Page 63 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“And what information would that be?” Ray calmly asked.

Erasmus opened his mouth before slamming it shut. His gaze took on a shifty air.

“Erasmus.” This time, Ray’s tone was stronger. “While I may not force Aurelia’s voice, I have no qualms forcing yours.”

Erasmus stood tall, shoulders back and expression hard. “Are you threatening me?”

“You may take it as you wish. The existence of djinn are a threat to this world and possibly Fairy. While djinn themselves are not the exact threat, those who would seek their power to use for nefarious means are. Djinn were created as weapons, and unfortunately, those who seek them do not have noble intentions. Make no mistake, this issue is of the utmost importance to my queen.”

“Aunt Silvidia wants the pixie trafficking ring shut down yesterday.” Wendall backed Ray up. “And if the reason for the ring has anything to do with finding a djinn, then I think we already know that the one searching has the morals of a… Well, I can’t think of anything to tag right now. The point is, this individual doesn’t care about life and is willing to squander it to their end goal. Someone like that should never have access to a djinn, and if they do find one, then it will be bad. Really bad.” Wendall swallowed hard. “We got really lucky with Aurelia. I wouldn’t want to push that luck.”

“And if there is a way to defeat a djinn, then that knowledge would be immensely helpful,” Parsnip said.

Erasmus appeared torn. I wasn’t sure if it was Ray’s threat or Wendall’s plea. Whatever it was loosened Erasmus’s tongue. “That,” he said, pointing at Aurelia’s amphora, “is way more than it appears.” With a grumbled head toss, Erasmus said, “I’m not sure exactly how a djinn is created, but I can tell you they didn’t start out that way. Most likely witches had to have something to work with, a base living organism. Don’t ask me how, but they tore the life from that living creature and if Aurelia’s amphora is anything to go by, they ingrained it into their object of attachment.

“You mean… What exactly are you saying?” Wendall asked, words breathy.

“Plain and simple, Aurelia’s object of attachment contains her consciousness and life force. Some might say it contains her very soul.”

Our circled group grew deathly silent. Only the far-off sounds of Peaches’s sprites mixed with crickets, bullfrogs, and the wind whispering through the trees could be heard. Erasmus’s verbal bomb destroyed everyone’s ability to speak.

ChapterTwenty-One

Leon

“You look a damn sight better.” Johnny clucked his tongue as I walked up to the bar.

“Thank you. I feel much better as well.” The gnawing hunger hadn’t completely dissipated, but it was far more tolerable. I didn’t feel like I might snap Johnny’s neck for simply existing. That was a definite improvement.

“’Bout time,” Johnny groused. “I’ve got enough to worry about without adding your health to that list.” Walking off, I heard Johnny’s whispered mumblings regardingstupid, arrogant vampires. The words weren’t said out of malice but worry.

“Ditto to what Johnny said.” Lizbeth made her way down the bar while wiping a glass clean. “I’d ask if you want a glass of blood, but it looks like you’ve already dined tonight.”

I hadn’t dined yet tonight, but my pre-dawn meal had been heaven-sent and still maintained me. Phlox and I hadn’t had nearly the time we needed to discuss the situation. He’d fallen asleep not long after I finished feeding and he’d been gone before I woke. There was a note on the side table clearly explaining his destination and the reason for his absence. I was exceedingly grateful I’d shown Phlox how to leave Lucroy’s safe haven. Getting out was much easier than getting in.

“Thank you, Lizbeth. I appreciate your consideration.” Lizbeth’s lips twitched until finally giving way to a smile.

“Damn, Johnny really is right. It’s good to have you back to your old self, Leon. I’m not sure what changed, but please don’t let that happen again. I like working here. It’s the best job I’ve ever had and part of that is due to who runs the joint.” For a human, Lizbeth had perfected an excellent glare. Even her bubblegum-pink hair didn’t deter from the seriousness of her statement.

“Apologies if I caused you distress.”

“It’s okay. Just don’t do it again.” Lizbeth threw me a wink before walking away.

Dusk wasn’t officially open yet. The sun had only recently gone down and the bar wouldn’t open its doors for another two hours. Johnny and Lizbeth were here, along with a smattering of other employees, getting the bar prepared. Phlox obviously wasn’t back from his meeting yet. I was disappointed but not overly upset. He’d been considerate enough to leave a note.

Pulling out my phone, I shot Phlox a quick text, asking if he knew when he would return. When I didn’t get an immediate response, I placed my phone back in my pocket. With time to kill and my mind more settled, I decided to look through Dusk’s accounts. I’d been unable to focus the last few days and hadn’t kept up properly with my duties. The minimal time I’d allocated to the task most likely had questionable errors.

After a quick trip to Dusk’s small office, I settled in the corner booth and got to work. Accounts were tedious and not terribly interesting. Laptop nearby, I entered numbers into accounting and inventory programs. Nothing was terribly askew. Johnny really could run the bar without me.

When one of my nestmates silently walked up to the booth, I took up the position Johnny could not readily fill. With Lucroy gone more often, I’d assumed the position of liaison with our nestmates. I would solve problems where I could and if not, I would bring the situation to Lucroy’s attention.

“Antonia, what may I assist you with?”

Antonia sat down across from me and that’s how I spent the next hour, listening to nestmate’s concerns.

* * *

On my way back.

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