Daxon grabbed the scry phone, his angry expression filled the crystal. “We can defend ourselves.”
“I know, babe. But if Sever stays in the Underground, he can just grab Miri and laruk her somewhere safe. But if he's with you, he'll stay to help fight them off.”
“And what about the fairies down here?”
“I don't think the Angels would stick around after seeing Sever laruk away with Mirielle.”
Daxon blinked. “Ah. I see your point.”
Sever took his phone back. “All right. We'll stay here. Hopefully, nothing will happen, but if Angels show up, I'll get Miri to safety.”
“You need to watch her carefully, Sever. Don't let her out of your sight.”
“I know, Seren. I won't.” His expression softened. “We should bring all the kids here. I think they'd enjoy it.”
I grinned. “I haven't been to the Fairy Undergrounds in a while. I'd like to see how they're doing.”
“It's inhabited by fairies,” Daxon drawled. “We know how to rebound and rebuild. And you know the outreach centers are doing great.”
“I haven't been as involved with them as I had intended to be when I opened them.” I glanced at Tiernan. “I've neglected a lot of things lately.”
“You've tried to focus on what's most important,” Daxon said. “We know you're trying, Seren.”
“Thanks, Dax.”
He leaned in over Sever's shoulder. “But I'm still punishing you the next time you visit.” He grinned wickedly.
I chuckled. “I look forward to it.”
No one could make a person want to be punished like Dax could.
“Tiernan, is she really okay?” Sever asked.
“Not entirely.” Tiernan laid his hand on my thigh to ease the sting I didn't feel. “But as someone who experienced the same attack recently, I can say that Seren's not suffering, and she will return to normal soon.” He winced. “I just don't know how soon that will be. The King had her longer than I was touched.”
“The King?” Daxon asked.
“He's a manifestation of the Garden. Like its representative,” I said. “I've been calling him King Crybaby.”
Daxon snorted a laugh. “That's my girl. Always make fun of the monsters.”
“If only he were a monster.” I sighed. “I like monsters. This guy is just sad and boring. He's a downer.”
Dax laughed harder. “Yeah, monsters are far more interesting. All right, love. Scry me when you've recovered and have kicked King Crybaby's ass.”
“I will. I love you, Dax.”
“I love you too, my Queen.” He winked at me and stepped out of view. “I'll be outside with the kids. I'll holler if our girl opens a magical rift.”
“Oh, you won't have to.” Sever grimaced and looked back at me. “What are your intentions toward Astaroth?”
“I have none. I'll go to fulfill the prophecy and then come home. Until then, Tiernan can protect me from the dreams.”
Sever nodded. “I have a feeling you may change your mind after you recover your darker emotions.”
“That's possible.” I glanced at Tiernan. “It might be better if I go to Hell now.”
“You can't leave Fairy now, Seren.” Tiernan set his teacup down. “Healing Hell is bound to take a while, and we'll be defenseless without you.”
