Page 9 of Heir of the Beast

I will now enter the matrix.

Cue the electronic computer sound as I get sucked into a different reality.

“You all should be feeling calmer in about two minutes,” he says as he grins at us all, his arms crossed over his chest. His shining blue eyes watch us.

“Let me know when you all feel like you can focus, and we will begin.” Charming leans against the desk and lights a cigar like he is at home sitting before the fireplace. Or at a high-end lounge.

I take a breath and feel my nerves settle. A wave of warmth spreads through me like a slow-moving river of lava. I take another deep breath, and my arms stop shaking. My eye goes still.

Okay…

Okay.

I can do this. I glance around, seeing everyone else visibly relaxing, sitting up straighter in their chairs. What was in that drink? I feel great. Now I can enjoy the brilliant view before me.

This is real. Unbelievable. All this time, the letter was genuine.

“All right, I can see that all of you are ready to get started,” Pierce says with a smile, and he holds out his arm toward the universe. “Ladies, may I present you to…the Fairy Godmother.”

Suddenly, a door opens, and a stunning woman walks through the archway. Are the stars and planets just an illusion, then? Amazing technology.

Her midnight blue gown glitters and her silver hair is up in a bun on top of her head. She looks like a nineteen-fifties celebrity.

The dress flows out at the tight waist and stops under the knee like she is wearing petticoats. The off-the-shoulder neckline is elegant, probably the envy of every trophy housewife.

She looks like a version of Meryl Streep in the movie ~Devil Wears Prada~.

She looks just as intimidating.

Her expression as she walks is one of utter seriousness. I can’t believe I’m looking at the legendary Fairy Godmother. Our reality is stranger than fiction.

There is still no smile, no happy greeting like Mr. Charming. She glances at Charming with an all-but-pleased look on her face.

“Pierce, are we ready to begin?” she asks as she scans the room, her gaze resting on mine.

I hold my breath.

Do I have something on my face?

She tilts her head, and I think I see a hint of a smile. The Fairy Godmother looks back to Charming, and he gives her a wink and blows out a trail of smoke. “The floor is yours.”

The Fairy Godmother nods and takes a couple of steps toward us, her gown twinkling and her black pumps clipping. She takes a moment as if gathering her thoughts.

“I will have all of your undivided attention.”

No one says a word.

We will now find out why we are here.

“I will assume you all read your letter sent to you this morning. Each one of you has been chosen to partake in the Fairytale Challenges as our agents.”

She continues as we all hang on every word, “I’m afraid that this time, things are going to be a little different, due to unfortunate circumstances.”

I frown.

She takes a breath and places a hand on the bridge of her nose. “I have been running Fairy Godmother Incorporated for two hundred years, always providing a happily-ever-after.”

She pauses again as if she is having trouble saying what she wants.

---