SPELLS, WISHES & ENEMIES

SPELLS AND WISHES™

BOOK FIVE

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.

Copyright © 2024 LMBPN Publishing

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LMBPN Publishing

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Version 1.00, May 2024

ebook ISBN:979-8-88878-235-4

Print ISBN: 979-8-88878-520-1

THE SPELLS, WISHES & ENEMIES TEAM

Thanks to our JIT Readers

Christopher Gilliard

Diane L. Smith

Dorothy Lloyd

Jeff Goode

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Editor

SkyFyre Editing Team

CHAPTER ONE

The large Newfoundland’s furry paws slipped on the floor as he struggled to stand as tremors rocked the building. He barked and whined as fear gripped him. Giving up, he tucked his tail between his legs before instinctively darting under the dining room table.

“Everyone under the table!” Alex ordered, and the rest of the group scurried to obey.

Charlotte flipped out her cloak as she dropped to her backside next to Cat, using her boots to scoot easily across the hardwood under the sturdy piece of furniture. Her back rested against one of the legs while her shoulder brushed against Alex’s.

Cat all but crawled into her lap, distracting her from the terror she felt the moment she felt the gentle giant cowering and trembling against her.

Cups and plates clinked in the cupboards, and silverware jingled in the drawers. As the tremors continued, the sound of glass shattering echoed through the modest apartment. The lights flickered, and Alex went rigid.

“This is the worst one yet!” Sir Thomas called over the din, interrupting Charlotte before she could check on the detective.

She was afraid of the unknown in this world, though she’d never openly admit it, and the source of these quakes was nothing shy of unknown.

Without a word, Alex darted out from under the table, snatching the laptop off the top just as the sound of a crack followed by another echoed into the room.

“Alex!” Charlotte shouted. “What are y⁠—“

Her eyes widened as Alex’s gaze darted upward before he threw himself back, sliding across the floor as a loud crash sounded above Charlotte, Sir Thomas, and Cat huddled together. She screamed, her arms tightening around Cat as the table jolted with the weight of whatever had crashed down on them.

Dust and debris rained down around them. Alex quickly moved from his spot on the floor, navigating around the broken drywall from the ceiling strewn all over. He slid back under the table, laptop clutched to his chest.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Charlotte shouted, fear evident in both her voice and word choice.

His eyes narrowed as he tapped the laptop. “I was thinking all your work was on here, and I didn’t want you to lose it.”

Though his words were thoughtful, his tone was anything but. It still held the edge he’d had earlier, before the earthquake began. Something was wrong with him, but she couldn’t worry about a future issue when such danger was all around them.

“Why the hell does this keep happening?” Alex snapped at Charlotte. “Maybe this should be your focus instead of the pages for now.”

Her brows knit together as she opened her mouth to respond, but she stopped as the tremors slowed, and within a few more seconds, stopped altogether. The apartment stilled, and the lights gave a few final flickers. They paused, tense and waiting for what might come next.

Charlotte jerked when a lonely dish crashed to the floor, breaking on impact. It must have been on its way when the final tremors slowed.

Well, hopefully they’ve stopped, she thought.

No one moved, each of them meeting one another’s gaze before looking out around the room. After a few more moments of calm silence, Alex dared to stick his head out from under the table, inspecting the ceiling. Cautiously, he slid out, the laptop still clutched to his chest.

“I think we’re okay,” Alex announced as he rose to his feet. He set the laptop on the couch before walking back over to inspect the evidence of the damage littered across the floor and table.

Cat was hesitant to move. Charlotte leaned over, enveloping him for a moment as she laid her head on his back while he still laid on her lap. She gave him several deep massaging passes, her fingertips gently pressing into his neck, back, and exposed shoulder.

“It’s okay, Cat,” she soothed. “If you’re still scared, you can stay here. I’ll get you a pillow.”

He whined, but lifted his head enough to let her move out from under the table. She stood and brushed down her dress before attempting to fix her hair, knocking the dust out of it that had transferred on the way out from under the table. However, a look up proved just how useless that would be while standing in the immediate area.

She risked a glance over at Alex, whose eyes focused on the damage above. She wasn’t entirely sure what he was looking for, but assumed he was checking for structural integrity. At first, she wanted to go to him, to ask if he was okay. The falling debris nearly injured him, and she imagined it jolted him.

However, when she noted the tenseness in his shoulders and neck, and the pulsing in his flexing jaw, she decided to give him a moment. The last thing she wanted to do was upset him further.

Instead, she made her way over to the couch and grabbed a pillow for Cat. There was a bit of dust on it, but that part of the apartment was largely unbothered. Once she returned and slid the pillow under the Newfoundland’s massive head—another low whine his way of telling her “thank you”—she rose and risked a look at the detective.

Alex sighed heavily, turning only his head to give her a long look. “Sir Thomas was right. That was the worst one yet. I need to check on the rest of the building, make sure everyone’s safe.”

Charlotte’s hands clasped in front of her as she wrung them absentmindedly. “To be honest, I don’t think you have to worry too much about that.”

His brows furrowed, another tic in his jaw. What is going on with him?

“Really?” He turned fully to face her, his face now filled with disbelief. His hands went out to his sides. Just as she was about to respond, he spoke again, a bitterness to his tone. “We were extremely lucky.” One of his hands roughly gestured toward the ceiling. “The ceiling damn near crushed me.”

He dropped his hand, looking at her expectantly. “Did you know to get under a table or to stand in a doorway when there’s an earthquake?”

She swallowed thickly, shaking her head as she continued to wring her hands. “No.”

He scoffed. “Exactly. What if you aren’t the only one? There could be a kid home alone right now, or an elderly woman who couldn’t get out of her recliner, or any other number of scenarios. Just because we’re okay doesn’t mean everyone else is. To be honest, your lack of concern is baffling.”

Those words cut through her more than she would ever admit to Alex. She didn’t even want to admit it to herself, but as her own jaw flexed with irritation, it was hard to ignore.

Something was wrong, and she could plainly see that. Still, it didn’t make the things he said any less hurtful. The urge to lash out to defend herself was powerful, but instead, she took a deep breath and steadied herself so she could keep her tone level and controlled.

“First, Detective, please never again question my concern for the safety of others. Ever. In this world or any other. Second…” Charlotte took another cleansing breath, regaining her composure. Alex didn’t know what the gnome, Danger, had told her earlier, and she tried to keep that in mind. “You are a man of honor and someone who cares deeply for the wellbeing of others. It’s why you do what you do, and I understand your concern. That being said, what I meant…was that we don’t need to be concerned for the rest of the city, the block, or even just this building because we were the only ones who experienced that quake.”

He frowned, looking at her with a mix of confusion and annoyance.

Before he started to foam at the mouth from irritation, she quickly continued. “I received information earlier that we’re the only ones experiencing these quakes. Not just in the apartment, but everywhere. They only happen where we are. No other humans or EverAfterans in Cincinnati feel them.”

The detective’s face scrunched as his confusion deepened. “That doesn’t even make sense.”

She nodded. “I know. It made no sense to me either. There seem to be more ques⁠—“

“Wait… What is that?” Sir Thomas cut in, interrupting their conversation.

A heavy sigh erupted from Charlotte. Talking to the detective was tense enough without added distractions.

“What is what?” Charlotte asked with obvious exasperation, her eyes landing on the stylish cat in tall leather boots. When she realized it, she took yet another steadying breath. It isn’t his fault Alex is acting strange. “Forgive me. That came out rudely. What are you asking?”

Sir Thomas stared with large eyes, his pupils blown and making him look like any other house cat on the hunt. He pointed at the floor near the front door. From where Charlotte and Alex stood near the table, the bar interrupted their field of view. She started to move to see what the talking cat was pointing at, but Alex stopped her in her tracks when he groaned with irritation.

“I’ve had enough,” Alex muttered, rubbing his forehead. “I’m going to get some air. Then, despite whatever the hell you think is going on, I’m going to check on other people in the building. I need to make sure no one got hur⁠—“

His words cut off as he rounded the table and took a few steps toward the kitchen, his eyes landing on the item Sir Thomas pointed at.

The detective’s sentence cutting off and hesitation mid-storm-out caught her attention. She watched a look of puzzlement wash over his face, an expression that hinted he’d lost himself in thought.

Worry getting the best of her, she quickly stepped forward to follow his line of sight. First, she noticed Sir Thomas appeared quite shaken. Then, continuing to follow their gaze, she gasped slightly as the object Alex and Thomas stared at caught her full attention.

CHAPTER TWO

Their trio was used to stumbling upon the unusual, having embarked on numerous escapades without Alex. Unlike them, Alex hadn’t yet fully become accustomed to the chaos that came from living alongside EverAfterans, erratic magic, and a fairy godmother.

Her eyes narrowed as she took in the glowing blue stone on the floor next to Alex’s brown leather jacket. Both items were strewn as if carelessly tossed aside.

“Where did that come from?” she whispered to herself. It was familiar to her. In fact, she had one of her own, one she knew she was still in possession of.

Sir Thomas finally turned, his gaze moving from Charlotte to Alex, who seemed in shock. It didn’t take but a second for the fairy godmother to take notice of that as well. At first, she assumed it was just ordinary surprise, but the longer she looked at him, the more she wondered.

From the position of the jacket and the stone, it looked like the stone had fallen out of the jacket. But that would mean Alex had it in his possession, which would mean his expression wasn’t one of shock at all. It might have been guilt.

Which is it, Alex? she wondered to herself. Shock or guilt?

“Alex,” she called out, trying to get his attention. “Are you okay? That’s your jacket, right?” She’d seen him wear it countless times, so she already knew the answer, but she couldn’t help but ask anyway.

He nodded, his voice a soft murmur. “Yes, that’s mine.”

Her eyes narrowed. “And the blue stone that fell out of it… Any idea where it came from?”

He took a long look at the stone and shook his head slowly. “I honestly don’t know.”

Looking over, he met Charlotte’s gaze, his eyes wide with confusion. The moment their eyes met, she was certain he wasn’t lying, but how? It was obvious the glowing blue stone had tumbled from his jacket, given each item’s position on the floor.

To further prove her theory, she realized she hadn’t seen any similar stones around the apartment before his jacket hit the floor. She’d tucked hers safely away in her cloak. There was nowhere else it could have come from. Even so, she believed Alex when he said he had no memory of the stone or putting it in his pocket.

“You’re sure you don’t recall anything about the stone?” she questioned.

He swallowed hard, and the confusion she’d witnessed in his expression suddenly looked more like worry or even a hint of fear.

“No, I’d definitely remember seeing something that looked like that,” he replied, a hint of wonder in his voice as he jutted his thumb in the direction of the stone lying on the floor. “I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that glow isn’t from an LED inside, right?”

His tone was more sarcastic at the end, and she relaxed slightly. While the object’s origin was worrying, the return of Alex’s dry sense of humor regarding magic felt more natural. Charlotte exchanged a glance with Sir Thomas before turning back to the detective.

The fairy godmother inhaled deeply before blowing it out with a heavy sigh. “Yes, it’s magical. Though I don’t have a clue how it works. Where did you find it?”

Alex paled. “I don’t know. I could’ve picked it up anywhere. It isn’t yours?”

She shook her head. “It isn’t mine, but Damien gave me one just like it and mentioned I should contact him if I ever needed help. As I mentioned before, I don’t know how it works. Hold on.”

She reached into her cloak and dug around before walking over to the dining table littered with papers, chunks from the ceiling, and powdery dust. Within a few moments, her hand hovered above the mess, then opened to reveal a mix of items that tumbled out from her fist. A penny, a pair of glasses, several magic beans, but the glowing blue stone was missing.

“Just a sec. It has to be here,” she insisted.

Continuing to dig through her cloak, Charlotte pulled out a mishmash of other objects. Buttons of all shapes and sizes, vibrant marbles of varying colors, and some forgotten coins meant for the purse Alex had given her. Just as her hope waned, thinking she might have been wrong about hers being safely tucked away, she found it.

She smiled as she pulled it free, lifting it to the light. “I knew I had it!”

Stepping forward, Charlotte cleared a separated pile of rubble from the table, sweeping it off to the floor among the rest of the debris that had fallen off during the initial crack. As it hit the hardwood, she brushed away as much dust as she could before laying the blue stone on the table. It glowed from within, giving off a faint azure light.

“This one’s mine.” Looking at Alex and then at Sir Thomas, she said, “No one touch it,” though she mostly meant it for the clueless detective.

Somehow, he’d picked up the other one and had no recollection of it. With her instructions, she knew if it were to happen again, the talking cat wouldn’t hesitate to call it to Charlotte’s attention.

Charlotte made her way over to the other stone on the floor, inspecting it. First, she picked up the jacket and tossed it on the counter. As she did, she saw just how demolished the kitchen was. I wonder if Danger can fix all that, she mused.

Next, she knelt next to the stone, studying the energy to make sure it was no different from the very one she carried. Once satisfied, she picked it up, walked back to the dining room table, and set it to the left of the one she’d held in her cloak only moments before.

“This one shouldn’t be here.” Her eyes narrowed at it for a moment before looking up to meet Alex’s. There was a mix of wonder and worry there. “You really have no idea where you picked this up from?”

His eyes snapped up to hers before shaking his head slightly. As his brows knit together in worry, she knew for certain he wasn’t lying.

“Sir Thomas, you haven’t come across this somewhere, have you? Make a shady deal with anyone lately? Maybe had those sticky paws in places they don’t belong, taking things that don’t belong to their owner? Maybe with a certain ore in a certain mine?”

She looked at him with suspicion. While she doubted he was the culprit this time—given the stone had fallen from Alex’s jacket—it also wouldn’t be the first time she’d caught the feisty feline in possession of something he didn’t come across honestly.

Cat whined from under the table, where he still hid. Sir Thomas’ gaze darted under the table.

“I’ll have you know I did no such thing,” he snapped at Cat, his hands outstretched at his sides. They fell as he turned his gaze to the fairy godmother. “My lady, my paws are rarely, if ever, sticky.”

She opened her mouth to tell him that wasn’t what she meant, but he interrupted her.

“Besides, I would rather not touch those stones. I thought they were strange before, but now that there are randomly two here—one of which the detective has no recollection of finding and bringing here when it was clearly him who did—tells me I was absolutely right to question their safety. I don’t even like that you have one since you yourself have admitted to not fully understanding it or how it works. However, I trust your judgment in all things, including this.”

“Ore?” Alex asked, his brows furrowing further in confusion.

Charlotte sighed and nodded at Sir Thomas. Though she was happy it hadn’t been him, it also created a larger problem. It would have been easier if it had been the mischievous cat. Now, she had to investigate the possibility that Alex had come across it in a place he wouldn’t remember and was so overcome by it that he picked it up, took it with him, and even hid it from her for who knew how long.

All of which he did with no recollection of it.

“Just a few weeks back,” Charlotte began quickly as she turned to Alex, “we tracked my locator spell beneath the city, through deserted subway tunnels, and stumbled upon an old, forgotten mine. We found veins of this glowing blue ore. I hadn’t needed to reach out to Damien since he gave me the spell.”

Alex cocked his head and quirked an eyebrow. “And Damien is…?”

“He’s the dwarf who cares for EverAfteran creatures sent here through the portal. He’s mostly by himself and not too friendly.” Charlotte stared down at both stones. Each was a different shape, though they were close to the same size, hers being more like a smooth, rounded cuboid where his was more oval and slightly smaller. “The stones come from Damien’s mine. I haven’t seen anything like them in the city, which leads me to believe others—humans and EverAfterans alike—haven’t stumbled upon them. At least, not yet. Have you seen them anywhere, Sir Thomas?”

The talking cat slowly shook his head without a word. While she was happy humans and EverAfterans weren’t out running around the city with magical objects they knew nothing about, once again, that meant everything fell squarely on the detective’s shoulders. He’d found it on his own. Or perhaps someone had given it to him.

Charlotte took a tentative step toward the detective. His unexplained anger had seemingly vanished now that they’d discovered the stone. Worry, potentially fear, replaced it. She didn’t want to alarm him any more than he already was, but the discussion couldn’t wait.

“Alex, I’m sorry, but we need to figure this out. We need to talk about it. I know you don’t remember exactly how you got it. That indicates you have a block of time missing. Think back in the recent days or even weeks. Can you think of any time that seems to have slipped away from you? It could be as simple as you recalling yourself stepping into the shower and the next thing you know, you’re on your way home for the day, but you have no memory of anything between. Maybe you were doing something specific. Did you visit the mines? If you went alone, that’s okay. Just tell me. Anything at all to help us figure this out.”

“I wish I had something to tell you,” he said with a light, sardonic laugh that faded too quickly. His eyes darted around the room, wandering upward as he tried to remember, though the glaring hole above that was caused by yet another magical problem in his life was all that met him. After several moments, he shook his head and turned back to the fairy godmother. “I’m sorry. I can’t remember anything out of the ordinary. I have no clue how that thing ended up in my jacket. I didn’t even know it was there until just now.”

As Charlotte considered his words, she realized she’d been oblivious to what had been happening right in front of her face. Alex constantly fidgeting with his jacket pockets, the blue light she’d glimpsed from inside one of them, his erratic behavior that seemed to peak earlier that very night when he’d thrown such a fit over dinner.

Once the memories started, they flooded in, each playing one right after another as she remembered more and more. One night, she thought she’d been dreaming when she woke up and saw blue light seeping from under Alex’s bedroom door.

That blue stone had been with him the whole time.

The stone has no effect on me, but Alex is human. Without knowing more about what they are and what they do, there’s no way to know just how he’s been affected.

For now, this was settled because Alex had no idea where the stone came from, and Charlotte had no way of pulling the memory out of him. There was no need to cause him further worry, so she decided to attempt a mood change.

The fairy godmother forced a smile and nodded. When she replied, she lifted her voice to be more positive. “You know what? We’re all worrying over something that may not be a true problem. The stone doesn’t affect me, but it’s magical and so am I. Alex is human, and clearly, it affects him. That seems pretty normal to me. Instead of upsetting ourselves further, I think we should show this stone to someone who really knows about magical things and their effects on the environment. Let’s get another opinion, all right?”

Sir Thomas’ rubbed his soft furry forehead for a moment, knowing Charlotte worried over the detective more than anyone. He’d seen the concern that had settled in her eyes when she’d peered into his moments ago. But as Alex’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, he realized her fear had been real. This was about Alex.

Without hesitation, Sir Thomas stepped forward with a grin, his whiskers twitching slightly. “A splendid suggestion, my lady. Now that we know EverAfterans are coming through the portal often, we have plenty of qualified individuals to ask.”

Her smile turned more genuine now that Thomas had caught on. “Exactly! Perhaps we might even find an answer to the earthquake issue as well.” She looked at Alex, and her smile faltered. His face was blank, his eyes distant. “Alex?”

“Hmm?” His head jerked in her direction, and she saw the moment his eyes came back to life as he seemingly snapped back to reality. He nodded. “Yeah. Sure. We should do that. Just tell me who we’re meeting, and we’ll go togeth…”

His voice faded as he turned toward the stone again. With a sudden focus, he took one step…then another. Charlotte’s eyes narrowed as she watched with rapt curiosity as the detective reached out for the stone that had been in his possession.

“Alex!” Charlotte snapped.

He stopped in his tracks, jerking his hand back. His eyes—now focused again—looked down to see what he’d been reaching for. When he realized he was about to grab the mysterious object again, he inhaled sharply before taking a pointed step back.

Sir Thomas cleared his throat. “Excuse me, Detective, but I think there’s something⁠—“

“Drop it, okay?” Alex barked. “Everyone thinks I’ve lost my mind, but you need to leave me the hell alone. I’m fine. We have a plan. Let’s just do the damn thing already.”

Charlotte looked at him incredulously as she quickly rounded the table to stand in front of him, arms crossed over her chest. “Listen to yourself! Do you not hear how rude and cruel you are?” She pointed at the stone. “What were you about to do?”

“What?” He looked at the fairy godmother, who raised her eyebrows expectantly. “What?”

“You know what,” she offered, her voice kind despite the lack of patience she felt right then.

He swallowed hard, looking from her to the stone and then back again. His mouth fell open a few brief moments before he whispered, “I don’t remember reaching for it. I only remember you saying my name.”

Charlotte could no longer bear the look of confusion on his face. She stepped forward, took his hands, and squeezed them, never breaking eye contact. She offered him a kind smile.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry.” She turned just enough to catch Sir Thomas’ attention. She jerked her head in the direction of the blue stone, and he gave her a curt nod in return. Subtlety didn’t matter now, not when Alex’s eyes were so vacant. The stress seemed to age him ten years in the blink of an eye.

Sir Thomas acted quickly, though he hesitated before grabbing the stone and holding it out. “I really don’t like or trust these things, but seeing as how they don’t affect us as they do the detective, I’ll do as you wish. I’ll take care of it and keep it away from Detective Taylor.”

She offered her furry companion a soft smile. “Thank you.”

Charlotte turned and searched Alex’s empty stare as she held his hands. The man she knew seemed to have vanished. The version of him standing before her seemed restless, exhausted, impatient, and defeated. She hated it.

“We need to get a second opinion…immediately. No arguments.” She waited briefly for anyone to object, but silence confirmed her course of action. She squeezed Alex’s hands before stepping back, grabbing her own blue stone, and then put it in her pocket as she moved toward the door. “The mess here will have to wait. We don’t know what’s happening to Detective Taylor, so time is crucial.”

Cat crawled out from under the table and joined the group as they hurried out the door. Alex seemed lost and moved slower than usual, but Charlotte managed her speed to avoid getting too far ahead.

Her patience continued to wane given how she worried about the man who had offered food and shelter to her group upon their arrival. As they headed down the hall and then down the steps, she noticed there was no damage anywhere other than the apartment.

That’s a problem for later, she thought. I need to help Alex first. I should have seen this. I should have noticed.

As they stepped out of the dark stairwell into the light of day, one last thought went through Charlotte’s mind, giving her chills, even in the warm sunlight.

I hope we’re not too late.

CHAPTER THREE

Charlotte was grateful for the sunshine and fair weather. Driving to Peter Pan’s fish shop at the docks in the heart of the EverAfteran refuge would have been far faster. However, with Alex’s focus all over the place, his memory spotty, and his random mood swings, the fairy godmother was less than confident in his driving capabilities. It wouldn’t have been safe at all.

The option was there for Charlotte to drive, but she hadn’t yet had enough practice, and she couldn’t trust Alex to pay attention enough to correct any mistakes she would undoubtedly make. Walking was surely the safest, even if it meant the detective suffering a little while longer.

She watched him as they traveled. His eyes seemed vacant, looking without actually seeing anything. When a chunk of sidewalk was missing, he carefully navigated it. When someone crossed their path, he stepped around them.

But his eyes…

His eyes never moved. They rarely blinked. He almost looked dead inside, and it broke Charlotte’s heart. She had no way of knowing if he was simply so deep in thought that he’d lost track of the world around him or if it was the stone’s effect that still held him.

None of that mattered. All she cared about was finding the solution—fast.

“This is so degrading,” Sir Thomas grumbled at her feet. It was obvious he was talking more to himself than anyone else, but she fought a smirk anyway. “…believe…talk…into this.”

“What was that?” Charlotte asked with amusement.

He craned his head to look up at her from under the wide brim of his hat. If looks could kill, she’d have died a thousand deaths. She almost snorted.

“Oh, am I allowed to speak? I was under the impression I was supposed to toddle around on all fours like a beast and just meow and hiss at random passersby.” Cat whined in response, and Thomas groaned. “I didn’t mean it like that, and you know it. You’re not a beast.”

Her eyes widened as her smirk grew into a smile. “Well, well, well! Seems someone’s in a mood.”

“You would be too, if someone forced you to walk around on your hands and knees and not use the superior brain given to you.”

The angry feline walked as Charlotte had instructed him to. It took some doing, but she’d finally convinced him to relent to handing over his sword, which she promised to keep tucked safely in her cloak. “It’ll be retrievable at a moment’s notice,” she’d told him.

His steps were more awkward than they would have been without the boots, but asking him to give up any of his attire was a no-go once he’d given up the sword. The leather was soft and flexible enough it allowed him to walk on all fours like a normal cat.

“And I said that I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”

Normally, Alex would have said something about needing to keep magic away from the people and hide the fact that they have a talking, sword wielding cat in their presence, but he was still lost to the world. She swallowed and shook her head at the thought.

“I’m sorry, Sir Thomas. However, you know how complicated this world is. Your stunt at Kroger with the girl at the customer service desk was bad enough, but walking around town where traffic is high and plenty of people will pass us would leave no question. We might be able to pass you off as an intelligent child in a foul mood to a few people, but not the entire city. Especially if one of them recorded you.”

Once again, the cat grumbled something unintelligible, but she knew that was his way of backing down. He didn’t fight her on it, both because he trusted her and also because he knew she was right.

As their group went silent again, Charlotte’s racing thoughts descended upon her again. Dwelling on what-ifs wasn’t helpful, but it was hard to avoid. She was determined to help Alex and protect anyone else the glowing stone from the city’s abandoned mines might affect. She had to find out what was happening to him and fix it because she couldn’t bear the thought of a future without the Alex Taylor she knew.

Those racing thoughts busied her mind, and they arrived at the docks sooner than expected. But when they entered the fish shop and called for Peter, there was no answer.

“I know he’s here,” Charlotte whispered, peering into the dimness of the shop that reeked of fish, just as it always did. “He must be. He never leaves this place because he’s the one in charge.”

“Maybe he got tired of helping the lost and forgotten EverAfterans forced into this world,” Sir Thomas suggested. “Or perhaps he decided that being a fish merchant wasn’t his calling. I have to say I agree, especially if this Peter Pan lets the fish spoil like this. Oh, no… Cat! Don’t eat that—ugh, too late.”

Cat’s face scrunched as he made a hideous horking sound before coughing up the chunk of fish he’d pilfered onto the floor. He looked up with a guilty expression as he licked his jowls, trying to clean himself of the scent and taste.

Sir Thomas shook his head. “I know you smelled how bad that is, and you still couldn’t help yourself. You asked for that one.”

The black Newfoundland whined and made his way over to lean against Charlotte’s leg. She reached down to scratch his head absentmindedly as she looked around.

“Could he be somewhere else?” Sir Thomas asked.

Charlotte shrugged and continued toward the back of the shop, motioning for Alex to come along. Her brows furrowed as he followed without saying a word.

Choosing to ignore his silence for now, knowing they were on their way to getting help for their friend, she answered. “If Peter isn’t out here, we should check the back and then the docks. Even Peter Pan can’t stay shut inside all the time.”

The group moved through the shop, the smell becoming almost unbearable until they exited the back door. A breeze from the river hit them, and the fresh air was a welcome relief as it washed away the foul odor.

Charlotte inhaled deeply and sighed. “That’s much better.”

“Indeed,” Sir Thomas agreed, his nose wiggling, which made his whiskers twitch. “The air is fresher, though I’m not sure our situation has improved much since we’ve gone through the entire shop, and there is still no sign of who we’re looking for. Also, there’s that.”

He pointed down the docks.

Confusion crossed Charlotte’s face before her gaze followed Sir Thomas’, and she quickly spotted why he’d hesitated. A fierce growl turned into a battle cry as it bounced off the building walls along the docks and almost seemed to vibrate everything around them.

Her eyes widened as she stared at an angry EverAfteran bear in armor standing on its hind legs, shouting at a mermaid warrior, who had just emerged from the river, ready to fight if necessary.

Instinctively, she reached out for Alex’s hand to ensure he stayed close after the effects the blue stone had on him. She didn’t want to risk his mind escaping him when it should be him escaping if the occasion called for it.

The enraged bear was ready for battle, though she didn’t understand why. Nothing stood out right then, which made her wonder if this might have been a private matter. The mermaid wore armor made of shiny abalone and oyster shells. They looked blunt, but if she were to wager a guess, she would bet they were quite sharp.

On guard and ready to lead her group away if the need arose, Charlotte watched the two EverAfterans to assess the threat. It seemed the mermaid now felt offended enough to respond to the challenge. The mermaid waved a trident, catching the sunlight on its lethal tip. The bear’s claws carried a metallic sheen of their own and seemed just as dangerous.

Even his claws are armored.

As the conflict began, a wide circle of EverAfterans formed around the two in Peter Pan’s haven. Many faces showed concern for their own safety and that of their peers. Some in the crowd cheered on their preferred fighter, their words lost in the excitement. A few had even armed themselves, though Charlotte couldn’t guess if they meant to defend themselves, join the fight, or offer their weapons to the combatants.

What was clear to her was that the clash of two EverAfterans in Peter Pan’s Cincinnati refuge spelled trouble for everyone involved, and it was brewing fast.

“What in the world is happening?” she asked.

“I wish I had an answer for you, my lady,” Sir Thomas responded. “It seems a talking bear and a mermaid warrior have chosen to settle their differences through combat.”

“I can see that, thank you, but why? Mermaids typically avoid fights on land, and talking bears are known for resolving issues with thought and discussion, not with armor and displays of raw power and aggression. Why isn’t anyone stepping in?”

“Indeed, my lady. It seems to me they’re more eager for a spectacle than a resolution.”

“They’ll get more spectacle than they bargained for with those two if this doesn’t stop,” Charlotte said, ready to intervene if no one else would.

She started toward the rapidly growing crowd, deciding to let go of Alex’s hand and leave him where he stood for safety. However, a tug on her arm halted her and drew her focus back to her group. Alex seemed unwilling to move forward or let her go either.

“Alex?” she asked curiously, but his eyes were just as vacant as before.

It seemed his body was more aware of what was going on than his mind. She faced him more fully while turning them both in a way that allowed her to keep an eye on the developing situation behind them. She reached out and squeezed the hand he had on her arm with her free one.

Her eyes searched his, but found nothing. “I want to help those two before things get worse. So, can you listen? Alex?”

She waved her hand in front of his face, but he didn’t react. He just stood there, staring at nothing, even with all the surrounding commotion. Charlotte leaned closer, hoping to catch his eye, but he didn’t even glance her way.

What did that stone do to him? He looks so lost, like a kid who wanders away from his parents and recognizes nothing around him. Could he have forgotten me, too?

With a sigh, Charlotte’s eyes darted from Alex to the situation beyond and back again as she continued to assess the situation. She stayed close and gave his hand another gentle squeeze. The fairy godmother didn’t expect him to respond, and he didn’t, but she hoped he might still feel her presence and find some comfort.

Charlotte knew she couldn’t leave him to deal with other people’s problems. Not when helping Alex was her primary concern. Who knew what could happen if she left his side for even a moment?

Would Sir Thomas and Cat be enough to guard him? Would they be able to stop him if he wandered off? What if she was caught up in the skirmish and couldn’t get back to him in time if he did something out of character?

“Sir Thomas,” she called, “do you still have the stone from Alex’s jacket?”

“Yes, my lady,” the talking cat replied, producing the mysterious glowing stone.

Sir Thomas handed the stone to Charlotte, and she studied it before looking for any hint of a reaction from Alex. Seeing none, she gripped the stone tightly and tucked it into her cloak’s secret pocket along with the other. This cloak, worn by all fairy godmothers, allowed her to feel the burden lift from her shoulders—a burden she hadn’t realized was there.

With the stone now hidden, Charlotte felt a bit lighter. She wondered if securing the other stone with the guild’s magic would help Alex too, possibly restoring some of his old self or at least starting the process.

But what if the stone wasn’t the problem?

The gnome had mentioned something in the apartment. If that was the case, moving Alex out should help. Charlotte had done what she could, eliminating the known issues. Now she had to wait and see if it made any difference to Alex.

If it didn’t, they were in deeper trouble than she thought.

CHAPTER FOUR

The crowd’s excitement grew as they gathered around the talking bear and mermaid warrior. Shouts of encouragement, urging the two to get on with it, echoed around Charlotte and her companions. She faintly heard the few who tried to calm the situation struggle for the two potential combatants to hear them, but it was a fruitless endeavor.

The ground shook suddenly as a group of enormous mountain trolls lumbered into view. They wore simple loincloths and had muscles like boulders and teeth that jutted out wildly in various shades of yellow. Two of them waved massive wooden clubs in the air, roaring and urging the fight to start.

“This is just absurd,” Charlotte muttered, her eyes searching for Peter.

Cat barked, and the loud sound pierced through the commotion to snag her attention. He wasn’t near them as he had been, and she realized she’d lost track of him while paying such close attention to Alex’s condition and the growing chaos around them.

Charlotte quickly looked around the docks, trying to spot her shaggy Newfoundland friend amid the growing crowd. Cat lunged in warning and barked at a few centaurs who were teasing a group of small, chatty rabbits dressed in bright hats and scarves. The rabbits were nearly trampled by the centaurs’ large hooves.

“I have a feeling this will get far worse before it gets better,” Charlotte whispered to herself as her worry escalated with the rising urgency in the crowd.

Peering over at Alex, it seemed his eyes zeroed in on the crowd, but it appeared to her he wasn’t actually seeing any of it. If he had, he surely would have said something.

Wouldn’t he? she wondered. Is he in there at all?

He went from fuming angry before to nearly catatonic now. His condition was worsening, and she needed to find Peter fast.

