Page 28 of Edge of Wonder

Tessa slapped me on the back until I could breathe again. “But don’t worry. Vivian has everything under control, and I’m here to help you get home. Now that you’re awake, we don’t have a lot of time. I hate that I have to rush you, especially since you must feel so disoriented, but you need to enter the portal as soon as possible. I can only open a portal on the twelves, so tomorrow at noon would be best.”

“That quickly?” The cottage seemed different now that I was essentially free of it. All I’d wanted to do was leave, and now, leaving terrified me the most.

“I’m afraid so. You’re on the run now. We knew this would happen. When you cross the portal, the challenges will start, and you have to keep going until you’re finished. But I’ve been assured there will be someone to help you on the other side. An adviser to guide you through the challenges.”

“You don’t have to go,” Sebastian said, folding his arms over his chest.

“And spend the rest of your life hunted by mercenaries? Don’t listen to him. Just because you’re scared doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. You were born a royal player. If you succeed, you’ll be queen, and more importantly, you’ll be a good one, Alice.”

As much as I hated to admit it, Tessa was right. One of the worst parts of being a ghost was not having a purpose. The second was loneliness. And I’d never say this out loud, but if I became queen, I’d never be alone again.

Tessa filled the silence by draining her tea and waving for me to stand. “Why don’t I get you set up with that bath? You should relax and try to get a good night’s sleep. We can talk more in the morning.”

Sleep?I almost swooned. The thought of warm blankets, a fluffy pillow, and a comfy mattress were even better than tea and tarts. I wouldn’t have to haunt the attic until dawn or watch the sunrise on another solitary day.

I’d deal with tomorrow when it came, but first, I think I’d earned the only hot bath and deep sleep I’d had in ten years.

***

“Are you decent?” Tessa poked her head through the bathroom door as I tied the belt on an old robe I’d found stored in a trunk in the attic.

I nodded, picking up the outfit I'd worn for the last decade, and laid it over the edge of the tub. If I never wore it again, it would be too soon.

Steam clouded the room and fogged a glass window. Still, giddy from soaking in warm, rose-scented water, I felt like I was wandering in a dream.

Tessa closed the door and waved me over to a neglected vanity with peeling paint. Her nose wrinkled as she pulled out the chair. “This place really is dreary.”

“It's not so bad. You get used to it. Though I'm glad I wasn't able to discern the smell while I was a ghost.” I took a seat as Tessa wove her fingers through my hair. The strands dried instantly, curling softly over my shoulders.

“You shouldn't have had to get used to it," Tessa said weakly. "I'm sorry, Alice. I didn't know the spell I cast all those years ago would have left you as a ghost. I made a mistake, and you suffered for it.”

“No. You gave me a second chance. That's what's important. And you were right, I am scared, terrified actually, that I might fail and it'll all be for nothing.” I twisted my fingers in my lap. "Has Vivian seen anything new in her mirror?"

“You know, it's strange. She's tried over the years, and most recently, before I left to come here. Except, there's nothing but static.”

My brow furrowed. "What does it mean?"

“I don't know what it means. But it's possible our actions caused a rift, and it's creating uncertainty.”

“It's also possible that I die again. That's what happened the first time.”

Tessa rested her hands on my shoulders. “I know we've placed a lot of importance on deciphering the future, but it's still your life, Alice. Don't tell Vivian I said this, but there comes a time when you just have to live it.”

“Like Sebastian?”

“I said live it, not run away from it. There is a difference.” Tessa cast an appraising eye over me. “Enough doom and gloom. I have a surprise for you.”

She ushered me into the center of the room and took a few steps back. “Hold still. I'm going to use magic.” She lifted her hand, then paused. “Though I should warn you, especially after your ghostly accident, the one other time I cast a makeover spell, the woman ended up dead.”

I smothered a grin. “Maybe that explains why the mirror is static.”

“Very funny. The first time wasn’t actually my fault. There was a murderer on the loose,” Tessa grumbled and started again. She closed her fist, and then quickly splayed her fingers. Sparks shot from her palm, engulfing me in their colorful light. They floated around me like fireflies before falling to the floor; their light fading.

I wriggled my toes, surprised to find my usually bare feet encased in supple black leather boots that climbed past my knees. Gone was my frilly dress, replaced with a cobalt blue, tightly laced bodice and ankle-length skirt with deep slits up the sides. A leather belt with an attached purse and sheathed dagger cinched my waist.

Tessa held up a mirror. I wiped away the condensation and drew in a sharp breath. The last time I saw myself, I was an awkward thirteen-year-old. Now I was a young woman, wearing clothes that hugged my more mature curves.

I felt pretty—no, beautiful—for the first time.

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