His smile blooms beneath my kiss. “I do.”
“Can we go now?” Iwoo grumps. “If I don’t get back soon, someone else will find my gold.”
“We’ll move faster if you’re fluffy.” I toe him.
“Fine.” He looks up at me, and his yellow eyes turn a lovely shade of lavender, soft hair sprouts all over him, and his furry tummy is once again a thing of beauty.
“Wily changeling.” Gareth pats my ass, then takes my hand. “Lead the way, Iwoo. Choose wisely. Deception will end in your dismemberment.”
“This way.” The fluffy darling takes off toward the road farthest to the right. “This way, this way.”
Hand-in-hand, we follow the furry, grumpy gremel down the long road that I hope will lead me to Clotty and eventually, to freedom for the summer realm.
5
Gareth
“I’ve never seen a gremel.” Chastain kneels and stares at the creature.
“Isn’t he the cutest and fluffiest?” Beth practically squeals with delight.
“Fluffy?” Chastain frowns. “He looks more like a sleek feline. Shiny black coat and luminous green eyes.”
“Gremel magic.” Beth reaches out and scratches under its chin.
“You realize I see his true form, right?” I grimace as she tickles its slobbery wattles.
“How?” She looks up at me. “Why can you see him but no one else can?”
“Just a talent, I suppose. I’ve never been one to fall under any sort of thrall. The closest I’ve come is Cenet. His sleep magic is particularly powerful.”
“You withstood that for longer than anyone else.” She stands. “Even Taylor. She couldn’t fight it.”
“Deal is done.” Iwoo holds out its clawed hand toward Beth.
I look around at the caravan and the gentle slope that promises an end to this horrible place. “All right. Give him the cup.”
“Don’t you want to come with us?” Beth’s tone verges on baby talk.
Iridiel stamps around and snorts. “Gremels are disgusting. Give me the creeps.”
Iwoo hisses at him.
“I could stomp you into a new shape, if you like.” Iridiel prances forward. “Something a bit more attractive.”
Parnon nods his agreement. “Stomp it.”
Iwoo bares his fangs, his claws extending.
“Everyone calm down. No one is getting stomped.” Beth pulls the goblet from where she had it tied around her waist and offers it to the gremel. “Take it. Thank you for getting us here, Iwoo.”
The creature takes the goblet, then jumps at Iridiel.
The unicorn rears and bumps into the wagon. Chastain’s bag full of golden items falls to the stone floor. Cups, plates, and candlesticks scatter everywhere.
Iwoo’s milky eyes widen. “Gold.”
“You’ve got your payment. Go before Iridiel squishes you.” I point back down the road.