“Cat!” Sir Thomas called out. “Stop! You’re making it worse!” The talking cat peered up at the fairy godmother. “Forgive me, my lady. I need to handle this. Stay here with the detective. He doesn’t look well.” He looked at Cat then back up at her before adding, “You’d think a former Earth cat would know better than to get mixed up in the affairs of other magical beings.” He groaned as he turned his attention back to his giant companion. “Cat, are you listening? Stop getting in the way! You’re only making things worse!”

Charlotte quickly reached into her cloak to remove Sir Thomas’ rapier. She’d promised it was available at a moment’s notice, and it seemed that moment had arrived.

“Thank you, Lady Charlotte!” he chirped before strapping the baldric around his waist and dashing toward the scene, unsheathing the sword and holding it high, ready to intervene if necessary.

Charlotte hoped he wouldn’t have to fight, but as sunlight glinted off Sir Thomas’ sword, a crowd of EverAfterans from the docks began to gather around the centaurs, clothed rabbits, and barking dog. Her hope of the swashbuckling cat avoiding involvement dwindled by the second.

“This has gotten out of hand,” Charlotte said softly, “and so quickly.”

Lost in the moment, she’d forgotten the detective’s condition and expected him to say something, anything, but he didn’t respond as he continued to stare ahead.

If I were Peter, I’d struggle to be everywhere at once, Charlotte thought. She suspected he was overwhelmed. If he’d show his face, I could help him. I can’t do anything if I can’t speak to him, especially with Alex needing constant supervision.

Peter rarely asked for help, let alone accepted it, but something needed to change.

As a group of large pixies zoomed by in a blur of colorful wings and sparkling dust, they almost collided with Charlotte and Alex.

“Hey!” Charlotte called out. “Watch it!”

Her heart rate increased as she realized she was right. This was continuously getting worse, and she needed to find a quieter spot for herself and Alex. Privacy would be hard to come by in the bustling EverAfteran sanctuary, but not trying wasn’t an option. She had to keep him safe first and foremost. Right now, everyone else came second, save for Cat and Sir Thomas.

Navigating through the calmer outskirts of the bustling crowd, she gently led Alex to a quiet spot by a pile of supply crates and barrels. Surprisingly, the area was free of people. Those who had been moving the supplies were now caught up in the growing disputes nearby, which left the area wide open for any who sought refuge there.

“Here you go,” she said, struggling a bit to help Alex sit on one of the crates.

Once Alex was seated, Charlotte took a seat beside him, still holding his hand. She was terrified to let go, thinking he might wander away without her even realizing he was gone. Much like what had happened with Cat barely minutes before. She watched the commotion on the docks, biting her lip in worry.

“We’ll sit here a moment. Get our bearings. Watch and wait. We might pick up on something useful. With any luck, Peter will show up. He must be watching from somewhere. This refuge is his. There’s no way he’d abandon it and his people.” She spoke as much to reassure herself as to provide some comfort to Alex, feeling a reassuring squeeze from his hand in return.

Charlotte looked at him sharply, her heart feeling as though it had skipped a beat as she managed a smile. “That’s right, we’re safe here—or at least safer than anywhere else in this place right now.”

Her brows furrowed as something off to the side caught her attention and drew her gaze. “What in the world is that unicorn doing with those magical elk? Has it lost its senses?” Still holding the detective’s hand, she rose to yell at the unicorn. “Someone’s going to get hurt! And no, I don’t want to take it from you. Get a grip!”

The unicorn gave a snort and a gesture that was impressively rude for a creature working with just hooves and a horn. Then, without another thought for Charlotte or anything she had to say, the mythical beast jumped back into the mix of battling and arguing with creatures of every sort.

Charlotte shook her head. “Even the worst places back home weren’t this chaotic.”

Things were fine here only a few days ago. Peter seemed a bit off after talking about the earthquakes, but that couldn’t have had anything to do with this mess, could it? Nobody else mentioned feeling them. Maybe the quakes were just another warning sign.

We’re out of our depth. Where is Peter Pan?

Finally, a loud crack echoed along the docks and over the water. The pirate ships pitched and swayed under the magical wave that rippled through the sanctuary. The commotion among the EverAfterans quieted before pausing completely as they steadied themselves.

The power reverberating through the area resulting from the noise wasn’t enough to knock anyone down, but it certainly caught everyone’s attention. All eyes turned to the tall, thin man with dark hair and a look of mischief and power in his eyes. Peter Pan stood on a dock pylon, possessing a commanding presence even without his traditional Neverland attire.

Gone were the leaves and patchwork clothes. They were replaced with jeans, sneakers, and a polo shirt. Peter Pan had changed. He was no longer the playful, carefree boy who fought with swords and laughed at rules. This Peter Pan meant business, and everyone could tell.

“Finally,” Charlotte said with a sigh of relief.

Her shoulders sagged as she glanced at Alex beside her to make sure he was okay. He didn’t seem injured in any way on the outside, but she knew whatever damage resided inside was hidden and the extent still unknown. It was encouraging to see him turn his head a little toward the magical explosion that marked the arrival of the sanctuary’s protector.

Charlotte reminded herself to be patient. The hold the stone had on Alex had grown tighter over the last few weeks. It stood to reason it would take more than a few short hours for him to recover. Taking comfort in his small sign of awareness, she shifted her attention back to the docks and the current focus of everyone around.

Perched atop the dock pylon, Peter Pan commanded the crowd’s attention with outstretched arms. He paused for a moment, absorbing the scene, then spoke with a voice that cut through the chaos.

“Listen up, everyone! Starting now and for the foreseeable future, there will be a few changes around this sanctuary. I’ve set some new rules, and I expect everyone to follow them. No more trouble, not for others or yourselves. To start, all talking animals will live in a new area at the west end of the docks. The humanoids will stay on the east side. Those of you who don’t fit into these groups will stay in your current area, right between the animal and humanoid zones. There are two exceptions. The merfolk–“

Peter was interrupted by a wave of discontent from the mermaid warrior and her kin. He quirked a brow, and his arms dropped slightly as he gave her a pointed look. Silence once again fell, and his gaze traveling over the rest of the crowd gathered all over.

“As I was saying… The merfolk will stay in the river waters until I say otherwise. The ship captains and their crews will remain on their vessels. None of you are to step foot on land unless I give the okay.”

While the merfolk voiced their displeasure, their complaints were quickly overshadowed by the loud cheers and jeers from various pirate crews. Some seemed oddly pleased, though perhaps they were just too drunk to grasp their confinement.

Peter pressed on, his voice resonating with an undiminished authority. “There’s more. We’re setting a curfew. Everyone needs to be in their homes two hours before midnight, unless you’ve got special permission from me.”

The collective response was a chorus of groans and discontent, but Peter remained unfazed, continuing as if the sanctuary’s residents had greeted his decree with silence.

“You will receive the help you need to collect your items and move to your new spot at the docks before the day is over. Once tonight’s curfew hits, don’t mix around or go back for more of your belongings until tomorrow. I expect everyone to follow these rules closely until we say otherwise. If you need something to make your stay here better, I’m here to listen. I’ll help if I can. Anyone who ignores these rules—whether deliberately or accidental—will have to explain themselves to me.”

He let that sink in for a moment as everyone looked at one another before focusing back on him. Charlotte felt the threat in his words, and it seemed everyone else had, too.

“One last thing. Unless you wanna lose ‘em…keep your hands, paws, claws, tails, any other body parts you have to yourself. Violate my rules, and…” He chuckled. “Well, just don’t.”

He smirked, and several in the crowd took a step back. Pan’s word was law here, and everyone knew not to challenge him.

I hope he can help, Charlotte thought as she looked over at Alex again, who was staring at the dock. Please, please help us.

CHAPTER FIVE

Peter Pan jumped off the pylon and moved swiftly down the docks, navigating through the crowd of EverAfterans. Despite some of the unease or outright upset with some of the residents, everyone smiled and greeted Peter as he passed. They moved out of his way as if he had an invisible bubble surrounding him.

Charlotte was taken aback by the immediate peace that followed. No one challenged Peter’s commands or resorted back to the violence that had only moments ago been rampant in the sanctuary.

The brawls ceased at once. Everyone discreetly set aside or tucked away their weapons. Conversations turned constructive rather than confrontational. The diverse groups of EverAfterans who had made the docks their temporary home on Earth simply fell in line. They quickly formed teams to implement Peter’s plan to shift the residents to their new homes.

“Well, no one can say Peter Pan isn’t effective,” Charlotte commented to herself.

She looked over the crowd, watching as several small groups shifted away from the crowd to start work. Others grumbled amongst themselves in pairs but still shuffled along to do as they were told. Over the next few hours, Charlotte knew the EverAfterans would stay busy organizing their belongings and preparing for the newly established curfew.

Curiosity satisfied, the fairy godmother shifted her attention to locate the king of the docks, but Peter was nowhere to be seen.

Sir Thomas emerged from a group of large rams, their silver horns shining and their wool a sparkling gold. They passed in front of Charlotte and Alex, who still sat on the supply crates. The talking cat clapped his paws before brushing away imaginary dust from his involvement in the recent commotions.

“He couldn’t have stepped in at a better time. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Charlotte looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “While I admire Pan’s ability to control the crowd and get them to turn all that aggression into progress to work toward a common goal, I would argue a better time would have been when the bear and mermaid first drew a mob.”

“I suppose you have a point, my lady,” Sir Thomas replied, pausing in front of their crates to give Alex an assessing frown. His furry brows furrowed before he turned back to Charlotte. “I’m thankful Pan has a knack for taming an angry horde. Only time will tell if they’ll accept his new rules without question.”

“They know that breaking those rules means dealing with Pan himself, and in this world, being on Peter Pan’s bad side isn’t a risk worth taking.”

The talking cat leaned back with a hearty laugh. “Ha! I can’t imagine that happening to you, my lady. Pan seems quite fond of you, after all.”

“We’re acquaintances, perhaps even colleagues in EverAfter. In this world, I might go so far as to say he might be a friend. Possibly. However, I wouldn’t go quite that far yet.” She glanced at Sir Thomas and then at Alex.

The detective sat motionless beside her, his eyes still vacant. Charlotte inhaled sharply through her nose when she felt a gentle squeeze to her hand, but when she registered nothing in his gaze, she couldn’t help but wonder if it had been purposeful or simply a twitch.

While Sir Thomas and Alex butted heads quite often, she knew they cared about one another, and it was obvious in the way the frisky feline stared at him now. The cream color of his little furry brows knit together, and his eyes seemed full of sorrow as they met Alex’s.

Suddenly, the cat cleared his throat and turned away, offering a forced smile to Charlotte. “Oh, yes. Of course, my lady. Absolutely.” He then pivoted to observe the throng of people weaving through the docks with a fresh sense of purpose. He would never admit it, but Charlotte knew it was his way of distracting himself from the worry. “Cat! You’d better be by my side in twenty seconds, or so help me, I’ll⁠—“

Cat’s eager bark came just before an enormous black ball of fur pushed through the crowd with a wagging tail and his tongue flopped out to the side. He almost toppled Sir Thomas, who only narrowly avoided what would surely be a rough tumble from the clumsy but gentle giant four times his size by nimbly leaping out of the way and onto a crate beside the fairy godmother.

After taking a moment to pat down his ginger fur, which stood on end from the fright, and readjusting the angle of his hat, Sir Thomas frowned at the Newfoundland.

He pointed at Cat’s nose. “Overzealousness doesn’t excuse you from separating from us earlier. You stick by my side from now on. Got it?”

With his tail wagging, Cat pushed his nose toward Sir Thomas’ furry finger, sniffed it, and then licked it in what appeared to be agreement to Charlotte. The weak argument seemed to fall away as Cat plopped down in a proper sit, licked his nose, and then continued to pant with his tongue lolling to the side.

Sir Thomas frowned at his paw and made a clicking sound before wiping it on his leg. He grumbled something about the fact that a former cat should know dog slobber was disgusting to cats before facing Charlotte again.

He huffed and adjusted the rapier at his side. “The detective looks the same, my lady. Has there been any change at all?” He nodded at Alex.

A frown curved the corners of her lips. “It’s hard to say. A bit, I think. A small squeeze might be progress, but I’m not sure. It could have been a twitch, his muscles firing because he’s barely moved in so long. Without a spark in his eyes, it’s hard to say.”

Sir Thomas nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Unfortunately, your assessment may be correct. It might be nothing at all.”

A sigh left her. “You don’t sound very hopeful.”

The cat looked down for a moment before cautiously peering back into her eyes and shrugging. “Forgive me. I’m simply trying to be realistic, my lady. While I want to give you hope, I also want to help you manage your expectations. To be your voice of reason. I feel it’s important in situations like this. Detective Taylor is taking so long to recover. It seems like he’s not there.”

Sir Thomas waved his paw in front of Alex’s face, but Charlotte quickly pushed it aside.

“That’s rude,” she scolded, looking between Alex and then back to the cat. “At least…I think it is.” She sighed again, her shoulders falling a bit as she remembered she’d done the very same thing. “I don’t even know if he’s aware. Still, we should always act as though he can see and hear everything, even if he’s unable to communicate.”

Sir Thomas stopped and looked at the fairy godmother cautiously. “You’re right. Without knowing, it is rude to treat him as if he isn’t there at all.”

With a nod, Charlotte squared her shoulders and stood. “Thank you.”

Looking away from Sir Thomas, she scanned the crowd, trying to find Peter. While she’d wanted to leap out, grab him, and drag him over to Alex, she’d also wanted to respect the king of the docks. Angering him certainly wouldn’t win him over anytime soon.

“Both of you make sure to follow the rules of the dock. Try to stay out of everyone’s way, but we need to find Peter. I can’t leave Al⁠—“

“Charlotte!” Peter’s voice cut through the noise, immediately drawing the fairy godmother’s attention as he emerged from the crowd.

Right then, Charlotte felt so overwhelmed with relief at just hearing Pan say her name that she nearly fell to her knees and cried. It occurred to her at that moment just how worried she was for Alex. She’d hid it well—even from herself.

Peter made his way over to them, giving nods and weary smiles to the EverAfterans he passed. When he reached Charlotte and her friends, he slowed and mimicked Sir Thomas’ stance—fists on his hips and feet shoulder-width apart—which might have been funny if the situation wasn’t so serious.

Close enough to talk normally, Peter greeted her with more formality. “Fairy Godmother,” he said with a nod, then glanced at the EverAfteran cat next to her. “Sir Thomas.”

Thomas nodded back, then glanced quickly between his paws on his hips and Peter Pan’s hands on his own before deciding to put his paws behind his back. He then exchanged a knowing look with Cat.

“Now then,” Peter started, “I apologize for the madness tonight. It’s great to see you, Charlotte. I hoped you’d return soon. Are you here because you’ve found something that can explain what’s going on?”

Charlotte and Sir Thomas exchanged puzzled looks, and then the fairy godmother shook her head as her relief slowly leaked out of her like a child’s balloon with a pinhole in it. “Actually, Peter, I came here to ask you the same question.”

“Ah,” Peter replied before a sigh escaped him. He turned to look at the surrounding commotion. “It’s a tough situation. The EverAfterans have been at odds with each other in the refuge. Neighbors and friends are fighting. Many species of creatures are arguing when they used to get along. I’m stumped. There’s been so much chaos lately, and I’m not sure how to handle it by myself anymore.”

The fairy godmother swallowed before forcing a nervous smile in an attempt to soothe him. “It looks like your last order helped a bit.”

He shrugged. “Somewhat. We shall see how long it lasts.” He turned to face her again and opened his arms. “But let’s not worry about my troubles. How can I assist you, Fairy Godmother?”

Charlotte paused as she pondered the question that suddenly seemed trickier than she had expected. “Actually, I’m not quite sure. Now I wonder if you can even help us. We’ve stumbled upon a problem, and I thought talking it over with you might shed more light on it than our last chat did. I’m at a loss, and to be quite honest, I don’t know what to do. I’m genuinely worried.”

She tried to pull her fingers free from Alex’s grasp, but his joints seemed locked in place. Giving up, she lifted their joined hands, giving Peter a meaningful look.

Peter smiled as he turned toward Alex, clearly missing every sign available to him. “Greetings, Detective. Forgive my rudeness in not greeting you properly earlier. As you can see, things are a bit chaotic, and my mind is no different.”

Sir Thomas cleared his throat to get Peter’s attention. “Unfortunately, you won’t receive a response from the good detective here. I believe I once heard the Earth phrase, ‘the wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.’”

Peter finally took in Alex for the first time, his brows furrowing and eyes widening before his gaze darted to Charlotte. She found obvious questions in his expression, but she was too busy swallowing her anger at her companion for such coldness to answer right at that moment.

“Sir Thomas,” she chided, her voice colder than expected. “Please.”

He shrugged. “Forgive my bluntness, but it’s obvious we don’t have a lot of time, and the earlier disorder wasted a lot of it. Being direct is better than beating around the bush. However, if I’ve upset you, I’m sorry.”

He rested a paw on the hilt of his sword and turned away, looking over the crowd as if he were on guard duty for the fairy godmother and her group.

Peter frowned at the cat, then shifted his focus back to Charlotte and Alex, side by side on the crates. “Detective?” Like Sir Thomas earlier, Pan waved a hand in front of Alex’s face.

Alex remained silent and showed no signs of recognition or response—verbal or physical—as had become his natural state over the last couple of hours.

Charlotte’s face scrunched with sadness; her lips pressed to a thin line before she finally spoke in an almost inaudible tone. “He’s been like this for quite some time, maybe an hour or two.” She met Peter’s concerned look. “It seems he’s under some kind of magical influence that’s affecting his mind. Aside from a very broody mood, he was fine earlier. Talking and even arguing. Now, however…” Her voice trailed off as they both studied the man in question.

“Aside from the occasional blink, he seems damn near dead.” Peter’s eyes darted over to Charlotte’s. “Forgive me. That was rude.”

She nodded. “It was harsh, blunt, but not exactly wrong.”

“How did you even get him here?”

“Somehow, I persuaded him to come with me, but that was the last time I had a response. Now he just clings to my hand. He doesn’t appear to recognize anything else besides me and occasionally Sir Thomas, and I’m scared.” She paused, her voice shaking as she realized her own fear that Alex’s condition might be permanent. “I’m worried this may not be something we can fix. I know it’s a lot to ask for you to help, especially with a human and especially with everything you have going on here right now. But considering your experiences, I thought you might be willing to try.”

With a look of deep concern etched on his face, Peter Pan nodded and stepped closer. He knelt to examine Alex’s face, studying it carefully as he looked into his eyes and checked his other features. “You mentioned he’s been like this for an hour or two?”

She nodded. “At least, I think so. I didn’t exactly check the time when it started, but it seemed to happen right after the last earthquake hit.”

Peter rose to his full height, scratching his chin thoughtfully. “There was another earthquake?”

“Yes,” Charlotte confirmed. “Within the past couple of hours. It was the worst one we can recall. The rest of the building seemed untouched. It appeared only our apartment was affected, though I can’t say we didn’t see that coming. However, I’m not so sure that’s what caused the current situation with Alex. The quake uncovered something that worries me and might be the reason for his condition. Unfortunately, I feel more confident about that than any other possibility.”

Peter nodded, his attention returning to Detective Taylor. “I see. Go on, I’m listening.”

Charlotte delved into her cloak, searching the magical pockets that seemed to go on forever. It felt like the fate of two worlds hung in the balance as she sorted through a vast array of ordinary and magical items she’d collected over the years. Focused, the tip of her tongue peeked out through her lips as she concentrated. Since Alex still clung to her hand, it was a struggle to search the cloak, but was even worse to free her hand with the two small stones.

She huffed in irritation as she pulled back again but failed, and Peter came to her aid, steadying the cloak so she could free herself. She gave him a grateful nod. “Thank you.”

“No problem,” he replied.

Charlotte paused with her hand still closed around the stones. She was worried. Revealing what she hid could reignite old conflicts among the EverAfterans, possibly leading to chaos.

Or worse.

Another disaster.

It was possible the power of these stones might overwhelm even Peter Pan. The stakes were high, and Alex’s health as well as the safety of all EverAfterans in their refuge may depend on learning more about them. Not to mention her friends back in Cincinnati, and both the magical and human worlds that now counted on her.

“Okay, we keep going and trust in their combined wisdom and experience. It’s time to face whatever was coming.”

CHAPTER SIX

Taking a deep breath, she held out her closed hand to Peter. As she slowly opened it, both blue stones emerged, glowing softly. Aside from the small physical differences between them, Charlotte couldn’t spot any others.

Peter stepped closer as he inhaled sharply. It was subtle, barely noticeable to anyone else, but Charlotte was always on guard around the once lost boy. She watched as he examined the two objects, the blue glow reflecting in his eyes. She studied him, looking for any sign of interest instead of curiosity or even outright worry.

When she saw nothing that caused her any alarm, she relaxed, but only a little. She wouldn’t be able to let go of the stress weighing her down until they’d fixed Alex, and he was bickering with Sir Thomas again.

The fairy godmother’s eyes narrowed as her attention suddenly turned back to her open hand. Something had changed. Each stone pulsed with identical faint energy. Each stone sent a subtle buzz of magic through her palm and up her wrist before fading away. The sensation was unfamiliar. It wasn’t painful, just there in a way it hadn’t been before.

Her brows furrowed as curiosity took hold of her. “That’s strange,” she whispered. It was mostly to herself, but Peter heard and answered anyway.

“What is?”

“With the glow they possess, it was quite obvious they weren’t normal stones, and most likely magical. However, outside of that, they seemed like ordinary rocks until just now. Meaning they didn’t throw off sparks when close to one another, or burn to touch, or vibrate, or randomly create matter out of nothing. They just…existed. The energy I felt from them earlier seemed low enough I might have missed it had I not been looking for it directly. Touching them showed no sign of anything I would consider threatening or worrying.”

“I feel like there’s a but coming,” he quipped, a small smirk playing at the corner of his mouth when she finally peered up at him.

She nodded. “I haven’t really focused on how they felt since the earthquake and since what happened to Alex.” Her attention once again moved to the contents in her hand. “But now they’re vibrating with some kind of energy. It radiates through my palm, up through my wrist, and then trails off somewhere in my forearm. I’m at a loss about what they are, and I must admit, it’s a bit embarrassing not to know. However, now more than before, I’m convinced these—at the very least, the one Alex held in his pocket for weeks—have something to do with his condition.”

“No need to feel embarrassed, Charlotte,” Peter said gently, his hand reaching out to rest on her shoulder as a comfort measure. After giving her a small squeeze, he pulled away. “We’re all in the same situation. There is quite a lot going on right now, and we’re doing the best we can. You know that as well as anyone.”

She forced a small smile. It wasn’t confident, but she appreciated his kindness. “That’s comforting, Peter. Thanks. Maybe you can make sense of this, see something I’m missing.”

As soon as Charlotte held out the stones, Peter stepped back quickly and raised his hands. She wondered if he feared she would use the stones’ magic against him. For a moment, she felt offended, but then she realized she was usually on edge when around him herself. It would take time for the two of them to build genuine trust in their friendship.

Honestly, we may never fully trust one another, she thought.

Noticing his own reaction, he sighed deeply and forced his hands down. “I apologize. That was abrupt, and I see hurt in your eyes. I promise, I mean no offense, Fairy Godmother.”

Charlotte nodded, her shoulders falling a bit as she pulled her hand back again, closing her fist around the stones. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m desperate to understand what’s going on.” She paused. “This is absolutely no attempt to hurt or deceive you. If they were truly dangerous, I would never allow Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat around them. I also wouldn’t have stuck around here once I saw all these innocents milling about. I hope you know that.”

“I get it,” Peter said, his eyes fixed on her fist, now concealing the glowing stones. “That being said, I’d rather not handle those. That was the reason for my abruptness. They seem to be meant specifically for you, Fairy Godmother, not me. It’s highly possible that hum of energy you feel would be a tidal wave for me. For all we know, they may take me over the moment I touch them, just as they did to the kind detective here.”

He gestured around himself, and each of them looked around. “As you can see, I’m dealing with an unknown situation of my own. I can’t afford to stir up chaos. Right now, I’m the only thing holding the docks together, and as I mentioned earlier, I’m only barely able to do it by myself anymore. I simply can’t take the risk. I’m so sorry. The last thing the EverAfterans here need is panic. Especially after the Guild displaced them. This is home to them. As you can see from the earlier commotion, they can’t lose their shepherd.”

“Peter,” Charlotte urged, looking him in the eye. “Even if you can’t bring yourself to touch them, there must be something you can do. Information you can give, or maybe the name of someone who can aid us. I need to know what these are for, so I can help him.” She glanced at Alex, who was still lost in his own world. “He isn’t himself, and neither am I right now. My magic… Well, you know how my magic is. Still, I can’t just give up.”

“I get it,” Peter cut in, true sympathy etching his young features. “The talk about earthquakes last time worried me. Not just because I didn’t know there were any. Even now, outside of you, I still haven’t heard a peep from anyone else in the city. Like these stones, I think it’s part of your tale, Fairy Godmother. If I got involved, I’m afraid it might end badly. I want to help in any other way I can, but with this, I⁠—“

“That’s okay,” she replied, then squeezed the stones before quickly tucking them back into her cloak in case anyone else around the group could sense their magic. Without her hand closed around objects, pulling it back out was far easier. The now empty hand fell by her side, closing into a tight, frustrated fist. “I understand. I had to ask. You said ‘in any other way I can.’ Does that mean you can do anything for him without looking at the stones or getting too involved?”

Peter paused a moment before sighing and giving a single nod. “I’ll try.”

He looked troubled as he stepped closer to Alex and lightly touched the detective’s forehead with his fingertip. Shutting his eyes, he took several deep breaths as he focused on his task. It felt like an eternity passed when he finally opened his eyes.

When he lifted his hand, the slight shake of his head made Charlotte’s heart feel as though it wanted to leap into her throat. “If it’s that bad, Peter⁠—“

“It isn’t bad,” he said. “In fact, I sense nothing wrong with him. Detective Taylor is still in there. He hasn’t left. It’s hard to explain, but if he stays away from whatever is causing this confusion, I think he’ll start to talk and act like the man you know.”

Her heart fluttered with hope. “He might be himself again?”

“You’re really fond of this one, aren’t you?” Peter smiled.

Although Charlotte felt like she should be upset with Peter for making light of the situation, she couldn’t help but answer anyway. Talking about him seemed to ease her mind, and if she could make Pan understand just how important Alex was to their group, even better.

“He’s been an amazing friend to me. And to Sir Thomas and Cat, too. Ever since I came to this world, he’s done more for us than anyone else would. Maybe more than we deserve, though I might not be the best one to judge that. I just want to do all I can to keep him safe for as long as I can.”

“Words to remember,” Peter mused. “So you think it was one of those stones that caused his condition? You mentioned he had one in his possession.”

She nodded. “Those quakes have been happening longer than he had the stone. He wasn’t affected back then by whatever magic caused them, but he has been since he found the stone. Well, since we think he found the stone. He has no memory of it, so it’s hard to say exactly when he got it. All I know is he was normal for a while after the initial tremors started, which leads me to believe the stone is the catalyst.”

He looked at her cloak. “I think it might be wise to keep them hidden in there. Magic from the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild is very powerful. Unless you think it’s safer to get rid of the stones completely⁠—“

“No,” she cut in. “Anything that makes Peter Pan hesitate is too risky to just leave lying around. It could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. I can manage them.”

“Understood.” He gave a slow nod, then touched his chin thoughtfully before changing the subject. “Regarding those earthquakes…”

“Yes?”

“You said there was another one recently; about an hour or two ago, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.” Charlotte took a deep breath and reclaimed her seat next to Alex on a crate. “We were in Alex’s apartment when it struck. I had important news for him, but the earthquake disrupted our talk. Along with destroying a large chunk of the ceiling, the tremors knocked his jacket off the counter to the floor, where the stone fell out. That’s when we found it. Lately, it feels like I’m facing new challenges before I can even solve the previous ones.”

“That can be tough,” Peter acknowledged. “But you might be closer to a solution than you think.”

Charlotte frowned at her old friend. “What do you mean?”

Peter pointed at her cloak. “I think you’re right about the connection between those stones and the detective’s condition, but I would add the earthquakes to the list. And while I don’t want to add my problems into the fray, I believe it could be another piece to the puzzle. Lately, I’ve been dealing with another matter that I now realize could be important to you.”

Charlotte’s frown lessened until it turned into the faintest of smiles, though she was aware it likely showed her fatigue with everything. “Now it’s you who sounds like you’re beating around the bush.”

“Maybe I am,” Peter admitted with a quick smile. “I wasn’t aware of any trouble like we saw today at the docks until a couple of hours ago. However, I’ve noticed the EverAfteran residents, who used to live peacefully together, have suddenly become hostile. I can’t pinpoint the cause or the exact moment it started, but the timing with the earthquake and the start of the detective’s troubles suggests they’re all related.”

Charlotte gazed at him, her brows furrowed. “You think the chaos is from the earthquakes?”

“It’s possible, maybe even likely,” Peter answered.

There was a pause as she thought for a moment before answering. “How could it have caused issues when you said you didn’t feel any quakes and no one else knew they happened?”

“That’s the danger.” His arms lifted out to his sides before falling. “Seems you and your friends are the only ones who feel them, but I believe it’s all connected. This place, us EverAfterans… Whatever this is…it seems we need to rely on you now.”

She swallowed thickly. “Don’t make it sound so dire⁠—“

His hand quickly landed on her shoulder; the touch gentle despite his speed. “I’m not trying to pressure you, Charlotte. I just want you to understand how serious this is. It could be a new angle to look from. These quakes might be why we’re having so many issues. It seems far too coincidental not to study further. If you can find what’s causing them and stop them, you might just solve everyone’s troubles. Especially before they get worse, damage the city, hurt people, and reveal secrets best kept hidden.”

Charlotte let out a faint chuckle. “That’s quite the challenge, Peter Pan.”

A friendly smile curved his lips. “It isn’t too big of a challenge for Charlotte Weaver!” Peter turned to Alex, his grin widening as his eyes widened with delighted surprise. “Ah, you’ve returned to the living, Detective!”

At those words, Charlotte gasped and swiveled to look at Alex. Even Sir Thomas turned from his guard position, eyes wide in surprise.

Alex blinked rapidly, shot Peter Pan a puzzled look, and then glanced at his chest as if confirming his own existence. “Returned to the living? Please tell me I didn’t die and then someone resurrected me? At this point, I wouldn’t even question it if someone told me I’m a damn zombie.”

He shook his head and rolled his eyes, and Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears she tried to hold back. His hand snaked up to his neck as he placed two fingers on the side. Within only a few brief moments, he sighed with obvious relief and dropped his hand.

“Wouldn’t that be a reason to celebrate?” Peter quipped.

“Being a zombie? Probably not. If you’d seen the movies I have, you wouldn’t even suggest it. However, since I have a pulse, and I’m speaking just fine, I’d have to assume death and resurrection weren’t on the itinerary today.”

“A wise observation.” Peter nodded, his smile never fading. “I’m sure all of you will have good luck on your quest. If you need advice, remember that I’m here to help when I can, though I’m confident you won’t need it.”

Charlotte smiled at Peter. “Thanks, Peter.”

“Don’t thank me, Charlotte. I’ve done nothing. You, however, have a long road ahead. A fairy godmother’s job is never finished.”

She blew out a heavy breath before chuckling, suddenly feeling lighter than a feather. “That’s for sure. Good luck with sorting things out here. I’ll let you know if I find anything that might help.”

Pan nodded. “And I’ll do the same.” He looked at each of them, then bowed deeply, his arms wide. “Farewell and good luck.”

Standing, a familiar twinkle of mischief crept back into his eyes. Charlotte felt like hugging him to express her thanks, but she stayed put as he turned and made his way down the docks to survey the progress made so far.

The fairy godmother turned to Alex with a bright grin and squeezed his hand. “It’s really nice to see you looking like yourself again.”

His brows furrowed. “I’m so confused. What the hell happened?” His eyes wandered as they took in the surrounding area. “Is that what Peter meant by welcoming me back to the land of the living? And how did we end up at the docks?”

“It’s a bit of a long story,” she replied with a relieved smile, “but we can chat about it on our way to your place. After that⁠—“

“Excuse me, Lady Charlotte,” Sir Thomas cut in, raising his finger. “May I propose we dine out for our last meal today? If you recall, the apartment is in disarray, and the tremors damaged the dishes. I think going out to eat is quite logical, given today’s circumstances.”

Charlotte kept her gaze fixed on Alex, soaking in the spark of life in his eyes that had returned. “Wherever you want to go, Detective, we can do that. We have much to talk about.”

His eyes briefly looked at his hand joined with Charlotte’s before he stood and casually pulled away. He offered a smile and nodded. “I think that sounds like a plan. Let’s get out of here, and we’ll decide where to go on the way back into town.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

It didn’t take long for Charlotte and her companions to agree that Skyline Chili was the perfect spot for dinner. None of them had been there to savor the chili in a while. Past visits were often for investigating magical disturbances or as a pit-stop for their undercover adventures.

Before they’d left the docks, Charlotte had once again asked Sir Thomas to surrender his rapier, which she’d tucked safely away in her cloak. Now that Alex was more himself, he had quite a bit to say about the talking cat walking on all fours, and Sir Thomas responded in kind. It warmed Charlotte’s heart that the detective was back, and they had returned to their normal bickering.

