Page 45 of Fairies Don't Fall

“I thought nothing was impossible.”

“I was wrong. Your beast is all of the impossibles wrapped up in one big bow of crazy. I kind of like him, but don’t tell him I said that, or it will give him ideas.”

“Oh, he’s already got all the ideas. Still, I’ll be sure to not let him know your growing affection. It’s for the best.”

“Not that you aren’t the same person.”

“Of course we’re the same person. He’s me, I’m him, and the wolf is our illegitimate love child.”

“That makes perfect sense. And with that, I must go.”

“I will escort you.”

“I’m just going to the fairy caverns. I can take the elevator.”

“I will walk you through the owls.” He held out his arm to me. His black jacket looked very thick. Surely it wouldn’t strengthen the binding to touch his jacket.

I hesitantly placed my hand on his arm and relaxed slightly at the lack of a sudden flush of happiness. It was just a mellow contentment that grew slowly as we walked down a long hall lined with paintings of various moonlit scenes. The black and white checked floor echoed the feeling of the paintings, as well as the indigo walls.

“How do you plan to get the moon to agree to be your mate?” I asked when we reached the grand curved staircase that led downstairs. I hadn’t been in this part of the house before, just through a door and into an elevator.

“It’s difficult, but I can be very persistent and patient. Patience is most essential when pursuing someone so high above yourself.”

“Waiting for them to fall? But the moon never falls.”

“No? Then I suppose I’ll have to wait forever.” His smile was melancholy until he met my gaze directly and a flash of something hot and aching went through me.

“Don’t worry, forever doesn’t take any time at all.”

He rumbled a slight laugh. “That dress looks like it’s made for dancing. Shall we dance with the owls in the owl cavern to the music of distant fairies weeping?”

I hesitated as the elevator doors opened and we stepped inside. “I’m not a graceful dancer,” I finally said.

“You think that spinning around in an owl cave will require grace?”

I pulled my arm off his jacket and held my hands together so they wouldn’t accidentally touch him again. “If I don’t wish to trip and ruin this extremely lovely dress, yes. It would require mountains of grace. I’m afraid that it’s impossible.”

“Impossible? You have fairy wings and sweat glitter. Nothing’s impossible.”

I looked up at him, saw the challenge in his eyes, and raised my chin because I couldn’t help myself. “Very well. It’s impractical.”

He raised a brow over his fascinating eyes. “Ah. Well, who can overcome impracticality?”

“I have no idea.”

His lips twitched. “In that case, we better forgo the dancing.”

“It’s for the best.” I put a hand on his arm for a moment before quickly withdrawing, and he looked at me intently.

“Princess Sparkles?”

“I’m here to finish terraforming the caverns. You’ve completed my rehabilitation, so your duty is done. Once the caves are transformed, there won’t be anything left for me to do here. I’ll be going back to Fairyland.” It hurt to say those words, and it hurt even more to mean them. “I wanted to tell you before I go how grateful I am for all that you do for fairies, and everyone else who crosses your path. You’re a remarkable person.”

He stared at me, face blank for a moment, before he cleared his throat. “I’m not that remarkable. I’m actually quite the reverse.” He frowned. “What about the poisoner? You’re going to leave before you find them? They might turn on you next.”

“I’m hoping that Shotglass can give me information about it. Maybe I’ll set up a spy system so I don’t have to rely on reading minds.”

“Speaking of reading, I haven’t finished teaching you that or the healing spell. And maybe you have more detoxing to do.”

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