Page 64 of Stroke of Shadows

Harper nodded. “Okay.”

“Well, there are six main rules when dealing with the Fae. Number one is that names have power—a high Fae would never give you their true name.”

“So your name’s not Thea?”

“Named after my mum.” Thea smiled, as if proud. “Also, I never said I was high caste.”

“And you also said you don’t have the same attachment to the rules as other Fae.”

Thea’s nose wrinkled. “You’ve got a point. I think it’s because I’ve never been to Asherah of Far, so don’t have the magical pull to follow the rules? Or maybe all the Fae are just full of shit.”

“Maybe.” Harper smiled, no longer as anxious. “Rule number two?”

“Oh, never thank the Fae. They can take it as an admission for a debt owed. But don’t worry, as this is an exchange of money and goods, it doesn’t count. Number three is neither high nor low caste can lie, but they can twist the truth.”

“So which is it?” Harper asked, fascinated. She’d never had the opportunity to learn about any race of Breed, and researching behind Angel’s back hadn’t been worth the risk. “Do you lie or twist the truth?”

“My name’s Tinkerbell and my hair’s blue.” Thea winked. “Yeah, I’ve always gone with the Fae are a bunch of arseholes, at least the ones that were born in the Far Side realm. No way can they not lie. It’s impossible.”

Harper stifled a laugh. “Okay, so rule four?”

“Fae don’t do anything for free. Which could be said for most people, I suppose. Five is to be cautious of gifts given—Fae stuff have a mind of their own. And lastly, rule six.”

“Rule six?” Harper prompted when Thea seemed lost in thought.

“Oh! Fae love offerings, but be careful not to insult them with cheap shit.” Thea’s eyes glittered with delight. “Do you know what I love? Money, lots and lots of money. Oh, and books! But I can’t survive alone on books. I’ve tried; the paper’s an acquired taste.”

Harper narrowed her eyes, but Thea kept a composed face. “You’re teasing me.”

“A little. I’m sorry, but you’re so easy.” Thea’s face finally cracked. “Don’t worry about the chalice. I already have a few things lined up, as well as a possible sighting. Just let me do my job, and I’ll find it.”

“Thank you.” Harper realised the second she’d already broken one of the rules. “Wait, I mean…”

Thea smiled like her entire soul shone through her eyes. “It’s fine. Like I said, the Fae are full of shit. But, I must say, it’s pretty weird you don’t know these rules.”

Harper handed over the first half of the money. “This chalice is really important. I need this to be done quickly and discreetly.”

Thea openly counted the notes. “Don’t worry, I’m a professional.”

Harper knew sneaking back into the estate would be harder than leaving. The guards were trained to keep people out, not in.

The walk was quiet, the wind whipping her hair around her face violently. The tall iron fence came into view, and Harper searched the area for a place where she could try to…

Footsteps behind, close enough there was no time for her to hide before being caught.

“Hey, you’re not supposed to be here. This is private property.” A beam of light landed on her feet. “Miss Beauchamp.” A low, unfriendly voice. “Is there a reason you’re out so late?”

Harper turned, hoping her face was calm and composed, and not echoing the panic that coiled inside. “I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t realise I needed permission from you to go for a walk, Mr…”

“Boston.” The security guard’s skin flushed, and she would have felt guilty if he hadn’t reached over to grip her wrist much harder than he needed to. “How did you get outside the gates?”

Because I climbed over them when you weren’t looking, idiot, she thought.

“They were unlocked, of course.” She made sure her tone was as superior as possible. “Who’s the head of security? Anyone could just walk inside and you wouldn’t even know.”

His expression tensed. “You need to return to the safety of the house. Mr Beauchamp would be upset if he knew you were out here.”

“I don’t think my uncle cares whether I go for an early morning walk or not.” She pulled at his arm, but instead, he marched her towards the front steps. “I think he would care that I was able to walk outside without anyone spotting me, though, don’t you think?”

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