Page 83 of Shadow Witch

“Did we have a tiny dragon with us when we mentioned this?” Paige questioned, her heart finally returning to normal speed.

“Yes, you did. Delicate little fellow, but full of life. I really hadn’t realized teacups were that small. Of course, I am a Giant Dragon so my species runs quite large.”

“So, Dewey was with us here. And he left with us, I’m assuming.” Paige rubbed her chin as she pondered it.

“Yes, he did,” the dragon confirmed. “After a high-five that nearly killed him. Please tell him I still feel bad about that.”

“Will do. If we find him. He’s missing.”

“How tragic. Well, I hope you find him soon. I don’t recall any other mentions beyond the fairy circle, but if I think of anything, how shall I contact you?”

“Oh, here,” Eyva said as she conjured a piece of paper and a quill. “Here is my number. Text or call anytime.”

“Lovely. Thank you and good luck.”

“You’re welcome. And, uh, please do use that number.” Eyva winked at him.

Paige screwed up her face. “Is your grandma hitting on him?”

“Yes,” Drucinda said with a nod.

“Ew,” Paige answered. “That’s…I don’t…OMG.”

“What?” Eyva said with a shrug as she returned to them. “What’s wrong?”

“Paige is a prude. She’s shocked that you flirted with the dragon.”

“Oh, he’s quite fetching, isn’t he? I imagine his shifter form is very handsome. And I haven’t been on a date in several weeks.”

“Weeks?” Paige asked as they stepped into the humid air again. “That’s it? I haven’t been on a date in…never mind.”

“Well, I should hope not since you’re nearly a married woman, dear,” Eyva said. “Although…sometimes it’s difficult to resist the appeal of new love.”

“Grandmother, don’t be a bad influence. The Durands do not take infidelity lightly.” Drucinda led them back toward the forest.

“Oh, what’s a little flirting here and there? Besides, I’m quite certain after the fiasco with the Djinn, Dominic has changed his mind about the ’til the world ends and all of that.”

“Not when it comes to his son,” Drucinda answered.

“I’m not cheating,” Paige said.

“Of course you aren’t, dear,” Eyva answered. “Even if you were, that stays between the ladies. Sisters before misters.”

Paige wrinkled her nose at the sentiment as the canopy of leaves covered them.

“Where is this fairy circle?” Drucinda asked.

“In another realm. We’ll have to hop again.” Eyva reached into her pouch and extracted more glowing dust. “Are we ready to hop?”

“I’m ready,” Drucinda answered. “I’d like to find Dewey and get this over with.”

“Here we go.” Eyva tossed the dust into the air, muttering a string of nonsensical words. The glowing portal formed in front of them. Paige swallowed hard, wondering what the new realm would be like. Why had they done this?

Because they were too high to think, she reminded herself.

Drucinda stepped through the portal, and Paige followed behind her. After the humidity in the enchanted forest, she shivered when the cooler air hit her damp clothes. She glanced around at the lush greenery surrounding them that gave way to rolling hills.

“Ahh, a lovely spring day,” Eyva said as she entered behind Paige and the portal snapped closed.

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