Page 117 of Magic and Muffins

Effora walked into the river without comment…or eye contact.

“It worked that well?” Vena asked in disbelief. “I wonder what went wrong with mine.”

Anchor snorted, trying to choke back his laugh, but her gaze was already fixated on the portal. Like an invisible force was pulling her, Vena shuffled closer until Hugh stepped in front of her.

“It would be better if you didn’t get too close.”

“It would be better if you got out of her way,” I said. “Unless you want her to run you over.”

Hugh looked at me in surprise but stepped aside.

Before Vena reached the portal, Grandma Hunter walked out.

“Vena? Is that really you?” she asked.

Vena’s mouth dropped open. She stared as Grandpa Hunter appeared behind her. Grandma then swayed on her feet. Anchor, who was right beside her, grabbed her arm to steady her.

“Am I seeing things?” she asked. “Is that thing a mirage or something?”

“It’s not,” I said. “I found them in the veil. This whole time, they’ve been guarding the relic Orphia hired them to find.”

She took a hesitant step toward her grandparents. Grandma dropped her pack and opened her arms. Vena ran into them as tears spilled over.

“It looks like you’re still causing trouble,” Grandpa said, joining Grandma in hugging Vena. “How fresh is that broken arm?”

“Really fresh. I can’t believe you’re alive. Tell me everything,” she said as she wiped her eyes. “How do you look exactly the same?”

I turned away from them and watched Hugh direct his agents.

“Verify the ones on the ground are actually dead and start IDing them.” He turned to us. “Where’s Orphia?”

“Over there,” Shepard said, pointing. “Vivian is the ash next to her. He died, along with every other still living vampire in the immediate area, due to that flash you saw before.”

Hugh looked impressed and grateful.

“A job well done.” He looked around the glade. “And it was only the two of you against how many?”

“Three of us,” Cross said. “After Effora betrayed us and attempted to have her way with Shepard, she helped kill a few of the hundred vampires that Orphia brought with her.”

We all glanced at Effora. With a glare at me, she left the waterfall and slunk toward the portal, passing by Vena and her grandparents as they continued to talk quietly under Anchor’s watchful gaze.

Ignoring her, my guys and I turned to face Hugh.

“Those are impressive odds. Is there any chance you’d be willing to teach our new recruits how to fight vampires?” Hugh asked Cross.

“I think that can be arranged,” Cross said.

“Only if you promise hunters won’t accidentally hurt him,” I said. “Hunters hunt for a reason. I don’t want someone with a grudge going after Cross when he’s there to help.”

“I promise to ensure his safety,” Hugh said. “My people can clean up here. It looks like all of you could use a real shower and some rest.”

“We’d appreciate that.”

Effora approached our group, and Shepard pulled me far away from her.

“You should also know that our treaty with the fae has been broken,” Shepard said to Hugh. “We will need to address this in the days to come.”

Anger flitted across Effora’s face before she offered Curran’s ring to Hugh. Hers was already back in her belly button.

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