Page 40 of Edge of Wonder

“Sebastian?”

“Yes, Alice?”

“You owe me a new bag.”

Chapter 14

Alice

“That is a mushroom, not a house,” I said, staring up at the red and white spotted roof.

“Actually, it’s a mushroomloft,” Shire said from somewhere to my right. But all I saw when I looked in her direction was a fence post. Was she leaning against it? I may have spent a decade as a ghost, but I wasn’t sure I could get used to talking to one. Though it was easier than trying to guess her hand gestures in a watery reflection. In the end, it didn’t matter. Not only did we share a ghostly experience, but Shire had been selected for our royal task in the same way I had. She was a kindred spirit, and if I had my way, my first real friend.

“It’s nice,” I said, cracking a smile. “I lived the last few years with squirrels, so this is an upgrade.”

“Oh lovely! Then you won’t mind the beetles.”

“Beetles?” I barely stifled a shudder, but when I felt something tickle the back of my neck, I jumped and swatted it away.

Sebastian laughed softly. “Sorry. Just checking your hair. I’m doing my part to keep you safe—mercenaries, spiders, beetles—it’s a full-time job.”

I elbowed him in the ribs, and Shire joined in his laughter.

“Don’t worry, Alice. I was only kidding. I promise it’s very cozy inside.”

“Can I even stand up straight in that thing?” Sebastian asked. “It seems cramped.”

“We’ll have to see, won’t we?” Shire drawled, her voice growing distant.

Sebastian pressed a hand against my back. “After you. Looks like we’re going inside the fungus house.”

An arched wooden door opened to a spiral staircase leading straight into the loft. The stairs creaked under my feet, and I held onto the rail until I reached the loft space. Shire was right. It was cozy.

The warm air smelled like beeswax and cinnamon, and I breathed it in while slipping off my shoes. I nearly melted as my feet sank into a thick throw rug. Moving around the room, I trailed my finger over swaths of fabric used to cover the walls. The colorful tapestries added to the richness of the space. Plush ottoman pillows dotted the floor, next to a feather mattress draped with a soft blanket. Overhead, a few of the mushroom spots had been turned into skylights, letting in diluted streams of natural light.

Sebastian ducked his head until he was in the middle of the domed room. He eyed the space with a doubtful expression. The living area was small, and I couldn’t help but notice there was only one bed.

“You don’t have a bigger mushroom available, do you?” I hedged. “Maybe something with two—”

“I’ll take the floor,” Sebastian cut in, lowering his bag against the wall.

Shire giggled. Had she done this on purpose? Tricky sprite. Little did she know trapping us in a compact room together was probably the worst thing she could do. Good thing the only eye-level window was too small to fit through. Sebastian might jump through it to get away from me—no, scratch that, he preferred to push people. So I’d be the one going out the window.

“There’s food in those cupboards over there, so help yourself. I need to steal Sebastian for a little while so he can help me make the arrangements for the induction ceremony. I’d do it myself, but—I’m dead.”

“Alice and I stay together,” Sebastian said.

“She’ll be safer here than on the streets. This mushroom is magically warded, and it will disguise Alice’s presence for a little while. And the sooner we can get through the ceremony, the better. The queen won’t harm her during the challenges. It’s the in-between we have to worry about.”

“Fine. Let’s make it quick, then.” Sebastian gathered his bag and ordered me to stay put. I nodded, curling up on the mattress with a bowl of crackers and a block of cheese. After the day I’d had, they’d have to pry me from this safe haven. If I found any sweets, I might stay for a week. Though, there was one thing that bothered me.

I pointed toward a ceramic pot filled with daises. “Um…before you go, would you mind taking that plant with you?”

“Oh, she’s friendly,” Shire said with an airy laugh. “That’s Beth. She’s a great listener.”

Sebastian plucked the pot off the table and tucked it under his arm. “Well, Beth can listen to people on the street.” Sebastian paused at the top of the stairs. “Don’t open the door until I get back.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

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