at Cat, who sniffed around the floor. “I do wonder if this type of food might eventually upset Cat’s stomach.”

“I’ve thought about that,” Charlotte admitted. “But he was once a regular cat. He’s eaten plenty of strange things as a dog that should have made him ill. I doubt a slice of pizza will cause him any harm.”

“You have a point,” he conceded.

After their meal, Charlotte insisted on leaving out a slice of pizza on a plate for Danger in case he came by. They stored the remaining food in the fridge. Then, the three friends sat down to figure out their next move.

They had a clear priority: to find the mysterious sixth entity supposedly sharing Alex’s apartment with them. Although the warning came from a gnome, Charlotte sensed there was truth in his words.

Before Alex returned from his day at the precinct, they wanted to uncover as much as possible. This knowledge would be crucial when they had to explain the situation to him.

Charlotte, Sir Thomas, and Cat meticulously searched the apartment that day. They checked the refrigerator, freezer, and kitchen cupboards, peeked under the beds, the couch, and an armchair, and inspected all the closets, including those in the bathroom.

They carefully went through Alex’s closet, which felt intrusive at first. However, Charlotte reassured herself it was only to help Alex, not to pry. After all, Detective Taylor had generously offered them shelter, and her involvement in his life had grown because of their unique circumstances.

She also took extra time to examine the guest room where she stayed, looking through drawers, nooks, storage bins, and closet contents. She was determined to find any hint of danger lurking in their midst.

When the trio found nothing significant—aside from Cat, who discovered a surprising amount of small crumbs and mysterious objects in the couch and under furniture, which he quickly ate—they decided to search the entire building. It was a stretch, but they figured it couldn’t hurt to check everywhere they could. After all, most of the other apartments belonged to different people, with their own locked doors and private lives.

Charlotte and her friends were only able to look in the shared laundry room, the hallways on each floor, the lobby, and the courtyard. Unfortunately, those places didn’t reveal anything useful in their search, so they returned to the apartment. Charlotte hoped she could think better in the quiet comfort of a familiar space.

“There has to be something we’ve overlooked,” she mused. “Why do I always feel like I’m missing something?”

“In my opinion, my lady,” Sir Thomas offered, “it seems like a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think you haven’t lost anything. Instead, I think the fault lies with Cincinnati, Ohio, its inhabitants, and its lack of magic. Plus, there’s the issue of the flawed connection between this world and our own, but that’s another matter entirely.”

Charlotte smiled. “I’m truly thankful to you and Cat for being here and always offering the kind of wisdom that would make fairy godmothers proud. It seems I can’t give myself such good advice, so I appreciate your perspective. It was just what I needed.”

Sir Thomas studied her with his large eyes, then lifted his head. “So, it seems I’ve become a sort of fairy godmother to you, have I? Or should it be fairy catmother? Catfather? How does that work, considering you’re not actually a fairy, right?”

Charlotte smiled at him from her spot at the dining table, an arm draped over the back of her chair, and simply said, “Some things are best kept a mystery, Sir Thomas. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Ha! Well said, my lady. Though I might suggest⁠—“

Suddenly, the sharp sound of keys jangling, the scrape of one in the lock, and the frantic rattling of the doorknob interrupted him. Charlotte and Sir Thomas both turned their gaze to the front door, while Cat barked twice, then jumped up and wagged his tail, ready for what was coming.

“Detective Taylor’s home,” Sir Thomas said softly.

“Already?” Charlotte picked up the cellphone to check the time, winced, and then put it back. She stood quickly. “I thought we had more time.”

“Indeed, time does seem to escape us when we’re hunting for a dark magical presence in our home,” Sir Thomas said in a flat tone.

“Let’s not mention that just yet,” Charlotte suggested, turning to scan the room to ensure everything looked normal. “Alex might be overwhelmed with too much news at once.”

The cat gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s hold off on the dark presence. It might be best to start with telling him about the gnome who’s been tidying up here,” she explained.

Outside, a curse was heard, followed by the sound of the key struggling in the lock. Charlotte exchanged a glance with Sir Thomas, who sighed and nodded in agreement to her request to keep things simple for the time being.

They had no more time to plan their talk with Alex because the front door swung open hard, hit the wall, and then bounced slightly against Alex’s shoe as he came into the apartment, looking annoyed. He pushed the door again, and it hit the wall once more before closing with a solid thud.

