ã€ŠAll That Glittersã€‹


 Chapter One; An Average Day

    Spring had fully sprung. The city was covered in blankets of green with flowers and their petals drifting daintily over the cobblestone streets. The weather was getting warmer and summer was peeking in and waiting for his turn at the seasonal wheel. Seren used their binder to fan themselves as they walked back towards their new home. They felt the sunburn on the back of their neck and arms.

    They disliked having to dress in their unofficial work uniform. The button up white shirt and black vest and black slacks. Even with their sleeves rolled all the way up they were sweating buckets. They adjusted their sunglasses so they could read the last address on their list. A spring district collection, Seren smiled. There was nothing quite like the spring district in spring. Covered in all the flowers and smelling a little confused but still wonderful and unique. Seren stepped out of the alcove and started toward the city center. The autumn district was busy as always but that didn¡¯t stop people from moving out of Seren¡¯s way as they walked.

    Seren¡¯s mind wandered as they did. Thinking over the last book they read and its plot. Exploring the different ideas and possibilities that could have occurred within the lore, had they been the one to write it. Blinking back to reality whenever they recognized a place they needed to turn. They waited to cross the road with others along the sidewalks. Waiting for the horses and carriages to pass. Which prompted Seren to consider the prospect of getting a hold of their own horse. How much faster their work would go, but also considering the work involved with caring for a horse. Seren came to the conclusion that getting and caring for a horse would save them as much time as it would take to care for it.

    By the time they finished their train of thought they¡¯d reached the Spring district. Seren checked their binder again for the address. Having completely forgotten it in the travel time. They hummed as they walked down the dirty, uneven cobblestone sidewalk, finding their way into the small pig farm detailed in their binder. The noise and the smell were equally unbearable. Seren couldn¡¯t help wrinkling their nose at it all. The butcher worked at the side, slopping his piglets.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Seren called.

    ¡°Morn- oh.¡± The butcher said as they turned, seeing who was greeting them. ¡°Here for business?¡±

    ¡°Always,¡± Seren said as they removed their sunglasses. ¡°Is there a place you¡¯d prefer to do business?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the shop, that¡¯s where the money is.¡± The butcher said gruffly. Leading Seren away from the pens and toward the butcher stall.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a good looking litter this year.¡± Seren remarked. ¡°Those piglets alone are worth twice their weight, the full grown ones will sell quite a bit in meat.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± The butcher asked, a bit of hopefulness in their voice.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± Seren nodded. ¡°The market for bacon is on an upturn. Summer roasting parties will be starting here soon as well. Those pigs will be selling well in a week or two, whole and in parts.¡±

    ¡°What authority do you have this information?¡± The butcher asked, sliding behind the stall and opening the cash box. Seren¡¯s pupilless green eyes looked into the butcher¡¯s.

    ¡°My own,¡± they said. The butcher nodded.

    ¡°Understood.¡± The butcher said. They looked into the cash box and counted out the bars.

    ¡°Is fifty enough?¡± The butcher asked, Seren opened their binder.

    ¡°I¡¯d prefer something closer to a hundred.¡± They said, tapping the paper thoughtfully. ¡°Especially with the uptick in sales you¡¯re about to have.¡±

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    ¡°That''s speculative.¡± The butcher said, ¡°As much as I trust the wisdom of a fae-touched, there¡¯s no real proof your premonition has any weight to it.¡±

    ¡°You and I both know I don¡¯t take half''s or IOU¡¯s. But seventy-five would be a happy medium.¡± Seren said, closing their binder.¡±But I¡¯ll have you know, I¡¯m not leaving here with less.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all the cash I have in my box!¡± The butcher scoffed, Seren raised an eyebrow at them. The butcher swallowed. ¡°I mean, quite a lot if not most of it.¡± Seren nodded. They checked their watch and contemplated the time.

    ¡°Tell you what. If you doubt my claim to worth then I¡¯ll cut you a deal.¡± Seren said, closing their watch and putting it back in their vest pocket. ¡°In the next half hour, one of those piglets will be sold for a graduation party. If I¡¯m wrong and no sale comes, I¡¯ll take fifty. If the sale comes then I take a hundred.¡±

    ¡°hah! Deal.¡± The butcher said. Seren put away their binder and the two shook on it. Seren walked to the side and took a seat. Pulling out their book to get reading done.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do something? Work the fae magic or whatever?¡± The butcher asked.

