Page 44 of Solstice

Honestly, I didn’t. I opened my mouth to tell Theo to drive, but the front door on the house opened and got our attention. Victor stomped down the stairs, coming closer to the SUV. I went on alert because his scowl meant he was pissed. Theo unholstered his gun just as Victor knocked on the back window next to Ivy.

“I just want to talk,” he said, holding his hands up. “I swear I won’t hurt you.”

Ivy looked at Miri and me, and I shrugged. There were four of us and only one of him. Even if he was a fairy (or halfling), I suspected we could take him if we used our powers. Ivy bit her bottom lip and opened the door, scooting back so he could come inside.

“Theo,” I said, “Do us a favor and hop out for just a moment.”

Theo squared his jaw but didn’t argue, just did as he was told.

“What can we do for you?” Ivy asked once the coast was clear.

Victor had dark eyes and obsidian hair. Objectively, he was beautiful, and if I didn’t know he was part of a race that wanted to enthrall or annihilate mine, I’d say he was attractive. But, things being what they were, I stayed on guard. I didn’t know why he was here, and until I did, I had to be prepared to fight.

He cleared his throat and looked between us. “I apologize for Peter’s behavior. He forgets this is your realm. We’re guests here.”

“He’s half-human,” Ivy said. “It’s his realm, too.”

“Ahh.” Victor smiled, softening his gaze at her. “Yes. Half-human. Half-fae. Belonging nowhere.”

“Why did you come out here?” I asked. “What do you want?”

“I can help.”

“With?” I didn’t trust that this guy had changed his allegiances.

“You wanted answers.” He straightened and shifted his shoulders. “I can give them to you.”

“Why?” Ivy asked. Thank God she was just as skeptical as me.

“You’re marked. Any fairy can see it. A group gift, and I recognize its signature.”

I narrowed my eyes, still unsure about his intentions.

“Siobhan,” he said, clarifying. “She used to do this all the time. The Midsummer festival. The lust.”

“You know Siobhan?” This piqued Ivy’s interest. “How?”

“She’s my cousin. We were basin-mates, raised by the same nursemaid, once upon a time.” He smiled, seemingly lost in a memory before continuing. “She knew what she was doing when she gave the gift to you, and I don’t say that lightly. If she’s wrapped up in this, I’ll help her, and I think that means helping you.”

“Okay.” I crossed my arms, suspicious but willing to play along. “Help us. Tell us about the king. Is he on this side of the realm? Is the queen?”

Victor shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“Has he found a key?” I continued.

Again, Victor shrugged and frowned. “I have no idea.”

“Well, gee, Victor.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, frustration clawing through my midsection. “Thank you so much for your help.”

“Your gifts. They’re getting more powerful, yes?” Victor’s eyebrows rose as he looked between us. “That’s because Siobhan’s vision is coming true.”

Ashley said that Siobhan was a banshee, that she would get instincts about events in the future. Ashley believed we might have been a part of some grand design, especially if Siobhan continued to help us.

“The moment she saw Ivy, she had a vision. She was supposed to give the gift to her. She didn’t know why, just that she had to.” Victor looked at X. “After she kissed you, the queen sent her away. Siobhan spent some time in this realm, even came to visit me once or twice. She said the king was growing weary of the separation, that he planned to end the quarrel with the queen by killing the child.” Victor’s attention came back to me and Miri. “That didn’t happen.”

Ivy’s lips thinned, but she didn’t confirm or deny we had Poppy.

“She said something happened to the four of you when you made a vow in the ruins. She couldn’t predict that. After you promised your lives to each other, the magic mutated. It took on a life of its own. She only knew she was supposed to give the gift to you, but after that…” He shrugged. “We both believe everything happens for a reason.”

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