“Alex,” Charlotte said, her smile coming easily at the sight of him, even though he didn’t seem in the mood to smile back.

“Not now, Charlotte,” Alex grumbled as he walked through the living room.

Cat barked excitedly and jumped around Alex, his tail whipping back and forth. Alex winced at the noise and tried to get away from the flurry of black fur, but it wasn’t easy.

“Okay, that’s enough. I can’t deal with this right now. Cat, stop!” he yelled, gesturing across the living room.

The barking and all other noises in the apartment halted abruptly, and the excited Newfoundland tucked his head and tail. Within seconds, Alex realized he’d lost his composure. He noticed Charlotte, Sir Thomas, and Cat looking at him, their smiles gone.

With a deep sigh, he apologized. “Sorry. I’m really sorry, okay? Today’s been tough, work is a mess, and no matter how hard I try, it’s just not going right. My boss is on my case, and I⁠—“

“Need some peace and quiet,” Charlotte interjected, her smile returning. “We get it. No worries. You might be hungry.”

Alex grimaced and briefly met her eyes before turning away. “I just need a bit of room to breathe, okay?”

Charlotte nodded and headed to the kitchen. “I’ll fix you a plate of food anyway. We had a sandwich mishap earlier and ended up with pizza. Everyone likes pizza, right? Eat it in peace, and hopefully, it’ll make things a bit better. If not, that’s fine, but you shouldn’t stay hungry.”

As she chattered on, Charlotte grabbed a clean plate from the cabinet, then opened the fridge. Alex watched her with caution, aware of his mistake. He made an effort to ease the tension, standing in the center of the living room and giving the fairy godmother a forced, but polite nod.

“Yeah. Sure. That’s fine.”

“Wonderful.” Charlotte slapped a large slice of pizza onto the plate, then added another. She lifted the plate over the counter. “Hot or cold?”

Alex blinked, a bit lost in thought. “It doesn’t really matter, Charlotte. I⁠—“

“No, you’re right,” she interrupted, her voice decisive. “Cold pizza can be just as good. No need to fuss over warming it up. Come on, eat. Have a seat.” Charlotte walked to the dining table, gesturing for Alex to follow and sit down.

Before he could move again, Sir Thomas stood before him, his paws neatly joined behind his back. He offered a quick bow to their host. “Excuse me, Detective, but I couldn’t help noticing you look quite warm tonight.”

Alex stepped back and raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Allow me to take your jacket,” Sir Thomas suggested. “I’ll keep it safe, within easy reach for when you want it back. Your shoes too, if you wish. I don’t mind putting them aside for you.”

The detective eyed Sir Thomas for a moment. “No, I’ll keep my shoes on, thanks.”

His frown deepened as he hesitated, then took off his leather jacket and gave it to Sir Thomas, half expecting him to change his mind and react with indignation at being treated as a coat servant.

To his surprise, Sir Thomas simply took the jacket with another bow and made his way to the front of the apartment. He carried the leather with care, as though it were delicate, and placed it over the end of the kitchen counter.

Charlotte had already set the plate of food on the table for Alex. He moved with deliberate care, mindful of the playful dog circling his feet. Cat had plenty of room to roam, yet he chose to stay close, adding to the chaotic welcome.

Alex sat, eyeing the pizza without touching it. The room was quiet enough to hear a gulp before Charlotte snapped her fingers when she realized something was missing.

“Oh! You’ll need something to drink,” she said, almost to herself. “I didn’t think to get drinks earlier. We were more focused on food.” She chuckled, a bit uneasy, and hurried to the fridge. She peered inside. “Let’s see, we’ve got water, there’s some orange juice, and – what’s this? Oh, never mind.”

Alex’s voice cut through the confusion. It carried obvious irritation. “It’s okay, Charlotte. Really, anything is fine. It’s a bit odd to be fussed over like this as soon as I get home, but I appreciate it. Whatever you bring will be great.”

The detective’s words seemed to bring a sense of normalcy back into the room despite the tone. Cat seemed to sense the difference and settled down.

“Excellent,” Charlotte said. She quickly grabbed a milk carton from the fridge and poured it into a glass. She was distracted, darting glances at Sir Thomas and trying to read Alex’s mood. Was he ready to learn about the gnome secretly living in his apartment?

Alex was in a sour mood, not unusual, but it was getting more intense each day. If things continued the way they were so far, they were in for a rough night.

