Page 77 of Perfectly Charmed Pixie

Pushing herself straighter took obvious effort, but Byx managed it. “That’s because we like living in a world with order and without violence. That’s because fairies made a hell of a lot more sense than you’re capable of making.”

With a hiss, Letty held out her hand, index finger writing an air sigil I didn’t recognize. Slamming her hand into it, half of Letty’s rings lit up right before Byx screamed, clutching her chest as she doubled over.

The flow of magic ran like a river from Byx’s body and into Letty. It hadn’t been common before fairy law, probably because brownies weren’t easily captured, but ghost stories were told of a time when witches and warlocks would drain brownies dry, leaving a husk behind.

“Stop!” I managed to scream. The word kept coming, repeating on an endless loop as I desperately yanked against my chains. “You’re killing her!”

Letty closed her hand, squeezing it into a tight fist. “You’re right. She’s not strong enough yet for me to pull that much out. Wouldn’t want to drain you too quickly.” Spinning, Letty hummed, swishing her hips and making her skirt dance. “Now, I think this camera needs to be raised a little higher. That’s assuming we can get Parsnip up.” Letty sighed as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Spinning around the room, she checked every corner, making certain everything was to her specifications.

“The lighting could be better.” Letty sighed again. “The setting too, but I suppose it will do. Now, to wake up the star of our show.”

Just like Byx, Letty didn’t bother restraining Parsnip. Pixies weren’t known for their strength, and she had enough magical energy to keep him where she wanted. Letty proved that when she wove a spell around Parsnip’s body, raising him off the floor. The wing caught under his body didn’t snap back into place. It folded and twisted at an unusual angle.

Franny’s eagle eye caught on. “What’s wrong with his wing?” She circled Parsnip’s magically hanging body, fretting over the bent wing. “He can’t produce dust if he can’t use his wing.”

“He just needs the one,” Letty reassured, tone clearly losing patience. “It will be fine.”

Franny didn’t seem completely reassured. Regardless, she stepped back. “But he’s mine, right? When you’re all done, I get him?”

“Yes, yes. Just as I promised.”

Franny appeared appeased and took two large steps back, just out of the camera frame.

Stepping up to Parsnip, Letty placed her fingers under his chin, jerking it. “Time to wake up, pretty Parsnip.” When he didn’t stir, Letty slapped his face. “Wakey, wakey.”

My heart bled at the pained whimper that finally exited Parsnip’s lips.

“That’s better.”

Stepping back, Letty waved Franny back a little farther—out of Parsnip’s immediate visual field. She was probably concerned he’d pass out again if he saw the ogre.

Parsnip’s eyes blinked. He had a few seconds of blissful confusion before reality slammed into him. Eyes flying wide, Parsnip’s wings tried to beat. The magical hold Letty had him in didn’t allow for much movement, just enough to prove that one of his wings was well and truly damaged and in pain.

“Nice to have you back with us, pretty pixie.”

“Letty, what—”

“Ah, ah, ah.” She waved a finger in front of Parsnip’s face. “This is my show, and I’ll ask the questions.”

Parsnip’s mouth slammed closed. Suspended, he managed to turn his head enough that he caught sight of Byx. She was slumped back on the couch. I didn’t think she was unconscious again, but she was still in a lot of pain and struggling. When he turned his gaze on me, I felt the heavy weight of my failure. Those piercing, aqua eyes didn’t hold an ounce of judgment. There was no accusation, just a well of grief and…love.

It was plain to see. Unguarded and unapologetic. Parsnip loved me. I’d been in love with him for days but hadn’t been certain of his feelings. What a shitty time to discover my one and only’s affection.

Turning her back on Parsnip, Letty smoothed down her wispy hair and tugged on her dress in an attempt to be as camera ready as possible.

With a flick of her finger, the lights on all the cameras came on, the whirl of electronics filling the dank basement.

“Greetings, viewers. Today is an auspicious day. I have with me, Parsnip, host of the television showInterspecies Habitat. As you all know, for the past few years, I’ve been posting information and photos exposing Parsnip’s blatant deception regarding his appearance. Today, the depth of that deception will be revealed. I’ve no doubt that once they view this recording,Interspecies Habitatwill have a new host.” Letty placed a hand on her chest. “Yours truly.”

Even if Parsnip was fired after this, there was no way the show’s producers would hire Letty. It was what happened with her coven all over again, and Letty was too far gone to see it.

“Now, Parsnip, perhaps you’d be so kind as to let my viewers know just what kind of charmed life you’ve been leading.”

Parsnip looked like he was going to be sick, and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

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