When they arrived, the restaurant was quick to let the group in since the staff there knew the animals there and considered them ‘well trained’. Oh, if they only knew, Charlotte thought as they made their way back to the secluded booth they chose. That particular table would allow them to box Sir Thomas in so no one could see him sitting upright and eating like a person. Cat sat on the floor next to the table.

After placing their orders and settling in to wait for their food, Charlotte took this quiet moment to bring Alex up to date. With help from Sir Thomas, she recounted recent events and shared the conversation she’d had with Peter about the stones, the chaos on the docks, and the earthquakes. Then she shared her thoughts about the elusive pages of her handbook.

“Do you have anything to add, Sir Thomas?”

He shook his head, a paper chili cup in his paws. “If something comes up, I’ll let you know.”

He finished his chili by tipping up the cup and licking it out of the container as he would if he’d been a normal cat eating from a pet dish. Cat sat next to the table and ate a large bowl of chicken and unseasoned rice on the floor.

Charlotte surveyed the area again to make sure no one was approaching before she looked at Alex. “How about you? Are you feeling better?”

Alex scrunched his brow in thought. “I don’t remember much of today at all, so it’s hard to tell, but I think I’m improving.”

She nodded, observing him. “You look better. There’s more color in your cheeks.”

He groaned playfully. “Was I pale?”

“You were a lot of things,” she said, a sad tone to her voice. “We were so worried.”

“Yeah, it was more than that,” Sir Thomas pointed out. “Comparing the detective to someone returning from the dead wasn’t too far off. Lay him down, eyes shut, and he might have fooled someone into thinking he was a goner.”

Charlotte gave him a mock frown. “Oh, please. You have been just rotten today!”

Given the topic, Alex surprised her when he chuckled loudly. “Thanks for the honesty, Sir Thomas. While I have no memory of what happened to me, I’m damn glad it worked out like it did. If that stone in my coat pocket was the cause, I’m happy you took it and put it in your cloak. It should be safe in there, right?”

She nodded. “Should… Though should and will are two different things. Only time will tell. I still need to get to the bottom of all this.”

For a brief moment, they just looked at each other across the table without noticing Sir Thomas glancing between them. He debated if he should slip away to leave the two humans alone. However, before he could make up his mind, Charlotte broke the silence.

“We’ve solved one mystery, and that’s a big win. Especially with everything else we’ve faced in recent months. Unfortunately, however, we need to get back to tracking down what’s causing the earthquakes and put a stop to it. It’s non-negotiable. Otherwise, who knows what might happen? I fear for Cincinnati if we don’t.” She sighed.

Alex finished his to-go soda with a loud slurp through the straw. “Okay, well, it seems we have two main places to check for clues. The first is Ginger Haus’ cottage in the woods. Hell, we could probably ask her about the stones. Either way, I’d bet that would be the best place to start, since it’s the only spot where we found powerful magic, right?”

“Indeed,” Sir Thomas agreed with a firm nod. “I agree, Detective.”

“True,” Charlotte chimed in. “That forest is unique. It’s been ages since I’ve sensed magic as potent as what surrounds Ginger’s cottage. Even in EverAfter. The witch must have tapped into ley lines or some other intense magical energy to keep her home hidden.”

“The cottage it is then,” Alex declared. “That was an easy choice.”

“But what about the mines?” Charlotte questioned. “That’s where the stones came from. We’ve been there, and we’ve seen it—Sir Thomas, Cat, and I. Damien has creatures in cages, which feels wrong. And now that we understand the magic in those stones might be linked to the earthquakes, and that everything started at the same time, it seems like too much to be a coincidence, doesn’t it? That also seems like a good place to start.”

When she finished speaking, Charlotte noticed the blank stares from Alex and Sir Thomas. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her smile uncertain. “Why the silence?”

Alex hesitated before he spoke. “I get that there might be a link between the stones, the earthquakes, and what happened to me, but diving back into that mess so soon? I’m not keen on that idea.”

Charlotte understood and looked at Sir Thomas for his thoughts. Instead of his usual articulate comments, the talking cat simply nodded in agreement with Alex.

She sighed. “All right, then. It seems I’m outnumbered here.”

“Charlotte, if you’re set on exploring those mines⁠—“

“It’s okay,” she interrupted, waving her hands. “I understand why you’re both reluctant. I’m not even sure what the best choice is. Since there isn’t an obvious choice, one is as good as any other, I suppose. We just need to keep trying to find a solution. Maybe Ginger can offer more insight. The important thing is we stick together and stay safe.”

Sir Thomas pursed his lips thoughtfully. “As you said, there isn’t an obvious choice. At least for right now, we should take the safer path. Only go the hard way if we absolutely need to.”

Charlotte nodded. Though she didn’t necessarily agree, she felt she should show support by following their lead. After all, it wasn’t a bad idea. “So, back to the forest we go.”

Alex groaned as he rubbed his eyes. He was exhausted. “It might be the safest way to go, but that doesn’t mean I like it. Our last visit wasn’t exactly friendly. However, it ended on a positive note, and it would be nice to check on the kids.”

“It’s been a long day,” Charlotte offered, noting the dark circles under Alex’s eyes. “Maybe we should get some rest tonight and start fresh tomorrow. Besides, by the time we get through the woods and navigate through the magical repellant, it would likely be dark anyway.”

Detective Taylor’s shoulders sagged in relief. “I second that idea.”

Charlotte smiled, glad to see Alex was satisfied with their current plan. “Perfect. Let’s get back to the apartment. Alex can rest, and I’ll work on cleaning up the mess.”

If Danger hasn’t, that is, she thought. That’s just one more thing to tell Alex, but…not tonight.

Not tonight.

Sleeping hadn’t been easy for Alex lately, thanks to everything going on. Especially after everything that had happened with the stone. Try as he might, he couldn’t remember how he came across it. Wanting to clear his head and maybe forget all about it, he thought it might be a good idea to take a walk. Something needed to soothe his mind before he lost it. Maybe he already had.

That’s a nice thought.

Somehow, it seemed better to think he was a few bullets shy of a full mag than to deal with this new reality he’d found himself in.

He drove to the park and made his way to the trails. They weaved through the park, around a lake, through the trees, and allowed someone to truly lose themselves in the scenery. There were so many trails to pick from, but his favorite was the one that let him stand on the bridge overlooking the water. It was peaceful, especially at night when no one was around.

The scent of the lake met him way before his feet touched the long, wide bridge. The city chose wood planks to give it a more rustic look, but concrete columns supported it from below. Even the sound of his shoes walking across the creaky wood eased him.

When he reached the center, he leaned over and placed his elbows on the railing, crossing his legs at the ankles. The moon reflected off the small ripples. The subtle swish-swish-swish below him as the water sloshed against the columns further settled him.

They’d gone fishing every Sunday, right in the very spot he stood now. The bridge was wide enough people could set up chairs and even have a cooler with them, while there was plenty of room left for others to pass.

A loud splash caught his attention, drawing his gaze toward the water. Large ripples moved from under the bridge, and he smiled. It reminded him of the day they caught an eight-pound albino catfish. It tried to swim under the bridge, but Alex got him. He was ten, and it took a lot more strength than he wanted to admit to his dad, but he got it.

He kept his eyes on the water, hoping it might breach the water again.

Alex gasped as another loud splash came from under the bridge. The ripples were huge! Damn, he thought, that must be a big one.

Suddenly, a putrid smell invaded his nose. “Ugh, what the hell?”

His face scrunched up. It smelled like a rancid sack of diapers left out in the summer sun for weeks on end. He nearly puked.

“Yeah, I think that’s enough for today,” he mused aloud, making a mental note to talk to someone about that. There was no way it would be healthy for anyone to fish there if the fish were sick.

Just as he turned to make his way back across the bridge to escape the nastiness festering from below, a loud crack met his ears just as the bridge shook hard enough to buckle his knees. It was like jumping on a trampoline with a friend and landing wrong.

Alex landed hard on his left knee, a grunt escaping him before he regained his balance with his palm flat on the decking. As he tried to stand, another hard hit to the bridge once again knocked him down, this time landing hard on his side.

He cursed as his holstered Glock dug into his hip.

A deep growl radiated from below, steady vibrations moving up through the wood planks to rattle in his chest. He rolled to his back and sat up, his hand going to the handgun at his side as he slowly moved his legs under him.

The pungent smell from before got far worse, bad enough he dry heaved once, but forced it back down. He’d never smelled anything like it, and he’d been called to scenes with decomposing bodies, swollen from days in the sun.

Finally, Alex climbed to his feet, pulling the gun free just as a hand larger than his torso smashed through the railing to grip the decking. His eyes widened as he saw four hairy fingers as big around as his biceps flex only moments before another hand destroyed the railing nearly fifteen feet away from the first.

“What…the f⁠—“

He didn’t get the chance to finish that sentence as a wrinkled head with long, patchy hair rose above the decking. The creature’s face had pits all over, like a teenager with a severe case of acne. Narrowed, nearly black eyes came into view just before a bulbous nose easily the size of Alex’s head. Its mouth upturned in a snarl as broken teeth in various stages of rot flashed at him.

Another growl vibrated from the mouth of what he could only describe as a troll, bringing with it a smell that damn near punched him in the face. Judging from the green, mossy substance growing around the gumline, and the blackened spots on some of the teeth just under it, that’s where most of the smell came from.

Though the filthy, hairy body that now climbed onto the decking was a close second.

Alex’s mouth fell open as he watched the beast rise to its full height. It was naked aside from a loin cloth fashioned out of…

“Is that a tent?”

Apparently, the troll didn’t take kindly to its fashion choices being questioned. Its entire body flexed, its hands balling into fists as it leaned forward and roared loud enough to make Alex’s ears ring. If he died right then, he would have considered it a blessing as spittle and something goopy he didn’t even want to consider landed on him.

Don’t puke…don’t puke…don’t puke, he mentally chanted to himself.

That was enough to knock him out of his shock. Without further hesitation, he pulled his Glock free and aimed at the beast’s chest.

“Don’t move!”

Stomp.

The troll’s left foot moved forward, its weight making the bridge tremble and the boards creak under the pressure as it tempted the detective.

“I said don’t move!” Alex’s voice boomed as he put every ounce of authority he could muster into it.

Stomp.

With another step—the vibration almost buckling Alex’s knees again—it became clear he had no choice.

Pop!

Pop, pop!

“Holy shit,” he breathed, his hands along with the gun lowering slightly with the sight before him.

The troll grumbled and looked down at its chest as the crumpled bullets fell to the bridge floor. Its skin was so thick the bullets couldn’t pierce it, though they seemed squished into place before falling away. Like shooting ballistic gel with a large BB from too far away.

“Uhhh… Yeah, that’s probably not a good sign.”

The troll’s eyes snapped to Alex, its lips pulling back in a snarl. How the hell could he beat something like that? He didn’t have magic! All he had was a Glock 19, which was more than enough before he found himself in the midst of this supernatural shit show.

“Okay… Plan B,” he quipped before turning and running toward land.

Loud, jarring steps echoed behind him and rocked the planks as he moved. Every step he took, he risked falling because of how unsteady the bridge was with the beast chasing him, but he couldn’t stop.

Pop-pop-pop!

Alex shot behind him, hoping to slow it down, but that only seemed to anger it more.

Suddenly, everything stopped, which was rather unnerving. Had it given up? Decided to go back to its home under the bridge?

Still running, Alex risked a look over his shoulder, and he saw nothing. He stopped and looked around, a bad feeling creeping up his spine.

Darkness settled over him in the moonlight, drawing his eyes up as the airborne troll descended upon him far too quickly for him to move out of the way. The last thing that went through his mind before everything went black was…

“Gross. Definitely male.”

Alex jerked violently, sitting straight up in bed as he panted, drawing in air but not nearly fast enough to satisfy his racing heart.

What the hell was that? he wondered.

Nightmares were something he’d grown used to, but that one was just strange. That park wasn’t even in Cincinnati. It was in the town his grandfather had lived in, but it felt like Cincinnati in the dream. He’d driven straight there from his apartment like everything belonged.

He flopped back on the bed, sighing heavily. Despite the nightmare, he found that he felt better than he had in quite some time. Charlotte had told him what Peter Pan had said—that it was likely the longer he stayed away from the stone, the closer he’d come to being himself again. He wondered if the restful sleep was due to that.

If that’s the case, I don’t even care about having nightmares.

Feeling hopeful, he rolled over, pulled the blankets up over his shoulder, closed his eyes, and allowed sleep to pull him under once more.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Charlotte had suggested at the restaurant that they wait for the following day to proceed to the forest surrounding Ginger’s cottage, and she was happy she did. It was obvious Danger had cleared away some of the mess by the time they returned, and since Alex didn’t remember how much damage had been done, she casually brushed it off like it wasn’t as bad as they thought.

She’d quickly ushered him through the apartment before he noticed the drywall mess did not equal what should have been there according to the size of the hole in the ceiling. When she’d returned to the dining room, she found the table completely cleared of dust and debris, her papers organized, and even a shine on the wood.

The floor surrounding the table was nearly spotless, but she could tell where their entry had interrupted the gnome. She smiled, and when she heard Alex’s shower turn on, she retrieved the extra bowl of chili along with the piece of cheesecake she’d ordered and placed it on the table.

“This is for you, Danger. Thank you for your help.”

In a flash, the chili disappeared, and in another, the cheesecake did. In their place was a shiny blue button. She smiled again, muttered a quiet thank you, picked up the button, and went to the kitchen to locate an intact empty jar to keep the gift in.

It had been a rough day, but Danger’s help breathed a bit of life back into her. She’d been dreading coming back to the mess. She didn’t want Alex to have to worry about it, and Sir Thomas had had a rough day because she’d demanded he walk around on all fours all day. And despite the fact that he was a cat and capable of doing that, it was taxing on his little body because he was used to walking upright. Especially doing so in boots. So, she didn’t want him to bear the burden either.

Everyone was tired and drained, so coming home to see the work the gnome had done relieved her greatly. It gave her the energy needed to help finish up in there.

The fairy godmother cleaned up the shattered ceramic dishes in the kitchen while thinking about everything they’d been through that day. She swallowed hard as she thought about how different Alex was now than he had been at the start.

She’d watched him vanish entirely. He was merely a husk, an empty living vessel. His soul seemed to be somewhere else entirely. When Peter Pan had drawn her attention to the newly awakened detective, the relief hit her so hard she thought she might actually fall over.

It wasn’t Charlotte’s fault that the mysterious blue stone had ended up in Alex’s pocket, but how it got there remained a mystery. The guilt she felt at being blind to or outright ignoring the obvious warnings squeezed her heart like a vice every time she thought about it. She should have paid attention and acted with more urgency.

Alex’s changing moods, moments of confusion, and the mysterious blue lights coming from his jacket and under his door were signs EverAfter’s Fairy Godmothers’ Guild trained all fairy godmothers to notice and respond to.

But Charlotte had let her mission to retrieve the pages of her handbook and her dedication to returning all EverAfterans in Cincinnati to their own world overshadow everything else. In doing so, her emotions had clouded her judgment.

Charlotte had come to trust Detective Alex Taylor with her life. After facing numerous dangers together over recent months, she felt her trust was well-placed. However, trust wasn’t the only thing to develop in that time.

Unexpectedly, her feelings for him had grown since she moved into his apartment for safety. She wanted him to share his thoughts openly when things were off and to ask for help if he needed it. She wished for him to take care of himself, and she wanted to be there for him when he needed her support.

Charlotte had to reconsider everything, including her bond with Alex. She didn’t need to cut all ties or ignore her feelings for him. Instead, she should embrace these emotions and let them guide her choices.

She’d tried to keep a distance, telling herself that nothing more than friendship could exist between a fairy godmother and a human police detective. But such detachment had nearly cost Alex his life. If not his life, then at least his essence, the very thing that made him who he was. Today, she’d come close to losing him, and that was a mistake she wouldn’t make again.

Once finished cleaning up the mess Danger hadn’t gotten around to, Charlotte took a quick shower and laid down. In the guest room, nestled in a queen-sized bed, she tucked herself under the comforter as her gaze fixed on the ceiling shrouded in darkness. She made a silent promise to herself.

From now on, she would listen more to her instincts—and maybe her heart, too—rather than just the logic that had been so heavily emphasized by the Guild. This godmother had always tried to suppress the unique spark that set Charlotte apart from the other fairy godmothers. The Guild had one strict rule: never get emotionally invested with the people of EverAfter or the ordinary folks they had sworn to protect.

From what she’d learned, the Guild had always blurred the lines between right and wrong, a faded line that Charlotte found increasingly hard to digest. Trust in her own colleagues was now a thing of the past. The doubts sown by Ginger Haus about the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild in EverAfter, including the unsettling thought that her mentors might harbor sinister motives, pushed Charlotte to accept her unique qualities.

She was ready to break the guild’s most important rule and involve herself in the lives of those she wanted to protect. In Cincinnati, getting involved and caring for others seemed the only way to face looming dangers and fully embrace her destiny.

And that was exactly what she was going to do.

The following morning, Alex awoke brimming with energy, which was a stark contrast to the weary weeks past. Added time away from the mysterious blue stone had lifted a weight off his shoulders. He cheerfully brewed coffee for the group—though there were few mugs left unbroken—exchanged pleasantries with Sir Thomas during a brief breakfast, and then set off for the precinct with an uncharacteristic smile, despite the dreary desk work ahead.

His good mood was so infectious that, even while eager not to be late, he paused before darting out the door to give Charlotte a quick kiss on the cheek.

After Alex closed the door, Charlotte remained still for a moment as surprise held her hostage. She touched her cheek thoughtfully, where his kiss had lingered momentarily. She found herself at a crossroads, unsure whether to be concerned by his impulsive display of affection or to embrace the happiness it brought her. If she chose the latter, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her heart might just burst with joy.

“Wow, that was something,” Sir Thomas remarked, lounging on a cushion at his end of the coffee table. He and Cat were setting up for their first chess match of the day.

Charlotte quickly dropped her hand to her side and gave her two furry friends a stern look. “Oh, stop,” she scolded. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Of course, it isn’t,” he replied with a casual flick of his paw, brushing off the notion. “These things happen all the time, right? Particularly here, with a certain fairy godmother and a particular human detective. Honestly, Cat, I believe a bit more ‘not a big deal’ would have been quite pleasant.”

“Quiet,” Charlotte urged, as she went to pour herself a second cup of coffee. She’d been about to do just that when Alex had caught her off guard with his unique goodbye for the morning.

She fixed her coffee with a good amount of cream and sugar, just how she liked it. Standing in the small kitchen area, which was now spotless, she savored the peppermint mocha flavor. She found that taking slow sips was an excellent way to hide her lingering smile behind the mug.

Sir Thomas and his oversized furry friend played several chess games that morning. The talking cat managed to win one, but the Newfoundland took the rest of the victories. After their games, the three friends left the apartment for a relaxing day in the park, soaking up the sun and trying not to think about the time they wasted as they waited for Alex to finish work and join them.

Charlotte felt like she was walking through a fog, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Alex and the nature of their relationship. She wondered what it might grow into as they worked to unravel the string of mysteries that had cropped up in the past weeks.

These challenges seemed to rest on all their shoulders, which she assumed would make her feel the weight of their severity. Instead, she felt an odd sense of lightness.

By the time the detective got home from the precinct that evening, earlier than usual, his mood was still elevated. Maybe even more than that morning.

“Welcome home, Alex!” she offered with a large smile as she stood and made her way into the kitchen to greet him. “You’re home early.”

He set a white box on the counter before tossing his jacket there next. “I’ve felt great all day. I worked faster and more efficiently than I have in weeks, so I finished up early and came straight home.” His gaze shifted to the box, and he patted the top. “Well, I came straight home after stopping to get more dishes. It seems we lost most of them yesterday. I bought special latches for the cabinets, too. They’re in my jacket pocket. I’ll put those on, so the cabinets won’t fly open again and spill the dishes out if there’s another quake.”

Charlotte smiled at his thoughtfulness; she sensed his openness and honesty, which had been consistent since they first met, and it warmed her. Especially after what they’d gone through the previous day. Their life together—a blend of his world’s reality and her world’s magic—seemed free of trouble right then. Like all was right in the world.

“Hmm.” Sir Thomas came to stand in front of him, his paws on his small hips. “You’re in an awfully good mood today. It’s strange, even for you. You’re usually broody.”

Alex laughed. “Seems to me you’re the broody one.” The detective gave a mischievous grin. “Does kitty need snuggles?” His tone was playful and sarcastic.

Charlotte laughed as Sir Thomas rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I’ll pass, thanks. And never call me kitty again. I take back my previous statement. You’re just as much of a jerk as always, Detective Taylor.”

Another chuckle escaped Alex as he winked. “Glad to know I’m dependable.” He turned to Charlotte. “You ready to head out?”

“Absolutely. Sitting around doing nothing all day has been quite stressful. It seemed like it would be relaxing, since we’re always on the go, but it was anything but.”

He nodded. “I get it. I’ve had cases where we pored through all the evidence we had and had nothing left. We just had to sit and wait for results before we could do anything else. It’s maddening. I’m sorry your day was stressful.”

A smile crossed her lips. “It was stressful, but it was still a lovely day.”

Reaching out, Alex took her wrist at her side and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad it was a nice day despite that dreaded feeling of hopelessness. Maybe getting out of here will help. Let me get changed, and we’ll head out.”

He moved around her and quickly made his way to his room to change out of the business casual attire he wore for work, swapping it out for jeans, boots, and a t-shirt. That would be far easier to walk through the woods in.

After grabbing his jacket, they set off for another visit to Ginger Haus. Charlotte had spent several weeks reflecting on her thoughts about the redheaded witch and the revelations regarding the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild and Ginger’s mission to provide sanctuary to the mistreated EverAfteran children.

To her own surprise, Charlotte was eager to see her again. She knew Alex was nervous since things had been tense the last time, but since they’d worked together to get things settled and allow her to keep custody of all the kids, she knew he had nothing to worry about.

The fairy godmother harbored no ill will toward Ginger Haus; she saw her as someone making the best of a tough situation. Charlotte was also excited to see the children’s joyous faces again. She’d wanted to check in on them a couple of weeks ago, but she didn’t want to disturb them.

To give her more practice, Alex let Charlotte drive them to Ginger’s neighborhood. She appreciated it because once she could travel on her own, she could take Alex to and from work and use the car for quicker travel around the city on the hunt for her handbook pages.

Charlotte parked the Camaro in the familiar spot across from Ginger’s home. From here, they could survey the open field behind the house that edged into the woods, ready to address any unexpected issues before they ventured into the forest to locate the concealed cottage.

Brimming with high spirits and driven by anticipation, Charlotte and her companions eagerly hopped out of the Camaro. Unlike before, they didn’t have to sneak around or act like nothing was amiss. Charlotte felt the energy from the Transference Warp as they passed the witch’s public property. However, looking over, she noticed the fence looked normal, and there was no sign of the vortex, despite the fairy godmother knowing it was there.

That worried her for a moment before she sensed something else. Revulsion magic. It was a way to repel anyone who might cross into the back yard. Only those truly determined would dare push through. And when she saw Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat all absentmindedly change their direct path to give the yard a wide berth, she realized it was certainly good enough to keep innocents out of there. They crossed the quiet street and walked through the open field, heading straight for the trees.

“It’s kind of nice, knowing what to expect this time,” Charlotte remarked. “Ginger isn’t dangerous to us. Takes some pressure off.”

“I’m especially eager to see those kids again,” Sir Thomas chimed in. “They have a knack for finding the perfect petting spots.”

They both laughed, and Sir Thomas walked with a lively step, a paw resting on his rapier.

“Do you and Cat recall the path to the clearing where the witch’s cottage hides in the magical nexus?” Charlotte asked.

“Indeed we do, my lady,” he answered, marching with purpose. “It’s a general path, though the magic attempts to throw us off. However, since we’ve traveled it twice, we know what to look for, and it’s easier for us to navigate. Plus, her scent is fresh. It seems she recently came through here.”

The fairy godmother chuckled as she ducked under a low branch. “Very good to know, thank you. With everything so topsy-turvy lately, I just want to make sure all is well.”

“Nothing to worry about,” Alex said, his smile warm.

He took her hand as they walked, and she squeezed it lightly. This simple act felt different now, free from the fear of yesterday’s chaotic magic. It was a gesture full of new meaning, hinting at a hopeful future.

Ahead, Cat ran through the trees, his yips filling the air as he investigated the scents and sights of the forest. He was a bundle of energy, weaving through the undergrowth.

Sir Thomas sometimes called out to his canine companion, either to scold him for straying too far or to pull him away from the less-than-pleasant heaps scattered across the forest floor. Despite this, the outing remained a cheerful escape through the woods for the fairy godmother and her friends.

In the first twenty minutes of their walk among the trees, everything seemed to be the same as it had been the first time they’d come through. The following twenty minutes seemed similar until each member of Charlotte’s group realized something was off. Their pace slowed from its initial briskness. Alex was the first to express the confusion they all felt.

“Didn’t we reach the magical gateway faster last time?” he asked. “I don’t know the actual name of it, but you know what I mean.”

She nodded as she looked at the surrounding area. “It doesn’t have a specific name, but you’re right. I don’t think it took this long before.”

“You’re both right,” Sir Thomas remarked, turning to Lady Charlotte. “The scents aren’t the same. They come and go and move in different directions. It’s hard to place. The magic may have changed, or her spell may be stronger somehow. All I know for sure is that we absolutely traveled faster last time.”

Alex raised an eyebrow. The group slowed their pace even more to better examine their surroundings. “I thought you and Cat knew the way back to the cottage by heart.”

“We do,” Sir Thomas assured, his hand resting on the hilt of his rapier. His sharp feline eyes surveyed the forest ahead. He moved with grace, his boots making no sound on the leaf-strewn ground. “Every landmark looked familiar. Cat has been tracking the whole time, although it seems he may have lost it now.”

Charlotte sighed. “Would have been useful to know when he actually lost it.”

“My apologies,” Sir Thomas said, offering a rueful shrug. “The dog follows his nose. I didn’t call him back because I didn’t realize we’d run into trouble with our path before we could reach our destination.”

“Great,” Alex muttered. “I don’t see him. Seems he got ahead of us again.”

The talking cat nodded. “He has, but he should return soon.”

Charlotte squinted and examined the forest more closely through the trees, searching the surrounding area. Each section of the woods looked remarkably like the last. “I’m trying to figure out where we went wrong, but nothing stands out.”

“Clearly,” Alex echoed, his voice now laden with noticeable hesitation and fatigue.

As Charlotte continued to search the area, studying every tree and plant, a sense of dread grew in her stomach.

I have a bad feeling about this.

Please let me be wrong.

CHAPTER NINE

They didn’t have to wait long before they heard Cat making his way through the trees as he trekked back to them. The loud rustling grew closer until the massive dog emerged. He barked low in warning and twirled, his floppy ears pinned back and his tail rigid.

“Are you certain?” Sir Thomas asked, brows knitting in concern. “That probably isn’t good.”

“What is it?” Charlotte questioned.

“Just a second, my lady.” Sir Thomas gestured for quiet with a lifted paw, then focused intently on Cat.

Charlotte hadn’t yet grasped how Sir Thomas and Cat communicated. Was it telepathy? Was it some kind of energy exchange, where they each somehow understood one another by emotion?

The moment she thought about the last option, she dismissed it entirely. Sir Thomas appeared to understand the panting dog as clearly as if they verbally spoke to one another. The talking cat nodded and murmured in agreement, while Cat simply sat and panted. Occasionally, Cat’s eyes met Charlotte and Alex, then he glanced into the woods.

Charlotte nearly cut into their exchange, but Sir Thomas spoke first.

“Right,” he conceded. “I’ll explain to them. They won’t like it. No, I’m not thrilled either, but it’s better we sensed something off before they did.”

“Excuse me?” Charlotte asked, a puzzled look on her face.

Sir Thomas turned with a sheepish smile and outstretched his arms. “It seems we’re in a bit of a pickle. You see, after Cat went ahead of us to scout, he discovered we’ve somehow missed the clearing we were searching for. To put it simply, we aren’t where we’re supposed to be.”

“What do you mean?” Alex questioned. His tone turned sarcastic. “Just how big of a pickle are we in? ‘We just need to turn around and backtrack a little’ sized pickle? Or is it more of a ‘we’re completely lost and turned around and don’t know where to go’ sized pickle?”

Sir Thomas’ brows furrowed as he paused to think over his words. “It’s tricky to explain. Humans like you have certain limits to understanding these matters.”

The detective raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Charlotte. She could only offer a shrug, just as baffled.

Alex’s gaze returned to the seemingly stumped cat. “I’d suggest figuring it out real quick.”

“Alright,” Sir Thomas said, clearing his throat nervously. “Let me try to simplify it. We’ve encountered a magical change in the forest, something we didn’t expect. As I stated before, Cat and I know this path well; we’ve traveled it twice before. But today, the path is different. The clearing she hid with powerful magic has shifted its location. It seems we’ve found ourselves in an unknown part of the woods with no obvious way to our original goal.”

Alex’s nostrils flared with irritation, but he forced it down as he took a deep breath, then another. “Okay…” Alex nodded, his face relaxing some as he found what little patience he had left at that moment while lost in the woods after being assured multiple times that was impossible to happen. “Sir Thomas, if you could make this as simple as possible, it would be great.”

Sir Thomas crossed his arms and gave a firm nod. “To put it plainly, the clearing has vanished. We won’t find it today. Even Ginger’s fresh scent won’t help us because the magic has tainted and shifted it all over. If the gateway ever reappears, we might have a chance to uncover it. For now, however, there’s no way to return to that clearing, to talk to Ginger Haus, or to see the children.”

Charlotte and Alex looked at the magical cat, their expressions frozen for a long moment. After several beats, Charlotte’s shock slowly shaped into coherent thoughts. “I don’t know whether I should be disappointed, upset, or outright angry. This makes our job so much more difficult. Even though I didn’t necessarily want to start with this lead, it was still a great option. Now, it’s essentially gone. Right now, we only have one viable option. That’s bad news.”

“Bad?” Alex looked at her, clearly bewildered. “This is terrible. What about the children and Ginger Haus? Where’s the cottage and the clearing? If they just vanished, where did they go? Is she hiding out entirely now? If she snatches more kids who are actually in the system, there’s no way for me to check into it, which means that would be a direct violation of our agreement.”

Charlotte reached out and squeezed his hand, hoping to reassure him. She offered a smile, but she could tell it reflected her own anxiety. It felt forced on her face, but there was no helping it now.

“I wish I had answers for you, Alex. Those are all urgent questions, and I want answers, too. Checking up on the kids was important to me. Still, I have no doubt we’ll find out what happened to them. For now, we know the kids she has are safe, and worrying over something that’s already happened won’t help us, nor will it help Ginger or the kids. We still have another option. We should change plans and look into that one for now.”

Her smile turned to a frown as Alex’s hand slipped from hers.

He isn’t mad at me. He’s upset and concerned about the kids, and he has every right to be after the risk he took with his career to help Ginger, she coached herself as she pushed away her own worry about his mood. Give him some space.

“No. We aren’t leaving. We should keep searching.” Alex’s voice was stern as he nodded at Sir Thomas before turning to lock eyes with Charlotte again. “They must be nearby. A whole clearing, magical or not, can’t just vanish. That’s not how the world works. Not this one, anyway.”

Sir Thomas stepped forward. “Your world has experienced a number of strange and unexplained changes recently, and that’s just what we’ve found. EverAfterans have been in Cincinnati far longer than we were aware of, which is something we know for certain now. At this point, I’d guess the usual laws of physics in this world aren’t the same anymore.”

“That can’t really be true,” Alex insisted, letting out a nervous laugh. “Right?”

Charlotte tried to find the words to reassure him, to ease his worry and confusion, but she found nothing to explain these weird events. Instead, she remained silent, which she assumed spoke volumes when she saw the detective’s face fall.

“My lady.” Sir Thomas faced the fairy godmother directly. “What is your opinion? We didn’t talk to the ginger witch today, but I think it’s wise to leave the forest soon. We can’t be sure if it will change again, and I’d prefer not to stick around to figure that out the hard way.”

Charlotte wanted to agree with Alex, but Sir Thomas was right. Staying was an enormous risk since they now knew the forest had changed once. It stood to reason it could again if they lingered too long.

With a heavy sigh, she nodded. “Unfortunately, I think you may be right.” Her eyes wandered to Alex, and his shocked and exasperated expression saddened her. “I’m sorry, Alex, but he has a point. I think we should head back to the car.”

“You can’t be serious,” he accused, widening his eyes in disbelief. “Are you really going to just turn around and call it quits?”

“No, I’m not leaving anyone behind or giving up. What I am doing, however, is facing the truth that we can’t continue down this particular path to our goal. We need to go back, regroup, and come up with a new strategy regarding Ginger’s cottage. Once we understand more, we can attempt to tackle this challenge again. We need to use our time wisely, and this is a dead end. At least, it is for now. If the clearing vanished amidst such powerful magic, who knows what else might happen? The entire forest could vanish, catch fire, or even turn into an underwater seaweed forest for all we know.”

