Dezi leans back, considering this with a frown. “If legends are more than just stories here, then maybe those who vanish are prey to some supe hiding right under our noses. This town’s rot runs deep.”
Tiernan’s features twist with unease. “You guys think you can manage his security at the school? I need to hit a weaponry shop before we venture into the woods. I don’t like this shit at all. It’s way more dangerous in this damn place than I’m comfortable with.”
“You trust Rev and Sassy to me and the mosquito?” Khol chuckles, a glimmer of pride lighting up his face. “We’ll keep the kids safe without causing an international incident. Promise.”
“Try not to flash your scary basilisk face, then,” I mutter, though my lips twitch.
His laughter is a rumble that shakes the table, and we’re on our feet, leaving the Holy Grail behind for the bustle of the small town school.
The students’ excited energy greets us like a physical force when we walk through the front doors. A little fae girl with wings like iridescentsoap bubbles flutters up to my face, her giggle like wind chimes. “Hi!” she chirps before darting away.
“Adorable,” I can’t help but say, even as a runaway werewolf pup barrels into my legs, nearly knocking me down. “Okay, scratch that—my ovaries are officially on indefinite leave of absence.”
Laughter bubbles up around me, and the teachers herd their charges with practiced ease. The younger ones are mostly sweet, if a bit too energetic, but once we reach the oldest classes, it’s like stepping into a different world.
“Can you teach us how to snag a famous rock star?” a smirking teen girl asks, and I feel my patience snap like a frayed string.
“No, but I can show you how to punch someone hard enough to send their nose bone into their brain,” I retort, earning snickers from the others. “It’s very helpful for girls to learn self-defense.”
Khol chokes back a laugh, hiding his face in my hair, and even Dezi has to cloak his snickering. Revelin redirects the girl, charming her with his usual flirty bit, and I roll my eyes.
Why can’t I snap back when the little shit is being a cunty bitch? She knew what she was asking.
“Changing my stance on liking people at driving age,” I grumble as we exit the classroom. “Let’s move that up to drinking age.”
“Can you imagine our lass as an auntie?” Revelin teases, his voice dripping with mischief. “Litters upon litters of nieces and nephews of all species, clamoring to climb her legs and rub sticky stuff all over her…”
My heart does a nosedive into panic, the very idea sending a shiver down my spine. The guys find my horror absolutely hilarious, their laughter following me down the hallway like a taunting echo.
“Hilarious,” I snap, but my scowl doesn’t quite reach my eyes. Despite everything, there’s warmth bubbling in my chest—a reluctant affection for these idiots and their relentless teasing.
The next place we step into is the music room, and I hang back, leaning against the doorframe. What unfolds next is nothing short of magical. Revelin sheds his usual shield of mischief and rakishness like an old cloak. He approaches a piano, fingers gliding over the keys, coaxing out a melody so haunting it raises goosebumps on my arms.
“Beautiful,” slips from my lips before I can stop it.
The children gather around him, wide-eyed, as he transitions to a guitar, a violin, and then his voice—a rich baritone that seems to resonate with every fiber in the room. They join in, an imperfect but passionate chorus that fills the space with pure, untainted hope.
My chest tightens as I watch them, their innocence a stark contrast to our grim reality. Revelin’s joy is infectious, and for a moment, I forget about the dark cloud hanging over us.
“Never seen that look on you before, witchling,” Dezi teases, sidling up beside me. “You’re all... gooey.”
I flip him off without looking, a smile betraying my annoyance. “Shut it, bloodsucker.”
“You’ll get used to it,” he says with a smug grin. “The soft stuff grows on you.”
“Like mold,” I mutter, but inside, I’m not so sure.
Emotions are treacherous things, and I’m not keen on being ambushed by them.
The Holy Grailis a welcome sight after the rollercoaster morning, even in the busy lunch hour. We find Tiernan at our previous table, checking an impressive array of weaponry and supplies he has spread out on the table. His face lights up as weapproach the proud gleam of a professional who has thoroughly enjoyed his job.
“It took me a bit, but I found the right fit for everyone,” he says, pointing to the gear. “With what could lurk in the woods, I didn’t want to take any chances.”
“Nice,” Khol breathes out, already wrapping his hands around the spike-wrapped bos that are clearly for him. Revelin lifts the fae steel sword, testing its weight, his eyes bright with approval as he nods at his old friend.
“Fiadh, these are magic focusing blades,” Tiernan nods toward the elegant weapons embedded with channeling stones. “They should help amplify your magic, but be close to what you’re used to wielding.”
Fuck yeah. Nowthisis what I’m talking about.
