Charmed Vengeance

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In the front room, he went to his cache of weapons on the wall and wrapped his hands around a bow he’d made long ago for one specific purpose. He grabbed a quiver of arrows, sliding a special arrow within, one with Quinn the Fair’s name literally carved into the shaft. He threw the quiver and bow over his shoulder and slid a knife in his boot.

After all these years revenge was so close he could taste it.

Kevighn gave the cabin one last glance. “Creideamh, by the Bright Lady, I’ll avenge you. I promise.”

Steven and James walked up the tree-lined path of the giant, white mansion with its wide porch and columns. The grand neighborhood was quiet, without the bustle of flying cars, hoverboards, and such. However, the walk was so long he wished he had his hoverboard.

“Now this is a house,” James whistled.

Lights flickering in one of the windows caught Steven’s eye. Which was Noli’s?

They climbed the steps and Steven knocked on the door, glad they’d cleaned up and changed. However, he still carried the blanket-wrapped automaton, which he set on the porch swing for the moment.

The door opened and a very old butler peered out. “May I help you?”

“Yes, we’re here to see Magnolia Braddock,” Steven replied.

“I’m sorry, but Miss Noli is unwell, would you like to leave a card?” He looked as if he might fall over at any moment.

“Is Mrs. Braddock here? We’re her neighbors back in Los Angeles.” Not only did Steven not have a calling card, but he didn’t have time for such niceties.

The elderly butler shook his head. “I’m sorry, but Miss Edwina is out. Would you like to leave a card?”

“Is Jeff or Vix here? Please, we’ve come a long way.” And still had far to go.

His wrinkled face scrunched in thought. “I do think Mr. Jeffrey and Miss Victoria are in residence. However, given Miss Noli’s health, I’m not sure if they’re accepting callers. Do you wish for me to check?”

“Victoria?” James snorted.

Steven shot his brother a look. Victoria was a fine name. “Please. I’m Steven Darrow and this is my brother James.”

The old butler shuffled off, leaving the door half open and them standing on the porch, breaths making frozen clouds in the late afternoon chill.

“That is one old butler,” Jeff laughed as the two of them shivered in the cold.

“Oh, I think Jameson left the door open again,” a female voice called. A brunette, older than Noli but younger than Mrs. Braddock, came to close the door. Her brown eyes widened and her mouth formed an “o” of surprise when she saw them. “Oh, there are callers on the porch. May I help you?”

“We’re friends of Noli and Jeff’s, Jameson is checking to see if Jeff’s accepting visitors.” Steven hoped she let them in. At least it wasn’t snowing.

The uniformed maid gave them a warm smile. “You’ll have to forgive Jameson, he’s a little … elderly. Why don’t you wait in the parlor where it’s warm?” She ushered them into a sumptuous parlor that looked as if it were used far more for feminine meetings than male ones. “Would you like some tea?”

Steven nodded, the heat curling around them like welcoming arms. “That would be splendid.”

She bustled off.

Jeff hustled over to the fire to warm his hands. “This is nice.”

“Noli’s mother’s from a very good old family.” Steven took a seat on the floral armchair closest to the fire. A large piano stood in the corner. On the wall hung several framed portraits, including one of Noli as a little girl, a large bow in her hair.

“Steven, what in tarnation are you doing here?” Jeff strode into the parlor, a puzzled look on his face. “I asked him.” Vix joined Jeff and took his arm. The fierce airship captain looked elegant in a long, flowing dress, much simpler than anything Noli wore, but better suited to her.

Jeff stared at her in disbelief, eyes bulging. “You did? Why?”

Vix frowned at James. “What exactly are you looking at?”

“You’re wearing a dress.” James continued to stare unabashedly.

“Well, don’t you go a-telling now.” Vix sighed, shoulders slumping a little. “I’m trying to be a good daughterin-law-to-be. Today, I allowed Mrs. Braddock to dress me.” She smoothed the skirt in a self-conscious gesture.

Steven took off this hat. “I think you look lovely, Captain Vix. Wait. Daughter-in-law-to-be? Jeff, are congratulations in order?”

Jeff gave them a wide smile then gazed fondly at Vix. “Yes, yes they are.”

“Congratulations,” he replied. Jeff, married? Even an air pirate deserved some happiness.

James grinned cheekily. “That’s great news.

Thank you.” Jeff gaze returned to Vix. “Now why did you ask them to come here? And when did you do it?” His gaze shifted to Steven and it made his skin crawl. “I’m not very happy with you right now.”

“I’m sorry,” Steven murmured, looking at his feet. “I really, truly am.”

Vix looked around, then shut the door. “I sent word when we stopped to refuel in Chicago. Hattie told me where to find them.” She gave Jeff a hard look. “And you know very well why.”

“You’re still thinking that?” Jeff ran his fingers through his hair, corners of his lips turning down.

“It’s been days and she’s still not better, the doctor has no idea why, and she’s killing plants.” Vix crossed her arms. “We have to do something.”

“She’s what?” James left his spot by the fire and joined them.

Steven’s mind reeled. “Wait, what’s going on?”

There was a knock on the door. The maid called, “I have your tea.”

“Please, come in, Ellen,” Jeff replied.

They sat and Ellen served the tea and left, closing the door behind them.

“This is awkward, so I’m just going to say it,” Vix said from her perch on the settee next to Jeff. “We know what you are. We’ve been doing business with your kind, and well, something went wrong and now Noli’s ill—and I don’t think it’s influenza.”

Steven sucked in a sharp breath as the news punched him in the stomach. They knew? How did they know? There would be time for questions later.

“Please, pardon Vix’s conspiracy theories. I don’t think Noli’s sick with the faery pox, or something.” Jeff huffed with annoyance.

“Faery pox?” Steven tried not to laugh given the severity of the situation.

Vix’s jaw jut out. “Your uncle did something to her. I know what I saw—his hands glowed when he choked her, and he threatened her, and kept saying something about her being out of her element.”

James snapped his fingers. “Out of her element? Wait. Did you say she was killing plants?”

“What do you mean my uncle?” Tea sloshed into Steven’s saucer at the thought of Uncle Brogan threatening Noli.

Vix nodded, brows knitting. “King Brogan is your uncle, right? He stormed onto my ship, got into a magic shoving match with Noli, and threatened her. He threatened you as well. Nevertheless, Noli is unwell and we don’t know what’s wrong. She still loves you and insists you love her … so I sent for you hoping you’d know what was wrong.” Vix turned her still full teacup around in her hands. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

“Why are you doing business with the Fae?” James made a face. “That’s not very smart.”

“James,” Steven hissed, then turned back to Vix and Jeff. “Could you please start from the beginning so I can understand what is happening and assist Noli?”

“Of course.” Vix and Jeff told them about their business dealings with the Fae. “I’m still not exactly sure what this artifact is that Brogan wanted the pieces for, but both Noli and Kevighn Silver insisted allowing him to have it could be disastrous … ”

“Kevighn’s involved in this, too?” Steven’s hand went to his forehead. The whole idea of the Fae hiring mortals to steal things made him uneasy, especially when it involved his uncle. And Kevighn … anything involving him was bound to be disingenuous.