He opened his mouth to argue, but she raised a hand to interrupt him. “I know this is your home, your world. However, regarding this specific issue, we’re in the realm of magic, and it’s full of surprises. That means I’m the one who calls the shots, and I’m making the call for the sake of the group. We’re heading back. This is how we keep everyone safe. It’s no help to anyone from either world if any of us get hurt or worse because we ignored the facts and didn’t make a smart choice with what little control we still have.”

Charlotte hadn’t planned to give him a lecture. She wanted to reassure him, to tell him that their predicament was only temporary and that they’d find the clearing, Ginger Haus, and the children again. Yet, her words had taken on the tone of a typical fairy godmother from EverAfter. How she sounded bothered her, but what upset her more was the way Alex looked at her afterward.

It was as if he couldn’t believe she’d said those things. As if he didn’t recognize her anymore.

“Well then,” Sir Thomas declared nervously, his paws meeting with a soft thud before he pointed back the way they came. “That settles that.”

“Fine. I guess it does,” Alex snapped, then turned his attention to the talking cat. “And no, my irritation isn’t from any weird effects because of the magic in the stones or anything else. It’s just hard for me to ignore all this. Not only could any of them need help, but there’s no way for us to check on the kids, and this closes one of the avenues we had to help us possibly learn more about the stones and figure the earthquakes out. I have a right to be upset.”

Charlotte closed the distance between them, placing her hand on his shoulder. He didn’t pull away, which was promising. “That’s why you’re a great fit for our team and for your work as a police detective. You’re an incredible person, and I won’t put you in danger for the sake of not wanting to quit. Which, for the record, isn’t what we’re doing. Okay?”

He watched her intently, his eyebrows drawing together and his jaw tensing repeatedly as he struggled to reconcile her words with his own deep-seated need to protect those under his care.

Eventually, the detective sighed and nodded in agreement. “All right, I understand.”

“Do you trust me?”

His pause was telling, but after a moment, he faced her again. “To be honest, I’m not sure about a lot of things anymore, but I do trust you. That has to be enough—it’s all I’ve got.”

“I’ll take it.”

She waited for him to make eye contact again, and when he did, their shared small smile was a victory of its own. She was relieved to know she still had his trust.

“Sir Thomas?” Alex called.

“Detective.” The cat turned his attention to Alex, who motioned toward the path they’d just traveled.

“Lead the way. We’ll take your advice and head back to the Camaro. Then we can plan our next move.”

Sir Thomas strutted past them, his rapier swinging behind him. He called out, “Cat, let’s go! We can’t let our friends down.”

As they moved through the trees, Charlotte chuckled at Sir Thomas’ dramatics. Luckily, Alex seemed to catch her good spirits, and soon he shared in the laughter.

CHAPTER TEN

Within ten minutes of turning back, Alex’s steps slowed, his brows furrowed as he surveyed the forest. Within a few more seconds, his steps stopped altogether as he glanced around. His confusion only grew as he turned in several directions to study the surrounding area.

It wasn’t long before Charlotte noticed the detective was no longer by her side. She paused and turned, the animals quickly noting the change and following suit.

“What’s wrong?” Charlotte questioned.

Alex nervously chewed on his bottom lip as he took one last look around before turning back to the fairy godmother. “Well, for starters…” He gestured towards a fallen log. “That.”

Her face scrunched in confusion as she followed his outstretched hand to see the log. Her uncertainty only grew. “I…don’t understand. Trees fall in forests; that’s perfectly natural.” As she paused, she noted his concern as his eyes continued to wander over the landscape. “At least, I assume that’s natural around here in your world, yes?”

A sigh escaped him. “I’m not worried about the tree falling.” There was a spark in his tone, a mix between irritation, doubt, and a hint of dread. “Trees fall all the time. The problem is the missing boulders that should be over there.” He pointed to their right. “There was a cluster of them there earlier, and now they’re gone.”

As his eyes finally found hers, one of his brows quirked, and she swallowed nervously and forced a smile. “Maybe that’s a different log. Forests like these are full of them.”

No-no-no… This is exactly what Sir Thomas and I were worried about, she thought as she struggled to keep her smile.

He shook his head, voice calm yet firm. “There is a giant hole in the side, and I specifically remember thinking it would be just our luck for a fat ass rabid opossum to bolt out of it and charge us. I know it’s the same log.”

“Opossums don’t carry rabies,” Sir Thomas noted, and the detective’s annoyed gaze turned on him. Undeterred, he continued. “I saw it on one of those things on the television. I believe it’s called a documentary.”

“Sir Thomas,” Charlotte scolded in a voice barely above a whisper.

Seemingly unbothered, the cat continued. “They also don’t live inside trees but do sometimes graze on insects wedged in the bark. They typically live on the ground. Though, if a predator were around, they aren’t afraid to climb up a tr⁠—“

“Sir Thomas!” Charlotte snapped through gritted teeth. He turned toward her, and her nostrils flared as she stared him down with a tight-lipped smile that she hoped didn’t look as feral as it felt. “I doubt Detective Taylor is interested in the biology or housing choices of the opossum.”

The magical cat shrugged. “I was simply educating the detective since he is clearly ignorant abou⁠—“

“Anyway…” the fairy godmother interrupted loudly as she turned back to Alex.

When she took in his exasperated features and defeated posture, she realized the turn of events was taking a toll on him. She wondered just how fragile his mind still was after all he’d been through. It might have been more than his usual irritation with magic, but it also could’ve been fatigue.

“Forgive me, Alex. You’re absolutely certain?” she asked, noting Cat now seemed drawn by Alex’s unease as the dog whined, leaning against the detective’s hip.

Alex nodded, the confidence he displayed in his recollection sparking Charlotte’s curiosity.

Looking around, she wondered what the cause could be. If he was correct, landmarks had either teleported entirely, or the surrounding magic had tampered with their memory. Either were highly possible where Ginger was concerned. She was a powerful witch with access to untold potential thanks to the nexus.

“Your expression tells me you know I’m right, but I think you’re trying to placate me because you know this very situation proves you right for wanting to leave and me wrong for wanting to stay.” Alex’s tone was one of absolute certainty. “That being said, a large part of my job is noticing minor details. Not just in people, but in my surroundings; object locations, their arrangements, and what might be missing.”

Cat moved to put all his weight back on his own four paws as his nose went into the air. He sniffed a few times before his tongue once again lolled out to the side and he trotted off to go smell something he found interesting.

Charlotte sighed, her shoulders falling. “Forgive me. I wasn’t trying to be facetious. I just… I didn’t want you to worry. I hadn’t noticed, but now that you’ve mentioned it, I think you might be right. And yes, this is exactly the situation we were worried about.”

He groaned as he scrubbed a hand down his face. “Damn. I knew I was right, but deep down, I think a part of me was hoping you’d tell me my mind was still warped from those stupid stones, and I was imagining things.” Shaking his head, he made his way over to the downed tree. “In that case, let’s see if we can find something that tells us what the hell’s going on.”

Following his lead, she made her way over to the dead and hollowed out tree. “From what I can tell, one of two things is happening here. Either there truly were boulders here that magically moved locations, or we only think there were because our minds are under a magical influence other than the blue stones.”

Alex snorted, but it held no humor. “Fantastic. Just what I wanted to hear. If my mind isn’t being screwed with one magical swizzle stick, it’s another.” He shook his head and let go an exasperated sigh as he inspected the area around the tree. “Look on the other side. I found something odd earlier, and I guarantee it’s there.”

He straddled the trunk and swung his other leg over as he moved to a specific spot on the opposite side. He clapped his hands once before balling them into fists and grunting in peeved victory. “Now I know for sure this is the same tree. This large knot is shaped like a ship, a real one with masts and sails, like those old pirate ships. Definitely something you can’t just forget.”

Charlotte rounded the tree, and her eyes widened. It was just as he said. The swirls in the wood grew into the shape of a scaled-down pirate ship. She could make out most of the larger features, such as the masts and sails, as Alex had mentioned, and a few smaller ones stuck out as well, like gun ports—the holes in the hull where the crew fired cannons when under attack.

When she finished her examination of the strange knot in the tree, she glanced up at Alex, who stood with his arms crossed. “That’s incredible. It really does resemble a pirate ship.”

“Lady Charlotte,” Sir Thomas chimed in.

“Not now, Sir Thomas,” she cut him off with a raised hand without looking his way. “Just a moment, please.”

Alex knelt, looking on the ground for any sign the boulders may have been there before. If the fairy godmother was correct, one possibility was they had, in fact, been there before but had magically changed locations. If that were the case, maybe there would be a divot in the earth surrounding their previous location.

Though, the absence of such might not necessarily mean they weren’t there before, since all evidence of their existence could have moved along with them. A breeze blew through, moving leaves and decayed brush along the ground. He cleared it away, looking for any packed earth.

“Lady Charlotte,” Sir Thomas interjected with more urgency.

“Sir Thomas, please,” Charlotte responded with a touch of irritation as she leaned closer to the tree to inspect the knot more closely. “Please give us a moment. We’re trying to concen⁠—“

“This can’t wait!” Sir Thomas snapped. Just then, Cat barked frantically in the distance as the wind picked up. Alex and Charlotte both turned toward the swashbuckling cat to find his eyes wide. “Something’s coming!”

A chill raced through her at the fear in both his voice and expression, and her gaze snapped up to find what was coming for them.

The wind grew stronger as it rushed through the trees, forcing her to squint and partially shield her eyes with her hand as dirt and crushed leaves blew toward them. As the branches shook and more leaves thrashed about, she realized this was no ordinary gust.

In the distance, an almost violent wave of magic rippled through the air, whipping around everything in its path upon contact.

She gasped. “Cat! Run!”

Sir Thomas wasted no time obeying the order she’d given to his much larger furry companion. As the talking cat slid to a stop on the forest floor—huddling behind the detective and fairy godmother—Cat’s long legs carried him with speed none of them had ever seen from the lazy giant before.

“What’s happening?” Alex yelled over the pandemonium.

In a flash, Charlotte pulled her wand from her cloak and held it out, ready for action. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her tone fierce. “Everyone, behind me.”

The rest of the group quickly moved behind the fairy godmother as she braced herself against the force that made the forest trees bend and sway in a way no normal storm could. A roaring noise surged around them, overwhelming all other sounds.

Charlotte pointed her wand toward the wave of magical energy racing through the woods, ready to protect her group from whatever approached.

Just before the wave hit, she thought about the fact that her spells hadn’t worked well in Cincinnati, even since their visit to the enchanted cottage. Still, Charlotte refused to let that stop her from trying.

She attempted to summon a protective barrier, but the light from her wand was too faint and feeble. The next surge of energy, a forerunner of the larger blast they all saw gaining speed, extinguished her wand’s glow like a tiny candle flame.

Time was up.

There was no chance for another attempt.

Seemingly thinking the same thing, everyone dropped to the ground, huddling together for safety with the tiniest of them—Sir Thomas—tucked away in the middle of their group to keep his light form from blowing away.

The tumultuous noise grew louder as the magical tempest hit them full force, flinging soil and debris from the forest floor into their faces. Charlotte yelled to her friends to brace themselves, but it did no good over the ear-piercing sound that could easily be mistaken for that of a train.

Cat’s eyes squinted shut, but his snout turned to the air as he howled into the storm to counter the painful sound assaulting his ears like dogs at a parade with emergency vehicle sirens blaring. Without hesitation, Charlotte pressed Cat’s head against her, the swell of her chest covering one ear as her hand covered the other. She swallowed hard when she saw Alex do the same for Sir Thomas with one hand while the other held onto the arm she had wrapped around the Newfoundland.

Needing to watch the storm to learn what they were facing, she did her best to shield her eyes from the flying dirt and leaves. Alex’s eyes shut tight, and his mouth moved as if he were yelling something, but she couldn’t hear him over the roar of magic.

Smaller, more flexible trees bent low around them, and larger trees arched in ways they shouldn’t have been capable of as their branches cracked and trunks creaked. The howling wind accompanied the uprooting of leaves and plants, which now battered and entangled them.

The powerful blast felt like it was moving right through them. As they huddled together on the ground, Charlotte worried the storm might scatter them—a few miles apart or even as far as different worlds.

The magic surged through her, a tingling wave rippling from her fingers to her toes, filling her very core and buzzing up to her head. It felt like it might make her hair stand on end like static electricity. She wondered if this storm would ever end.

Charlotte prepared to yell for everyone to hold on to her so they wouldn’t lose each other. However, before she could speak, the storm vanished as quickly as it had come, leaving them in sudden stillness. Dust, soil, and other debris fluttered to the ground, and her hair collapsed in a heaping mess atop her head.

The loud rushing sound in her ears quieted to a faint ring. The trees that had leaned toward them as if they’d come to life—stretching and creaking in a way only possible in a place like EverAfter—were now back to their usual full height and shape. The leaves danced gently, allowing spots of sunlight to filter through the canopy above.

Charlotte wondered if the ringing in her ears would ever fade, and when it finally began to, she became sharply aware of her friends’ labored breathing and the rapid thumping of her own heart.

We’re okay.

We’re all together, and we’re all okay.

At least, I hope we are…

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“What…the hell…was that?” Alex asked, nearly out of breath.

Charlotte met his gaze, her eyes wide as a large smile lit up her face. “We’re okay! We didn’t get split up!”

“Yeah, between the ‘oh shit-oh shit-oh shit’ running through my head, I worried about that, too,” Alex replied, giving her a lopsided grin. He took several deep breaths to calm his racing heart and heavy breaths. His hand rested on his chest as he glanced around before locking eyes with her again. “Have you ever seen anything like that before?”

Charlotte’s smile was so big it made her cheeks ache. The fairy godmother wasn’t afraid to admit to herself or anyone else that she’d been terrified, but until that moment, she didn’t realize just how terrified she’d been.

She looked down at Sir Thomas and Cat. “You’re both all right. You’re still here. We’re okay. Everyone is okay.” The last part she said more to herself than anyone else. Suddenly, she recalled Cat’s howling and how Sir Thomas had grimaced while folding his ears over before Alex had pinned him against his chest to help protect his hearing. “How are your ears?”

The talking cat nodded. “Sore, but I can hear.” He turned to Alex. “Thank you for your assistance, Detective.” Alex only nodded in response, a small smirk on his lips. Sir Thomas turned back to Charlotte. “You’re repeating yourself. Perhaps we should be asking if you are all right?”

Charlotte blinked, her attention moving from her furry companions to the towering trees to the forest floor and then to the fallen log next to them. “The log—it’s still here, too.”

“Charlotte?” Alex’s voice broke through her thoughts. There was an edge of concern to his tone, and her eyes met his. “Seriously. Are you okay?”

A heavy breath escaped Charlotte, relief washing through her as she fully processed their safety. Finally able to take in more than happiness that they were all alive and still together, she felt a slight breeze touch her face, and her cheeks cooled instantly. Her hands lifted to each side of her face, and she found wetness there. She hadn’t even noticed until now that she’d been crying.

She swallowed hard and wiped her tears away before shaking off the excess emotion and cleared her throat. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to worry any of you. I just…” She blew out a steady breath through pursed lips. “I thought that storm was something else. Another portal, maybe.”

Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat looked at her in silence. Alex took a step closer to her, his brows furrowed. “Another portal? Was that what it was like when you came here? When you traveled through the portal into this world?”

She paused before giving a nervous nod. The more she came around, the more she noticed, and right then, she noticed how she trembled. She shook out her hands, attempting to rid herself of the jitters.

Surprisingly, Alex took another step forward and took her hands in his. He exaggeratedly inhaled deeply through his nose before slowly blowing it out as she had a moment ago through pursed lips.

“Slow, deep breaths. Slowly inhale through your nose.” He demonstrated just that for her. “Then exhale even slower. Half the speed.” He demonstrated again, and when he took another exaggerated breath through his nose, she mimicked him. He nodded to encourage her to continue as he spoke again. “You’re coming down from an adrenaline rush. That’s why you’re shaking. It’s normal, not weakness. Don’t fight it. Just go with it.”

She nodded and took several deep breaths. Her heart rate came down, and her respirations slowed, but it seemed the trembling would take some time.

“That’s it.” He continued to breathe with her, holding her hands.

The more she calmed, the more she took in their closeness, and it soothed another part of her entirely. He calmed her in ways he didn’t even know, and she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

“You’ll probably be shaky for a while. That doesn’t go away as quickly, I’m afraid,” he offered with a smile. “Are you feeling better?”

She nodded, cleared her throat, and then gave his hands a gentle squeeze before taking a step back. She needed space between them to calm her now racing thoughts and emotions.

“Yes, I’m feeling much better. My heart doesn’t feel like it’s trying to fight its way out of my chest now.” They both chuckled, and she shook her head to clear it. “Sorry, you asked me a question. The portal… That was quite similar to the one that brought us here. It’s why I was so scared when my magic failed. I wasn’t sure if it would kill us, take us to another part of the woods, or even separate us by worlds entirely, but look around.”

Charlotte’s arms went out to her sides as she looked around for emphasis. “We must be in the same place, in the same world. That’s the same fallen log, and the pirate ship is still there. Everything is unchanged. So, it couldn’t have been a portal. Portals don’t just appear in this world. They open in EverAfter and spit out people and creatures here or in other worlds, but it doesn’t work the other way around.”

Alex met her eyes with a steady gaze. “Maybe it was just a burst of energy. Some sort of magical pressure valve releasing the pressure building up somewhere. I mean, this forest is Ginger’s domain, and we know just how much power she has here.”

Charlotte glanced at the wand still clutched in her hand and took a deep breath. Raising the magical device, she nodded.

“Okay, I have an idea. Step back, please.”

Without further delay, she squared her shoulders and focused her mind on her new task. Conjuring her locator spell felt natural, like a simple trick she’d done a thousand times. The spell’s golden light sprang from her wand, ascending and morphing into a rounded square that revealed a detailed map of her location.

Charlotte held her breath as she watched the map materialize her surroundings: the heart of the forest where she stood and the slightly inaccurate edge of the trees to the northeast. She didn’t dwell on the imperfection because, as the spell finished, streams and a distant road etched into the golden glow, unfolding the full extent of her intentions with the locator spell.

Five new glowing golden dots appeared one by one on her map. As the last dot settled into place, Charlotte exhaled deeply, blinked, and waited for more. The dots pulsed, and the fairy godmother barked out a loud laugh, startling her friends.

“It works!” she cried out. “The locator spell works again! Look, there they are. Five pages from my handbook, right here in this forest. We found one near Ginger’s clearing, but there were no other dots then. Now they’re all here. The nearest one can’t be more than forty-five minutes away. This is unbelievable!”

“That’s fantastic,” Alex said, relief evident in his voice as he ran a hand through his hair.

“And you were worried,” Charlotte teased, giving him a keen look.

He laughed softly and shook his head. “Says the woman who just came down from an adrenaline induced anxiety attack.” He smirked. “Besides, can you blame me? The forest morphing and changing, a power storm—or whatever you want to call it—and thinking I might lose any or even all of you. Hell yeah, I was worried.”

He stepped closer and gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. “But now your locator spell works again, which means we can get out of here whenever we want to. That’s fantastic because we can start the search for the pages of your handbook again. Especially with the luck we had with going to Ginger’s cottage.” Alex paused, his brows furrowing. “Wait, the gateway to the clearing isn’t on there, is it? Because then we could kill two birds with one stone.”

The fairy godmother looked at the map, then shook her head. “No, but that isn’t surprising. Her magic is more powerful than mine at present, so it makes sense that she would overpower it. However, until I know we can absolutely guarantee this spell will hold, I still think we should get out of the forest for now.”

Alex snorted. “Yeah, at this point, I couldn’t agree more. I think I’ve had just about enough of Ginger’s forest for today.”

Sir Thomas nodded firmly and placed a paw on the hilt of his rapier. “In that case, let’s make our way back to Detective Taylor’s vehicle. I, for one, can’t wait to get out of this forest. The detective and I agree for once. I have also had enough of this forest for today.”

Charlotte smiled and turned her gaze back to her locator spell. “Yes, certainly. We need to figure out where we were⁠—“

Without warning, the earth beneath their feet shook violently, bringing Alex and Charlotte to their hands and knees as the ground undulated like a wave. The mysterious power tossed nearby trees into the sky. They groaned, their trunks creaking before crashing back down onto their strained roots. Branches snapped and tumbled from the canopy as the ground shook and shifted beneath them.

Instinctively, Alex straddled and leaned over the prone Newfoundland, covering him with his own body, since there was no proper cover in sight for the large dog. Cat whined from below the detective as the earth spasmed.

To protect Sir Thomas, Charlotte placed her wand between her teeth, snatched the cat into her arms from her kneeling position, and unclipped his belt. The leather and rapier fell to the forest floor before she quickly shoved him down into the hole of the large and sturdy fallen tree next to them before he could protest.

She pulled her wand from her mouth and pointed it at him as she would a scolding finger. “Don’t argue!” she ordered before turning and preparing to cover herself as best as she could.

A thunderous crack sounded from above, stopping her cold. The fairy godmother’s eyes shot upward just as a massive branch, as wide as she was tall, plummeted toward her.

“Charlotte!” Sir Thomas and Alex bellowed in alarm as a loud bark cut through the air.

In an instant, strong arms swept her off her feet, spun halfway around, and then she was falling, but a warm embrace softened her descent.

Alex had leaped up, allowing Cat to dart out from under him. In one fluid movement, the detective snagged Charlotte around the waist and rolled them out of the way of the large branch, which landed in the very spot she’d been, part of it snapping across the fallen tree with Sir Thomas safely hidden inside. She landed safely atop Alex, his arms a protective barrier from the surrounding chaos.

Alex rolled them once more, so he covered her protectively and held on. The violent shaking finally eased into a faint tremor before everything became still. After a few tense seconds, Charlotte realized, wand still in hand, she’d wrapped her arms tightly around Alex as his arms encircled her.

She gasped. “Are you okay? Are you hurt? I’m so sorry. That was—“ Alex’s chuckling made her look at him curiously, cutting her words short. “What’s so funny?”

He shook his head, but she could feel him trembling against her as she had been earlier.

He was really scared something would happen to me.

“It’s nothing, Charlotte. I’m fine, and you don’t need to apologize. I’m the one who went after you. You didn’t tackle me or anything,” he explained with a smile as he rolled over and plopped down on his back beside her to catch his breath from the adrenaline dying down.

She paused, then laughter bubbled up from within her. Soon they both dissolved into a fit of laughter, an odd response given the recent danger, but somehow just right for the moment.

Sir Thomas crawled out of the tree, his claws scraping and biting into the bark as he pulled himself free. Once he stood on the ground, he dusted himself off and surveyed the forest with a frown. He picked up his discarded belt, which held his rapier, and clipped it around himself once again before adjusting it to his liking.

He turned a displeased gaze toward the fairy godmother and the human detective. “Honestly, you two. I can’t fathom how humans, or fairy godmothers for that matter, can find it appropriate to laugh amid such chaos.”

“Quite easily, actually,” Charlotte replied, catching her breath. “It’s a common reaction. When under pressure, some people break down, others freeze, some run, and a few find humor in dodging disaster twice in under five minutes.”

Their laughter bubbled up again. Alex had only just tried to sit up but tipped back again, falling with a thump, and kept chuckling.

Sir Thomas coughed loudly to cut through their laughter. “Lady Charlotte, if the two of you could kindly regain the sanity you both seem to have lost, there’s something I believe that needs your attention.”

Cat approached and gave two sharp barks before licking his droopy jowls.

Sir Thomas turned to his friend and gestured broadly. “Precisely. Thank you, Cat. At least someone here has some sense.”

Clearing leaves from her hair, Charlotte stood and attempted to calm her giggles. “Sorry, Sir Thomas.” She cleared her throat. “What is it?”

Without saying a word, the talking cat raised a paw and pointed at the wand Charlotte still clutched. Rule number one in godmother training: never let go of your wand.

Charlotte’s gaze fell on her wand. A thread of golden light still sparkled from it, catching her eye. The golden display from her locator spell floated in the air, always following the path of the magical device. It now sat two feet from her face, showing the familiar map she had summoned earlier.

“Okay,” she said, letting out another sigh as she studied the map.

All humor fell away as understanding struck her, the very reason Sir Thomas had called the spell to her attention. Something was off. As much as she didn’t want to believe it, a chill raced through her as she realized the image before her wasn’t quite right.

CHAPTER TWELVE

“No-no-no. Wait.” Charlotte’s heart raced again as she peered at the magical glowing map floating before her. “This can’t be right. They were just here. All the locations of the handbook pages were marked!”

“There are still two left,” Sir Thomas pointed out, “though they’ve shifted to entirely different locations.”

Charlotte whirled to face her friends, confusion clear in her eyes. “How can this happen? It makes no sense.”

“Could’ve been the earthquake,” Alex mentioned casually, “or that strange storm. It could have reached those pages and blown them somewhere else. It’s also possible they might be messing with your spell.”

A sharp twinge of frustration pierced Charlotte as she considered Alex’s words. She’d just regained control over her magic, and now it was faltering once again. What had changed?

“I’ll try again,” Charlotte declared, her resolve firm. With a wave of her wand, the current map shattered into shimmering pieces. She took a deep breath, ready to cast the spell anew.

“Charlotte, I wonder if⁠—“

“Alex, we can talk about what happens next after I’m done with this,” she said, her gaze locked on the wand in her hand. “I need silence to concentrate on the locator spell.”

Alex nodded and took a step back, respecting her wish for quiet as she readied herself for the enchantment. The wand she held emitted a familiar golden glow, tracing a bright line that blossomed into a detailed map of the Cincinnati forest.

At the heart of the map, a large luminous dot indicated Charlotte’s position, surrounded by six smaller, pulsing dots, each marking a page of her handbook.

“There,” she announced with relief, a hint of a smile on her lips. “It worked. Wait! What’s happening?” Her confidence turned to alarm as the spell flickered and the small dots vanished. Her voice spiked in disbelief. “This can’t be happening! How is this⁠—“

The map pulsed once more, its radiance intensifying before faltering again. The dots reappeared, only to behave erratically. One shifted south, another vanished from the southwest, reemerging far to the north. Three others danced a chaotic ballet, with one disappearing entirely, while four new marks emerged on the map.

Alex grimaced and tilted his head, watching the unusual spectacle unfold on the map. “That was… Actually, I don’t know what that was.”

Charlotte let out an irritated groan, waved her wand, and stopped her locator spell. Without hesitation, she cast it again. This time, when the map erupted into countless sparkling points, each one detonated in a blinding flash that momentarily dazzled the fairy godmother and her companions, then shattered entirely.

Spots danced before her eyes and a sharp pain shot through her temples. The fairy godmother lifted her arm to shield her face. She blinked rapidly to help her eyes readjust to the now dimming surroundings as the sun started to fade.

“This is madness.”

Sir Thomas rubbed his eyes before nodding his agreement. “That’s one way to put it, my lady.”

“What just happened?” Alex asked. “I’ve never seen your magic act up like that. The moving dots were odd enough, but those explosive flashes? That doesn’t seem like your usual mishap.”

Charlotte spun around with a sharp look and planted a hand on her hip. “My usual mishap? Do you think all I do is go around causing magical mayhem?”

The detective paused, glanced at Sir Thomas—who looked away to avoid getting involved—then cleared his throat. “Sorry. I only meant that it’s different from what I’ve seen you do with your wand in the past. I meant no offense, Charlotte.”

Alex cleared his throat as he shifted his weight, clasped his hands behind his back, and stopped talking.

Charlotte opened her mouth to respond, but the right words were elusive. Instead, she closed it and took a deep breath to steady herself. “I’m sorry for snapping,” she said. “It’s just that every time I think I’ve got things under control, they change. I can’t seem to get ahead. Sometimes my emotions get the better of me. I’m sorry, and I’ll do better. I don’t want to lash out at you or anyone else.”

“It’s okay,” Alex replied, trying to sound reassuring, though he doubted he did. “Honestly, you’re handling it better than I would. So, credit to you, Fairy Godmother.”

“I think we should focus on getting out of these woods,” Sir Thomas interjected with a hint of impatience.

“You’re right,” Charlotte agreed, scanning the trees. “Let’s find our way out and then a better way to continue our search.”

“Agreed,” Alex said. “Now, which direction should we take?”

All four of them stood in the dim woods that grew darker every minute. Charlotte and Alex looked around, overwhelmed by a strong sense of déjà vu they couldn’t quite place.

Sir Thomas placed his paws on his hips, stepped forward quickly, then paused. He pointed upward, turned right, and took three steps. Soon, he let out a frustrated hiss. “Cat!”

At the sound of his name, the Newfoundland chuffed and sniffed the air.

Sir Thomas faced his dog friend, his feline eyes wide. “Don’t joke,” he scolded. “It isn’t funny. I need your help to find our way out of this forest. Your sense of smell is the best here. I don’t know what you—No. Stop talking like that! What do you want? Should I beg?”

Charlotte and Alex exchanged a puzzled glance, but stayed silent. The fairy godmother didn’t want to interrupt Sir Thomas’ heartfelt plea, and the detective sensed that stepping in too soon might complicate things. So, they waited, though Alex moved closer to Charlotte and gently held her hand again.

Charlotte shot him a startled look, then gave his hand a squeeze, choosing silence over words. However, this time, she found it difficult to muster the smile that should have come naturally to her when Alex showed this type of affection.

It wasn’t unusual for the dog and cat to bicker. Sir Thomas often barked orders, and Cat usually followed them with gusto. Today was different. Sir Thomas was seething with anger, and Cat looked completely bewildered.

It was a troubling sight, and the fairy godmother felt helpless. All she could do was wait to hear more, to learn more, even though all she wanted to do was jump in and mediate to find a solution.

“That’s even more ridiculous than your last claim!” Sir Thomas yelled. “You know what? Your name shouldn’t be Cat. It shouldn’t even be Dog. From now on, I’ll call you Emperor Hyperbole because you exaggerate everything to the extreme. It’s all just so…so impossible, and… I just can’t⁠—“

The cat slammed his boot down on the ground, as his fists balled at his sides, then let out an exasperated growl. It was a sound of frustration neither Charlotte nor Alex had ever heard from him in all the time they’d known each other.

“This is not how a hero’s journey is supposed to go!” the angry cat shouted.

Sir Thomas’ voice bounced around the trees for a moment before being absorbed by the dense woods. The thick trunks, the tangled branches, and the soft ground hushed any remaining echoes. After that, only his labored breathing broke the silence as he struggled to regain his composure.

Sir Thomas fixed his gaze on the ground, then looked back at his dog friend. “I’m sorry for losing my cool. Please forgive me, my friend. I know you were just trying to help us understand what’s going on.”

Cat stared back, wiggling his furry eyebrows and twitching his ears. After a moment, the dog walked over and gave Sir Thomas a barrage of wet, slobbery kisses. The magical cat put up with the affectionate assault for a short while, then he gently pushed Cat’s big head away with his paws.

“Alright, alright, you lovable mutt. Enough,” he said, clearly getting the message Cat had forgiven him.

Cat gave Sir Thomas one last big lick, leaving his damp fur sticking up all over, before he went back to sniffing around.

Alex watched the scene, then nodded. “That was beautiful. Touching, really.”

Sir Thomas quickly turned to Alex and pointed at him, his tan eyebrows furrowed. “Don’t say another word, Detective,” he chided. “Unless, of course, you’ve got a great idea on how to get us out of this forest, since things just got more complicated.”

Charlotte stepped between them to distract the cat from bickering with Alex. “What do you mean by more complicated? Retracing our steps through the forest shouldn’t be too difficult, unless you know something you’re hesitating to tell us.”

A pause spoke volumes, causing both Charlotte and Alex to look at one another with concern before they focused on their talking furry companion again.

Sir Thomas cleared his throat, becoming momentarily distracted by a spot on his fur. Finally, he continued. “Cat figured out our problem, and it seems we’re in a jam similar to when we couldn’t find the ginger witch’s cottage because of the spells hiding it.”

Charlotte stopped, her eyes blinking quickly as she tried to understand. Sir Thomas’ roundabout way of explaining puzzled her. “Could you clarify? You have a habit of tangling your words.”

Alex nodded. “Agreed. Just be straightforward.”

Sir Thomas took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “To put it plainly, we’re lost. It’s like the magic transported us from where we were in the forest—a place Cat and I knew well—and dropped us off somewhere completely different.”

“No, that’s not right,” Charlotte stated firmly. She looked from Alex to Sir Thomas, and then to Cat, who was sniffing the air with his backside to them. She shook her head before turning her attention back to the fashionable cat. “That’s just not possible.”

“Wait… I know you said we didn’t, but were you wrong? Did we actually go through a portal?” Alex questioned.

“I don’t think that was a portal, though it was remarkably similar. Still, portals can’t open from this side as far as I’ve seen,” Charlotte clarified. “This is likely the case of what I said earlier. One of two things was happening. Either the magic was messing with our minds, or the magic was moving things around. If Sir Thomas and Cat are correct, we’ve found out which. This might be a byproduct of Ginger’s magic. How she’s protecting the location of the clearing, and we got swept up in it. Then again…I suppose it’s possible it could have been a type of portal I’ve never seen. Unlikely, but not impossible.

