“Don’t provoke him,” she said under her breath. “And please, do your best to avoid him.”
“Oh, believe me. I will.”
I glanced down the street one last time and decided I couldn’t wait any longer. But just as I was about to give up on seeing any other loved ones before I left, a female called over the crowd, “Primelle!”
Aunt Opalin frantically waved upon a swiftly moving carpet, her flapping arms barely visible above the street’s congestion.
A grin bloomed across my face, and I waved as well, thenlaughed at how exuberant she appeared. “You made it, Aunt Opalin, and not a moment too soon!”
She finally came into clear view, and her smile broadened. Even though she wasn’t technically my aunt, only a dear family friend, she still seemed to enjoy that I’d taken to calling her that.
Finally reaching us, Opalin jumped off her carpet and said in a breathless rush, “Oh, Prim, I’m so glad I got here in time.” She pulled me into a fierce hug, and my magic immediately recognized her unique essence. Rose buds, sparkly illusion magic, and thyme. It all was soAunt Opalin, and I hugged her tightly in return.
“Me too. Ree had to cancel, but I’m glad you could be here.” I glanced behind her. “Where’s Roosep?”
She blew a strand of blond hair from her face. “I’m so sorry, Prim. He wishes he could have been here too, but he couldn’t get off work.” Opalin’s brow pinched, and worry filled her green eyes.
I nodded understandably. “It’s all right.” Like my uncle, Roosep also worked for the royals. “I know his job keeps him busy, but thank you for coming, and tell Roosep I completely understand that he couldn’t be here.” I squeezed her hand. “I hope it wasn’t too much of a nuisance for you to travel all the way over here at this hour?”
“Of course not.” Opalin swished her fingers through the air. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the realm.”
I glanced toward the street and its busy traffic, then gaveher an apologetic smile. “I know you just got here, but I really should get moving.”
Opalin pulled me into another hug. “I knew you’d be on your way soon, so don’t fret.”
Gwen hugged us too, her thin arms locking around me and Opalin, causing Opalin to laugh. “May the stars, moon, and galaxy bless you, Prim.”
Opalin sobered, and Gwen’s formal goodbye had my throat tightening. All thoughts about the irksome male down our lane, not seeing Ree, and missing Roosep too, vanished. With Gwen and Opalin’s love clouding around me, it was enough to infuse me with joyous purpose.
I hugged them back just as hard. “Thank you.” I pulled away and gripped each of their hands. “I love you both.”
Gwen nodded resolutely, but Opalin had tears in her eyes.
“We love you too, Prim,” Opalin replied.
“Safe travels,” my aunt added, “and don’t forget to check in every night.”
“I won’t. I promise.” I sat on my carpet and whispered a command to it. The enchanted carpet lifted higher beneath my crossed legs, just waiting for my next instruction.
Above, the pale green sky shone even brighter in the early morning sun, and I shielded my eyes to see the street better. I needed a break in the congestion to take off.
Aunt Gwen and Opalin moved back from the curb. Gwenery stood with her chin high, yet her hands were clenched so tightly together that her knuckles turned white.
I double checked the magic around my supplies, spotted an opening in the busy street, then lifted a hand. “Bye.”
My aunt and Opalin lifted their hands in farewell, and with a whispered command, I was off.
I flewthrough the Coswell District, dipping and weaving around those who were traveling slower. I moved progressively east, flying in the direction of the Wishing Stone. When it’d streaked across the sky during the early hours of the morning, just before sunrise, it’d been headed toward the eastern horizon. It wasn’t much to go off of, but once I reached the Wood and night fell, I would consult my constellation map. With any luck, what my book from the Isle of Song told me would prove true. And if not...then I would be traveling blind just like everyone else.
Wind streamed across my cheeks, and my enchanted carpet zoomed around everything in its path. I was flying as high as allowed, which meant I could easily fly over the slower-moving traffic on the streets beneath me, but I wasn’t allowed to crest the buildings. That privilege was only reserved for royalty.
When I passed the stone bridge leading to the Valehill Market—where Ree worked—I looked for a flash of red hair on the other side. My shoulders slumped. My carpet was moving too quickly, and I was unable to find my best friend in the longlane that led all the way to the capital’s center. Already, hundreds of fae were present, buying supplies and goods for the day. When the market and bridge disappeared behind me, a twinge of regret filled me.
Even though we exchanged dillemsills, I should tell her goodbye mentally.
I knew Ree would appreciate the gesture, especially since she’d asked me to connect with her as soon as possible. She was likely feeling guilty that she hadn’t been able to see me in the flesh.
Linking consciousnesses with another fairy had taken me many summers to master. Mental projection was a rare skill that few fae with Mistvale magic held, even though myotherhidden magic was even rarer.
