‘How much do you trust this guy Stella?’ Alfie asked the second we walked out of the bar. ‘He’s insane!’ I stalked ahead of them. ‘I was told he’s a very reliable source and it makes sense. Arti! You’re special, you’re not a mage, you’re goddess! It’s so cool.’ I shook my head. It couldn’t be. I couldn’t be, what did that mean for Rocky? ‘No, Stella it’s not. It’s confusing and we didn’t get anything on Rocky.’ She scratched her head, ‘Right. We should go back.’ ‘No, it doesn’t feel safe. There are places I hear kidnapped victims are held. Not nice places of course.’ Alfie said. ‘No, kidding, but that will take forever.’ ‘Have you tried a locator spell?’ Stella and I exchanged glanced. ‘Would it work?&rs

The bar Stella worked at reminded me of the bar I worked at. At least I wouldn’t be heading back there when this was over. I couldn’t wait for then. To have Rocky back and never again see the darkness of the mage dimension skies. Every time I stared up at the sky that held the sun captive heaviness settled on my chest and I struggled to breath.Stella dried glasses, made cocktails and slid beers across the counter. I nursed the same glass of water until Alfie showed up.‘I thought I was late,’ He adjusted his glasses. He smiled at me. I smiled at the ground. As much as I was falling for him before Rocky was kidnapped there was someone else developing in the picture. I hated that he was in the picture.‘No, Stella's connection is a no show.’ I eyed her out of the corner of my eye.‘He’s coming, he’s just busy.’ She crossed her arms.‘Another elf?’ Alfie asked.

After taking Artemis back to the mage dimension, making sure her friend was home and making sure she remained there. I returned to Paradis. I brushed sweat off my brow. Lesser members piled into the court, whispers and murmurs following them. Marcus closed the door behind me. He didn’t bother to acknowledge me. He’d patched up the spot damaged in battle. The Queen and King graced their thrones alongside their elders. I took my seat. Another attack? Eternal winter? Hell the sun barely woke in the mage dimension. ‘I have an important announcement to make,’ Solaris said almost in a whisper. General Storm and the prince sat across from me. My eyes searched for Marcus he better not have turned her in or else I’d forget he was my friend. Solaris gripped her throne, ‘With the chaos be falling our world’s I’ve discovered my court is lacking.’ No. I swallowed my eyes darted to the king, prince then the general. She wouldn’t. ‘I’ve brought it upon myself to promote a lesser member. I beli

I slept in until I don’t know what time. The clock on the side bed in the guest room was forever stuck at seven pm. I was mourning two losses, my sister’s possible death and a guy who pushed me away before I could get close. Stella hadn’t come to my room, it had me worried she still wasn’t well from yesterday. I kicked off the blanket and went to shower. ‘There you are. We have to go.’ Stella said. I was drying my hair out and was only dressed in a towel when she walked through the door. ‘Are you sure about this Stella? Is it safe? The last two guys you found weren’t very I don’t know—’ ‘The elf is dead— Do you want to find your sister or not?’ ‘Of course I do, but—’ I blinked a couple times at the news of the death of the elf. I didn’t believe him at the time, but knowing he was gone thrust me to the realization that he was the first person to tell me my real identity. ‘Five minutes.’ She stormed out the room. ‘Stella!’ If there was a problem, why didn’t she just come out and

‘Leave me alone,’ I shoved Artemis’ hand away. ‘You’re hurt!’ ‘I told you I can heal myself.’ She grumbled the pan with water and cotton balls rattled on her laps. ‘It’s clearly not working.’ I rolled back on the couch. It wasn’t working. My body ached and my bones cracked. If I stood, I’d collapse. I laboured to breath. I turned to Artemis, her lips parted and her eyes frowned. I reached for her hand, moments ago I had her in my arms. Now I felt my essence flee me. ‘Let me try something, please.’ She whispered. ‘What’s that?’ Her hand trembled all the way to my cheek. My hand found hers there. I shut my eyes and relished her touch. ‘You’re bleeding internally Daylen.’ I groaned, ‘Fuck.’ She lifted my shirt to reveal where Avon's magic did the most damage. My skin was raw and black. Her hand pressed against the injury. ‘Shit Artemis.’ I spat. ‘I’m sorry!’ She moved closer and guided my face so that I was right in front of her. She pressed her forehead onto mine. I shut