“All right,” she said, steadying her voice. “It seems we’re being more affected by this forest than I thought.”

“Is anyone else worried about the chance of us getting lost here forever?” Alex asked. “I can’t believe I’m saying this. We’re in Cincinnati, for crying out loud. This is just a wooded area behind some suburban homes. We can’t possibly get stranded, right?”

Charlotte shrugged, lifting an eyebrow. “But…are we still in Cincinnati?”

Alex stopped short and stared at her. “What the hell does that mean?”

“I mean exactly what I just said. We don’t know if we’re still in Cincinnati.” Charlotte’s voice held a hint of unease. The thought was unsettling, and saying it out loud didn’t help, but it had to be considered. “We need to keep our expectations realistic. We don’t know where we are right now. If we’re entertaining all possibilities, then we could have been carried out of the area entirely, not just to another section of the woods.”

Sir Thomas adjusted his belt before placing a paw on the hilt again, as he did when he was uncomfortable or on edge. “I wonder if a human could actually survive traveling through dimensions, like crossing through a magical portal.” He nodded toward Alex. “The detective is tough and aware of magic, but portals that move folks like us to your world might not be safe for humans from your world. In theory, this could be⁠—“

“As interesting as that is,” Alex cut in, “this isn’t the best time for guessing games, and dragging quantum physics into this won’t make it any easier to grasp. Magic or not.”

“Hmm.” Sir Thomas considered this, then shrugged and crossed his arms.

“I get where Sir Thomas is coming from,” Charlotte added. “Humans aren’t really a thing in EverAfter. There are regular, everyday people, and while they might not use magic like I do, they’re also not fully human. They belong to EverAfter.”

Cat interrupted their deep thoughts with three loud barks before the large dog spun quickly in place. When he stopped, he faced a new direction. Looking back at the group, his tongue hung out as he panted.

“Well, if you say so,” Sir Thomas responded.

“What is it?” Alex asked.

“He wants us to go with him.”

Charlotte paused. Relief threatened to rise, but she tempered it until she knew more. “Does that mean he found something?”

The magical cat nodded. “I don’t know what it is yet, but I trust Cat’s senses more than anyone else’s right now, including mine.”

“That’s all I need to know,” Charlotte stated before following the Newfoundland. If Cat has found something, let’s see what it is. It’s probably more useful than standing here debating, right?”

“Absolutely, Lady Charlotte.” Sir Thomas gave a respectful bow to the fairy godmother and then glanced at the detective with a sly look.

With a sigh, Alex rolled his eyes and muttered, “I hope it’s not a bone or a huge stick.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

As Charlotte and her friends traveled along a straight path cut through the woods, it became obvious they were no longer in the familiar forest near Ginger Haus’s hidden cottage. That magical clearing was gone, and in its place was a new forest.

The trees here stood taller, their trunks thicker, and the bark was a darker brown, worn by time and draped in moss. Branches hung low, heavy with age, and roots snaked across the ground, creating a tangle of obstacles among the dense underbrush. The foliage was lush, with tall grasses, ferns, and shrubs filling the space where light struggled to penetrate the forest canopy. Unlike the woods back in Cincinnati, this place was eerily silent, with no birdsong or the hum of insects to fill the air.

Every so often, a twig would snap or leaves would shuffle to the side of the path, but that was the only evidence of movement within the nearly silent forest. There were no birds in sight and no small animals darting through the undergrowth.

As Alex struggled to hear anything around them, all he found were the soft sniffs from Cat and Sir Thomas as they tested the air, his own muffled steps falling in time with Charlotte’s as they walked, and the sounds of their breathing as the sun dipped lower in the sky.

Charlotte trusted Cat’s senses completely, and Alex had grown to trust and care for the oversized furball as well. The enchanted dog had a knack for finding things that could help their group despite the day’s magical events testing him and showing otherwise. These were issues Cat couldn’t have anticipated or even hoped to combat, not with the sheer amount of power at play.

Still, the fairy godmother worried about what they might find ahead. Unlike something trivial that a normal Earth cat or dog would likely lead their group to, like a meaty bone or pond filled with fish, whatever Cat found had to be something bigger and more useful. She held hope it would be vital to their mission, but with that importance came the possibility of danger.

Charlotte mulled over their situation as they followed Cat, keeping a keen eye on their surroundings. She couldn’t figure this particular puzzle out. They hadn’t gone through a portal, at least not one that she recognized. Not the sort that snatched people from EverAfter and dropped them into Cincinnati without warning. Yet the longer they traveled and the more they saw that they’d never come across before, she couldn’t shake the possibility out of her troubled mind.

The storm they’d encountered must have done something else, something significant. There was also the possibility this was like the magic that shielded Ginger Haus’s cottage, making it invisible and repelling visitors without their knowledge. They could have crossed another magical boundary in the forest, and that storm could have whisked them away to this unfamiliar place.

Regardless of any of those things, this definitely isn’t Cincinnati, she thought.

Speculation was as far as she could go. The fairy godmother was careful not to frighten Alex by talking with her friends about what Cat might have found. She would wait until they had solid information because guessing wouldn’t do anything but stress the detective out and make her anxious.

They walked through the dense and obviously old, dark forest filled with the smell of wet earth, decaying matter, and fresh leaves. The first twenty minutes Cat led them felt like endless hours. Charlotte half-expected they’d still be walking when the sun was fully set, which would leave them in total darkness. Normally, that wouldn’t worry her, but today, she doubted her ability to make a fire to warm a makeshift camp if needed.

The memory of her last spells going wrong made her shudder. The magic that had swept through overpowered her wand, like it had been nothing more than a tiny birthday candle. A barrier was one of the simplest defensive spells a fairy godmother could create, yet she couldn’t even manage that. The only thing easier was a location spell, and that had been impossible to a whole new level.

It had malfunctioned plenty since coming to Cincinnati, but it had never exploded as it had earlier, with Charlotte then failing to cast it at all.

I can’t try magic again so soon, not with how it’s been acting today. If I hurt anyone, it could turn into a genuine emergency, one we might not make it out of in one piece.

When they finally stopped, it was quiet and without fanfare. Cat, who usually made a high-pitched sound to show his feelings or to grab attention, was silent. He simply halted, causing Charlotte to nearly bump into him while lost in thought and focusing her eyes on everything around them.

She stopped just in time, stepping aside to avoid stepping on Cat’s back paw. “Oh, my goodness!”

“You okay?” Alex asked from behind her.

“I’m fine. I almost tripped over Cat, is all. I was so focused on everything around us, I didn’t see what was directly in front of me.”

Cat looked back at her with his tongue flopped out to the side as he panted. He locked eyes with her before turning his head forward, letting out a soft whine, and sitting down. The giant dog stayed as still as a statue as silence grew around them now that the crunch of their steps had stopped filling the air.

Charlotte and Alex waited for Sir Thomas, who stared at the dog expectantly now as he waited for an update. They wouldn’t be able to understand Cat without the sword-wielding feline.

“What is it?” Sir Thomas asked.

Charlotte nodded toward Cat. “It seems he’s unsure where to go next.”

“Or he might have lost the trail,” Alex added in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. Charlotte heard the worry in it, and she couldn’t help but feel it, too.

“Lost the trail? Nonsense.” Sir Thomas patted the dog’s head gently as he and Cat exchanged a moment of silent communication. After a brief exchange, Sir Thomas turned and gave them a nod. “We’re close. Just past that thicket there.”

“Then why the pause?” Charlotte asked.

Sir Thomas’ whiskers twitched before he gestured ahead of them. “Cat thought it best for you to lead from here, my lady. It seems we’re on the edge of another magical anomaly.”

The fairy godmother gave a frustrated sigh. “Unfortunately, I don’t even know how much help I can be. I’m not feeling too confident in my magical abilities.”

Admitting that aloud hurt worse than she’d expected. It was her duty to protect the group from magical threats, just as they’d decided it was Alex’s duty to protect them from the evil of the human world. She turned and caught Alex’s eye as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“You’ll do great,” he said, nodding. She heard the sincerity in his tone, but there was an edge of worry. Whether or not that was because of the situation as a whole or a bit of doubt in her abilities, she didn’t know, but she couldn’t think over it long because he continued. “I believe in you, even if you’re doubting yourself.”

“It’s the magic that bothers me. If something happens to one of you, we don’t know how long it would take to find help or even if we could at all,” she whispered, then let out another sigh as she massaged the back of her neck. After a few moments, she twisted her head from side to side, popping her tense neck before squaring her shoulders. “Okay. Everyone, follow me. We’re diving in.”

Sir Thomas nodded. “Cat says it’s just past here.”

“Please let this go well,” Alex added under his breath.

Charlotte swallowed thickly, doing her best not to let his worry seep into her confidence. They continued, and when they reached what looked like a thick wall of green leaves from a gigantic hedge, Charlotte stopped. She leaned in, trying to glimpse what was beyond the tightly woven branches, but it was no use. Nothing was visible.

“I believe Cat mentioned we should move past this point,” Sir Thomas reminded her.

The fairy godmother’s eyes landed on his as she quirked a brow. “Well, I don’t see us trudging through that enormous bush, Sir Thomas, so give me a minute, please.”

Charlotte stepped back and took her wand out of her cloak. She rolled her shoulders to prepare herself before aiming her wand at the dense shrubbery. Her lips pressed tight as she focused intently. She half-expected Alex to question her plan or for Sir Thomas to cut in with nonsense, but her friends stayed quiet.

You can do this, she told herself. You’re a battle-tested fairy godmother and a guardian of the innocent. You’ve faced literal and figurative fires. You’ve tackled the chaos of portals and evil magic. You can do this.

Her mental pep talk would’ve worked better if she understood any of the strange happenings around them. Without her usual knowledge, Charlotte had to rely on hope that her spell wouldn’t worsen things.

She closed her eyes, seeking deeper focus as she pointed her wand and reached out with her will, feeling for the shards of power around them. They were in this situation because of magic. Even if it was unreliable here, there was clearly enough around for Ginger to use.

Or someone else in another land we may have portaled to, she thought before scolding herself for thinking so negatively.

Whether in a new world or a hidden part of their own, magic lingered. Charlotte knew it was there; she just needed to tap into it.

Charlotte Weaver had faced countless challenges, but she wasn’t about to let one stop her now. With her focus clearing as she’d learned to do over recent months, she tuned into the magical currents swirling in the air and the reassuring weight of her wand between her fingers.

“Clear this barrier,” she breathed. “Let us pass.”

At first, nothing happened, and she nearly gave in to the overwhelming urge to quit while she was ahead. However, a moment later, a faint sensation danced along her fingertips where they held her wand. It wasn’t a protest like the one her wand had shown with Peter Pan’s meddling—it was a soft whisper, an encouraging nudge to persist.

And persist she did.

Charlotte’s focus intensified, and she poured her energy and magic into the spell. A bright red light emerged, even visible through her closed eyes. Her breath caught, and then she inhaled deeply.

“Well, I’ll be…” Sir Thomas trailed off behind her.

Her eyes snapped open. It took a second for her vision to adjust, but when it did, she saw the result of her spell casting. Instead of the thick shrubbery that once stood before them, a grand, arched cave entrance stood before her. The weak forest light revealed only the first few feet of the cave, yet the stone floor was smooth and free of clutter, and the shadows hinted at far more within.

Realizing her success, Charlotte let out a quiet laugh and glanced from her wand to the cave. “It worked.”

“It worked,” Alex repeated, his voice filled with his support and a hint of relief.

“My magic is back! It did exactly what I wanted! Did you all see that?” She beamed as she whirled around and saw her companions’ faces mirroring her excitement.

Alex chuckled. “See? Told you that you could do it.”

With a deep breath of relief, Charlotte pressed her wand to her chest and whispered a silent thanks to the unseen forces that had listened to her call.

Cat’s soft yip quickly drew everyone’s focus, and the fairy godmother’s thoughts snapped back to the present. The dog whined as he looked forward, then back at the group, seemingly signaling their need to continue.

“You’re right, Cat,” she agreed. “We should continue. Does anyone disagree?”

Alex shook his head and chewed his lower lip nervously. “We’ve come too far to stop now. This is the best chance we have.”

Sir Thomas unsheathed his rapier, his face serious. “We’re ready to follow, and my sword and I are at your command.”

“Your steadfast loyalty is truly admirable and appreciated.” Charlotte gave a respectful nod to the loyal cat, whose promise held an extraordinary weight.

In EverAfter, such a pledge spoken with such conviction was as binding as any formal agreement that was signed with ink or even blood. The fairy godmother felt the gravity of his words wash over her, rekindling a sense of belonging she had sorely missed since being in Cincinnati, away from the magical realm.

A sigh of satisfaction, pride, and a touch of longing for EverAfter left her. She knew it wouldn’t be the same place by the time her quest ended and she returned. Nevertheless, it was home, and she was determined to help those who belonged there to return and to bring those who caused chaos to justice. That was what a fairy godmother did, whether in EverAfter, on Earth, or in any other place between them.

Looking back at her friends, she chuckled when Sir Thomas nudged Alex with a furry elbow.

“Ow!” Alex jumped back from the talking cat and frowned. “Your little elbow felt like a needle stabbing me. What the hell was that for?”

“A true knight or soldier would pledge an oath of loyalty to Lady Charlotte.”

“An oath?” Alex looked confused.

“Yes, an oath,” Sir Thomas insisted. “In EverAfter, it’s customary for you to give your word to stick by a fairy godmother until we’re done. To be her ally, to fight with and for her. While it might be a foreign concept to you, it’s one that’s taken seriously where we’re from.”

Alex glanced at Charlotte, his eyes wide. “Is he for real?”

A grin spread across her face. “Yes, it’s customary. In EverAfter, it’s used as a way to unite us on our journey. It binds us as a group, as allies, and as warriors if needed. It’s one of the strongest magical bonds in EverAfter.”

“It is not to be taken lightly,” Sir Thomas added, wagging a clawed, furry finger at the detective. “This forest,” he gestured to the surrounding trees, “is sacred. The magic here is incredibly powerful.”

“Wait.” Alex’s eyes snapped up to look at Charlotte with obvious worry. “He’s talking like we aren’t in Cincinnati anymore. Did we enter a new world? Are we in EverAfter?”

Charlotte shrugged. “I don’t think so. It seems we’re somewhere in between. It’s unexpected and certainly something I didn’t think was possible, but this place is special. Magical, even. In your world, an oath or promise is just words strung together. You must trust the person will make good on whatever they vow to do.

“In EverAfter and places like it, taking an oath is far more. It’s magically binding. If I’m right, and we’re in a magical place, doing so would be like invisible armor, which I think we’ll need. Inside that cave, there is something meant for us. Something tells me that after we explore this cave, we’ll emerge with answers and a clear path ahead of us.”

Her heart raced with excitement as she spoke. She held no doubt this quest was meant for them. Turning back wasn’t an option, not without severe consequences. She just hoped she wouldn’t have to spell that out for him.

The smile stayed on her lips as she watched Alex think. They hadn’t expected this twist in their journey, but Alex hadn’t freaked out, which was promising. As he finally looked up, Charlotte felt a new kind of excitement, but she said nothing.

Alex made his way toward her, his hand on his gun. Charlotte wondered what he planned to do with it at this moment, but then he stopped directly in front of her and knelt.

Looking up at her, he chuckled and looked away with embarrassment before looking back. “I don’t know how any of this works. I don’t know how to do this. Because of the fact that I don’t have a sword and only have a gun, I’m not even sure if this will work.”

Charlotte’s heart filled with pride and affection for this man. With a smile, she touched her wand to his shoulder and nodded. “It isn’t the weapon that matters, Detective, but the hero who uses it.”

His eyes met hers again, and a smile played on his lips. “Okay, then. Fairy Godmother, I promise to follow you to the end of this quest, whatever happens. And to… Uh…”

Sir Thomas moved to stand beside the detective and leaned in as he whispered, “My sword is yours.”

Alex chuckled. “Whether it’s my sword, my gun, or my own two hands, everything I have is yours, Charlotte.”

As she and Alex locked eyes, Sir Thomas weighed the human’s vow and nodded in agreement. “That’ll do, Detective.”

Cat barked twice, dropping his front half to the ground while his backside stayed in the air, tail wagging with excitement.

“Cat pledges his loyalty as well, my lady,” Sir Thomas announced.

Charlotte then felt a surge of magic surround her and her friends, and she smiled. “No need for translation on that one. I understood him perfectly. Now, it seems we’re all ready to proceed.”

As they rose to their full height, Alex gazed at Charlotte. His eyes sparkled with hope and a deep, special affection reserved just for her. She swallowed hard as she did her best to suppress the emotion welling in her chest.

Instead, she gave a nod, turning and readying herself for whatever lay ahead.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Charlotte stood at the cave’s entrance, her wand ready and her friends behind her. “I have a feeling whatever is inside is something we’ve never seen.”

“Certainly nothing Detective Taylor has ever seen.” Sir Thomas smiled, his rapier held high as he followed the fairy godmother.

With a single bark, Cat moved forward, his tail wagging and ears perked.

Detective Alex Taylor looked on with caution. He was nervous after everything he’d been through, but at the same time, his curiosity was getting the best of him. He’d heard his two verbal companions discuss EverAfter countless times, but he never in a million years believed he’d see it.

Technically, he wouldn’t see it now, but it was something in between. Magic existed here more than in his world, but it sounded like it might be less than their world. While he hated magic in Cincinnati because of the havoc it caused, his dread turned to interest, and slowly, it was turning to excitement.

What would it be like to be in a world where magic was normal, so it wasn’t such a burden? What would it be like not to worry over every person who walked by a cat in boots and a large hat walking on all fours while he broke the rules and verbally complained to himself? What would it be like to see uninhibited magic in its true form?

His excitement grew, which surprised him.

“It’s strange to me that stepping into a cave that’s housing something magical inside of an enchanted forest seems almost normal,” he stated. “It’s quite possible I might have lost some of my sense when that stone took hold of my brain.”

She quirked a brow in his direction and shook her head before facing forward again. “Not funny, Detective.” Despite the fact she didn’t like being reminded of what had happened or him making light of it, she found relief in his sense of humor returning. “In our world,” Charlotte lifted her wand without looking back again, “these things happen every day.”

“Sounds like you’re getting used to it,” added Sir Thomas.

Alex huffed. “I’m not sure I ever will. At least, not entirely.”

Charlotte continued ahead. “Coming from your world, I understand. However, I must say, if you can open your mind and accept things, it’ll help you in the future. Especially now.”

Alex glanced at his Glock 26. “Just wondering… Do firearms exist in EverAfter? I feel like being in a magical realm, I should have something other than a non-magical weapon.”

Sir Thomas gestured dramatically. “We have fire, and we have arms. Sometimes, we even have fiery arms, because fire gets into the wrong hands.”

Charlotte snickered at his sarcasm.

Alex rolled his eyes. “That was helpful, Sir Thomas.”

“I aim to please, Detective. Even when it’s you I’m assisting.”

Charlotte chuckled at the playful bickering as she walked toward the cave. Her eyes turned to the dense shrubs and the dark entrance her magic had unveiled.

“As for you needing a non-magical weapon… If you were supposed to have a unique weapon, you’d have it by now. That’s how these things usually work.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Alex asked.

“I think Charlotte is politely suggesting you be patient, Detective,” Sir Thomas chimed in. “Things will unfold as they’re supposed to, and if you’re meant to have something, the world will provide it.”

“Great,” Alex muttered, tightening his grip on his firearm. He wasn’t ready to pull it out yet, but he wanted to be ready for anything. “What are the odds that a magical sword meant for me will just fall out of the sky?”

“Given we’re about to enter this cave that I’m quite sure is hiding something,” Charlotte responded with ease, “I’d say the odds are pretty good.”

Alex halted, hoping Charlotte would turn around and flash him one of those comforting smiles he adored. They reassured him that he wasn’t going crazy or overthinking.

Charlotte Weaver had been teasing him before, but this time, she didn’t even glance back at him or slow her pace as she walked confidently into the dark entrance of the cave. Sir Thomas and Cat followed her without hesitation, eager to see what lay inside.

Alex pressed his lips together, took a quick look around the shadowy clearing in the mysterious forest, and sighed. “Okay then,” he muttered to himself. “Let’s see what a new perspective brings.”

As soon as Charlotte crossed the threshold, she felt a rush of powerful magic. It was as if she’d walked through a waterfall that was both icy and bristling with tiny feathers that could tickle or prick her skin.

She took a deep breath, then released it slowly, a mix of relief and happiness filling her. This was the feeling of magic she’d been missing. She wondered how long they could stay in this place that felt so much like home.

Once Charlotte stepped past the cave’s entrance, she moved to the side and waited for her friends to catch up. Sir Thomas and Cat joined her, shaking themselves off as they would to shake off water after a dip. Sir Thomas seemed invigorated by the experience, while Cat agreed with a sharp bark. Charlotte smiled at the pair.

Within a few brief moments, Alex appeared. He seemed slightly off-balance, his hand leaving his gun as if he’d pushed through something heavy. He took a deep breath, looking startled by the force he’d encountered. The detective paused briefly as he acclimated to the pitch darkness.

“I hope everyone’s still here, and I’m not lost in some horrible void,” he half-joked.

Charlotte quickly realized her oversight. “Oh, I’m sorry, Alex. That was my fault.”

With a flick of her wand, a warm, golden light glowed at its tip. It wasn’t as strong as a flashlight, but it was enough to show everyone and the immediate area around them.

When Alex’s eyes adjusted to the sudden light, he saw Charlotte smiling at him, her wand casting a soft glow.

“Okay.” He sighed in relief. “So far, so good.”

“It’ll only get better.”

Charlotte turned and waved her wand forward, sending three glowing orbs into the cave like a fisherman casting lines into a pond. Each orb floated ahead, stopping at intervals to light their path. The cave stretched out before them.

The fairy godmother frowned playfully. “Look at that. It’s quite long, isn’t it?” She looked at Sir Thomas. “Would you and Cat lead the way?”

“With pleasure, my lady.” The feline knight bowed deeply—his rapier pointing at the orbs—and then he stood tall. “Follow me, Cat! If we meet any terrible creatures, we’ll scare them off or fight them to protect Lady Charlotte.”

With the path lit and the group ready, they moved forward into the unknown, ready for whatever the cave had in store.

Cat barked once with excitement. The loud sound echoed down the tunnel, which stretched deep into the darkness. Eagerly, the dog ran after Sir Thomas, his tail wagging and fur bouncing.

Alex looked at Charlotte and whispered, “At least those two are good for sounding the alarm. There’s no other noise here, and they’re moving past your magical lights.”

“There’ll be other sounds once we get deeper into the cave,” she said.

His eyes narrowed. “I’m not quite sure I like the sound of that. What kind of sounds?”

Charlotte shook her head. “We’ll find out soon enough. There are far too many possibilities, and besides, that’s part of the adventure.”

“Sounds thrilling,” Alex said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he matched her stride. He couldn’t deny part of him found all this exciting, but he couldn’t shake his anxiety completely.

Charlotte laughed softly as they approached the first floating orb in the cave’s tunnel. The light split, casting their elongated shadows across the stone floor and walls. Suddenly, the orb sped ahead, settling in a new spot beyond the third glowing sphere, which was no longer the furthest.

The addition of another orb illuminated Sir Thomas and Cat further ahead. Fleeting shadows danced along the walls and drew Alex’s attention when the first orb moved. At first, he thought he saw something.

“Did you see that?” he asked, gesturing toward the newly dim space beside him, where those brief, elusive shadows had vanished as the nearest orb and the light from Charlotte’s wand now pointed deeper into the tunnel.

“Did I see what?” Charlotte turned to him, her eyes wide with the thrill of their adventure.

She was in her element, the excitement of having magic once again and being on a quest like something she would have done in EverAfter lighting a fire inside her.

He looked over his shoulder again, half-expecting a clearer answer to what he’d just seen, but he found nothing except layers of darkness.

Alex frowned and shook his head. “I thought I saw something in the shadows. I’m sure it was nothing. Shadows move all the time with the flicker of lights.” He paused, thinking for a moment. “Still, this was different, I think. Maybe my eyes are just playing tricks on me. It isn’t like I regularly go into enchanted caves. Ugh. Sorry. Never mind. I’m sure it was nothing.”

Her smile grew. “Things in EverAfter and places like it are never quite as they seem. Especially when someone is called upon a magical journey. You’re right. It could be nothing, but it could just as easily be something you are meant to notice. Everything happens for a reason in a place like this. Whether or not it’s your imagination, keep it in mind as you focus on other things. What you saw might turn out to be important for us later.”

“Just keep it in mind, huh? Lovely.” He sighed. “You know, part of me started to get a little excited about all this when I thought about what it would be like to see magic in its true form. Without it being strangled in a world free of magic. The farther we get into this, the more annoyed I get. It almost feels like it’s more about letting things happen to you than taking control of your own destiny and finding truth.”

Silence grew between them for a moment as they continued down their path. While Charlotte disagreed wholeheartedly with his statement, she couldn’t deny his perception made sense.

She’d told him before that if he were meant to have a magical weapon, it would be bestowed upon him. That there might be things only he was meant to see. That everything happened for a reason, suggesting the magical world had this planned. All that together would seem as though he’d walked into a situation that he had zero control over and simply had to go along for the ride.

She smiled, though she knew he couldn’t see it from his position slightly behind and to the left of her. “Don’t stress too much, Detective. I know all this must be a lot for you to wrap your head around, but I’m confident you’ll get used to it in time. Think of the books you read as a child. How many people in fairy tales do you know of who went through their story without a quest involved? Without finding something magical? It’s part of the adventure. For someone new to magic and my world’s inhabitants, you’ve adapted impressively over these past months.”

Alex cleared his throat. “Well, that’s quite a compliment coming from a fairy godmother. Thank you.”

“Do you really mean that?” She glanced back at him. “Or are you just being polite?”

“Of course, I mean that,” he replied quickly. “I know I’m sarcastic most times when it comes to all this. It’s a defense mechanism. At least, I assume it is. I’ve always used sarcasm as a way to cover discomfort. That being said, I value your expertise in all things magical, just as you value mine in all things non-magical.”

“I see. Well, thank you.” Her smile grew, as did the flutter in her stomach. “All your help these past few months has meant so much to me. Sir Thomas and Cat too, even though Cat doesn’t talk much, and Sir Thomas seems to find more joy in antagonizing you than getting close. I suspect that has more to do with his perception of what being a proud member of the Swashbuckling Order is and all. He has to prove to everyone a cat can be a powerful ally or opponent. I sometimes wonder if he thinks that means he can’t get close to many people.”

She chuckled lightly about the cat, but it turned to a sigh. The swashbuckling cat had sworn his sword to Charlotte, so he willingly grew to be her friend. But where Alex was concerned, the feline had much more difficulty than she expected. After all, both were protectors of the innocent.

It wasn’t that Sir Thomas didn’t like Alex. In fact, she’d seen the worry in his eyes for the detective when he was lost to the stone’s power. Sir Thomas might have tried to hide it behind witty remarks and other comments she found quite distasteful, but the concern was there. He looked relieved when Alex had returned to them. It was like he’d lost a friend.

“He does know what a hug is, right?” Alex asked, peering ahead as they passed another glowing orb that zoomed forward to light the path before Sir Thomas and Cat. “The one I gave him in the woods to protect his ears from the blaring wind doesn’t count.”

She shrugged. “Obviously, he knows what they are. However, I doubt very seriously that anyone has ever shown him that kind of affection without reason. Like the time I had to pick him up and carry him to pretend I was someone who enjoyed dressing my cat up, or not too long after we came here when I had to carry him because walking on all fours proved to be taxing on his legs in those boots he refused to give up. I’ve cared for him and shown him friendship, but I don’t know that he’s ever had a genuine hug. I haven’t given him one myself purely because I don’t want to offend him. He has sworn to protect me. That might come off condescending to him, and I never want to make him feel that way.”

“Animals have always been like kids to me. Innocent. They should be cherished and cared for. Sir Thomas is more human than a cat, thanks to his intelligence and verbal skills. Still, when I think about what he must have gone through to prove himself in a world of humans—or human-like magical people and creatures—it makes me feel bad for him.”

“Don’t ever let him hear you say that.” Charlotte’s smile grew as she watched the orbs lead them through the tunnel as they cast dancing shadows around.

“Deal. Don’t ever tell him I said it.”

She snickered. “Deal.” She looked back at him again, her eyes twinkling in the low light. “I know he complains endlessly and gives you a hard time just to annoy you, but he really does care. I saw it when you were under the stone’s control. He was genuinely worried, even if he’d never admit it.”

Alex remained quiet for several moments before finally nodding. “I’ve come to care about him, too.”

The conversation fell away as they made their way through the illuminated tunnel at a leisurely pace. After that exchange, Charlotte and Alex found themselves at a loss for simple conversation. They watched their furry companions ahead lead the way, Sir Thomas chatting away with Cat while Cat responded with whines, growls, and quiet yips, leaving them completely oblivious to the conversation that had happened behind them.

Soon, even their chatting went stagnant, and Sir Thomas and Cat moved in a comfortable silence. It was impossible to know if Cat had his own mental musings, since Sir Thomas was the only one who could’ve heard them. Still, the more she watched the two, the more the dog convinced her that he was far more capable of complex thinking than many humans she’d come across in either her world or Alex’s.

The sound of Charlotte’s and Alex’s footsteps on the stone floor and Cat’s paws rhythmically clacking with every step were the only noises in the tunnel. Sir Thomas’ black leather boots allowed him to walk without a sound.

Charlotte’s magic continued to summon orbs of light that bobbed ahead of them, illuminating their path. Each time the pair passed an orb, it would zip to the front, creating a continuous supply of light and shadows on the walls.

The tunnel stretched on, with no end in sight. Charlotte was convinced that at the end of this path, they would find something precious only they were meant to discover. That was the rules of the land. Magical items were meant for someone specific, like the spinning wheel Aurora pricked her finger on that put her to sleep. Whatever the item may be, good or bad, no one else could ever make use of it, even if they found it.

The fairy godmother’s companions had made a promise outside the cave to follow her command on this quest, whatever it might bring, and she took great pride in that. She was sure she wouldn’t lead them down the wrong path.

Charlotte felt deep inside that their shared quest was somehow tied to her own solo mission to gather the scattered pages of her handbook. She needed to reassemble it, regain its powerful magic, and use it to return the misplaced EverAfterans to their rightful home.

This personal mission became clear to Charlotte the moment she arrived in Alex’s world and realized that her handbook had vanished during her unjust banishment from EverAfter. A banishment she now questioned for even more reasons.

A recent talk with Ginger Haus—the fiery-haired woman known in fairy tales as the gingerbread house witch—had cast a shadow of doubt on Charlotte’s role in this world. The conversation had hinted at a chilling possibility that the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild might have been regularly falsely accusing EverAfterans, creating villains out of the innocent, and casting them into the Earth city of Cincinnati without a chance for a just trial or redemption.

Now, Charlotte had to grapple with the notion that the guild she trusted might have been involved in a deep-rooted conspiracy. This realization made her question what her true purpose was.

Was she simply supposed to bring everyone home? Or was she supposed to uncover and right the wrongs of a corrupt system that had been mistreating her people for far too long?

Charlotte knew that if she was right about being the only fairy godmother in Cincinnati, she had an enormous task ahead of her. She had to stand up to the powerful guild and expose their conspiracy. This meant her new quest with Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat was even more complex.

Not only did they have to solve all the little mysteries they’d come across, but they needed to complete this new quest before uncovering who was behind the Guild’s betrayal and their motives for framing and banishing their own to a world not ready for them.

I hope we find the secrets here that we need to keep going.

With her three companions by her side, she felt they had a solid chance of success. Still, she worried that the Guild’s deceit might reach even magical places like the one they currently found themselves in. She kept this fear to herself for now, knowing that worrying her friends wouldn’t help them succeed. In fact, the added stress may even cause them to buckle.

It was a risk she wasn’t ready to take. If any information made itself clear to her, she would share it when necessary. Until then, sharing her fears, ideas, or even conspiracy theories would only cause anxiety amongst her companions, and she wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Charlotte’s goal was clear. She needed to find out why they were here and how deep the Guild’s treachery went before telling her companions about the more dangerous parts of their mission.

As a fairy godmother, Charlotte’s job was to protect those she cared for, and she had come to care for Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat more than she had expected. They had become like family to her in the short time she’d been in Cincinnati, more so than anyone back in EverAfter.

Including her friends and colleagues in the guild.

Her journey in the form of banishment to a land where humans were unaware of magic had taught her an important lesson: blood doesn’t define family.

Family is anyone who stood by you, who shared in the ups and downs of life, and who loved and protected you, no matter what. And for Charlotte, Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat were definitely her family. She was sure they knew it, even if she hadn’t said it out loud.

But maybe I should…

As she walked, she sneaked a quick glance at Alex to see how he was feeling. He’d been through a lot in the last few weeks, mostly in just the previous thirty-six hours. Magic had always vexed him, but after being under the control of it, she worried he would wash his hands of everything altogether.

Watching him now as he traveled with their group, not only open to the idea of being on a quest but partly excited by it, she felt proud of him. He’d come so far. The Alex she met months ago might have laughed at the ridiculousness of going on an epic quest and told her to find another way. This Alex, however, stood strongly by her side. Regardless of how he seemed, she needed to evaluate him regularly. It was the best way to ensure his safety, both physical and mental.

