Page 37 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“The hour is an odd one,” Lucroy agreed. “I believe that holds true for all of us.”

I wasn’t sure about Ray and Wendall. From what I understood, fairies didn’t require as much sleep as other species. Even if that were the case, I had no idea how Wendall fit in. He was fairy, but also human. Aurelia boosted Wendall’s fairy side, but no one knew just how much she’d skewed his genetics. Wendall had been changed recently enough that I doubt he knew much either.

“Apologies,” Ray said, even though he didn’t sound very apologetic. “I thought it best to debrief while Frost and Leon’s memories are fresh. While Frost’s capture did not go to plan, he was able to get closer than any other.”

Inhaling, I made to step away from Leon. My vampire was having none of it and followed me. His hand slipped from my nape to my lower back. It was a comforting weight.

It was amazing how hours of capture and intrigue could be condensed down into a ten-minute tale. Everyone stayed quiet and attentive until the very end.

Contemplative silence reigned until Wendall finally asked, “You said you got a look at Sylvie’s computer, is that right?”

“I did.” My grin was back, this time for a whole new reason. “She was online, chatting with someone important, someone who sounded like they were high up in this scheme.” My grin slipped and a low growl slipped out. “Whoever it was knew who Leon was and had a pretty big hate on for him. They…” I shook my head, hating the words lighting up my memory. They’d been stark against the unfeeling computer monitor. “What they suggested—no, what theywanted—wasn’t kind. It wasn’t even humane.” I swallowed hard. I’d wanted to slip through that vent and slice Sylvie’s neck open from one side to the other.

Lucroy’s body went completely still before he asked, “Do you know who she was chatting with?”

“No, but we got her computer.” I glanced at Ray for further explanation.

“Frost is correct. Sylvie’s computer was confiscated. Queen Silvidia sent others in to investigate the property more thoroughly. I will pass along that information when it is forthcoming. I’ve given the computer to Hamish.”

Sedrick grumbled, the sound just shy of a growl. Phil patted his chest and soothed Sedrick’s inner wolf.

“Hamish is the best when it comes to newer human technology. I would not have given it to him otherwise,” Ray said.

“I know, Ray. But I’ll never like that fairy.” Sedrick sounded resolute.

“I am not asking you to like him. I am certain Hamish couldn’t care less. What I am asking is that you trust my actions.” Ray’s tone was cool but cutting.

“I do.” Sedrick nodded. “It’s just hard not to react to the name.”

“Understood.” Ray seemed appeased.

“It is unfortunate about the witch,” Lucroy said. “However, Leon’s actions are understandable. I trust there will be no punishment forthcoming.”

I hadn’t even considered that. My mouth snapped open, ready to defend Leon’s actions when Ray calmed my rising fears.

“Pixie trafficking is an automatic death sentence. My queen has no qualms regarding Sylvie and Oxley’s demise. She only regrets the timing. Interrogation prior to death would have been ideal, but as Lucroy stated, Leon’s actions are understandable and considered justifiable in the eyes of fairy law.”

I released a sigh of relief. That relief couldn’t squash all my frustration. We’d been so close. Sylvie had to know more but we’d lost the opportunity to squeeze her for information. I wasn’t certain if Oxley knew anything else or not. With both of them dead, we’d never know.

Unless… “Are Oxley and Sylvie past the point of a necromancer?” I asked, gaze tracking around the room. While we had a menagerie of species here, a necromancer wasn’t among our numbers.

“Muriel might be able to do something.” Wendall didn’t sound certain.

“She is a priestess,” Ray said. “You were an exceptional zombie, Wendall. Muriel would not be able to revive the troll or witch with their memory or mental capacities intact.”

“Yeah, I figured.” Wendall deflated and Trinket nuzzled deeper into his neck. I wasn’t sure if Wendall realized he was petting Trinket or not. “I don’t know any necromancers though.”

“Vander most likely does. Or at least knows where to find one,” Ray answered. “But I would not recommend involving a necromancer unless absolutely necessary.” Ray didn’t explain why. Honestly, he didn’t need to. Necromancers were… It was difficult to put necromancers in a conversational box. They were few—fewer in number than warlocks. There was probably a good reason for that.

“Okay. So, we wait on that.” I thought back and asked, “Do we even still have Oxley’s and Sylvie’s bodies?”

“I did not bring them back with us, but the fairies Queen Silvidia sent will keep them safe and preserved for the time being. When it is certain their bodies are of no use to us, they will be returned to their families.”

I shuddered thinking Oxley and Sylvie had families. Oxley was speaking on the phone to someone when Leon and I eavesdropped. I didn’t know who that was, but it sounded like they knew each other well. Would Oxley be missed? I shouldn’t care. The troll had made his own bed and now he was eternally lying in it.

Silence permeated the space again before Phil muttered, “She used a transportation spell. Isn’t that hard to do? I mean, when Parsnip was taken, Letty was juiced up on borrowed magic.” Phil chewed on his bottom lip. “I don’t like the implications.”

I didn’t either. If the silence going around the room was any indication, none of us did.

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