Page 68 of Snow White

The pixies look at each other before turning back. “Not as you are.”

“Then tell me how,” I plead.

The pixies pause. “Will you do whatever it takes, Snow White?”

“I will.” I nod without hesitation.For her, I will do anything. Even if that means becoming fairy touched once more.The red pixie slams into my stomach, and I scream out from the pain, the back of my neck burning.

“What are you doing?!” I exclaim. They don’t respond. Instead, the orange one slams into my stomach like the other, and the heat on my neck intensifies. The rest follow, the burning sensation moving down my spine until I am on my knees, panting. Sweat drips off my brow as the pain slowly subsides. That is when the voices start to clamor in my head, and I can’t differentiate which pixie is saying what. They all sound like one, and it hurts. I press my fingers against my temples to ease the pain.

This is different than when the Fae King was inside my mind. These fairies feel light in my mind even as their voices chatter until I can’t think a thought of my own.

“Quiet. Quiet, please,” I whisper. Their voices lower, and I let out a sigh of relief.

“The castle is ahead,” the Red whispers, the back of my neck tingling as she speaks.

“Danger in every step,” the orange voice adds. Her voice is surprisingly soothing, warming the tip of my spine. There is danger ahead. Azura needs me, and nothing will stop me from getting to her.

I slowly stand, letting out a shaky breath. “I can do this.”

“We are with you,” yellow says quietly.

“Happy thoughts… happy thoughts,” the green sings.

“We are with you,” the pink whispers.

“Shh! She is trying to concentrate,” the blue scolds.

“You’re talking, too!” the violet one exclaims.

I close my eyes, trying to ignore their bickering. I focus on the green pixie’s words and mutter them under my breath, giving myself strength.

“Happy thoughts… Happy thoughts…” I recite.

Chapter Forty-Three

Azura

My feet echoing on the floor of the home is the only sound. I don’t shiver at the unnatural chill of the stone. Only one torch lights each hallway, and I am walking in near complete darkness. I have returned to wearing my typical wardrobe. Gone are the pastel confections that helped create the image of lightness, purity, and happiness.The black I am wearing is a reflection of how every inch of me is the dark, evil bitch the world thinks I am. This is the real me.

The me without her.

The change in me doesn’t stop me from seeing her everywhere, even feeling her against me. I can nearly feel the ghostly touch of her hands on my cheeks, her body molding to mine. My lips tingle with her kiss, and her frosted apple scent surrounds me.

Wait, kissing me?

I blink dazedly. “D-Dream?”

This must be a dream. There’s no way I’m holding her in my arms or that she’s kissing me over and over again. Her hands are tangled in my hair, her icy eyes glowing as she looks up at me.

She shakes her head and kisses me again, whispering against my lips, “Real.”

I pull her close, every curve fitting to mine. It is too real, tooeverything. My dreams never felt this good. I pull away, reality crashing in. Snow is here. In the castle. With my mother.

“You can’t be here,” I hiss.

“I’m here to save you.” Her words flood me with emotion. Of course, my brave princess headed straight for me. No one has ever cared for me as she has, and no one ever will again. I grab her hand and pull her toward the front door, hoping that I can sneak her out before my mother returns.

“You can’t save me. You need to leave now!” I whisper, continuing to pull her.

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