They moved down a long, winding tunnel in a cave filled with enchantments, a path that seemed to stretch on more than expected. Alex stayed busy by examining the stone walls and the odd shadows that flickered around them, shadows he had mentioned before.

While she knew Alex understood how much he mattered to her, she wondered if he knew the way he mattered to her. The idea of sitting down to talk about their relationship raced through her mind. It could clear the air between them, which always helped. Though it could also backfire if she approached it the wrong way.

If the guild was as riddled with betrayal as she feared, they might have more time together than she’d first thought.

Summoning her courage, she was about to ask Alex what was on his mind when Sir Thomas’ voice interrupted from ahead. “Lady Charlotte, we’ve found something ahead that might be a problem.”

“What have you found?” Charlotte asked, her curiosity piqued as she and Alex picked up their speed.

As they made their way toward Sir Thomas and Cat, she found herself thinking it felt good to have a reliable partner like Alex by her side, ready to face any challenge. He was honest, brave, and selfless. He’d risked his own life to save hers that very day, a fact that wasn’t lost on her, but one she hadn’t yet had the time to sit and dwell on, thanks to the journey.

But as she caught up to their animal companions first, she suddenly wished Alex wasn’t so close. Her face fell as felt from that distance the magic in what Sir Thomas had found ahead. Her eyes widened as she realized this certainly was a problem, and it was a danger to Alex and Alex alone.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

A change in the tunnel’s light caught the fairy godmother’s eye. The golden glow from her orbs had previously filled the space, but as they moved closer and it bled into blue, she understood Sir Thomas’ hint about their discovery. It was something familiar, something that had once brought them confusion, sorrow, and later, a deep worry for their friend’s safety.

Please, let him make it through this unscathed.

Charlotte slowed and gently clasped Alex’s wrist, halting him with her concerned expression.

“What’s going on?” he asked, his eyes searching hers for answers.

Her anxiety rose as she considered the situation at hand. She gestured with her wand. “Do you see that light ahead?”

“I see lots of light, Charlotte,” he answered, his voice steady. “However, that doesn’t exactly seem like a problem. You seem worried, and I seriously doubt it’s over normal light. Well, normal magical light cast from your wand.” He closed his eyes and shook his head before opening them again. “So, what am I missing?”

“Further ahead, the light turns blue.” Her eyes bore into his, an edge of concern in her expression as shocked understanding finally seeped into his. “If you feel anything odd or see any changes, please tell me, okay?”

His eyes narrowed before they peered down the dimly lit tunnel and then back at her. “If that’s what I think it is, I take this very seriously. Of course, I’ll tell you if I feel anything strange.”

Charlotte nodded, letting go of his wrist. “Good.” She sighed heavily. “Okay. Just…come with me.”

She nodded at Alex again, and he studied her for a moment before gesturing wordlessly for her to lead the way. They walked down the tunnel, everyone opting for silence. Alex’s anxiety rose the closer they got. Not because he felt any different, but because of his fear that he might. Soon, the path curved gently to the left, and both animals stopped and waited.

Suddenly, blue light filled the tunnel, distinct from the golden glow of the orbs the fairy godmother had created. Sir Thomas stood with his back to the bend in the path, his rapier drawn and ready as he watched Charlotte and Alex approach. He scanned Alex up and down with a focused look, and Alex saw the worry there that Charlotte had told him she’d seen when he was lost.

“I assume that’s exactly what we think it is?” Charlotte asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Sir Thomas nodded. “I haven’t looked up close, but I believe it is. However, I’d recommend you see for yourself since you are the most powerful here and guaranteed to withstand the effects given your ability to hold the stones without issue.”

Charlotte gave a small nod and moved ahead slowly, passing Sir Thomas and Cat. Alex took a deep breath, braced himself, and walked right alongside her. While he was nervous to get close, he also didn’t want to be away from Charlotte—a powerful fairy godmother—if the worst happened.

When she got a clear view of the tunnel beyond the bend, she paused. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly and nodded. “Given what we know, it certainly has an unsettling feeling to it.”

“Unsettling, indeed, my lady,” the talking cat agreed.

Alex’s eyes went wide. “This is a large vein. You said your stone came from the mine, and we assumed mine came from there as well. Is this really the same thing?” He glanced over at Cat, who responded by lazily hanging his tongue out the side of his mouth.

“This is a vein of ore, but it certainly looks the same.” Charlotte stepped closer. “And it gives off a faint energy that feels the same. However, since this is a much larger source, the energy is greater.”

Alex frowned slightly. “It’s beautiful to look at, despite knowing what it’s capable of. It’s kind of mesmerizing.” He paused, then quickly looked over at Charlotte, who stared at him with wide-eyed concern. “I didn’t mean it that way. Everyone calm down. You all look like I’m about to stick my finger in a light socket. Relax.”

Charlotte shared a look with Sir Thomas, her expression serious. Her eyes remained hard when they returned to him, like she was studying him for any sudden change. “We’re not sure about the ore or how much magic it holds. The energy feels the same, but it’s possible it’s something entirely different. However, we can’t take that chance. You mentioned the mines. You’re partially correct. Sir Thomas, Cat, and I first came across it in the old subway tunnels under the city.”

“It was in the subway tunnels?” Alex asked.

She shook her head. “No, we started by exploring the subway tunnels,” she corrected. “Then we discovered an entrance leading to deeper tunnels, which brought us to the abandoned mines below the city. That’s where the dwarf, Damien, has been living since he came to Cincinnati. He’s been keeping a collection of EverAfter beings and creatures in cages down there.”

“He even has a griffin on a chain,” Sir Thomas supplied.

Alex’s eyes went wide. “Delightful.” He paused. “Griffins exist? I mean, I thought they were fantasy-based lore and not from fairy tales.”

“The speed at which you grasp this kind of information, Detective, is impressive,” Sir Thomas interjected.

Alex responded dryly, “That praise didn’t seem too heartfelt, buddy.”

The feline glanced at Alex and quirked a furry, tan brow. “It wasn’t meant to be.”

“Charming,” Alex snorted before turning back to the fairy godmother. “Okay, so you’ve encountered all this before. You had a single stone, then two when you discovered mine. They didn’t seem to bother you. However, if you were around more of it down there, was it harmful to you? Did it hinder you or affect your abilities in any way?”

Charlotte swallowed and attempted a smile as she shook her head. “The ore and stones didn’t really affect us much. Given we’re in a magical world, or at least a world with some magic in it, I don’t find this discovery to be strange or alarming. However, after what happened to you, I think it’s specifically harmful to humans. I don’t think it’s just you.”

She reached into her cloak and pulled out her hand far easier than she had when talking to Peter Pan. Now that her magic was working again in the cave, it was easier to retrieve what she had stored in her cloak’s magical pockets.

She opened her hand to show the stones to Alex as a sort of test. She wanted to see how much of an effect they had on him now before they headed down that tunnel. They glowed a beautiful bright blue in her palm.

“Forgive me, but I need to see if you’re affected in any way before we continue.”

The detective stared at the stones for a moment before he met her eyes. “Oh.”

Charlotte sighed softly. “I’m sorry, Alex.”

Sir Thomas couldn’t seem to help himself. “What a way to prove you aren’t one of the walking dead,” he mumbled, earning a sharp look from the fairy godmother. He shrugged, his furry palms raising out to his sides. “I just think that ‘oh’ is a bit underwhelming for a situation like this and doesn’t exactly support him being unaffected.”

She scowled at him, suddenly feeling defensive. “Do you expect him to have a perfect response ready for something this traumatizing?”

The cat’s mouth opened as if to speak, but Sir Thomas quickly closed it with a clack of his teeth and turned back to Alex. He stared at the detective expectantly.

“If you’re waiting for me to zone out and go damn near catatonic, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I feel fine. Well, aside from you riding my ass and giving me a hard time.”

Sir Thomas sniffed dismissively, then walked over to examine the glow along the tunnel wall, acting as if that was far more interesting than talking to Alex. The detective merely rolled his eyes and gave an exasperated head shake before turning back to the fairy godmother.

“I have to admit,” she eyed the rocks in her hand, “I never even considered running into anything like this when we entered the cave.”

Alex laughed softly. “You couldn’t have. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Look, I’m okay. At least for right now, and that’s all we know. Maybe it’ll affect me, maybe it won’t. However, if I were to wager a guess, I’d say the odds of the ore having any kind of effect on me would likely grow the longer we just loiter here.”

“True,” she agreed, putting the rocks away. “Plus, knowing about these stones from before will help us now. You’re right. Let’s keep going, but stay alert. If you get even the slightest tingle anywhere in your body, tell me.”

She turned and raised her wand higher, illuminating the blue-veined walls ahead more with its light. With a wave of the magical device, the floating orbs of light snapped back inside it with soft pops. The last and largest ball of light at the wand’s tip shrank and vanished. Now, the only light available was supplied by the faint glow from the ore.

Sir Thomas and Cat didn’t seem to mind less light. Alex, however, felt uneasy. He tried to focus on the fairy godmother as she prepared to guide them further into the magical cave.

Sir Thomas stopped and admired the walls. “I think this tunnel might have more ore than the ones under Cincinnati.”

“It’s possible,” Charlotte mused. “But let’s stay sharp. We can’t be sure what we’re dealing with until we’re through. Just because it looks and feels the same doesn’t mean it is the same. So watch your step, keep your eyes peeled, and speak up if anything catches your attention.” She glanced at Alex, her voice softer. “And I’m sorry, Alex, but I can’t stress this enough. If you feel anything strange or even just suspect the ore is affecting you, tell me right away.”

He nodded before reaching out to squeeze her shoulder. “I promise.”

She offered him a smile before turning and following behind Cat and Sir Thomas.

Although Alex’s promise was encouraging, Charlotte still felt uneasy. She wondered if Alex would even recognize any changes in his behavior or feelings because of the stone’s influence. Back in the apartment, when they’d first realized what was happening, he seemed to zone out with no awareness at all. Charlotte wasn’t sure he’d be able to tell the difference between the stone’s effects and his own natural reactions.

I’ll have to pay close attention to him. I won’t let him get hurt again.

She reassured herself it was possible the glowing material in these tunnel walls might be something completely different from the magical elements in the stones hidden in Charlotte’s cloak. Normally, she wouldn’t risk Alex’s wellbeing in such a way. However, they had already entered the cave and accepted the quest given to them by destiny and magic in a place that was neither EverAfter nor Cincinnati.

They couldn’t back out now.

She was determined to keep their group together for the entire quest, ready to do anything to ensure Alex continued with them. Leaving him behind wasn’t an option, even if he wanted to stay back where it was safe. Well, safer.

Magic was back in full force in this mysterious place, and unlike the unpredictable results she faced in Cincinnati, with this power, the fairy godmother could compel Alex to move forward if necessary. She hoped she wouldn’t have to do that. Forcing him could damage their relationship, and gaining back his trust and forgiveness would be no simple task. Luckily, such measures seemed unnecessary for the time being.

As they ventured deeper into the cave, Alex glanced back at Charlotte, Sir Thomas, and Cat. “Coming or not?” he called out.

It was then that Charlotte realized her thoughts and consumed her so deeply that she’d paused, drawing the attention of Cat and Sir Thomas as they came to check on her.

She forced a smile. “Of course, Detective.” Looking down, she reassured Sir Thomas with a glance. “I’m okay. I just got lost in my head for a minute.”

Alex laughed, but it was weak. “It seems to me that I’m the only one not freaking out right now, and I’m the one at risk. I said it before, and I’ll say it again. Everyone calm down. I’m fine. However, I’m man enough to admit that I may not be for long if we continue to linger around here all damn day.”

“You’re right. I apologize,” Charlotte offered.

Sir Thomas approached Alex with a frown, looking up at the human. “Don’t be so quick to rush ahead. Remember the vow. You can’t protect what isn’t around you. It’s a very important and serious⁠—“

Alex held up a hand. “Got it, Sir Thomas. I understood the whole vow thing earlier. Thanks.” He looked at Charlotte again, and his expression softened as he nodded. “I’ll be fine. Trust me.”

“I know you will be, Alex,” Charlotte said. She pointed down the blue-lit tunnel before them and gave a small nod. “This first test seems like it’s meant for you to lead. So, shall we?”

He rolled his eyes and faced the path ahead. “Oh, yay. When you put it like that…” he mumbled. In this place, his companions could hear everything, even whispers. “Okay, everyone, let’s go. We need to see what’s waiting for us on the other side.”

“Right behind you,” Charlotte answered.

“As am I,” Sir Thomas chimed in, quickly positioning himself between their new leader and the fairy godmother at the back. “Let’s get one thing straight, Detective. Leading the way is a big deal. You’re not just in charge; you’re also the one who scouts ahead, delivers messages, and protects us from whatever’s coming. There are lots of little things within those roles you need to get right. If you don’t, we might all end up in trouble before we even have the chance to enjoy the rewards of our journey. For example…”

As Sir Thomas went on about the many ways a leader could let their team down—and a few tips on doing a better job—Alex simply ignored him and pressed on. He knew the cat meant well. After all, he was in their territory now. He’d always asked them to follow his lead in the human world, so now it was his turn to listen to them.

However, he tried to take anything Sir Thomas said with a grain of salt, since he peppered most of his well-meaning advice with insults and sarcasm.

Charlotte found it easy to ignore Sir Thomas’ lecture, focusing instead on the magic surrounding them. She stayed alert for any signs of danger or unexpected discoveries in the winding tunnels. She knew all too well how even harmless-looking places could hide real dangers.

She mused that if Alex hadn’t had such a horrible experience with the blue stone, they might not be as cautious as they were now. The adventure was just starting, and already she felt they were better prepared for whatever might come their way, all because of Alex’s unique perspective as a human among them.

Charlotte almost chuckled at the thought, but her attention shifted when she heard Alex’s laughter ahead, cutting through Sir Thomas’ ongoing talk about leading an adventure group.

“You think that’s amusing, do you, Detective?” Sir Thomas scolded.

“More entertaining than funny,” Alex replied, keeping his tone light. “I’m always impressed by how much you know, Sir Thomas. I’m even more impressed by how much you want everyone else to know how much you know. It’s rare to hear someone share so much about a topic no one asked about.”

Sir Thomas’ voice revealed a touch of irritation as he responded. “No one has asked me to stop. So, I’ll keep sharing all the important information I deem necessary, which you should listen to carefully. You might need what I know one day, and I won’t always be here to help. Now, as I was saying…”

While Sir Thomas went on, Alex glanced back at Charlotte. He raised an eyebrow and shrugged slightly, a gesture that went unnoticed by Sir Thomas and Cat.

She smiled in return and glanced at Sir Thomas before turning her attention back to Alex. She signaled with a shooing motion for Alex to stay focused. Heaven forbid the cat caught on to his wandering attention.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

As Charlotte and her friends journeyed deeper into the tunnel, the walls continued to give off an electric blue glow. She felt an ever-growing trust in their ability to overcome the challenges ahead.

The fairy godmother had been worried because of Alex’s previous experience with the glowing blue stone, but he showed no such trouble now walking along the ore. This gave her hope that maybe the glowing rocks in this tunnel weren’t related to those they’d found before. She suspected that if they were, he should have felt some effect by now, especially since this place was filled with so much more.

Charlotte then considered another possibility: that the eerie glow might not be negatively magical at all. Perhaps the tunnel was just a trick of their quest that was designed to shake their confidence. More of an illusion than a genuine problem. They had to stay united and trust in each other’s strengths to succeed, especially since their mission was vital for the safety of their worlds.

Her trust in her team only grew as they navigated the twisting tunnels. She allowed herself a rare moment of comfort, confident that the maze would eventually lead to new challenges in the next part of the quest.

Familiar with the essence of magical quests, she was certain the challenges ahead promised to be tougher than the fear of Alex losing his sense of self, a fear that now seemed minor in the grand scheme of their adventure.

Surprisingly, Charlotte began to relax, something she seldom did, especially with so much on the line. However, the past two months of constant companionship with Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat had sharpened her instincts. She couldn’t ignore the feeling that everything would turn out fine in the end. The fairy godmother trusted those instincts as a sign that they were on the right path.

After twenty minutes into their journey through the blue ore-lined tunnels, Cat suddenly darted ahead with an excited yip. Sir Thomas, who had been sharing important details with Detective Taylor, was quite upset by the interruption.

Waving his rapier, he lectured Cat on manners. “Cat! I’ve told you many times that it’s rude to ignore someone’s conversation, especially when they’re sharing vital information!”

However, Cat paid him no mind and continued to sniff around, drawn to the glowing blue veins like those they’d found in Cincinnati’s mines.

“Oh, no. Cat! Don’t you do it! We can’t have this problem again!” Sir Thomas called out, but it was too late. Cat had already licked the blue ore with delight.

Exasperated, Sir Thomas turned to Charlotte and gestured broadly. “Do you see something I don’t, my lady? Is it possible he is affected? Is that why he’s so drawn to it? Because I don’t understand why he must taste everything that catches his eye, especially that.”

Charlotte tried to hide her amusement and replied with a light shrug. “No, I don’t think he’s affected. He’s acting quite normal for a dog. In fact, I assume Cat’s former cat-like traits are buried deep, given his current form. And honestly, even if I could change him back, I doubt I would. He seems quite content as a dog, just as he has been throughout our journey.”

“And you assume I think that’s the only way to stop this behavior?” Sir Thomas asked. He didn’t wait for an answer before he threw his paws in the air and then let them fall with a thud against his sides. “Okay, fine. It seems I have no choice but to keep repeating myself and pleading with him, since no one else seems to care.”

Sir Thomas watched as Cat moved ahead in the tunnel. The dog would sometimes stop and repeatedly lick the wall while waiting for everyone else. Sir Thomas followed, muttering under his breath. Charlotte waited until he was far enough away before she let out a laugh.

“It’s comical how frustrated Sir Thomas gets with Cat, considering how close they are,” she mused. “I suppose it’s hard to get used to, especially since Cat was an actual cat not long before they met. I wonder if—Alex?” Charlotte’s smile faded when she saw the blank look on the detective’s face as he gazed ahead. She touched his shoulder gently, her brows furrowing in concern. “Alex, are you okay?”

“Hmm?” Alex blinked, looked at Charlotte, and then frowned before surveying the area again. He shook his head. “Yes, I’m fine.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, dread rising as she worried the worst was happening. “You say yes, but you shook your head no. You see that, right? You told me that’s what people do in interrogations when they lie. The body tells the truth even if the mouth tells a lie.”

Alex stopped and ran a hand through his hair, giving a small laugh. “You pay a lot closer attention to what I say than I thought. I’m sorry about that. I see how you might have seen that and thought it was strange. I promise, I’m okay.”

“Okay…” She eyed him for a moment. “In that case, what was that about?”

“I think it was just a bit of déjà vu. Something felt familiar, and I was trying to remember why.”

“It might be the ore,” Charlotte suggested, lifting her eyebrows as she watched him closely for signs the man she knew might be drifting away again.

“Oh, no. That’s not it. I’m sure of it. I haven’t lost any time, zoning out in one place and coming to in another. I don’t feel strange at all outside this feeling of déjà vu, which is definitely different from how the stone made me feel before. It’s just this strange sensation, you know? I feel like I’ve been in a tunnel like this before. But that’s impossible, right?” He shook his head. “Of course it is. Where the hell would I have found a tunnel like this? Ugh. I’m going to stop thinking about it. Thanks for calling out my behavior, though. Better safe than sorry.”

She looked at him a bit longer before her eyes moved to Sir Thomas and Cat, who had neared a curve in the glowing blue tunnel. “Déjà vu is one thing, and snapping you out of it is something else. I don’t want to diminish your confidence in your ability to know what you’re feeling and differentiate things. Still, I wouldn’t dismiss it entirely. In a place like this, with the mission we’re on, everything could mean something⁠—“

“Anything and everything, right? I get it. I’ll keep focused, promise. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

“I’m cautious more than worried,” Charlotte said with a hint of a smile before turning to continue down the tunnel. Alex quickly caught up, matching her pace as they walked together. She sighed. “Let’s hope it was just déjà vu and that these blue stones differ from whatever is lining these walls. And, of course, please let me know if you feel that way again, okay?”

“Will do. Definitely,” he agreed.

As they progressed, Alex paused once more, a similar look crossing his face as he stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. This time, however, Charlotte didn’t need to pull him back to reality. The detective managed it himself, then tried to play it off with a chuckle and a shake of his head before hurrying to catch up with Charlotte again.

“This place is full of… I’m not sure. Emotions? Memories? Thoughts? None of those words seem quite right, but…” He trailed off with a sigh. “I don’t know. Maybe I am losing it.”

“I wouldn’t dismiss that just yet,” Charlotte remarked. “Places like this kind of have a mind of their own, if you buy into that idea. It’s the magic.”

Alex remained quiet, thinking over her response as they took another turn in the tunnel. Cat and Sir Thomas were still visible ahead, their fur catching the strange blue light.

“I’m not sure I quite understand. You mean to say these tunnels have thoughts and feelings?” he asked.

“Not exactly the tunnels specifically,” Charlotte clarified. “It’s about the whole place. The enchanted spot in the forest where we entered, the cave and everything in it, and the area surrounding it. Think of it as a single, living thing. It almost has a soul, an awareness of anyone that interacts with it. What you’re feeling here might be the cave trying to tell us something. Well, tell you.”

Alex walked in silence for a bit. “I’m not sure if that’s comforting or terrifying.”

She shrugged. “Maybe it’s not about how you feel, Detective.” Charlotte gave a half-smile. “Just see things for what they are. However, if you have any clear visions, hear things, or feel temperature changes, tell me right away, okay?”

“Why?” Alex asked, his eyes wide with curiosity as he glanced at her.

“If you’re experiencing all that, we should keep our eyes and ears open and take it as a warning.”

Sir Thomas glanced back at the lagging pair. Cat gave a playful howl, only to be silenced by Sir Thomas’ swift shushing.

The fairy godmother comforted Alex with a reassuring pat. “Hey, think of it this way… We’re unlikely to encounter anything super creepy like you might imagine from your world, ghosts or spirits, for instance. You mentioned once you’re terrified of them, so you can put that out of your worries, at least. Our goal doesn’t involve the supernatural, so I doubt we’ll meet anything of the sort here.”

“There’s still a chance, though?” he joked, amusement lacing his voice, though he worried about the real things they might run into.

“There’s always a chance.” She winked. “Seriously, though... Don’t stress over it. Everything will be okay.”

Alex nodded, trying his best to appear at ease. However, he felt far from reassured. Charlotte was right. The notion of encountering ghosts unsettled him deeply, so he was glad to mark that off his list of concerns in this strange, magical place brimming with unknowns.

Still, that didn’t stop his overall worry about what they might actually face. Centaurs, trolls, and other things didn’t frighten him as much as one would expect. Possibly because of all the things he’d seen in his time working with the magical trio. What did rattle him was his irrational fear of monsters.

Like giant spiders the size of buses, ready to spear him through the chest. Giants who wouldn’t hesitate to squash him under foot, when no one could do a damn thing about it. He had countless examples his mind had conjured in his terrifying dreams that he’d never described to Charlotte.

And he never would if he had anything to say about it.

As they made their way through the tunnel, Charlotte continued to remind him to talk about his discoveries, and he knew she took him seriously. She valued his thoughts and experiences. She always had, even before they started working together. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to tell her about his deep-rooted, illogical fear.

If he were being honest, it was a fear that had haunted him since childhood, but it became real the moment he realized other worlds existed, as well as magic.

And, of course…

Monsters.

He wasn’t ready to face that conversation, not with her or anyone else. His fear of ghosts paled in comparison to the one he fought nightly in his sleep. The overwhelming worry he wouldn’t be able to fight whatever they faced because it was impervious to human weapons, and he would be rendered useless. Forced to watch everyone he cared about die because of his lack of ability.

It seemed unlikely he would ever broach the subject unless a monster confronted them, impossible to ignore and right in their path.

Stop drowning in all these ‘what-if’ scenarios. It’ll only sidetrack you more, and this tunnel is no place for distractions. Keep your focus sharp and don’t zone out like you can’t handle it here. Everyone is counting on you to get through this.

From then on, their walk through the tunnel was about staying on track and not letting doubts and worries about their mission consume them. They had to be alert to everything, watching for clues that might shed light on their quest or the ultimate goal.

They were determined to protect the unsuspecting people of EverAfter, and even the clueless humans in Cincinnati. Those humans had no idea that another world existed or that powerful beings from another world were framing magical beings and sending them through a portal to Cincinnati, which kept swelling with misplaced EverAfteran residents.

The EverAfterans didn’t want to be stuck in a world without magic, where they had to hide who they truly were. All Alex and his group could do was stay focused and work hard to get from one hurdle to the next. He had faith that eventually, they would figure everything out.

Before long, the end of the winding tunnel came into sight. Now leading the way, Cat gave a sharp bark to get everyone’s attention. Sir Thomas was quick to update everyone, his voice full of excitement.

“There it is, my lady!” he called out, pointing with his rapier toward the end of the tunnel. “We’ve conquered our first challenge, though to call these tunnels a challenge might be overstating it. It was quite anti-climactic, though I suppose it’s good news since that means the detective didn’t lose it again.”

“Sir Thomas!” Charlotte scolded, and the cat sighed.

“Forgive me, my lady.”

Charlotte sighed as she followed her companions to the front. That cat had been positively rotten lately where the detective was concerned.

“See?” Charlotte said to Alex with a playful look, pointing ahead. “That wasn’t so bad. I’m almost disappointed no swords with your name fell from the ceiling, but maybe that’s waiting for us in the next part.”

Alex just shook his head. “Of course, there’s a next part. How could there not be?”

“Cheer up,” she said with a smirk and patting his arm lightly. “Whether you realize it or not, you like being on this magical quest, and it shows. This is just the start. Sometimes, pushing through when the start is underwhelming or even downright dull is another kind of test.”

“I don’t know about all that. Me? Enjoying a quest?” He let out a pfft noise as he waved a dismissive hand, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “That doesn’t sound like me at all. I’m the grumpy one when it comes to magic, remember?”

Charlotte chuckled and bumped her shoulder against his, rolling her eyes in jest. “I think you still need a bit of an attitude adjustment.”

“Oh, I have a feeling that’s exactly what this journey has in store for me,” he said. “But we won’t know for sure until we get there.”

They reached the end of the tunnels much sooner than expected. There, Charlotte and Sir Thomas caught up with Cat. At the end of the tunnel was another, though this one wasn’t filled with the same magical energy as the last. Charlotte felt relieved. Perhaps they’d make it through this unscathed, after all.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Just before they continued into the next part of their journey, Charlotte lifted her wand once again, twisting and then flicking it to call upon the orbs of light once again. Without the blue glow on the walls, they would soon be plunged into darkness.

As soon as the orbs formed, Alex audibly gasped and stumbled backward, his back hitting the cavern wall with a thud.

The small balls of light had only barely left the tip of her wand, rushing forward to light the path, and Charlotte quickly turned with wide eyes to check on Alex.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” she rushed out.

He stared at her with his eyes wide and his mouth slack. There was a look of wonder and curiosity in his expression, but he seemed to be at a loss for words.

“Alex.” She said his name quieter, her voice much calmer and steadier. She took a step closer to him. “What is it? I can’t tell if you’re terrified of something, sick, being hit with a wave of something after clearing the tunnel, or something else. Please, talk to me.”

As she got closer, Alex’s mouth closed some as his brows furrowed. She watched his eyes wander up and over her, and it sent a fluttering sensation through her stomach. While she loved his eyes on her, at present, she couldn’t tell what the emotion was behind his gaze. He stared at her with what looked like complete shock while whatever it was holding him hostage rendered him unable to speak.

“You,” he finally said, giving her a bit of hope that he was okay when she heard her earlier assumption of wonder and curiosity reflected there as well. He leaned to the side a bit, his eyes raking over her again.

No…not over me… Around me.

“What is it?” Charlotte spun to check out the cavern, thinking something might be behind her, then turned back to Alex. “You’re freaking me out. Would you just speak?”

“You have wings.” His voice was barely above a whisper, and realization struck her as she now took in the twinkling reflected in his eyes. “They’re…beautiful.”

She paused. Now that she knew what his problem was, she reevaluated him. The look of wonder and curiosity in his expression, the same emotions reflected in his voice.

He called them beautiful.

A blush heated her cheeks as she watched him stare, and she risked opening them slightly, the heat in her cheek spreading down her neck to flush her chest as nervousness flooded through her. She felt grateful he wouldn’t be able to see that in the low light. All she cared about right then was how he looked at her.

Charlotte gave Alex a knowing smile. “I didn’t expect that to be your reaction, Detective.”

“You have wings.” His voice was a bit stronger now, but still barely above a whisper. Alex glanced at Sir Thomas and Cat before turning back to look at the fairy godmother again. “Why aren’t you as stunned as I am? They’re incredible. She looks like a⁠—“

“Like a fairy godmother, maybe?” Sir Thomas said sarcastically, with a playful grin. “Well, that’s something. Wings on a fairy godmother? Who would’ve thought we’d see something so extraordinary? Especially after she told you she had them not long ago. Truly, I think this just may be the most shocking thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Sir Thomas, let’s not,” Charlotte scolded the troublemaking cat.

Charlotte glanced back to see her wings catching the blue light from the end of the last tunnel. She had two pairs of them that shimmered as they stretched impressively down the length of her back.

“I must admit, this wasn’t part of my plan,” she chuckled, before turning to Alex. “You don’t need to look so shocked, though. As Sir Thomas said, we have discussed me having them before. You asked, and I told you about them. I just couldn’t show them because of the lack of magic in Cincinnati. Not to mention, if I could have, they likely would have been quite the spectacle. Not to mention, moving around in tight spaces is a bit of a challenge, so imagine me walking around in the apartment with these things.” She fluttered them just the tiniest bit for emphasis. “I would have bumped into everything.”

Alex smiled. “Talking about something and seeing it for yourself is something entirely different. They’re much more than I expected, though I suppose any wings—feathered, butterfly, or those—would have resulted in the same reaction since I didn’t exactly expect them to show up at random.” He paused, his eyes moving over them again. “They really are beautiful.”

Charlotte felt heat rise in her cheeks again at his comment, as well as the wonder in his expression and voice. To distract herself from it, she stretched, moving her neck and shoulders before fluttering her wings a little. The delicate wings reflected the blue light throughout the cavern, creating a dance of color on the ground and casting speckled hues onto Alex’s face.

“Thank you,” she replied nervously. She smiled and then cleared her throat. “However, I should probably put them away again. It isn’t like we have much room in these tunnels, and they could prove to be quite an issue.”

She lifted her wand and cast a simple spell she knew well, but it failed. The happiness and excitement she’d felt from having her magic again rushed out of her on a sigh. Realizing her wand might be useless now, she placed it back in her cloak.

At least the lights are working.

“Unfortunately, now it seems I can’t hide them at all. My magic is being wonky again.”

Alex’s brows furrowed. “I’m sorry about your magic, but don’t be upset you can’t hide them. I hope I didn’t make you feel self-conscious. If I did, I’m sorry. I just…wasn’t expecting it is all.”

She gave him a forced smile. She appreciated his apology, but the disappointment she felt over her wings overshadowed it. “Thank you. You didn’t. It felt nice to see you look at me that way. Them!” she corrected quickly. “For you to look at them that way. That you liked them. It’s just… It also felt nice to have my magic back, and I think it may be gone again. You don’t need to apologize. You did nothing wrong, and I understand your shock since you didn’t expect to see them and likely even forgot about them since we discussed them.”

She swallowed hard, embarrassment creeping in after she accidentally admitted to enjoying him looking at her in such a way.

Sir Thomas reached out and touched her hand with a gentle paw. “Your wings are magnificent, my lady. If it were my choice, I’d say you should show them off as proudly as the rest of your remarkable traits. Though I’m sorry your magic has eluded you once again.”

Beside him, Cat barked and wagged his tail before getting distracted by a scent. Sir Thomas gave the dog a look. “And despite his distractions, Cat agrees with the important bits,” he said.

“Thank you, Sir Thomas,” Charlotte said with an amused smile.

When she looked back at Alex, she noticed him staring again, but something seemed different. Sir Thomas coughed loudly, trying to snap Alex out of his apparent shock. When that didn’t work, he coughed again, even louder, and punched Alex’s leg with his paw.

“Say something, man! Lady Charlotte deserves respect.”

“Charlotte…” Alex’s eyes fluttered as they struggled to remain open, his gaze fixed on her face. A mix of recognition and fear swept over him. “Something feels off.”

Sir Thomas, clearly annoyed, folded his arms. “That’s probably because you’ve embarrassed yourself for the past few minutes.”

“It’s not—“ Alex tried to interrupt, but his words cut off as his eyes rolled back. All Charlotte saw were the whites, now tinged blue in the dim light of the cave.

“Alex!” Charlotte rushed to his side, sensing this was no ordinary shock or fatigue. His knees gave way, and he slumped against the cavern wall. Unable to stay upright, he fell with a thud, his head striking the wall with an alarming crack. His eyes continued to roll back as his body trembled.