Charlotte tried to act normal as she put the milk away and brought the full glass to the living room. She set it next to Alex’s cold pizza without spilling a drop.

“There you are,” she forced a smile and stepped back, standing by the table with her hands behind her back.

“Okay.” Alex looked at each of them in turn.

He was a bit unsettled by the fact that both the fairy godmother and Sir Thomas stood beside the table in matching stances, hands behind their backs as though they were on duty while each studied him as if they were worried he might crumble any second.

“What’s really happening here?”

“Just a regular, wholesome, and satisfying meal,” Charlotte said, her arms open wide. “Nothing strange at all.”

“What Charlotte is trying to say,” Sir Thomas chimed in, “if I may, is that we’re here to make you feel at ease, Detective. To be at peace. To feel at home. And to have a good meal.”

“Right.” Alex gave the cat another look, then grabbed a slice of pizza and took a big bite.

Charlotte had to summon all her self-control not to let out a sigh of relief.

“And then perhaps,” Sir Thomas went on, “we might have an engaging conversation. Just an open talk, really. Some could even think of it as sharing new findings or secrets, and⁠—“

The pizza landed back on the plate with a thud as Alex quickly wiped his hands while chewing. “So, that’s the reason, huh?” he said, his words muffled by food. “This whole thing is about a damn secret I need to know right now? I can’t believe this.”

“No, Alex, that’s not our intention,” Charlotte interjected, a little annoyance in her own voice at his attitude. “We came across a few things today, and we wanted to discuss them with you because you have a right to know.”

“Clearly,” Sir Thomas chimed in, rubbing his paws together. He caught the fairy godmother’s glance—a silent signal to keep quiet. He opened his arms in a shrug and stayed silent.

“And we understand you’ve had a long day, likely filled with tasks you’d rather not do,” Charlotte added. “We wanted to express our appreciation⁠—“

“Okay, that’s it. I’m done,” Alex declared, wiping away a smear of cold pizza sauce from his mouth with his hand. He shook his head in frustration. “Whatever the hell is going on with the two of you, I can’t deal with it at this moment. I’ve got a lot on my mind, and I need some space. So⁠—“

“But Alex, it’s important, and we think you need to know now,” Charlotte insisted.

“It’s going to have to wait!” Alex raised his voice, then coughed slightly, looking as if he might have swallowed wrong. He frowned at the pizza, then grabbed the glass Charlotte had filled for him. “Is this milk?”

“Yes, that’s what the carton said,” Charlotte replied, nervously running her fingers through her hair. She exchanged a puzzled glance with Sir Thomas, and they both shrugged.

Alex let out a deep breath, clearly not thrilled about milk with his pizza, but he took a big gulp anyway, drinking it down in two large swallows.

The very next moment, he yanked the milk away from his face and splattered the remaining mouthful across the table. “Jesus Christ! That’s not—Oh god, did you even look at the expiration date?”

Charlotte twisted her hands nervously, glancing between Alex’s angry frown and the spilled milk soaking into the tablecloth. “I didn’t even know there was one. Is that a common thing to do here?”

“I think I might throw up,” Alex muttered, his frown deepening. He shut his eyes, trying to breathe deeply through his nose to calm his stomach.

Great, I’ve messed everything up, Charlotte thought. Now he’s upset and won’t want to talk for the rest of the evening.

“Alex,” she began, trying to sound gentle despite her own frustration. “I’m sorry. Can I get you something else?”

“Forget it,” he snapped. Pushing back his chair with a scrape, he stood abruptly. “I’m going to my room. I want to be alone, and if that bothers anyone, they can just leave for a while so I can⁠—“

Just then, the floor trembled beneath them, a shake so fierce it cut through Alex’s anger and halted him in his tracks, along with his three stunned houseguests.

THE STORY CONTINUES

The story continues with book five, Spells, Wishes, and Enemies, coming soon to Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

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AUTHOR NOTES: MARTHA CARR

MARCH 21, 2024

I’ve started a project answering questions for my son about my life. I realized after the most recent fifth round of cancer, and then chemo this time, that he was expecting me to die sooner rather than later. It’s been a lot for him to deal with and there isn’t much I can do to make it better, except tell him stories that I can leave behind – eventually. Hopefully, a long time from now. I’m going to let you guys listen in as well.

My author notes right now are going to be answers to questions and all of you can get to know me better, too. Maybe inspire, maybe give you a laugh along the way.

