Page 87 of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie

I reached for Peaches’s hand and dropped the amphora into his waiting palm. Peaches stared down at it as if it were precious. In a way, it was.

“I promise to take good care of you. You said you wanted to rest, and I’ll abide by that. I can’t one hundred percent guarantee I will never call on you for your help, but know that if I do, it will be because of a dire situation. I will never wish you to do something that makes you uncomfortable.”

Aurelia’s eyes slipped closed, and she released a deep breath before saying, “I’d like to sleep now.”

Softly smiling, Peaches said, “Aurelia, I wish you to sleep. Rest peacefully until you’re needed again.”

With a relieved sigh, Aurelia tilted her head back as her body slowly went from solid to mist. The same Caribbean blue of her eyes, Aurelia’s misty form swirled in the air before coalescing and filtering into the amphora resting within Peaches’s palm.

Silence filled the room. It was finally over, and the outcome was better than anything I expected. Aurelia had taken Wendall’s life, but she’d returned it too, and if I had to guess, I’d say what she returned was better than what she’d taken.

“I’ll keep it safe,” Peaches promised as Lucroy shuttled him toward the exit. “I promise,” he added as they headed out the door.

“It’s a good choice,” Parsnip said. “Phil would have been a good one too, but I understand Ray’s reasoning.”

“What about you?” Vander asked.

Parsnip shook his head. “Too much temptation.”

“Probably right,” Vander agreed. “You ready to head out? I’m sure Byx is chomping at the bit with worry.”

“I sent her a text letting her know we came through okay, but you’re right. She’ll want to see us as soon as possible.” Parsnip flew up and pecked Vander on the lips. It was a tame show of affection. Grabbing Vander’s wrist, Parsnip flew toward the exit. “Nice to see you all again. I’d say let’s do it again soon, but I’d be lying.” He blew all of us a dramatic kiss while still tugging on Vander.

“See you, Mattie,” Vander waved over his shoulder, eagerly following Parsnip’s lead.

“I believe that’s my cue to leave as well,” Mattie said, sounding even more exhausted than before. “I need to update my coven. The Magical Usage Council will want to know what happened as well. I won’t speak a word regarding where Aurelia’s amphora is located. I think the fewer who know, the safer Peaches and Lucroy will be.”

“Agreed,” I easily answered. “Thank you for your assistance today, Matilda. I do not like to think where we would all be if you had not agreed to offer your services.”

Mattie waved me off. “It’s as you said. As a witch, Aurelia was my responsibility. All djinns are. I’m pleased things worked out the way they did. I believe we were all very fortunate today. If that is the only djinn I ever meet, I will consider myself fortunate.”

“As will I,” I agreed again.

“Wendall.” Mattie wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tight. “I’m so happy you’re still here with us. Losing you would have been a true shame. The world is definitely a better place with you in it.” Releasing Wendall, Mattie nodded Muriel’s way and said, “I’ll see you later, Muriel.”

They waved to each other before Mattie left our diminished group. I was considering pulling Wendall in closer when a shimmering light slit the atmosphere.

The scent of flowers preceded Queen Silvidia’s entrance.

“Oh, Wendall.” She said his name like a prayer. “How wondrous you are.”

A spike of undesired jealousy sliced between my hearts. Wendall waswondrous, but he was mine to cherish that way. Regardless, I did not think it wise to question the Queen of Fairy. I did not think that was wise at all.

ChapterThirty-Three

Wendall

“My queen, you should not have come. It is not safe.” Ray bowed.

At some point, I’d taken hold of Ray’s hand and had no intention of letting it go. My gaze flashed to Professor Stover’s deceased body, and a chill ran down my spine. I agreed with Ray. A few minutes earlier and Queen Silvidia could have been caught in his web. Through Aurelia, Professor Stover would have drained Queen Silvidia of her magic. I had no idea what that would do to Fairy but couldn’t imagine the outcome as positive.

“Nonsense.” She waved Ray off and took a step forward. Queen Silvidia’s gossamer gown flowed around her, pooling on the floor. The edge of her dress dragged along the blood pooling around Professor Stover’s torn-out neck. The material soaked it up and transformed the entire dress crimson.

“Hamish informed me what happened. The danger is past, and my nephew has been restored.” Queen Silvidia closed the distance and cupped my face within her palms. “I can see him in your eyes,” she said, voice heavy. “Hanan had lovely eyes that rolled with the ocean currents. Hamish told me you’d been remade, this time, a little heavier on the fairy blood.” Queen Silvidia winked, and my body slouched within her grasp. She had the prettiest eyes. They drew me in, and I couldn’t remember why I’d been upset earlier. Everything was so peaceful, so clear and—

Pain radiated through my hand as Ray squeezed tight. I jerked. My gaze finally pulled from my aunt’s mesmerizing eyes. Queen Silvidia’s laughter filled the bar as she released my raised chin.

“Thank you, Hellfire. Sometimes I forget.” I wasn’t completely sure that was true, but I didn’t know my aunt well enough to say for certain.

---