Is he having a seizure? she wondered.

“Alex, hold on!”

Charlotte knelt beside him, gripping his shoulders firmly and pulling him from the wall to lay him flat on the ground. She focused on the magical energy filling the cave, hoping to harness it to help him.

This was far more serious than his episode the day before. “Alex, can you hear me? Talk to me. Stay with me. Let me know you can hear my voice⁠—“

“Charlotte?” Sir Thomas started, worry etching the tone of his voice.

“Not now,” she replied, voice steady and focused. She needed to act fast, drawing on her wisdom as a fairy godmother to save her friend. After several tense seconds with no improvement, Charlotte’s patience frayed. “This isn’t working! The magic here isn’t enough. It’s faded between the two tunnels. Just keep him still, please?”

Sir Thomas looked from her to Cat, who seemed more interested in the cavern’s smells than Alex’s distress. With a reluctant huff, the cat moved closer to Alex, who lay trembling on the floor. Sir Thomas kicked off his boots and stood on Alex’s chest, using his paws to steady Alex’s shoulders. He fixed his eyes on the detective’s pained expression.

“Lady Charlotte, do you know what’s wrong with him?” he asked.

“I’m not sure,” she admitted, rummaging through her cloak for her wand. “Dammit! I had enough magic for a simple light spell, but when hiding my wings failed, I put the wand away, and now the cloak isn’t functioning properly either.”

Finally, Charlotte swiftly drew her wand from her cloak and stepped back, pointing it directly at Alex. “Thomas, please hold him still,” she requested.

“Of course, my lady,” Thomas replied, his gaze lifting toward her.

Before his eyes fully met hers, a brilliant white light shot out from her wand and sped toward Alex. It wrapped around him in a thick blanket of magic, shimmering and flowing as if he’d been bathed in a radiant light from head to toe.

Sir Thomas let go of Alex’s shoulders and retreated a few steps, his eyes wide in awe as he watched Charlotte work her magic.

Charlotte focused, pouring all her hope into the spell. She knew it was a long shot, but it was the only thing she could think of to help Alex when she didn’t know the cause of his ailment.

The light cocooning Alex worked like a charm; his shaking ceased. He relaxed against the tunnel floor, settling as smoothly as if he were sinking into a soft bed. Charlotte and Sir Thomas held their breath, waiting for any sign of improvement.

“Come on, Alex,” Charlotte whispered encouragingly. “Keep holding on. We’ll find a way through this together.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The wait for Alex to wake up seemed endless. Just as Charlotte was about to consider a new plan, a bright light enveloped Alex, breaking apart like a shattered shell, and his eyes slowly opened.

“Thank goodness,” Charlotte said, sighing in relief.

Tears threatened to fill her eyes, but she fought them back as she moved closer to him. She knelt rather than hug him, which was the first thing she’d wanted to do.

Alex slowly pushed himself up to a seated position, leaning against the wall of the cavern. He blinked several times until he saw Charlotte clearly. “Why am I on the ground?” he asked.

“You passed out,” Sir Thomas said simply. “It was unexpected after you made it through the tunnel, but being human, you might have reached your limit with the magic in the walls. Or perhaps you just simply passed out. Maybe, Lady Charlotte⁠—“

“No, Sir Thomas. Not this time, but thank you,” she cut in, her eyes locked on Alex’s. “How do you feel?”

Alex looked around the cavern, then back at her. “Confused, I guess. What happened?”

“I don’t know, but it might be from the blue ore we passed, or because, as Sir Thomas said, you just fainted in a normal, human way.”

His brows furrowed. “Why would I faint?”

“Well, you seemed pretty shocked by my wings.”

“Charlotte,” Alex said, his voice held a sense of wonder that sounded completely different from the alarmed way he spoke before passing out. She met his gaze, her eyes wide and full of expectation, totally unready for the smile that spread across his face. “You have wings. They’re incredible and beautiful. They just surprised me because I didn’t expect them to show at random, and yes, I think I’d forgotten our earlier conversation about them.”

Even with the urgency that had driven her, the worry that her powers might not be enough to snap the detective out of his state, Charlotte couldn’t stop a genuine smile from spreading. She rose to her feet and reached out to help Alex up from the ground.

“Yes, I have wings, and I’m pleased to see you’re quite taken with them.”

Alex continued to smile, his eyes darting between her wings and her face. “How could I not be? They’re stunning—and huge. I think part of me wondered if you were kidding. Since your magic is random in my world, you seem as human as I am most times. Hell, even Sir Thomas seems more human to me than he does animal. And while I always think you’re special…I guess it was easy to forget just how special you are. I’m sorry.”

Alex calling her special made her breath catch for a moment. Clearing her throat, she smiled and gave a small nod. “I can understand that. Thank you.”

“So, you just hide them all the time?” he asked. “Is it uncomfortable? Like…are they still there, but they’re invisible? How does it work?”

“There are spells to hide them,” Charlotte said with a knowing grin. “Spells that make them less noticeable, both to the eye and to the touch. It isn’t the same as them being gone, so it isn’t physically uncomfortable, but it’s sort of like⁠—“

“Like undercover police work,” he chimed in, understanding. “You blend in more. You do it to put others at ease, to make them comfortable, also to hide magic from my world, but it doesn’t change who you are.”

Charlotte stared at him, then quickly closed her mouth, knowing it wasn’t a good look. “Yes, that’s a fair comparison. I’m sorry for the shock of seeing them for the first time.”

“You don’t have to apologize.” Alex brushed off his jeans and stepped closer, taking her unoccupied hand. He lifted it, cradling it. “There’s nothing you could reveal that would change how I think or feel about you. I’m glad I finally got to see them. It let me see even more beauty in you.”

Charlotte found herself briefly looking at his lips, which was surely not the right thing to do at this moment, especially during their quest and in the presence of others. And why was she even thinking about being alone with him? Looking at his lips now didn’t feel so wrong.

Sir Thomas cleared his throat, capturing everyone’s attention. “I understand there might be unresolved matters between you two, but we have a quest to focus on. It’s best we continue without delay. Especially after what happened to the Detective, since we still don’t know what actually happened.”

Charlotte held Alex’s gaze for a moment longer before gently placing her hand over his, her wand still in her grasp. It was a bad idea to put it away after such a narrow escape.

In unison, Charlotte and Alex let go, exchanged smiles, and snuck glances at each other. Alex then turned to Sir Thomas with a nod. “You’re right, Sir Thomas. We should get out of here quickly, before anything else happens.”

“Indeed,” Sir Thomas replied, eyeing Alex skeptically, but offering no further comment.

“Though I must say,” Alex added, “I’m feeling a lot better now.”

He didn’t know what happened, but it sounded like he didn’t succumb to the effects of the ore in the way he had before. That gave him hope on some level that he would be okay. Though, if that were the case, it also meant he might have passed out naturally, which might mean seeing Charlotte’s wings had truly shocked him or that he’d randomly developed some kind of health issue.

Either way, he was grateful that he felt better and could continue with the group on their mutual journey.

“Perfect,” Charlotte said, nodding. “I’m with you. It’s time to move on, so let’s proceed.”

She faced the vast expanse of the cavern that lay before them, its depths hidden in shadow once again after using her wand to help Alex and canceling out the other spell. The fairy godmother sent a wave of her wand that way, and a large globe of light burst forth, breaking into three and racing across the cavern and soaring upwards before pausing to float about thirty feet above them. This new light bathed the cavern, though the ceiling was still lost in darkness.

Charlotte watched the orbs of light and the shadows dancing around them. Even Cat stopped his close examination of the stone floor to gaze at the spectacle and consider what Charlotte’s own magic might bring to their journey.

Alex let out a soft whistle. “This cavern is huge, isn’t it? It’s much larger than the other. I wonder what magical traps await us in this one.”

Sir Thomas sighed. “Detective, it’s good to see you’re finally starting to grasp what Charlotte and I have been saying. It seems a pair of stunning wings is what it took and not all the other magic or talking animals that did it for you.”

“Enough,” Charlotte scolded. “Sir Thomas, please lead the way. The light will follow where you go. We’re right behind you.”

“Of course,” he replied softly. With a wave, he caught Cat’s gaze, and the two companions set off toward the heart of the cavern.

Charlotte and Alex shared a moment of privacy, exchanging knowing smiles. She took the first step, and then another as Alex matched her pace.

“I’m so relieved and truly grateful that you’re better. From now on, let’s avoid glowing blue minerals—be they metal ore or tiny guiding stones.”

“Agreed,” Alex said with a nervous laugh. “I appreciate your help, Charlotte. Without you, I’d likely find myself in trouble I couldn’t escape.”

“I’ve been thinking the same,” she admitted, and they both chuckled.

Then, with a touch of formality, Alex offered his elbow. “Lady Charlotte,” he mimicked Sir Thomas, “shall we continue together?”

Charlotte played along. “Indeed, Detective. That would be most reassuring.”

From ahead, Sir Thomas called out. “Hurry up, you two! We’ve found something. Cat thinks it’s a statue. We should move quickly while we can.”

Charlotte sighed before calling back, “We’re right behind you. Don’t wait for us.”

“Charlotte,” Alex whispered, his voice barely audible. “There’s something I need to⁠—“

“Wait a second,” she interrupted, her eyes fixed on the shadows ahead. “Let’s not get interrupted again. I really want to hear what you have to say, but with everything going on in here, we can’t risk staying in one place long enough to really talk, and I want to give you the full attention you deserve. Is that okay?”

Charlotte wanted to link arms with Alex, to show unity as they navigated the cave’s challenges. However, when she reached out, her hand found only empty space.

Alex gasped, “I can’t…”

She turned to find Alex collapsing beside her. “Alex!”

His body met the ground with a soft thud. Charlotte winced, grateful at least that his head hadn’t struck the stone this time, but he was out cold. He didn’t shake or stare blankly like before. Instead, he just lay motionless.

“Sir Thomas!” Charlotte called out, her voice echoing off the cavern walls. “We underestimated the danger here.”

She wondered if she’d misunderstood him. She thought at first that he’d wanted to tell her something private, something personal. Now, she wasn’t so sure. She’d stopped him before he could get to the heart of whatever it was he wanted to say.

From across the cave, Sir Thomas’ annoyed sigh reached her before his voice boomed, “What now?”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Despite their best efforts, Alex remained unresponsive on the cavern floor. Both Charlotte and Sir Thomas had tried every trick and spell the fairy godmother knew, but none worked. The only sign that Alex was still with them was the slow and steady breathing they noticed once they turned him onto his back.

Even the strongest healing spells at her disposal did little more than distract from the hard reality Charlotte didn’t want to face. Detective Taylor was out cold, showing no signs of waking up anytime soon. They could do nothing but wait for the magic that had brought them on this quest to decide when Alex would wake up.

After casting the last spell in her book twice, Charlotte sighed deeply, her arms falling to her sides. She then knelt beside Alex, her head bowed. “I can’t believe I let this happen. He was fine just moments ago, joking and smiling at me. I got distracted when I should have been more careful. I should have listened when he tried to tell me something. My selfishness got in the way.”

That last part she said more to herself than anyone else, and Sir Thomas was kind enough not to call attention to it.

“Do you regret bringing a human along, my lady?” Sir Thomas asked, without even a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Despite the feline’s sincerity, Charlotte looked up to meet his gaze, her brows furrowing as she took offense. “Not at all, and you know that,” she replied.

“My apologies, Lady Charlotte,” he offered. “I meant no offense. While I cherish our human companion, it’s rather frustrating to have so many delays when we haven’t even started our quest. I prefer action, and this inactivity bothers me. Danger could lurk around any of these turns, and we quite literally have a man down. This weakens us.”

“Believe me, I understand what you’re trying to say, but he is not a weakness,” Charlotte responded sternly. “If there were a way to wake him, I would. For now, we’ll wait. Who knows what will happen next? I doubt anything exciting will happen for Alex in the coming hours, but if I use magic to carry him along with us, we could run into trouble.”

“You expect him to be out for that long?” Sir Thomas asked.

Charlotte shook her head, her expression troubled. “I don’t know. I should have been more attentive. I should have found a way to protect Alex better from the energy of the ore in the tunnels. I knew it was affecting him, even though he insisted he was fine and that his wandering thoughts weren’t related. I wanted to believe him, thinking I should respect him and his ability to know his limits, but I still should’ve been cautious. Now he’s unconscious, and our group is weaker.”

Her frown deepened, and she thumped her fist against her thigh. “It doesn’t make any sense! Alex is supposed to be with us on this sacred quest. He was chosen, just like each of us, in the clearing outside this cave. If he wasn’t supposed to be here, the storm, the earthquake, or the other dangers we’ve faced would have stopped him. I can feel it. He’s supposed to be here, so why was he struck down, just as we start? It serves no purpose.”

“I suspect we’ll find out the reason soon enough,” Sir Thomas offered, edging closer to Charlotte with a nod of his head. “Maybe the lesson is to steer clear of caves and tunnels to avoid such sleeping curses. We also shouldn’t forget about the dwarves. Quite grumpy ones at that. It wouldn’t shock me if a whole troop of them appeared in this cavern.”

“If that was your attempt to reassure me, you might want to refine your comforting skills. They’re rather unpolished at the moment,” Charlotte replied dryly.

Sir Thomas regarded her for a moment, then bowed his head slightly, showing a hint of regret. “Understood, my lady. I’ll take your advice to heart.”

For the following ten minutes, they sat silently next to Alex. Cat had come back and curled up on the cold stone floor, resting his head on the detective’s rising and falling chest. Even the dog was quiet, sensing the tension in the air, but Charlotte knew they couldn’t just wait forever. Their mission was too important to pause for long.

Sitting and worrying about Alex wouldn’t help. He might be out for a while. Maybe he was supposed to be sidelined until they found whatever new clue or secret they were meant to find in this quest. When they needed him again, he’d be back, but that wouldn’t happen if Charlotte didn’t get moving. She’d been through enough magical quests to know what they needed.

Earlier, she’d let fear control her, telling her to stay put for fear worse would come along down the line while he was helpless. Now, however, she wondered if the solution was exactly what lay around the corner.

With a mix of frustration and resolve, Charlotte looked down at Alex one last time. She kissed his forehead gently and whispered, “We’ll find a way to finish this. I’ll make sure you’re okay, but don’t you dare get any worse. Do you hear me?”

She paused for a moment, waiting for any sign he’d heard her declaration. An eye twitch. Finger movement. Anything at all that would suggest he was in there somewhere.

But there was nothing.

With a sigh, she stood, straightened her violet dress and dark purple cloak, and took a deep breath. “Since Alex can’t come with us right now, we need a new plan.”

Sir Thomas looked at her with a puzzled expression. “My lady?”

“Well, considering what I know about quest-caves, the challenges they hold, and our role as adventurers, I feel the need to check something.”

She waved her wand, and a bright silvery light enveloped Alex, just like it had the first time he fell. It seemed she was too quick to judge herself earlier when her magic failed because it seemed to be working fine now. Or, for now, at least.

The magic expanded, wrapping Alex in a shimmering, pulsating cloak of light that looked like liquid mercury. With a flick of her wand, Alex lifted from the ground and floated in the air, three feet above the stone.

“Now, Sir Thomas, can you point out the nearest exit from this cavern? Not counting the ore tunnel we came in through, naturally.”

Sir Thomas’ eyes went wide at the sight of Alex hovering. He quickly jumped up and scanned the room. “Oh, it’s–um. Well…”

Suddenly, Cat let out a sharp bark and darted off to the left.

“Ah, yes.” Sir Thomas gestured in the direction the dog had taken. “That way. Cat is right, my lady. I should have remembered, but I admit the recent events have left me quite confused, which is both surprising and unsettling.”

“Then let’s move,” Charlotte said. “If Cat trusts this path, then so do I. He’s never steered us wrong without there being magical interference. Let’s make haste. Time might be slipping away faster than we think.”

“Lady Charlotte,” Sir Thomas protested, “I cannot simply accept your plan to leave Detective Taylor alone in such a state—“ He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening as Cat yowled in surprise and dodged out of the way of the fairy godmother.

Charlotte had moved to the farthest distance her spell permitted, taking Alex—who was held within a magical bubble—along with her on a trail of shimmering light. The connection from her wand to the capsule pulled taut, then eased into a steady glide behind her as Alex moved closer to her once again.

Sir Thomas watched the magical escort of their incapacitated companion with a mix of irritation and resignation. “That certainly is an odd method.”

He sighed in acceptance of the situation and followed Cat and Charlotte while keeping an eye on the soles of Alex’s shoes that floated in front of him.

Reaching the other side of the cavern, which was now lit by a large glowing orb that Charlotte had summoned, Cat sat back on his haunches. He examined the stone archway that marked the threshold to further mysteries and trials. Charlotte paused, allowing the detective to come to a gentle stop in the air behind her.

Sir Thomas arrived last, lifting his gaze from Alex’s shoes to the archway. “Now that we’re here, I don’t understand why you still think this arch is merely a statue rather than a passage.”

“Indeed, it is,” Charlotte agreed, her eyes scanning the inscriptions on the stone. “If I recognized this language, I could interpret this for us. Sadly, these symbols are unfamiliar to me, which is quite rare.”

“Perhaps I can help, my lady,” Sir Thomas said, stepping toward the stone arch. A glowing orb followed, making the area brighter. He folded his arms, shifted from one leg to the other, and then took off his hat to scratch his head before putting it back on with a sigh. Finally, he threw his hands up. “I’m sorry, Lady Charlotte. It seems I’m not as helpful here as I’d hoped. Like you, I don’t know the language needed to read these carvings.”

Cat sat nearby, wagging his tail on the stone floor. He yipped, and Sir Thomas frowned at him. “If you’re set on being difficult, I can’t change your mind. You seem sure of yourself.”

Charlotte looked puzzled. “What did he say?”

Sir Thomas shook his head. “Our large friend over there thinks we’ve missed some steps along our journey. He mentioned reading the fine print, and now he’s worried about us not knowing which way to go. Even with your magical light.”

Charlotte smiled at Cat, then looked back at the arch. “Can Cat read the words here?”

Sir Thomas gave Cat a sharp look and then sighed. “No, my lady, but he’s convinced that we should be the ones to read it. He says he’s just a dog who can’t see the small letters or read them out loud.”

Cat’s only response was to glance at them, his eyebrows raised and his tongue out as he panted.

“Well,” Charlotte began, “the ability to read this doesn’t change our need to keep moving. We can’t afford to get trapped before our quest is complete. If we find a way to help Alex along the way, that’s a bonus. However, I have a feeling that won’t be easy. Our ability to translate here might not make much difference.”

“Do you have a plan?” Sir Thomas asked.

Charlotte glanced down at him. “I have a hunch I’d like to test. Please step back. I don’t know what will happen, and it could be risky.”

“Of course, my lady,” Sir Thomas agreed, stepping away from the fairy godmother and the stone gateway they believed led into another tunnel. Alex still hovered in a shimmering cocoon of light a few feet above the ground.

Charlotte observed Alex’s peaceful face. He looks like he’s in a deep sleep, she thought. Maybe this is like Snow White’s sleeping curse, though we lack an evil stepmother and helpful dwarves, and there is certainly no prince for a wake-up kiss. Though fairies were part of that story. However, they weren’t from our guild. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Enough daydreaming, Charlotte. Time to act.

With a resigned breath, she turned back to the stone archway.

“My lady?” Sir Thomas prompted.

Charlotte waved away his concern. “I need you to watch what happens here. There’s a slim chance something unexpected might occur after my attempt, and it could be unpleasant. Stay alert.”

She steadied herself, ready to face whatever her actions might unleash.

“Without a doubt,” Sir Thomas said, his rapier ready as he faced the ancient archway. “Whatever comes our way, I’m by your side, ready to fight until the end.”

“Let’s hope it won’t come to that,” Charlotte replied with gratitude for his loyalty.

With a stern glance, she warned Cat to stay back. He understood immediately, returning to Sir Thomas, both prepared for what was to come. Charlotte examined the archway and its strange carvings. Coming across a language she was unfamiliar with was rare for her.

Taking a deep breath and ensuring the silver light from her wand still protected Detective Taylor, she murmured, “Well, we have nothing to lose.”

Then, with determination, she sprinted toward the opening in the archway.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Charlotte had thought the stone archway was just a normal part of the enchanted cave, a simple passage leading to the next stage of their journey. However, literally leaping through it was a different story. She needed to be sure she had enough speed to help her and her friends overcome what might be their latest test.

Her boots barely made a sound on the cavern’s stone floor as she ran. The sound grew louder, bouncing off the walls as she neared the archway. In the last few feet, she pushed herself harder, rapidly fluttering her wings, and jumped through the archway into the unknown.

She passed through effortlessly, with no magic to stop her or pull her back. Her feet hit the ground with a thud, and she kept running to avoid losing her momentum.

Charlotte was just starting to think she’d been worried over nothing when a loud crack sounded from behind, and something pulled at her wand hand with an unstoppable force.

The guild had always taught her to never let go of her wand, so she clung to it despite the tugging force that seemed determined to wrest it from her grasp. This tug of war left her stumbling back until she was yanked sharply back towards the stone archway. A cry escaped her as a searing pain shot through her shoulder, feeling as if it were about to detach itself from her body. The impact as she hit the ground forced a dazed grunt from her lips, leaving her momentarily stunned.

“Lady Charlotte!” Sir Thomas’ voice was laced with worry as he rushed to her side. “Are you alright? Can you still move your arm?”

With effort, Charlotte pushed herself up, her body protesting the rough treatment. “I’m okay,” she managed, her voice strained. She winced as she rubbed at her sore shoulder, but nodded. “It isn’t dislocated. That was just a really hard hit.”

She turned around, her eyes wide with apprehension at not knowing what to expect on the other side of the archway, and she prepared for the worst. “What about Alex?” she asked, concern for her companion lacing her words. “Sir Thomas, is Alex okay?”

She started back toward the stone archway, now nursing a limp in her step. She hoped the limp would fade as she kept moving.

“He’s unharmed, my lady,” Sir Thomas assured her. “Though it’s hard to say if he felt the impact. He looks like he should have, but he lies still and silent. It’s a mystery, for now.”

“What do you mean?” Charlotte pressed, pausing by the arch with a furrowed brow.

“When you flung yourself through the archway, he followed,” Sir Thomas explained. “Both of you were moving fast, and as you jumped through, he tried to follow and… Well, it seems there’s some kind of barrier in this stone that stopped him. Whether it’s because he’s human, unconscious, or caught up in fairy magic, I can’t say.”

Charlotte cut him off. “Actually, it’s none of those.” She examined her wand, now dimmed, its connection to the light around Alex severed. “If I’m correct, Alex couldn’t have come through, awake or not and human or not. It’s just a guess on my part, and I don’t like to do that, but I have a feeling I’m right on this one.”

Sir Thomas seemed puzzled. “I don’t follow, my lady.”

“It appears this path was never meant for Alex. What’s beyond is for me,” Charlotte stated. She sighed, her shoulders falling as she considered her options. Finally, her eyes met those of her furry companion, and she offered a slight smile. “I need to go on alone, find what’s waiting for me, and come back for him quickly.”

Sir Thomas glanced back and forth between the detective hovering unconsciously without a thought and the fairy godmother at the archway.

“Well, then,” he began, “I’d be honored to accompany you, my la⁠—“

A deep growl filling the cavern cut his offer short. Sir Thomas turned to face Cat, who had stalked up to Alex near the archway. Cat’s body language had shifted dramatically. He pinned back floppy ears, his tail went rigid, and the fur along his back stood on end. All were clear signs of his agitation.

Sir Thomas was taken aback, his mouth falling open in disbelief. He’d never seen Cat act in such a way unless there was a genuine threat near. The magical cat wasn’t sure if the dog was angry at him for volunteering to go with Charlotte, but he thought he should say something just in case.

“I certainly did not mean any offense,” Sir Thomas offered gently.

Undeterred, Cat stepped closer, ready to confront whatever issue had arisen.

On the other side of the archway, Charlotte watched with growing worry. In the few months they’d spent traveling through Cincinnati together, she had never seen Sir Thomas and Cat so close to conflict.

Sir Thomas was a skilled duelist of the Swashbuckling Order and was not one to be underestimated. And Cat, with his massive size and powerful jaws, had shown his prowess against many foes, but never against a friend. The thought of these two allies locked in a serious clash was unsettling to Charlotte, making her question how well she really knew them.

“What’s happening here?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.

“This doesn’t make sense, my lady,” Sir Thomas muttered. “I’m usually quite open-minded for a cat. But… No, Cat, I can’t just take things as they are. It’s ridiculous to even suggest that. I don’t get why—No, that’s not right either⁠—“

Sir Thomas protested with plenty of muttering, sighing, and eye-rolling as he attempted to argue against whatever Cat was saying. However, his resistance weakened until he finally gave in. His shoulders dropped, and he let out a sigh, bowing his head as Cat gave a sharp, conclusive bark that seemed to end the discussion.

Charlotte was losing her patience while waiting for an explanation, and Sir Thomas wasn’t quick enough. “I would appreciate an update, Sir Thomas, and sooner rather than later, please.”

The talking cat took off his floppy hat to scratch his head, looking more beaten than Charlotte had ever seen him.

Holding the hat in his paws, he clicked his tongue. “Cat has raised some surprisingly good points, my lady. They’re about our mission, Detective Taylor’s situation, and the need for you to choose a single companion before going through this archway. What’s hard for me to accept is why Cat would⁠—“

With an enthusiastic yip, Cat soared through the air, leaping over Alex, who remained cocooned in the shimmering light of Charlotte’s spell and floating above the ground. Cat landed on all fours with a click of his nails on the stone, then glided across the floor as if he wore rollerblades made just for dogs.

He dashed through the stone archway to join Charlotte on the other side. Scrambling on the smoother stone, Cat’s paws slipped before he regained his footing. Once steady, he let out a triumphant bark, gave Sir Thomas a look through the arch, and then approached Charlotte to sniff and then lick her hand approvingly.

Charlotte felt reassured that Cat was on board with the plan. She now understood the brief but intense exchange between Cat and Sir Thomas. It seemed the large dog took exception to being left behind and instead wanted to accompany the fairy godmother.

“Alright,” she announced. “It seems Cat and I will check out what’s beyond here, and you will stay with Alex. In retrospect, this makes far more sense, given Cat would never have been able to communicate with Alex to explain the situation if he wakes up. Speaking of which… If he does, please explain that we’ll be back soon. Keep him with you and watch him closely. We can’t afford to split up any further. It’s unsettling enough as it is.

“We’ll work in pairs. Please stay in this cavern, Sir Thomas. I expect to find you both here, awake and well, when we return. If this part of the quest is meant for me, it shouldn’t take long. Cat and I should be back soon.”

Sir Thomas crossed his arms and looked at them, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. He didn’t like not going with Charlotte, since he’d sworn his life and sword to protect her. However, he’d also sworn to follow her, whatever that meant. And right now, she wanted him to stay with the most vulnerable of them. When he thought of it that way, he realized how important this duty was.

That didn’t mean he had to like it though.

Charlotte peered down at the shaggy black dog next to her and offered a lopsided smile. “Are you ready?” she asked.

Cat responded with an eager bark and rapid tail wags that showed his excitement before he dashed ahead down the corridor. He didn’t pause or glance back at Sir Thomas or Alex, who remained in the cavern.

Charlotte understood the cat’s urge to push forward without looking back. Sometimes, when you’re thrust into a new situation and you’re reluctant, the best thing you can do is avoid dwelling on the past. It helps you move on without hesitation.

“Oh, fine,” Sir Thomas called out, his voice tinged with annoyance as he threw his paws up in the air. “Leave the human detective and the brave cat to figure things out, right? Expect us to become fast friends. You’re wrong. I won’t be doing any such thing.”

Charlotte nearly chuckled, but decided it would be a bad idea since the feisty feline’s fur was already ruffled. Instead, she gave him a pointed look.

“Sir Thomas,” Charlotte said in a soothing tone, hoping he would listen to her, “please stay here with Alex. Please do that for me. This is important, and I’m trusting you.” She paused, giving the cat a moment to calm himself. “Besides, we both know how much you care about Alex, even if you two bicker and argue relentlessly.”

He rolled his eyes, despite the respect he held for the fairy godmother. “I hate to disappoint you, my lady, but you couldn’t be more incorrect on that matter. However, there is no need for favors.”

Sir Thomas’ tone softened now that Cat was gone and couldn’t hear his complaints. “My outburst was mostly just a show for that mangy dog I call friend. He was rather rude a moment ago. I’ll stay here with Detective Taylor. I’ll keep an eye on him and give him my full attention and utmost care. The human irritates me endlessly, but he’s still a good human.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Well, mostly.”

Charlotte nodded with a grateful smile while trying to hide her amusement. “Thank you, Sir Thomas. I’m relying on you, and I promise, Cat and I won’t be gone long.”

Sir Thomas scoffed. “In this place, my lady, there is no way for you to know how long you’ll be. However, I grasp that you’re eager to achieve your goal with Cat’s help, and then rush back to Detective Taylor and me. We look forward to your return, Lady Charlotte. May fortune guide you with a clear purpose.”

She gave him a nod. “And you as well.” She turned to walk away, paused, then looked back at the cat over her shoulder. “Though I suggest you might walk around the immediate area to keep proper watch and to occupy yourself. If you must move Alex, gently push him. He’ll stay in his protective bubble until I come back to lift it, but you should still be careful not to bump him into anything. I’ve done enough damage as it is while dragging him through here.”

“Have no concern, Lady Charlotte,” Sir Thomas answered with confidence. “I won’t disappoint you. Now, off you go. Catch up to that stubborn mutt before it’s too late. Farewell.”

With a light laugh, Charlotte gave a nod to Sir Thomas, took one last look at Alex’s peaceful face, and turned to stride with determination down the corridor beyond the stone archway. She didn’t let herself look back until the passage and the cavern behind her had completely vanished from sight. She knew if she turned too soon, the pull to stay with Alex and Sir Thomas would be too strong, and she’d never move toward her objectives.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Charlotte summoned another ball of light with her wand as she and Cat advanced down the twisting corridor after leaving Sir Thomas and Alex behind in the cave’s glow. The orb was no longer tethered to her wand and now floated above them, leading the way.

The fairy godmother felt a pang of concern for the others but reassured herself. Alex was safe in her magic’s embrace, and Sir Thomas, ever the protector, would never let anything happen to him. She truly believed that. The cat was quite the nitpicker and loved to drive Alex up a wall, but she knew he cared about the detective far more than he’d ever admit.

It was what made their rough relationship so heartwarming. They fought like an old married couple.

“This is your path, Charlotte,” she whispered to herself. “And maybe Cat’s, too. It doesn’t mean you’re alone or that leaving Sir Thomas and Alex was wrong. It’s just another challenge of faith, another step forward. And you always move forward, right?”

Charlotte had given herself many pep talks over the years, but none had ever felt as critical as this one. The challenges she usually faced involved helping others on their journeys. Heroes on quests, young royals, or fledgling godmothers—all main characters in their own right—she helped them pursue dreams within the well-known rules of EverAfter. This land, painted in honor, love, and valor, was a vibrant tapestry that everyone understood.

Recently, however, Charlotte’s faith in EverAfter’s future and its guiding principles had been shaken. She questioned whether being a Fairy Godmother was as honorable as she once thought. The role she had always played—guiding adventurers from the sidelines while sacrificing her own desires—no longer seemed enough. She began to doubt that her purpose was only to assist others in their battles for justice and to decide which villains were beyond redemption.

Until Charlotte was abruptly thrown into the same portal, she had believed that no one from her home had even a hint of where the portal sent the villains. Not even the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild. She had started to doubt that as well now that she knew there were so many displaced individuals and families, and most of them appeared to be innocents.

Not only villains.

Once I complete this journey with my trusty friends by my side, I expect we’ll find all the answers we’re looking for. I have a feeling I’ll probably find more than I had in mind.

The burden of responsibility resting on Charlotte’s shoulders was immense. As far as she knew, she was the sole fairy godmother to enter Cincinnati through the portal. She was the only one who had witnessed the human world and the array of EverAfterans, good and bad, who ended up there. She was the only fairy godmother who had heard Ginger Haus’ full account of the Hansel and Gretel tale. She even learned the other woman’s real name: Ada Albrecht.

To Charlotte’s knowledge, she was the only EverAfteran in Cincinnati with the authority and power to address the potential conspiracy rooted in her very own Guild. Well, if that turned out to be the reality of this quest.

She glanced at Cat and smiled when he brushed against her side. “Do you think about these kinds of tricky ‘what-if’ situations, Cat?”

The dog looked up with his large, shining brown eyes, gave his jowls a quick lick, then continued to pant, his tail wagging excitedly.

“No, of course you don’t,” Charlotte said with a light laugh. “Before we met, your biggest worry was probably whether you’d be tossed off the bus like a stray cat in search of a cozy spot to sleep in peace. However, I realize you’ve faced many challenges since my enchantment turned your life upside down.”

She glanced at Cat as they walked down the narrow cave corridor, their footsteps echoing off the walls. The path was lit by a single floating light above them.