Today’s question is: What’s the best thing you did this year?

It’s only March, so there’s not a lot to look back at yet but it’s been kind of a wild time lately so let’s tackle this question. Maybe even do this one every year, right about now.

The best thing I’ve been doing lately is digging deeper into this relationship with the honey, Mike. The best relationship I’ve ever been in and because of that, there’s been a lot to learn.

Like a new level of understanding that romcoms have nothing to teach us about how romance actually works. The most obvious is that no one uses the bathroom in the movies, wakes up with bad breath or just farts. True stuff.

But they also don’t show the thousand quirks every human being has and how those change over time. It would be more accurate to show someone learning to protect that quirkiness and even love, well, most of them. To make room for them, which is a hot catchphrase right now, but I’m going to expand it a little or at least give my version. To make room, for me, means to drop judgment and quit asking, what about me when it comes to the other person. Instead, how about observing, being able to laugh or just listen without any comments (I’m still working on that one a little). It validates for the other person that they’re okay, just as they are without any changes.

Sure, they may have an extra ten or even twenty pounds, or sing way off key, or tell the same stories over and over again and not notice, or spend too much on storage bins. All workable and make up a person.

I have an extra ten pounds that haunt me, and buying kitchen appliances and makeup is a weakness, and I wear a solid white mouthpiece to bed. Mike loves the way I look, has no idea just how many kitchen gadgets there are but had no comment when I hinted at it, hasn’t noticed the makeup collection (and I wear very little makeup on a daily basis, go figure) and has no comment on that retainer. Smart man and he loves me. Not some future version he hopes I’ll become.

I’ve been in those relationships before where we each had a short list of improvements for the other. It’s exhausting and no one ever relaxes into the relationship. Way too much headspace is devoted to how do I fix them, how do I fix me. Imagine if that wasn’t the case.

In the past, I got the message from those romcoms we were each supposed to be looking for someone who matched up with what we wanted in life. Anyone who didn’t align should be kicked politely to the curb. That is also very wrong and could mean that some really good prospects for a healthy, happy relationship were short circuited before their time.

Mike and I are complete opposites on just about everything and every opinion. What we have in common are kindness, patience, laughter, openness, curiosity and a willingness to listen and change and try things from the other person’s list of fun stuff to do. Sometimes it’s a home run and sometimes Mike is resting his eyes during the ballet swearing he’s not asleep.

It’s a good life that’s just getting better and nothing like a romcom and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And we’re only at March. Love you. Love, Mom. More adventures to follow.

AUTHOR NOTES: MICHAEL ANDERLE

MARCH 26, 2024

Thank you so much for reading our stories all the way to the end! Without your support reading our stories and sharing those you love with others, we couldn’t do what we do.

So… thank you.

Pondering Porcine Paddlers at the London Book Fair

I stand here in London amidst the backdrop of the iconic London Book Fair, where the air is thick with the scent of ink and ambition.

(See what I did there? Yeah, there was no ink scent but plenty of ambition.)

So, there I was, loitering near the German booth, waiting for my rendezvous with the folks from Libri with Judith, when something odd caught my eye—a picture featuring a fish and a pigpen.

I kid you not.

It’s funny the sort of brainwaves you catch when you’re adrift in a sea of literature. In the blink of an eye, I’m sidetracked by this image and the burning question: Could a fish even entertain the notion of swimming in a pig’s muddy abode? And wait—do pigs take to water like ducks, or do they flounder about and sink?

Now, this might seem like a bizarre diversion, but that’s the author’s mind for you—mine, at least.

It’s always on the prowl for the next whimsical thought, the next “what if” that could bloom into a story whether we want our brains to go on these diversions or not. And there I was, mulling over the aquatic aspirations of pigs rather than networking or perusing the latest in genre fiction coming from other publishers.

But you know what? I never did find out if pigs can swim. The question just bubbled away in the back of my mind, lost in the shuffle of handshakes and book signings.

(Update: After a bit of digging, it turns out pigs are quite the swimmers! No, they don’t sink. Their dense bodies and powerful legs make them surprisingly buoyant and capable in the water. Who knew? So, while a fish in a pigpen might be out of its depth—quite literally—at least we can rest easy knowing the pig would have no trouble at all. It’s a relief, really. I can already feel a new story churning in the depths of my imagination, inspired by the unexpected paddling prowess of our porcine friends.)

Ad Aeternitatem,

Michael Anderle

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