6.
Moth
M y throat goes dry at the word. Kidnapped. This is not the first time this has happened, and I swore I would never allow my flame to meet such a fate again.
Whatever is going on here in the faerie realm, it is no longer a refuge for party games and celebration. The humans must be sent home where it is safe—an idea everyone seems to be in agreement with. The party lingers in the garden while Holly and I lead Rosie and Clara to Mother’s portal in the tower.
“Isn’t there anything we can do to help?” Clara asks, looking a little crestfallen. Both women still wear the finery from Widow’s dress shop, and I suppose there will be another bill from the seamstress in the future, but it is not of concern.
“I mean this without offense, but … what possible help could you offer?” Holly asks, as we climb the steps. Once at the top, Mother’s tower is still as unnerving as it was the first day I found it. The collection of broken clocks and items from the mortal realm line the walls and shelves. My human friends are visibly tense; it is further proof that while Holly’s words are harsh, they are not untrue. We do not know the threat we are facing; keeping the pair of them safe is our best option.
I cannot imagine what edge the humans could have in this situation. Then, as we approach the portal, Rosie’s phone begins to buzz.
*buzz buzz*
*buzz buzz*
“I didn’t think you got service over here,” Rosie says, fishing the phone out of her purse.
“Heather has discovered it works best when near a portal.” Holly sneers, “But might I say, it is an odd time to be—”
“It’s her!” Rosie shouts, pushing her phone into my hand. I raise the screen to my eyes, reading off the series of letters.
HEATHER:. Kemgskgagmkeglkmwew SOS HWLP VSMPIRW KPNG GOT kldmslkndalg SAFE 3 NIW. LRFY V08ceM@-.
Hm … she is clever to have written in code, though not being able to make out the words is certainly a dilemma. As my eyes flick across the strange collection of letters, I find myself with more questions than answers.
Holly groans, casting a sideways glance at the humans. In a mere moment, her posture changes from that of a younger sister to the captain of Eclipsica’s army.
“It seems you will be staying after all,” she says with a resolute nod,
“Oh, good,” Clara says, seeming to have second thoughts now that the decision has been made.
Rosie plays the voicemail and I cringe at the sound of cracked whispers and conversation. It cuts off before we learn anything of relevance and the room snaps into action.
We have found ourselves in the library. The books and trinkets that once lined the table are swept aside in favor of maps of the kingdom. Holly hurriedly puts pieces on a board, drawing lines between territories with a furrow in her brow. If Heather were here, she’d say something quippy like, “This is the weirdest family game night I’ve ever been to.” But she is not—and my hands do not stop shaking without her fingers interlaced in mine.
Knowing Mother would not be keen on the idea of a large group gathered in her sanctuary, we do something equally upsetting: moving her portal down the steps into the castle. It is a larger space where plans can be drawn and will fit our rag-tag collection of humans and faeries. While Widow has returned home, Oak, Ruby and Holly bicker amongst themselves on how to proceed. Rosie and Clara play the voicemail again and again, listening for clues, and await more messages. I tirelessly attempt to decode the text message, but it is no easy task. I would expect nothing less of my clever little flame. Still, the more I look, the less it makes sense. I have written it on paper, scrambling, unscrambling, and trying to sort the code, to no avail.
“Could you decipher this?” I say, passing it to Rosie and Clara who are far more tech-savvy than I. Perhaps it is a secret language for those who communicate using devices, like GIFs or emojis.
“Oh! Got it!” Clara says instantly My theory stands correct. “It’s all typos. SOS help Vampire King got me, safe for now, left voicemail—I’m sorry, y’all have vampires?”
Typo. Something I will study when the situation is less dire.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Holly replies. “And it seems their king has taken a liking to Heather. If I remember correctly, Mother sat them next to each other last season. They could not have spoken more than a few times!”
“That is all it would take,” I say through gritted fangs. My flame is too charming for her own good, though she might not always know it.
