SECRETARY OF DOOM.

Violet’s loud gasp filled the street. “Mor!” she shouted at him. “Were those cupcakes the same ones that destroyed the café?!” Her hand flashed to her stomach as she imagined.

Mor shrugged and grinned. “I still think they’re safer to eat than your repulsive muffins.”

Violet tried to flick his nose, but he maneuvered out of the way and planted a quick kiss on her mouth. Then he took the apple from her hand and bit into it.

“The first bite is the hardest. I find once you break the grape’s skin, the rest of the bites are easier,” he told her, ignoring the look of disbelief she gave him. “Don’t worry, Human,” he added, nodding toward The Sprinkled Scoop where people inside were beginning to throw open all the windows. “It’ll wear off in a few hours.”

She huffed, thinking of the damage that could be caused in justa few hours. Then, she reluctantly laughed. “Whatever. I hope Cedric and Fil both ate the cupcakes first,” she mumbled as they headed in the direction Shayne and Dranian had taken off.

Violet snagged her apple back from Mor and took a bite, savouring the crisp, juicy taste. “Mmmm,” she said, nodding. “This is delicious.” She chewed for a moment, thinking. Then she said, “I’m relieved you finally admitted my muffins were disgusting. I was getting tired of making them every day.”

Mor nodded. “I know.” He put his arm around her as they headed back down the harbour sidewalk. “You know what would be really humorous?” he asked, and Violet raised a brow. “If we used the same enchantment on Lily’s lemon pie that she’s taking to the human police station—”

“You’re not doing that,” Violet said, though she was already grinning. “It would be hilarious, but you’re not doing it.”

Mor walked in silence for about seven seconds.

“We’ll see,” he said, waving to Shayne and Dranian as they crept out of hiding from behind a sidewalk planter.

Shayne jogged over and threw an arm around Violet’s shoulders, smooshing Mor’s arm beneath his. Mor shoved Shayne’s arm right back off.

Shayne sighed. “Don’t be so territorial, Mor. I’m Violet’s master, so technically she’smyhuman—”

Mor pushed Shayne over the rail and into the harbour.

The Faeborn End, For the Second Time