    ¡®Nope.¡± Seren said. ¡°I don¡¯t have to. I just have to wait.¡± They had no real confidence the sale was going to come, but they knew that this account was nearly closed, and if it didn¡¯t close today then it would be by the end of the summer. They had every confidence in that.

    And when you win no matter the outcome, then there¡¯s no stakes in which outcome turned out. But as luck would have it, someone did walk up and begin scrutinizing the piglets.

    ¡°How much is the rate for the piglets?¡± The prospective buyer asked. Seren leaned back, unable to help smiling into the pages of their book. The butcher stumbled through the sale of a piglet, stealing looks over to Seren every so often. The butcher offered to slaughter the piglet as well and offered the buyer to return in an hour¡¯s time and the piglet will be slaughtered and cleaned. The buyer thanked and paid and left the farm. Leaving Seren to stand up.

    ¡°Well I do believe we had a deal.¡± They said, ¡°for a hundred if I¡¯m not mistaken?¡±

    ¡°You worked some kind of magic.¡± The butcher said, narrowing their eyes at Seren distrustfully.

    ¡°I worked no magic, and you got one piglet¡¯s price richer. Stop whining.¡± Seren said, a tone as severe as a slice of guillotine. The butcher flinched but held out the ingts, dropping them into Seren¡¯s hand carelessly. Seren took the time to count them before putting them into their bag.

    ¡°Pleasure,¡± Seren said. They walked a short distance away before checking their binder again. Smiling in satisfaction as they wrote down the numbers beside the last task of the day. A bit later than they¡¯d have liked, but still they were done for the day. They placed their binder back into their messenger bag and headed for home. Humming their usual tunes as they journeyed. Hearing their adopted parent; Eric, yelling halfway down the block. Seren picked up their pace, wanting to see the drama play out.

    Seren launched up the steps and entered the door excitedly. Mrs. Houper looked around the corner, she had been listening from the base of the staircase.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?!¡± Seren asked, hastily pulling off their boots.

    ¡°Lady Summers is here to get her son¡¯s apprenticeship back,¡± Mrs. Houper answered.

    ¡°Is she winning?¡± Seren grinned, putting their boots away in the shoe closet.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯s winning here.¡± Mrs. Houper said.

    ¡°Wish me luck then.¡± Seren winked and walked up the stairs.

    ¡°Serenity, no!¡± Mrs. Houper snapped but Seren only laughed and moved faster to the third floor. The yelling intensified as they reached the third floor study. Giggling to themself, Seren knocked twice, paused then knocked twice again. Not waiting for an answer before entering the study.

    ¡°I¡¯m back!¡± Seren sang. The room felt crowded as the three occupants watched them enter. Nicole Summers, who took over the Summer family when her inlaws stepped down, stood in the middle of the room with her eldest son. A boy of seventeen and three years older than Seren, looked bashfully at the ground. His name was Wilbur and Seren found him very unsuited to the apprenticeship he seemingly wanted.

    Eric stood behind his desk, Seren could practically feel the heat coming off of him he was so mad. Seren clenched their teeth hard to refrain from smiling as the rage being directed at someone else.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, I¡¯m just turning in for the day.¡± Seren said, walking to the second desk, THEIR desk. Placing their bag on it and pulling their chair up. Ready to pretend to work and just soak up all the drama. Deliberately taking out their binder and then their ledger from inside the desk. Moving slowly. Waiting for someone to speak.

 Chapter Two; Eavesdropped

    ¡°I cannot make myself any clearer.¡± Eric was the first to speak. Seren hid their face as their nose wrinkled in annoyance. His rage was dissipating away and whatever drama had been happening was over.

    ¡°You are playing favorites and being cruel and unjust.¡± Lady Summers sneered.

    ¡°That¡¯s my right,¡± Eric sat down at his desk again. ¡°We¡¯re not getting anywhere with this discussion. Accept my terms or get out.¡±

    ¡°My son has a talent for numbers and figures.¡± Lady Summers boasted. ¡°He¡¯s an asset and you know it.¡±

    ¡°Serenity here has fae in them. They know the worth of everything and anything to the very cor.¡± Eric countered. Which had Seren smiling broadly and smugly as they copied their day¡¯s notes from one binder to another. ¡°They are invaluable.¡±

    ¡°They have fae in them.¡± Lady Summers said, but in the tone that made it sound like a negative. ¡°Fae are disgusting little thieving degenerates.¡± Seren¡¯s smile vanished and they rolled their eyes.

