Page 48 of Kisses at the Crossroads

“Fuck.”

“Exactly,” the prince says. “No one lies if they can help it and if they can’t they get by with half truths and omissions.”

Wren chomps on a piece of what looks like a cookie. “I may have misjudged you lately.”

“We’re all stressed around here. But I’m glad to know Lark is safe.” The prince bows, then turns on his heel and leaves.

“Darling.” I hold out my hand to help Lark up, but he’s still shaking. “Sweetheart. Have something to drink.” I pull him into my lap.

Concern etches across Sparrow’s face as she hands me a glass of water. I tip liquid into Lark’s mouth, glad he trusts me with this. “Now have something to eat.” I offer a cookie with powder sugar and he takes a nibble.

“Thank you and sorry.” Lark leans into me, laying his head on my shoulder.

“My dearest boy, you’ve been through so much. Don’t be sorry.”

“Exactly. And the prince probably just did that as a power trip. Don’t let him get to you.” Wren rubs a hand down Lark’s back.

“You’re probably right,” Lark says and straightens up. “I can’t let him get to me. He’s… he’s no one to me anymore.”

“Exactly,” Wren says. “That’s the spirit.”

Lark grins and grabs a cookie covered in powdered sugar. It might take a while for Lark to heal, but I know he’ll succeed in everything he puts his mind to.

We spend a delightful three days in the Winter Court and a Fae doctor gives Lark exercises to help him build up wing strength again. When it’s time to leave, Sparrow gives us a basket of homemade cookies that make my mouth water. We give our hugs, then it’s back to the demon realm to love on Frankie for a bit, before the three of us go back to the human realm.

Chapter 26

Lark

Pike’s asleep next to me in our bed at Flutter and Fangs. After a few days with mother, I wanted to talk to Ava again, I consider her my second mother. I also may have had ulterior motives for wanting to be back in Hex. Where Pike’s crossroads is. I dug into a bit of research when I could and found how to destroy the crossroads. I thought to ask where Van’s and Warwick’s crossroads are, but Pike mentioned how much Van wants to be the king of the crossroads demons someday, so he needs to stay a crossroads demon. And, well, apparently, I’m only allowed to destroy one, anyway. According to legend.

I have my box of salt and slide out of bed, hoping not to wake Pike. Frankie opens an eye and goes right back to sleep. The luck coin is in my pocket. I’m hoping it helps instead of hinders, though with how my luck is with it, I’m tempted to leave it behind, but it gives me strength to follow through with my promise.

The crisp morning air steals my breath and I grab a coat before getting too far. It may not kill me, but I hate being too cold for long. Drake used to chain me up on the roof in the snow. A few times I actually froze, and he had to thaw me out. Not something I wish to repeat.

It’s a few minutes’ walk to Pike’s crossroads. I’m thankful the coin gave me the courage to run that day. I’m not sure I would have had it not egged me on.

When finally I make it to the crossroads, the wind picks up. It’s like the universe knows my intentions and hates it. I walk stooped to circle the salt, so it doesn’t blow away. I grab the sewing needle from my pocket and jab my finger with it to produce a drop of blood, which I let fall on the salt.

“I summon the demon of this crossroads.” And I wait.

There’s a flash and a sleepy Pike rubs at his eyes. “Who disturbs— oh!” He looks around. “What’s going on?”

“I’m completing our bargain.”

Pike tips his head as he takes me in. “But we never officially had one.”

“I promised myself I’d set you as free as I am.” I kick at the salt and break the circle. “Come here and kiss me.”

Pike doesn’t hesitate and I’m in his arms, and he’s spinning us. I can’t help the laugh.

“Little Fae, you’re always full of surprises.” He lets me down and presses his lips to mine, kissing me so throughly I swear he’s sucked my soul from my body. My legs wobble when we come up for air.

“It’s time to free you,” I say.

“How?” Pike frowns as he looks down at me. We can’t have that.

“Just watch.” I don’t have to destroy the entire crossroads, just a marker of it. Something no one would have thought of. That means I have a few options. I can scratch out the painted street lines that have been magically enhanced to never fade, tear down or mark up the signage. I also have the option to overhaul the entire place, rendering it fully destroyed.

---