We say quick farewells because there’s no time to waste. If there are other kings led by a ruthless vampire named Count Nikolai, we have work to do before he raises the Shadow Army. I can’t imagine other dominions that were as bad as Raven’s Landing was when I got here, but I have to be prepared for anything.
When we reach the harbor, people load crates filled with thermoses containing honey tea and enough food to last us a few weeks. The boat is simple but well-crafted as we board. The sun shines high overhead as other supplies are loaded and others say farewell.
“Anyone know how to sail this thing?” Soren asks, walking along the wooden deck.
“I have the compass.” I pat my pocket.
Gerda casts him an annoyed look. “I’m Princess Gerda from Brendsondl. Of course, I know how to sail.”
“How was I supposed to know that? You kept your identity secret. Mine too.”
“We already talked about this, Soren.”
“Argued, more like.” He gripes.
She shakes her head as she shoves Leith onboard. He’s still bound by my magic. “You sorry, yet?” she asks him.
“No, and I never will be,” the false king leers.
“Oh, yes, you will. You haven’t met my father yet.” Her inked skin is exposed. I’d asked her if she wants me to remove it, but I have a feeling she wears it like a badge of honor—a symbol of her defiance that ultimately lead to triumph.
I pause and my thoughts drift to words...the kind printed in books. “I’m new to this whole magic thing, but if Leith is a vampire, shouldn’t he be, like, melting in the sunlight. At least, I’ve read that can happen to vampires.”
“Foolish, foolish, faetcher.” The false king uses what I’ve come to know as the worst possible insult for fae. “You know nothing of me or what I am.” He hisses and his eyes flash greenish, demonish.
A wave of knowing, born from years of study at the Magical Management Vocation Academy, washes over me. I was taught to recognize the signs of a demon. Eyes backed by lacquered light? Check. Skin that looks like it would dissolve in water? Check. And a vibrational type of energy that leaves non-demons feeling slightly off? Check. My demon radar is blaring. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it before.
“Maybe he’s not immortal after all,” I say. “There’s only one way to find out.” I rip the sword Vespertine gave me from my belt and take one, menacing blow. Unlike Gerda and Soren I didn’t hesitate when given the opportunity to slay a demon.
“Whoa, you weren’t messing around,” Soren says with a mixture of surprise and pride.
I grin. “It’s a fae thing.” I never knew I had power but now I understand the source of my so-called enthusiasm. Plain and simple: defense against those who’d dare to steal my shadow or anyone else’s for that matter.
The dude’s appearance flickers and then morphs. A greenish slime oozes through ashen flesh for a moment.
“Ah, now we see his true colors. He was glamoured,” Gerda says.
“What do you mean?” I ask. Nothing glamorous about him in life or death. He could’ve certainly used a makeover.
Gerda gazes at the water as the green substance stains the water. “Leith was a demon, but glamoured himself to remain looking like he did before.”
“Which wasn’t all that nice to look at. He was nearly entirely inked and pretty creeptastic.” I squirm, which is rare since I’ve dealt with countless demons over the years.
“Why wouldn’t he have glamoured himself to look like he did before the curse?” Soren asks.
“The curse was too powerful. Curses can be layered and some can’t surpass others.”
“Ah, in other words, he could only reset himself to his previous configuration?” I ask.
They both give me a strange look.
“Terra lingo, but I get it,” Soren says.
Gerda stands at the helm of the small ship, watching as what remained of the silver king disappears. “Leith was built on lies and more lies,” she mutters. “The question remains who turned him into a demon?”
“Probably the same person who’s populating New York with demons...Count Nikolai. And it’s up to me to track him down.” All at once a deep belly laugh erupts from me. Tears stream from my eyes and I can hardly catch my breath.
“What’s so funny?” Soren asks as though he’d like in on the joke—I’ve gathered that people in Raven’s Landing don’t laugh too often.
Gerda looks at me with a wrinkle of concern in her brow.
When I finally calm myself down, practically hiccupping, I say, “I’d tried to earn my way onto the Police Force so I could slay demons. Instead, I was demoted to the Peace Force. As it turns out, I’ll have to slay the biggest demon of all. The big daddy demon. Ironic, no?”
Gerda shakes her head but cracks a smile. Then she calls for the crew’s attention and we set sail.
Soren wraps his arm over my shoulder and says, “But you don’t have to do all that slaying alone.”
“You’re pretty handy with that sword. I’ll keep you around.” I nudge him with my elbow, but he just draws me closer.
I could really go for some clean clothes, but my work uniform is my only connection to home so I keep it on, squeeze the snowflake pendant around my neck, and wave to the others gathered along the shore as we leave the harbor.
As the castle perched on the mountainside grows smaller in the wake of the boat, I drop the stone I took from Leith’s crown into the indentation where north should be etched on the compass. The needle points to the west and I expect sparks of magic or something, but the compass remains cold in my hand.
Still in Soren’s arms, I inhale his mint, woodsmoke, and pine scent.
