The extinguishers ranged out with purposeful intent. The biters scented the air, and let their noses lead them. My group investigated a little more slowly, but very thoroughly. Brendan and I went straight for the cell, and it became immediately apparent that all of the searches would be moot. There was a note left on the messy cot. Brendan went over and picked it up.
“It's for you,” he handed it to me.
I scanned it, then growled, “Fuck!”
The others rushed over to us.
“How regal,” Brendan chuckled. “You can take the girl out of the Extinguishers, but you can't take the Extinguisher out of the girl.”
“That sounds rather naughty,” Conri lifted a brow.
“Did I say to stop searching?” Brendan snapped at his team, ignoring Conri.
They headed back to what they'd been doing, but my fairies and the biters just stood and waited. Well, all but one waited.
“Are we betrayed, Princess?” Conri asked.
“Yes,” I whispered, “it seems so.”
“Who betrayed us?” Torquil bristled with anger. He was about to say more when I stopped him with a single word.
“Danu.”
They all gaped at me.
“No,” Gradh shook her head. “Never.”
“Ambassador, are you saying that the Goddess is against you?” Soren asked gently. “The elves were telling the truth?”
“This note is from Moire,” I cleared my throat, and the extinguishers paused searching so they could listen to me read. “My sweet Niece, did you really think you could steal my child from me again? You are on the losing side this time, Seren. Danu herself warned me of your arrival. But you can still save everyone and everything you love. Marry Bress and secure his right to Twilight. Do this, and I will end the war between us. I vow it upon my own life. Your loving Aunt, Moire.”
“That putrid, evil bitch,” Conri snarled.
“Good and evil are relative terms,” Soren shrugged.
“Yeah, unfortunately, I have more evil relatives than good,” I grimaced. “I mean really, what are the odds?”
Soren chuckled.
“Your aunt wants you to marry your own cousin?” Brendan squished up his face in distaste. “Is that legal in Fairy?”
“There are very few laws restricting relationships in Fairy,” Gradh said. “The Princess could marry Lord Bress if she chose to.”
“But you won't,” Conri growled. Then he took a better look at my face. “Right? You're not going to marry Bress, are you?”
“No,” I said. “But I wish I were the kind of woman who would make that sacrifice for my people.”
“That isn't a sacrifice,” Brendan rolled his eyes, “it's a scam. A con. You know as well as I that Moire Thorn isn't going to give up just because you marry her son.”
“You're right,” I sighed, “but her proposal is not the part that's so discouraging.”
“Then what is?” Brendan asked, obviously confused.
“He doesn't understand,” Ainsley shook his head. “Humans don't know their god like we know Danu. They wouldn't feel as horrified over his betrayal as we do hers.”
“That's not it either, Sir Ainsley,” I gave my Guard a tired look. “Yes, Danu's betrayal is significant, but recall where we are. Danu can't speak to anyone in the Human Realm. So how did she warn Moire?”
“Either Moire has somehow managed to slip past our guards, get into Fairy, speak to Danu, and then return here...” Ainsley started.