King Magnus…
Of course, I noticed the way he looked at her the last time we were in Eclipsica. Desire, Admiration, Interest. Though jealousy had turned my blood molten, I could not blame the poor fool. When in the presence of a goddess, how can one do anything but worship her? But this… this will not be forgiven.
“He summers at an estate in the Dragonfly Court,” Holly says, placing a piece down on the map. “His mother was of their court, but if he is in his own domain that will be … tricky.”
“Does he have any faerie abilities?” Ruby asks. “I am fairly versed in the gossip of the Moth Court, but … vampires cannot typically do things like fly. We should know what we are up against.”
“Unknown.” Holly paces. “We will need to gather intel. Mother will know if any missives have come, and, yes, Pepper’s expertise will be needed.”
“Missives?” My head spins. Why wait? My claws scream for blood and the feel of her skin. Sprout sits on top of my feet as if to prevent me from springing into the air.
“It would not be uncommon to receive a ransom,” Ruby explains, giving my hand a light squeeze. “It will be okay.”
“Can we circle back to the ‘tricky’ thing?” Clara asks. “Why would it be harder to get to the vampires than the … uh, dragonflies?” She shoots me a pleading look, as if asking me to explain. I can do nothing but shake my head.
“Their castles are deep in the shadows, of course,” Holly says, gesturing across the map. “Not only do they ward their lands, but shadows move with the moon; they exist everywhere and nowhere and cannot be reached without a portal or invitation.”
“Oh, the shadows. Of course .” Clara’s blinks her eyes feverishly and eases herself into the nearest chair. I do not believe she is coping with this well, but then again, neither am I.
“I thought vampires were the ones who had to be invited places,” Rosie remarks, furrowing her brow.
“Yes, that does sound like a rumor that would be convenient for them to spread,” Holly sighs. “With their close ties to the Dragonfly Court and access to portals and magic, they are the most likely to walk among you. The veil is thinner in the vampire’s domain.”
“So, they could be…”
“Anywhere,” I answer grimly, clenching my jaw.
“Including our world?” Clara asks, and we watch as my sister gives an uncertain nod. We do not seem to be making progress, despite the new information. Not only does it all seem nonsensical, but it is hard to focus on the sound of each voice with the entire group speaking at the same time.
“Is that why she was able to send us a message using her cellular device?” I ask.
“It is likely.” Holly nods. “With any hope, she will get use of it again. We could use a little help.”
I take a deep breath, trying to keep a hold of myself. I should have been here…
Surely, I would have sensed something—been able to protect her. And yet, whatever it takes to get her back, I will do. Even if it means blood on my claws.
“Surely there is a way into their domain,” I press. “We have people—troops, spies, I am sure! Someone to deploy to give us a way in.”
“Spies, yes.” Holly shrugs. “Whispers will return to us even from the shadows, but as much as I would like to rush in with my blade, we must take a much-dreaded path…”
“Which is?” I ask, crossing my arms. What could be worse than waiting around and doing nothing?
“Diplomacy.” She groans. “I like it as little as you.”
“We must get her back!” I argue, speaking more sharply than I should, but the importance is not up for debate.
“But we must not start a war,” Ruby adds gently. Her hand rests on my shoulder, as she draws in a deep breath; subconsciously, I begin to mirror her, breathing steadily, fighting to find calm in this madness.
“Conflict with the vampires means conflict with the Dragonfly Court. They are closely allied with the Bumbles and their forces are not to be trifled with. Eclipsica has been at peace for centuries. We cannot let this incident throw off the balance,” Ruby explains it as a mother would to a child, patient and slow. It is clear that history is being watered down. Whether it is for the sake of myself or the humans, I could not say.
But in this moment, I cannot think of the cost—only that I would set the world ablaze to feel her spark—to ensure her safety.
Still, we follow Holly’s plan and wait. The ticking clocks around us make every passing minute feel like agony.
