Page 58 of Magic and Muffins

“But the important part is that it’s a relic that can influence all creatures.”

Vena’s mouth dropped open. “Like what Grandma and Grandpa Hunter were looking for.”

“Exactly. We just don’t know why they were looking for it or who wanted it.”

“What’s the source of this information?” Cross asked.

“An old book in the dwarves’ archive. It’s so old it looked like it was about to turn to dust. We had to be very careful turning the pages. But it talks about the relic. I also found information in it about the first vampire and first wolf created, which is the second interesting thing. It chronicles how much power it took to create the original curses.”

“Can you send us pictures of the pages?” Shepard asked. “I’d like to see it.”

“Already done. I can send you what I have. So many pages are already beyond reading.”

“Does the book say anything about breaking the vampire curse?” I asked.

“No. But I suspect if it took immense power to create, it would take even more power to break. You’d have to ask the fae queen.”

I wrinkled my nose at the thought.

“Thanks, Miles. You did good,” Vena said. “Let us know if you find anything else to help prove vampires are bad and werewolves are good.”

“You got it.”

After he hung up, he sent images of the book pages. The ink on the age-yellowed paper had faded to almost nothing.

“I bet Mom and Dad are already talking to Curran about making a copy of the book and preserving the original,” Vena said.

“That’s not a bet I’d take because you’d win,” I said, adjusting the contrast so I could read it better. “Do you think sharing the vampire origin story would help?”

“Doubtful,” Shepard said. “It would only make the fae look bad, which would cause more unrest.”

"Which would play into the chaos that Orphia wants,” I said.

Shepard nodded.

“Then I say we stick to our original plan to show what Cross can do,” I said.

The group agreed.

Shepard drummed his fingers on the back of his phone, and I knew he was considering calling the fae queen.

“Do you think Effora will answer honestly about breaking the vampire curse if you call her?” I asked.

“Unlikely,” he said. “But I owe it to all the people Orphia is converting against their will to try.”

He stood and moved away from us to make the call, only to return a few seconds later.

“She didn’t pick up, which is unusual.”

“Is she still mad about us tricking her at the restaurant?” I asked.

“When it comes to getting what she wants, she doesn’t hold grudges,” Cross said. “And Shepard’s unattainable desire is something she would do anything to have.”

“He’s right,” Shepard said. “She always picks up when I call, even when she’s occupied with a meal.”

I snorted. “That’s when she especially likes to answer. What does a fae queen do when she’s not having sex with anything that has a peg?”

“Or a hole,” Vena said. “I don’t think she’s picky.”

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