“You know,” she continued thoughtfully, “you may have always been an adventurous spirit, even for a street cat. Perhaps you even dreamed of what it would be like to have a dog’s life, full of different adventures. That wouldn’t surprise me. You’ve really adapted well these past months. The more I leave EverAfter behind, the more I see that mistakes are often just like coincidences. Don’t you think?”

Cat didn’t respond. He was too busy sniffing the air, intrigued by a fresh scent in the corridor. It seemed to interest him more than Charlotte’s one-way chat.

She was certain that Cat grasped her words and their meaning in some way, even though he couldn’t reply or share his thoughts. She shared her belief that in EverAfter, nothing happened by chance. Every event, disaster, or tragedy unfolded with a purpose, intersecting lives and shaping stories. She confessed that she once saw her own failings as irreversible blunders, especially in the eyes of the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, she reflected on the day she accidentally transformed Cat from a feline into a canine while trying to thwart a theft on the bus. Initially, she viewed it as a grave error, but her perspective had shifted. She realized that what she considered a mistake was, in fact, a necessary twist of fate. Cat was once just a stray on a bus, but now, he was essential to her endeavors since arriving in the earth city. She could never see him as a mistake.

Meanwhile, Cat was busy sniffing along the floor, his nose diligently detecting unfamiliar scents. His sniffing and occasional grunts accompanied them as they moved together through the passageway.

Charlotte chuckled softly as she watched the dog, now guided by his newfound instincts, as he remained consumed by a curious scent that had captured his full attention.

“You have such simple concerns,” she mused. “No need to worry about your next meal or where you’ll sleep tonight.” Her laughter followed as Cat explored the source of the intriguing smell. “Then again, you always have to put up with Sir Thomas and his long rants. I bet you two are quite a pair, different as you are. You must share some common ground, being an adventurous cat and a dog with a past as a cat.”

Cat continued to sniff vigorously, unbothered by her commentary.

“You know,” Charlotte went on, “I’d love to hear what you and Sir Thomas talk about when you’re alone. Not that I think he’s putting words in your mouth when he speaks for you, but it would be nice to hear your own thoughts directly. Then again, maybe it’s best not to know everything. Sir Thomas does a good job filtering the world for us.” She paused, considering. “It would certainly be interesting, don’t you think?”

In response, Cat grunted beside her, not speaking but somehow making his opinion known.

Charlotte couldn’t help but feel he agreed with her, at least a little, and wished to voice his own views directly, without Sir Thomas’ interpretations.

She pondered the complexity of their task, considering the likelihood of needing multiple attempts and adjustments before success. As she mused about the influence of magic in their current locale, she turned to address her four-legged friend, only to realize he was no longer by her side.

“Cat?” Whirling around, she caught sight of Cat with little trouble and couldn’t help but smile. “Really, disappearing from a chat without a heads-up is impolite, you know. Great. Look what you’ve done. You have me sounding like that angry ginger cat.”

This made Charlotte wonder if Sir Thomas could actually understand anything Cat said. The dog was a short distance away, engrossed in something on the wall while sniffing at the stones with his wet, black nose tracing patterns on the surface.

“What’s caught your attention over there?” she called out, peering into the dim light, her curiosity piqued. She retraced her steps with the glowing orb in tow, eager to discover what had halted Cat’s usual scouting ahead. “It isn’t like you to linger behind, so whatever you’ve found must be new and possibly significant.”

Before the fairy godmother and her floating light could reach him, Cat snorted and inspected another part of the wall. Then, stepping back, he sat on his haunches and looked up at Charlotte, waiting for her to understand. She couldn’t be sure what Cat was thinking, since he couldn’t talk, but somehow, Cat had managed to make his thoughts clear before, even without words.

Sir Thomas had seen it happen, and at other times, Cat had captured Charlotte or Alex’s attention perfectly when it was most needed to show them something vital.

“What’s this?” Charlotte asked, stopping where Cat had shown interest.

The orb of light above her steadied, glowing on the wall. An opalescent shimmer caught her eye, reflecting rainbows on the walls and floor while seeming to drink in the light like a thirsty plant soaks up water.

“What is that?” Charlotte leaned in, hands on her knees, trying to get a better look. The light wasn’t quite right, so she gestured at the orb, adjusting it until it cast the perfect beam on the mysterious substance. “Okay, that’s better. Now, Cat, what have you found?”

The dog let out a low whine and finished with a soft huff as he shifted his gaze between the fairy godmother and the mysterious substance he’d had found.

“I don’t think there’s a problem,” Charlotte offered before leaning in for a closer look. “It seems to be some kind of ore, but then again, it’s moving. If it was a liquid, it would flow down the wall, but it’s barely moving. Could it be a living sludge, hiding here in the darkness, somehow bending the light? I wish I could ask you what you think and you actually respond because I can’t decide which seems more likely right now.”

Cat didn’t show a preference for either possibility, but he cautiously stepped back toward the wall and the shimmering unknown material that defied gravity on the vertical surface.

Charlotte moved her wand closer to the substance to investigate. She wanted to touch it gently with her wand, perhaps casting a simple spell to see how it reacted. However, as her wand neared the mysterious matter, a small surge of energy passed through it and tingled in her fingers. It felt like a warning, similar to the sensation when her wand resisted Peter Pan’s interference, though less intense.

At that very moment, Cat whined softly and nudged Charlotte’s shoulder with his nose, looking at her with an insistence that made her turn to him.

She smiled down at the dog. “You’re right. It isn’t a good idea to get too close. My curiosity almost got the better of me. Thanks for the reminder to be cautious. It’s smart to be curious but also to stay safe. I’m really glad you’re here with me on this adventure. Thanks, buddy.”

Cat looked at her quietly for a moment before giving her a big, slobbery lick on the face, full of affection. Charlotte laughed in surprise and scratched him happily behind the ears, which he loved.

“Well, we’ve noted this weird stuff, and we’ll keep an eye out for any other odd things it might do. The shiny rainbows on it are pretty, but I doubt that’s its only purpose if it’s usually hidden in the dark. Let’s keep going. Sir Thomas and Alex are waiting for us, and we have a ways to go. Come on.”

Standing again, Charlotte took one last look at the luminous gunk on the wall, then turned back to their original path. Cat followed after a final sniff of his find. Charlotte was relieved he didn’t try to lick the substance as he had with the blue ore they found earlier.

Cat sometimes acted on instinct, but he knew better than to taste everything they found. He sensed something off about the substance, but they were likely to figure it out when they reached the end of the tunnel.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Charlotte’s earlier guess wasn’t too far off. She and Cat didn’t have to walk to the end of the corridor to find more of the strange, shimmering substance that was part liquid, part solid, clinging to the tunnel walls. Just five minutes after spotting the first patch, they encountered two larger ones, each taking on a more defined form.

Charlotte was keen to move on rather than dwell on the substance, yet she couldn’t help pausing briefly. The shapes of the second and third patches stirred a sense of familiarity in her, but she couldn’t pinpoint why.

“These remind me of windows, or maybe even passages,” she said, looking back and forth between them. “They’re shaped like the stone archway we walked through after leaving Sir Thomas and Alex. Do you see it?”

Cat tilted his head as she had done, glanced at the colorful reflections cast by their light, and gave a quick chuff before heading further down the corridor. Charlotte snorted, amused by the giant dog. She didn’t quite know what his response meant, but her best guess was that he agreed.

She watched him for a moment, her smile slightly askew, then she shook her head, turned, and hurried after him.

“Okay, we have windows and archways leading to nowhere. They’re too tiny for doorways, at least for us, and they aren’t exactly prime spots for any small creatures lurking around here either. Not when they’re up so high on the wall.”

She raked a hand through her hair and sighed, growing frustrated. Normally, she would find all of this exciting, especially after being stuck in a world without magic. She would approach it with an open mind and enjoy each puzzle she crossed.

That, however, wasn’t the case here.

Alex’s wellbeing hung in the balance, and he had nothing more than a sword-wielding cat to protect him. She needed to finish and get back to the pair as soon as possible.

Talking through problems with herself wasn’t new for the fairy godmother, especially not since she’d started exploring with her canine companion. Some of it was for Cat’s ears, hoping he might offer her any insight at all. However, Charlotte wasn’t shy about admitting that speaking her thoughts out loud helped her make sense of them, too. Articulating her reasoning always seemed to clarify things, whether she was untangling a tricky problem or just pondering life’s mysteries.

Back when she was part of the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild, chatting away to oneself wasn’t exactly something they encouraged. It didn’t matter if you were on duty or just enjoying downtime at the Guild, surrounded by your peers. They didn’t allow it.

In Cincinnati, with Alex, Sir Thomas, and Cat, Charlotte found it easier to cast aside those old Guild habits. She’d been part of that world for centuries, but she couldn’t deny that she’d never felt more like herself than she did in the detective’s world with her new friends. Though she rarely admitted it, even to herself.

Working with and living among them reminded her of the sense of purpose she’d felt as a novice in the Guild, just starting out on her fairy godmother path.

Charlotte peered into another long, shadowy tunnel that stretched out before them. She sighed. “This isn’t what I expected.” Her voice echoed slightly. “We left Alex behind, thinking my magic would be enough, but so far, nothing worthwhile has turned up in these tunnels. It’s almost as if there’s a bigger issue at play. Something beyond the city of Cincinnati that’s affecting magical places like this one.”

At her side, Cat gave a low bark, followed by a growl.

Charlotte glanced at her companion, her brows furrowing. “What? Do you think I shouldn’t say such things out loud?” When the dog simply stared at her, she shook her head. “If we can’t discuss every possibility, even the unsettling ones, then what’s the point of questing with companions at all? This is how adventurers and regular people solve problems. Through teamwork. Otherwise, we’d just parrot what we’re told, think what we’re told, and do what we’re told without questioning anything. The ability to think critically is found in all intelligent beings, whether they’re from EverAfter, Earth, or anywhere else.”

As Charlotte finished, her eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. That was unexpected. Forgive me.” She paused, realizing the implications of what she’d said. That thinking like an individual was important, natural, yet the Guild had always cautioned against it. “I can’t believe I never saw that before. That’s exactly the type of thinking the Fairy Godmothers’ Guild wouldn’t want their members to do. Interesting.

“Alright,” Charlotte said, clearing her throat and nodding at Cat as they moved through the next turn in the tunnel. “If this isn’t the right time to discuss things, I’ll make a mental list to discuss later. Once we’re done here, we’ve achieved our goals in this cave, found what we’re meant to find, and everything’s back to normal—or at least Alex is—we can review my list. Then we can leave this place, hopefully all in one piece and ready to find the missing pages of my handbook.”

She paused, her words fading as they came upon a larger patch of the same shimmering substance they’d seen before. It rose three feet above her head and was shaped like an archway, but with solid rock behind it.

“Unless it does lead somewhere…” she whispered.

Without realizing it, Charlotte reached toward the magical sludge, but Cat’s sharp bark snapped her back to reality. She jerked her hand back with a gasp before looking down at the Newfoundland to find him watching her closely.

“Thanks, Cat. You’re right. We can’t get sidetracked. Touching anything I don’t recognize is unwise, even if I am curious…”

She trailed off, aware that she’d been staring at the colorful substance on the wall. Cat nudged her with his nose, pushing her away from the wall and back on track down the tunnel.

“Ow!” The fairy godmother rubbed her thigh, giving Cat a sharp look before realizing he’d rescued her again. “Okay, thanks for the assist again. I have a feeling I’ll be thanking you a lot during this adventure. I wish I could understand you to know what you’re thinking. I don’t know the right questions to ask you, but maybe that’s part of this journey?” She paused as she thought for a moment. “Do you know what all this stuff is?”

Cat yipped and spun in a circle before pointing himself toward the direction they’d been walking. When he turned his head to look at her over his shoulder, she sighed again. The last part was obvious. He wanted her to follow him. The first part, however, was unclear.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

When Cat only panted in response, she groaned and followed. She wanted to linger and examine the large window, but Charlotte knew it might be a bad idea after her companion had needed to save her twice. Whatever the substance was, it seemed she was the one affected by it. She glanced back at the unusual arch-like structure on the passage wall.

I think we’re on to something, though I don’t know what or where that is.

When they reached the next turn in the tunnel, Charlotte fully expected to find more tunnel. However, to their surprise, they rounded the corner and slowed, taken aback by another vast underground room.

This chamber was smaller than the cavern they’d left behind, but still quite large. It stretched at least a hundred feet across and the floor was shaped in a perfect circle. The area from where they stood to the opposite side was barren, with no objects or creatures in sight. The walls of this chamber, however, were what held their attention.

“Well, now,” Charlotte whispered, her eyes growing wide as she took in the space. “I think we just might have found something interesting.”

Moving cautiously to avoid rousing the chamber, Charlotte led the way from the tunnel’s entrance. Her footsteps echoed louder here than anywhere else inside the magical cave they’d been exploring.

The room appeared deliberately shaped, not by nature, but by some intelligent being. It was reminiscent of the royal chambers Charlotte had seen in EverAfter’s castles, where monarchs held court. However, unlike those throne rooms, this space had no throne, no windows to let in sunlight, and none of the lavish decorations typically found in a castle.

The walls were a smooth, unbroken ring of stone, the floor just as flat and uniform, and above them was a symmetrical dome. The most striking feature was the series of tall archways, similar to the one they’d passed through earlier.

Set at regular intervals along the wall, they weren’t just passages to other areas.

They were unique in some way Charlotte couldn’t yet decipher.

Some-one or some-thing that could think and plan had made the archways in the chamber. They didn’t just pop up naturally in this cave. Charlotte and Cat had seen traces of a shiny, milky substance on their way here, and now they found it filling all the doorways in front of them. This stuff was bright enough to make Charlotte’s orb of light almost unnecessary. It cast its own glow, sending waves of light along the walls and floor, like sunlight dancing on water.

Charlotte had only walked a few steps into the room when a strange sensation zipped through her, making her pause. She waited, and though the feeling went away, she didn’t let her guard down. She wasn’t about to rush through this mysterious place without being sure of her next move.

“This sure is something else,” she said, a bit out of breath. “Cat, if you have any ideas about all this, I’m all ears.”

Cat joined her, stepping into the room with less hesitation than before. He seemed unbothered by the magic that had just swept over Charlotte, which she thought had felt like an invisible force was checking to see if she belonged here. However, Cat just seemingly walked in without a care in the world, his black fur unruffled by whatever presence had examined the fairy godmother.

“It’s a small clue, I guess,” she continued. “Though it doesn’t really tell us what we’re here for. Which of these doorways should we use? Should we avoid all of them? Are they even real doorways to other places? What’s our purpose in being here? I have so many questions.”

Not finding immediate answers, the fairy godmother followed Cat through the chamber. He seemed sure of himself, which she envied. He’d kept her safe and hadn’t led her wrong yet, so she trusted him wholeheartedly.

She couldn’t shake off the eerie feeling that she was being scrutinized by an unseen magical presence, a sensation that Cat presumably didn’t share. Was that why he’d warned her to be quiet earlier? Did he sense it even though he wasn’t affected by it? This difference between them might affect how they handle the next challenge in their quest.

As Charlotte neared the heart of the chamber, an archway bathed in opalescent light caught her eye. It was quite unlike the other arches casting shimmering reflections. This one radiated a distinct gray-blue light, tangible in a way that light usually isn’t.

Approaching, she noticed blurred shapes within the arch, which sharpened with every step into clearer images. The forms were both oddly familiar and completely alien. She stopped dead in her tracks. She wanted to call Cat over to get his take on the sight, but found her gaze fixed on the archway, unable to look away.

Despite this worrying fact, she forced out her next words. “Cat, could you come over here? I need your thoughts on this.”

With a soft grunt, Cat did what the fairy godmother asked, his breathing echoing in the room along with the gentle tap of his paws as he walked toward her. The dog stopped by Charlotte, looked up at her, then turned his gaze to the window she considered and sat down.

Charlotte looked at the arched doorway, peering through to see the vague image of what was on the other side.

“Do you think that’s an open valley through that archway?” Cat licked his mouth, tilted his head the other way, and sighed deeply. “I wasn’t sure at first, but now I can see the valley. It’s coming more into view. There’s a line of mountains on the other side, partly hidden by the trees, and a stone building on top of the peaks.”

“Right there.” She pointed, though she was unsure if Cat could see what she was trying to show him. “Those are the spires, maybe even the royal towers, reaching up high. It’s quite a sight, that’s… Well, that looks like a castle on a hill, maybe even The Castle on the Hill. At twilight. Can you see it?”

She only looked away from the doorway to check Cat’s reaction after she had finished describing the astonishing view. Cat didn’t move for a while, but it was clear he was as interested in looking through the shiny archway as the fairy godmother had been.

Then he got up and moved closer, step by step, his head low, staring at the light. Cat stopped five feet from the archway, bowed his head even lower, and his ears flattened as his jowls peeled back to reveal his canine teeth. A low growl came from his throat before he righted his mouth again and then looked back at the fairy godmother. That was his only response, quick as it was.

“I understand why you’re worried and why you don’t want to get closer. It’s hard to say what it really is. However, I can’t believe these are just pictures made of magic in a window. That would be the simple answer, right? Magical paintings on the walls of an important room in an adventure cave, meant to show the heroes some hidden pattern, secret message, or some other hint to help them on their journey. That makes sense. But this?” Charlotte stepped forward again. “This seems so real⁠—“

Cat let out a sharp, loud bark of warning, but the fairy godmother hardly heard it as she was lost to the scene before her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Charlotte was still several feet away from the archway that shimmered and beckoned her closer. As she gazed at it, she saw a field stretching out before her, ending where lush trees began to climb with the land at the foot of a towering mountain. At the summit, the stone walls and spires of a castle stood against the backdrop of a blue-gray sky.

Even as she remained in the underground chamber, aware of the cold air and Cat’s frantic barking, Charlotte felt as if she were moving toward that archway of light, the scene within it becoming clearer. Her physical body stayed put, but her senses seemed to travel, blurring the present noises and smells and sharpening into something entirely different.

The musty scent of the ancient chamber vanished, replaced by the fresh smell of grass and earth warmed by the sun. The dim light from her magical orb and the colors from the other archways faded away. Cat’s anxious barking and the sound of his claws on the stone were gone, too. Instead, Charlotte heard birds singing and felt a warm breeze on her skin, the grasses whispering as the wind blew through them.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be in that field, looking up at the castle on the hill? Who owns that castle?

The thought nagged at her, but the answer slipped away like the fading chamber around her. Why couldn’t she remember?

As she looked closer at the image in the archway, the fairy godmother felt sure that this was where she was meant to be. She imagined stepping onto the soft earth, surrounded by grass, and living forever in the sunshine at this special place in EverAfter. Because didn’t everything have its own reason for being? If The Castle on the Hill in the picture wasn’t important, why was it there at all?

Charlotte was completely lost in the picture, with its inviting details that made her want to forget who she was and why she was there. Even Cat, with his barking and running in circles, nudging and pawing at her, couldn’t snap her out of it.

The scene she saw through the glowing archway captivated the fairy godmother. It seemed so close, just a few quick steps away, and she felt an urge to step into this new life. She reached out with her wand and her hand, stretching towards it.

What a beautiful sight. I might even believe it’s real, she thought.

Suddenly, a flash of light and a quick shadow caught her eye, pulling her out of her daydream. There it was again, a shape moving across the image in the archway, too quick to see clearly. It was like a dance of leaves or swirling snowflakes, there but elusive.

She couldn’t shake off the trance. “Cat, do you see that?” she asked, thinking she saw something.

Another flash of light zipped by, this time closer and clearer. Something long and shimmering flew through the sky, its bluish-green edges catching the sunlight and reflecting it with a brilliant sparkle.

Charlotte’s voice was urgent as she pointed at the image in the archway, her eyes growing wide. “It was right there! Did you see it? Something definitely moved. I’m sure I saw something stirring inside.”

Beside her, Cat peered intently at the images in the archway. And then, the movement Charlotte had noticed happened again as a shadow darted across the picturesque scene of The Castle on the Hill and the valley before it. Startled, Cat leaped forward, his tail shooting out, and his fur standing on end as he barked loudly at the image.

Despite the commotion, Charlotte cracked a smile. “Look at that,” she breathed, her voice filled with wonder. “A moving picture right here in our quest-cave chamber. Alex called them movies, right? This is incredible. It doesn’t quite lose its charm even when you know what it is, but it’s still amazing.”

Cat continued to bark, each yelp lifting him off the floor, his nails clicking every time he landed. His fierce display was both a warning and a protective gesture for Charlotte.

“Don’t be alarmed, Cat,” she reassured him, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s only a representation, a movie. You’ve seen these before back in Cincinnati, haven’t you? Oh, look! There it is again. That’s a wyrmling, a fully grown one. Did you catch the light glinting off its scales? It’s a clever piece of magic placed here. At first, I thought these were doorways, but they’re moments frozen in time. See, Cat? The wyrmling swoops by every few seconds. It looks like it’s getting closer, but it’s just a loop, a repeating scene that seems to approach us the longer we watch. Combining technology with magic like this is truly remarkable.”

She moved closer to the archway, eager to catch another glimpse of the turquoise-scaled wyrmling as it flew by. Charlotte leaned in, resting her hands on her knees, her eyes wide. She looked up, moving her head side to side while hoping for a clearer view of what she now thought was a magical projection of the castle they knew, a reminder of home for travelers on a quest like hers.

A quiet chuckle slipped out as she watched the field, bathed in the blue-gray light of what could be dawn or dusk. It was hard to tell.

Her eyes grew wide once more as the wyrmling zipped from one side of the arch to the other. Sunlight flickered on its scales, and she noticed its long snout with delicate filaments, its serpentine body that ended not in wings or a dragon’s spiky tail, but in a shimmering, webbed tail like that of a fish.

“Oh, how beautiful…” she whispered.

This time, the wyrmling didn’t simply glide across the magical view of the archway. Instead, it stopped right in the middle and curled up, as if it might fade away. Charlotte had thought she was watching a cycle of recorded images, but after a few seconds, she saw that the creature hadn’t vanished. It turned and made a sharp left at a ninety-degree angle before heading straight for the viewer in the cave’s circular chamber.

“Remarkable,” Charlotte murmured as she leaned closer.

The wyrmling’s movements were so lifelike, bobbing up and down like a giant, scaly rope on ocean waves. Although small, its facial features and the whisker-like filaments on its snout became more visible as it approached.

“Such accuracy in the detail,” she observed, tilting her head to get a better look. “The dimensions are exquisitely done. The size and distance… That’s one fantastically realistic looking wyrmling. Cat, are you seeing this right now?”

Cat had been watching closely, and despite the fairy godmother’s wonder at the spellbinding technology that brought the archway’s images to life, her loyal dog stood firm, his growl unwavering. He inched two careful steps toward the gateway, his head low and shoulders arched as his fur stood on end from head to tail.

Through the glittering portal, the fairy godmother and her dog saw the dragon-like wyrmling zoom towards them, its flight pattern causing it to dip and rise repeatedly. Charlotte’s mouth hung open in amazement at the craftsmanship of such magic. The wyrmling grew closer, as if it were no more than ten feet away, hurtling towards them.

The creature’s dark eyes fixed on Charlotte and flashed a fiery red before settling into a warm, golden glow, giving the impression it was rapidly charging. It was incredibly lifelike.

Suddenly, her excitement vanished. The wonder she felt for the magical creation before her and the admiration for the skill it took to make it were gone in a flash. The animated wyrmling’s eyes shone with a golden light, and as it raced toward the archway, growing larger with every second, a shocking truth hit her.

In that golden gleam, she saw a reflection. Not of a distant figure, but of herself, a woman with a dark purple cloak swirling around her. A sudden, warm gust brought with it an unpleasant odor.

The vision in the creature’s eyes was a mirror image of Charlotte, and it was clear that the wyrmling was heading straight for her. She had no time to process this realization, no time to prepare. Fear paralyzed her, and time seemed to crawl around her.

The first thing she noticed were the whisker-like tendrils sprouting from the wyrmling’s snout as they reached through the glowing archway in front of her. The creature’s face—huge and horse-like—followed, its eyes gleaming with a hint of malice. This wasn’t just a fleeting image. It was as real as she was.

Despite the foul smell in the air, the fairy godmother remained frozen as the wyrmling opened its vast jaws, ready to make her its next victim. Charlotte knew she was in danger of being devoured by the flying predator. The realization made her hope for a quick end, one that wouldn’t be too painful.

Then came the pain, all-consuming and immediate. She felt a sharp sting shoot through her shoulder, side, and hip, followed by a burning cut. For a moment, she thought the wyrmling’s teeth had sunk into her. Instead, she found herself being yanked away, her body tumbling and rolling against something muscular and furry. The experience was jarringly different from the death she had braced for.

As a warm burst of air swept over Charlotte from head to toe, she glimpsed flashes of gold, turquoise, and silver at the edge of her vision. This gave her hope that this might not be the end. Maybe she hadn’t become an easy meal for a wyrmling. Maybe something else was happening.

The wyrmling let out a piercing screech that echoed through the chamber like a sharp lance tearing through the air. Charlotte’s hands darted up to cover her ears as the noise assaulted them and reverberated off the surrounding archways.

Suddenly, a shadow passed over her, and she realized she was face-down on the stone floor. Once she did, she lowered her hands and quickly rolled to her side and tried to stand up. With a loud clatter of claws on stone, Cat landed beside her and scrambled to find his footing.

Her hearing came back fully, and she heard the wind howling around the room. The wyrmling was turning around at the far end of the large circular chamber, preparing to swoop at Charlotte again.

Beside her, Cat barked furiously, his growls deep and threatening as he bared his teeth and pinned back his ears in aggression. The giant black dog looked ready to protect Charlotte from the circling wyrmling overhead. She touched her ribcage on the right side and flinched; she’d hit the ground hard. There could be a wound, but with the warm air, her dizziness, and the immediate danger she was in, she couldn’t take the time to check her injuries properly.

Dizzy and disoriented, Charlotte was surprised to find her wand still clutched in her hand. Moments before, she thought her end was near, that she’d be a wyrmling’s meal. However, here she was, alive, and with enough resolve to tighten her grip on the wand.

She managed to push herself up onto one knee, preparing to stand. Her other leg gave out as she tried to rise, and she nearly toppled over. She reminded herself that this threat was real, and it wasn’t over yet.

“Get up,” she urged herself.

Summoning all her willpower, she prepared to stand to face the wyrmling that now circled back toward her and Cat. The creature had already covered most of the distance between them. Just as it neared, Charlotte dove forward, narrowly avoiding its gaping jaws. She hit the floor hard, her chin scraping the stone, as the wyrmling’s massive body, at least four feet wide, shot past just inches above her.

She glimpsed the wyrmling’s tail before Cat leaped into action. He growled, striking the wyrmling’s tail and biting into it where the fin met its scales. The wyrmling’s tail crashed to the ground, knocking Cat’s grip loose and sending a shudder through the chamber as the beast let out a piercing screech.

The sound seemed to shake the very foundations of the room, and Charlotte wondered how the hell they’d ever make it out of this one.

THE STORY CONTINUES

The story continues with book six, Spells, Wishes, and Dreams, coming soon to Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

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AUTHOR NOTES: MARTHA CARR

MAY 4, 2024

May the 4th be with you, even if you’re reading this a little later in the year. Still counts. Frankly, I can’t believe it’s May already. I know, I know, we all say that all year long like we’re lost in thought and look up and a month has passed. Maybe that’s true.

I’ve been trying to balance a lot of balls in the air for a while now and time has passed by me so quickly from one deadline or event to the next. Time to change things up.

I look at time like I look at money. There’s a certain amount to be spent and when it’s gone, that’s it. Only time is even more precious because I can’t earn more of it and added kicker, I don’t know exactly when I’ll run out of it.

In case you’ve missed a lot of my other author notes, I’ve had cancer five times and one of those times they tried to count me out. They were sure, this is go time, get your affairs in order. That was fourteen years ago. It’s okay, we all get excited and make mistakes. I’ll let that one go.

However, looking at the end of the road and at least thinking it was so close got me thinking about how I was spending what little I had left.

That’s like only having so much change in your pocket at the grocery store and being really hungry. Better make it count.

Okay, back to my point that I’ve been spending my time all over the place and doing the best I could to get everything done on a lot of different schedules so everyone was happy. Only I left someone out of that happiness bubble – myself. I was doing that thing where I tell myself, when everyone else is satisfied and happy, then I’ll look at what I need. Oh boy.

Time to redo that last piece and work in the opposite direction. What do I need? What’s a reasonable amount for me to do? What are my goals, my timelines?

In order to accurately answer that and not insert what I think I have to do to get to where I’ve decided I need to get to – I have to start with trust. A kind of bigger trust that things are going to work out in the end. I don’t know exactly when or what it will look like, but this train is on the tracks.

Let me add that I know there will be hitches along the way, but they’ll get worked out, one way or another, and there will be delightful surprise bonuses that change things, and then I’ll go further on the journey. When I can really sink into that, the idea I can’t design what I want and trust in the plan seems ridiculous. Why wouldn’t the plan really begin with me?

Anyway, that’s where I’m at on this auspicious May the 4th on a beautiful overcast day in Austin, Texas. I’m going to head out into the garden to add a few flowers and cut back some of the ground cover and for a little while, stop contemplating anything at all. More adventures to follow.

AUTHOR NOTES: MICHAEL ANDERLE

MAY 3, 2024

(In Las Vegas at my desk – looking out over the back yard… For those who know, I haven’t seen any lawn fairies… Yet. I am thinking that if they show up, do they have little shoes to protect themselves from the hot stones here in Vegas?)

First and foremost, thank you for not just delving into this story but also taking the time to read these author notes tucked away at the end. I appreciate you sticking around to let me ramble a bit!

The Eternal Fountain of Story Ideas

As I sit here in my cozy writing nook, surrounded by an ever-growing collection of quirky knick-knacks and half-empty coffee mugs, I ponder the eternal question that haunts every writer: will I ever run out of story ideas?

It’s a valid concern, especially when you’ve been at this storytelling game for as long as I have and have over a thousand books I’m associated with.

Even if there is an average of 8 books to a series, that’s still 125 series of ideas.

But here’s the thing—I’ve come to realize that ideas are like a never-ending fountain. They just keep flowing, sometimes in a trickle, other times in a gush, but always there, waiting to be captured and molded into something extraordinary. As Stephen King said, we read to keep the idea well full. Ok, he said SOMETHING like that.

The Recipe for Captivating Stories

So, is there a secret recipe for crafting tales that keep readers hooked? Well, I wish I could say there was a foolproof formula, but the truth is, it’s a delicate balance of several ingredients:

1. Relatable, flawed characters

2. Unexpected twists and turns

3. Humor to lighten the mood and romance to keep the heart pumping

4. Emotional depth to tug at the heartstrings (could mean romance – see #3 but also just the ‘feelz’.

5. Imagination to tie it all together

Mix these elements together, let them simmer. Don’t overcook. Seriously, pay attention, don’t overcook! That’s how it takes five (5) years to finish a book.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Storytelling

Now, let’s talk about the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

There are certain topics I’ve vowed never to touch again, like killing off beloved pets (sorry, Fido), destroying the boyfriend (unless he really deserves it in which case murder the bastard), or carelessly getting rid of the parents (they’re more important than we give them credit for).

I promise, all of the dead parents being dead wasn’t carelessness – it was laziness.

And let’s not forget the cat people—they’re a force to be reckoned with, so tread carefully when writing about our feline friends. Ok, I have a problem with this one because cat’s can be such assholes. Not all of them, just enough to screw up the percentages.

But these “rules” aren’t set in stone. Sometimes, breaking them can lead to the most compelling narratives (See Brownstone series!) It’s about finding that sweet spot between giving readers what they want and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

But, I’m telling you, no matter how important a dog dying is to your plot, you are going to get backlash.

The Journey Continues

As I embark on yet another story, I feel excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Whether I’m exploring new genres, experimenting with unconventional storytelling techniques, or simply letting my imagination run wild, I know that the journey is far from over.

Thank god I don’t have to physically exercise to make this happen or I’d be F#@E%D.

So, here’s to the eternal fountain of ideas, the recipe for captivating stories, and the lessons learned along the way. May they continue to guide me as I spin tales that (hopefully) keep you all entertained.

Until next time  - Ad Aeternitatem,

Michael Anderle

P.S. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your thoughts on the story. Your feedback is the fuel that keeps this writer’s engine running!

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P.S.S.S. – look for the STORIUS website sometime – and thank me later!

BOOKS BY MARTHA CARR

Other Series in the Oriceran Universe:

THE LEIRA CHRONICLES

CASE FILES OF AN URBAN WITCH

SOUL STONE MAGE

THE KACY CHRONICLES

MIDWEST MAGIC CHRONICLES

THE FAIRHAVEN CHRONICLES

I FEAR NO EVIL

THE DANIEL CODEX SERIES

SCHOOL OF NECESSARY MAGIC

SCHOOL OF NECESSARY MAGIC: RAINE CAMPBELL

ALISON BROWNSTONE

FEDERAL AGENTS OF MAGIC

SCIONS OF MAGIC

THE UNBELIEVABLE MR. BROWNSTONE

DWARF BOUNTY HUNTER

ACADEMY OF NECESSARY MAGIC

MAGIC CITY CHRONICLES

ROGUE AGENTS OF MAGIC

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