“Brother—a moment please,” Holly says, guiding me away from the rest of our group. The parlor feels dry and stuffy, and I am eager for fresh air. It does little good, and I find myself disappointed when the cold does not soothe me.
“What is it?” I ask, walking to the edge of the balcony.
“There was … something odd that happened at the party.” Holly bites her bottom lip, and the calm of her strategic planning has waned. Now, she only looks like a worried little sister. It is unsettling. “It is no matter. I’m sure it was my imagination.”
Odd? Anything could be helpful, even if it does not seem like it in the moment.
“Tell me,” I demand.“If there is anything that could be helpful, I must know.”
She huffs, pacing the length of the balcony.
“No, no, it was—” She turns on her heel. “My assumptions have gotten us into trouble in the past.”
“Sister,” I beg. “ Please .”
Her blue eyes grow wide. In portraits, she bears a great resemblance to our grandmother, with the round features of the Butterfly Court, but the furrow in her brow is like looking in a mirror. “Fine, yes, well, there was something odd between Heather and Oak…”
“ Odd? ” I echo.
“I do not know how else to explain it.”
“They are friends,” I answer plainly, I have never sensed anything strange between them. The pair joke readily, and often get lost talking about creative projects but never in a way that has felt romantic.
“It was if they had something to hide,” Holly says, before throwing her hands up in surrender. “I am not trying to cause problems, brother, I promise you. It is just … at the party before Heather disappeared, they were whispering in a way that seemed to be causing Heather discomfort.” She presses her lips together tightly. “I overheard something about stealing her away. I had assumed it was a joke. I cannot believe Oak would have anything to do with this, but he did leave before she disappeared. What if—”
My body moves of its own volition, hurtling back into the room until Oak’s pale neck is encased in my hands.
“ Whoa! ”
“ Moth! ”
“ What are you— ”
“What do you know?”I growl, raising up his thin body until his legs kick in the air.
“I don’t—” He gasps, his hands reaching for mine to try to escape my grasp, but it is a pointless struggle.
Lies. He is lying. Though my memories of the past may be hazy, I can see it in the way he won’t meet my eyes. Sprout paws at my shin in protest. I roll my eyes, loosening my grip from his thin neck to the fabric of his collar. Sprout whines, suggesting the change is not merciful enough.
“You know, I used to enjoy when you did this–” Oak grunts, as he begins to shift, his mouth contorting into something pointed and beaklike. “In this context, it is considerably less pleasant.”
“Not the time, Oak!”Ruby scolds, placing a hand on her hips.
Mother breezes into the room. “Children please—if you’re going to battle, at least adorn your armor and go to the training grounds.” She taps her foot impatiently as if worried we’ll knock over a vase if we do not take the rough housing outside, but this is not a game.
“Not until he tells me what he knows,” I snarl through gritted teeth, loosening my grip on his throat. I suddenly feel more like a rebellious teenager than a grown man searching for his fiancé.
“Right, right. Yes!” Oak takes a deep breath, his human features returning. “Fine! I will. Just put me down!”
“If you hurt her—”
“No, no, no… it’s nothing like that. I was just hoping she would change her mind.”
“About what ?”
“The studio! Gods, Moth, will you put me down?” he asks, kicking his legs. Sprout huffs, pawing at my leg once more. Finally, I relent, placing Oak back down onto his feet. Is that what this is all about?
“Studio?” Holly asks, tilting her head. Rosie and Clara share the same puzzled expression.
“A business venture … here in Eclipsica,” I huff. Oak rubs his neck. “I am sorry.”
“What did you think—that I had something to do with this?” he snaps, looking like I’ve hurt him more emotionally than physically.
I run my fingers through my hair, unsure how to respond. My desperation is making me reckless, but I cannot let suspicion—or rumors—turn me against my friends…
“I do not know where she has been taken, but I do know we will find her,” Oak says seriously. He grins, his fangs on full display. “Besides, I’ve always wanted to storm a castle. It’s all deliciously dramatic.”
