Morgan pointed to the bathroom, her phone visible on the floor. “My phone isn’t working. You’re lucky you have your stuff.”
“My clothes are ruined except for my fleece and my rain gear, but you’re welcome to anything you need in there.”
Morgan gave her a tiny smile, moving across the room to the food tray. “Thanks. Is this the food?”
“It is. It’s safe to eat, butneveraccept food from a fae you don’t completely trust. They can’t lie like we can, but they love to bend the truth and extract truths from others. If you eat or drink something that a fae gives you, you’re basically under their control. They can ask you anything and your body will force the truth out of you. Believe me, it’s not pleasant.”
Morgan poured herself a cup of tea and took a bowl of soup, still piping hot, thanks to the essence from a cook in the Towers. “I’m guessing you had to learn that the hard way.”
“Unfortunately. And it wasn’t only once. There’s so much I need to tell you to help you adjust to this place, but first tell me your story.”
Morgan sighed and took in a spoonful of soup. After she swallowed she said, “I’ll just be direct. That bear wasn’t any normal bear. He was some sort of a monster. He could transform from a bear into one of those elf looking humanoids. The fae.”
Avery couldn’t hold in her astonished gasp. The bear was actually one of the fae? If he was fae, then that means they could pass into their realm too. She didn’t want to interrupt her sister further, so she held in her questions while Morgan continued her story.
“I don’t think he wanted me dead, but I couldn’t understand anything he was saying. I was getting an infection from my injuries, and I thought if I didn’t get away I would die.” Morgan sucked in a breath, her hands shaking as she continued. “As luck would have it, we were in an abandoned mine shaft and I found an iron pipe. I bashed him in the stomach with the pipe, then on the head. I kept bashing him until he was dead and I don’t regret it. I did what I needed to get out of there, but when search and rescue returned to the cave, there wasn’t a body. Nothing. People think I’m crazy or I hallucinated the whole thing. But I survived, and I guess that’s what really matters.”
Tears streamed down her sister’s face, streaking down the raised purple scars on her cheeks. God, how could her sister have had to suffer so much? Avery scooted her chair to her sister and pulled Morgan into a hug as she let out a deep, mournful sob. Avery wouldn’t let go while Morgan sunk her face into Avery’s shoulder, her body shaking as she held her tight. Finally, Morgan let go, her face puffy from crying.
“I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through. Did Mom and Dad believe you?” Avery asked.
The long sigh told Avery all she needed to know. “The idea of a pointy-eared shifting bear-fae, or whatever you called them, isn’t exactly an acceptable explanation when it comes to a bear attack and missing person story. They were trying hard to support me, while dealing with your disappearance. They didn’t believe me, but they did care for me. I think they needed me as much as I’ve needed them over the past few weeks. Since I got out of the hospital, I’ve been staying at their house. I wasn’t ready to go back home yet.”
Morgan let out another long sigh. Avery could see the exhaustion on her face. She should let her sister get some rest, but there were so many things that weren’t adding up.
“Do you know how you got here?” Avery’s voice was quiet as she asked the question. She thought back to her own journey to Quartz Mountain and the terror and confusion that came with her experience.
“I think so. Back at Quartz Mountain, the last thing I remembered before I lost consciousness was the bright light and the high pitched sound. I didn’t see you disappear. Honestly, I thought I was dying when it happened. But, the sound and the light happened again this evening, and I knew at that moment it had to be linked to your disappearance.
“I went for a drive to get away from Mom and Dad. It’s been… intense just seeing them band together and work nonstop to try and find you. I went over to Sapphire Falls and while I was looking over the railing I started to hear your voice. You were screaming for me and the next thing I knew I was falling down the waterfall with that bright light and ringing sound. When I came to, I was on the shore and Kyla was helping me up. She touched my head and I could understand her. But I’m confusedby that. We’re speaking English now, how can we speak another language?”
Avery shrugged. “I don’t understand it either, but Kyla said she prayed to the Goddess for my ability to understand their language. I guess her prayer was answered, because I can read and speak the fae language.”
Morgan’s face looked puzzled, but she didn’t say anything.
Avery thought of her parents, of how desperate they must be now that Morgan was missing. “I wish there was something I could do to help Mom and Dad. I wish I could let them know I’m okay. What I still don’t understand, if you don’t mind me asking, is how did you end up with a gun?”
Morgan’s face looked stone cold as she turned her head and looked out the window to the balcony. She rubbed her neck, the tension in her muscles obvious even to Avery.
“I bought it after I was out of the hospital. After that thing’s body wasn’t found in the mine shaft, I was scared he would come back for me. So I’ve been carrying it everywhere I go. I want my concealed carry license. But until it comes in, I’ve been open carrying. I want it back as well. I don’t trust these creatures.”
In some way, it made sense to Avery that Morgan would do this. She’d always liked to have control over her life. Always calculating every potential variable to her success and comfort. So if she felt like her life was threatened, she’d do everything she could to account for that potential danger.
Avery wanted to reassure her in some way. “You don’t have to worry about that, Morgan. The fae can’t tolerate iron. If it gets in their blood, they die. The fae that attacked you is dead.”
Morgan glanced toward the door, a cold look on her face. It sent a chill down Avery’s spine and Avery felt her sister’s cool shadows circle their feet. Did Morgan even know she was performing magic?
“We can try to get your gun back, but for now, I just got my axe back and this knife, if it makes you feel better.” Avery took out her knife and gave it to her sister. It wasn’t the same iron knife that Savine gave her, but it was better than nothing. “Keep it. Wear it on you if it makes you feel better. I have a lot to tell you too, but after the day we both had, I think we need to get some rest.” Avery looked down at the splendid gown she still wore. “Before I change and get into bed I should go talk to Savine. There’s an insane amount of locks on this door, so just lock them behind me and I’ll use my keys to get back in.”
Morgan yawned. “Yeah, sleep sounds like a smart idea. This was a horrible day, but I’m happy I know you’re alive now.”
Avery smiled at her sister as she pulled her into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re with me, Morgan. Things may seem messed up right now, but I promise we’ll figure it out together.”
As Avery left the room, she watched the fae lights dim and heard her sister sleepily say, “Goodnight, Ave.”
Chapter 4
Savine