I roll my eyes. It did not take long for him to get back to his old self.
“What? It is not every day we get to rescue a princess. Though, I suppose her title would not have become official until—”
“Enough!” I growl, pinching the bridge of my nose “Can you offer something more useful than this commentary?”
“ Indeed. I’ll take my leave and comb the taverns for gossip,” Oak says. “Perhaps Widow can assist; people tend to have loose lips during gown fittings…”
“A good thought.” Ruby sighs. “We can make a list of nobles while Widow works her magic. Goodness, it is already nearly sunrise. Moth…” She bites her lip, a dramatic sigh leaving her lips. “There is something I need from you.”
Something I can do to help? I stand at attention and nod.
“Someone needs to get Pepper. They’ve been promoted to lead advisor while you’ve been away.” Ruby seems a little frantic, and I am happy to offer my assistance.
Mother nods. “Yes, yes! Pepper’s expertise will be needed. Get them for us, won’t you?”
First, get Pepper. That is an achievable goal. Mother and Ruby smile at each other in a shared moment I do not understand. I offer a shallow bow, turning to leave the room. My body, responding to orders, seems to have a mind of its own. With hurried steps I leave the castle, Sprout following every step of the way.
Pepper has let their hair grow long. It hangs in dozens of braids down their back. Their youngest, Dot, haphazardly adorns the braids with ribbons and flora I suppose must have been gathered from the garden.
“Do you have an appointment?” they ask, blinking their eyes. Pepper looks amused but tired, a beacon of patience; considering that I have been fighting the urge to tear directionless into the sky, it is something I could learn from.
“Heather is missing,” I say, surprised at the hollowness in my voice. Pepper tenses, shooting me a look, then glances toward Dot whose tiny hands have not stopped dutifully adding leaves to the braids. From the state of the two of them, still dressed in their night clothes, I imagine it has been an early morning.
“Did you look behind the tree? That’s Decy’s favorite spot,” Dot chirps, and I freeze, realizing I will have to use my words carefully.
“December is quite good at hide and seek.” I nod. “I will have to search there.”
Before I can say another word, Dot has grabbed my hand.
“Okay, Baba you’re all done,” she announces, patting Pepper’s shoulder to urge them to move. “Uncle Moth’s turn.”With her meager strength, the child pushes me into the now empty seat.
I open my mouth to protest—there are things to do, orders to give and…
“I take it the queen has sent for me.”
“She has.”
“Ruby has remained at the castle. Something about her knowledge of the nobility.”
“Mommy knows lots of people!” Dot chirps, yanking a handful of my hair. “Decy! Lace! Hornet! July Belle! Uncle Moth is here to play!”
“I—” I begin to protest, but Pepper will need to take their leave, and the children cannot be left alone. I frown, before nodding. My job was to summon Pepper; I had not realized I would also be babysitting.
“Just keep them entertained for a little while… and no flying in the house.”
“No fair!” December shouts. In record time, she has flown down the hallway and hovers in the air just above my head. She clutches a handful of ribbons her sister has passed up to her.
In the distance, the sun peeks above the trees, and within mere moments, four more fae children barrel down the steps. I am met with an arsenal of bows and adornments at the hands of Dot, December, and Hornet, while Lace and July Belle focus on giving Sprout a “matching look.” I force my lips into a reassuring smile when the weight of the situation feels too heavy. I am sure I look quite the spectacle and Heather would adore it…
She has always been good with them, though she says I am a natural. I cannot pretend I have not noticed the glint in my flame’s eyes the few times we’ve visited, as if getting a glimpse into a possible future. With a smile, I look at the tiny faeries and their artful chaos. Heather was convinced Pepper had over ten children, not understanding that each time we’d seen them they’d simply been playing with friends. Still, five is nothing to underestimate—especially when they are suddenly wielding glitter.