    ¡°Disrespectful, vile, horrid-¡±

    ¡°THAT¡¯S ENOUGH!¡± Eric¡¯s shout rattled the windows and shook Seren¡¯s bones. ¡°I WANT BOTH OF YOU OUT OF MY HOUSE!¡± Wilbur bolted but Nicole narrowed her eyes at both Seren and Eric before retreating without another word. Seren copied over their work and then did their final count of the money they¡¯d collected.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Seren asked, looking up suddenly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take anything Nicole says seriously. She¡¯s a venom spitting viper.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t.¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°But the yelling was pretty loud.¡±

    ¡°You knew we were yelling up here.¡± Eric pointed out. ¡°I know for a fact you could hear my voice downstairs.¡±

    ¡°How could I resist hearing you put her in her place?¡± Seren smiled over their shoulder.

    ¡°If you keep looking for trouble, you will find it.¡± Eric said, sitting down at his own desk. ¡°How was your day? I expected you back sooner.¡±

    ¡°I got a bit hung up on one job.¡± Seren said. They entered their final count and closed their books. ¡°Done!¡±

    ¡°Let me see,¡± Eric held out his hand and Seren placed their ledger into it. Cleaning up the money they¡¯d collected as he looked over their work.

    ¡°Well done, as always.¡± Eric nodded. Taking the money and handing back the ledger.

    ¡°Thank you, as always.¡± Seren smiled. Eric nudged them and Seren laughed. ¡°I¡¯m going to get out of this outfit and take a bath.¡±

    ¡°All right, get out of here.¡± Eric shoved them and Seren left their binder on the desk but took their bag with them out of the study. Going down the stairs and to their room.

    Seren chucked their bag onto their bed and buttoned the vest and the button down shirt. Revealing the padded under armor commissioned to fit them snugly and perfectly. The padded leather was strong enough to stop most sharp weapons and even low caliber flintlocks. Though as Seren found out the hard way, just because it stops the weapons from breaking the skin, it does not stop from bruising them.

    They unzipped the sides and peeled off the sweaty padding. With their arms up, they felt the coolness of finally being free of the hot clothing. Without the tight armor, Seren was able to breathe and their curves were more defined. The signs of puberty were starting.

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    Their chest was trying to fill out which made Seren hate running around without the padded armor on. What¡¯s worse. They became overwhelmingly aware of the odor they produced. Especially after a hot day like today when all of that sweat soaked into their armor and made it unbearable eye watering.

    Seren tossed it to the floor and picked out the clothes they¡¯d wear after their bath. A few curt knocks on their door signaled the arrival of mrs. Houper.

    ¡°Come in!¡± Seren called, Mrs. Houper entered gingerly.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take your work uniform to be laundered.¡± She said quietly.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Seren said equally low.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be ashamed of. You¡¯re growing up.¡± Mrs. Houper said reassuringly. Seren felt their cheeks get bright red.

    ¡°Fine, whatever.¡± They said trying to hide. ¡°I¡¯m taking a bath.¡±

    ¡°I put some new things in the bathroom for you.¡± Mrs houper said. ¡°To help with the¡­ with the changes.¡± Seren clenched their jaw and ran for the bathroom. They did not want to have that conversation with anyone, much less their housekeeper. After shutting and locking the bathroom door, Seren sighed in relief. Seren thanked their lucky stars it was Mrs. Houper trying to have the conversations instead of Eric. Seren was sure that¡¯d go over even worse.

    Seren lounged in the library after their bath. Reading the last few pages of their book. with a satisfied sigh. They closed their book. The book went by so fast it left Seren feeling like they were floating. They replaced it in their bag and headed downstairs. In shorts and a t-shirt they found the rising heat more comfortable.

    They went downstairs where Eric was in the kitchen speaking with Mrs. Houper. Seren felt their cheeks get hot as they imagined the pair were speaking about them.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the library.¡± Seren announced.

    ¡°Be back before dinner.¡± Eric replied automatically.

    ¡°What happened to your legs?¡± Eric asked after a double take, before Seren could walk away.

    ¡°Mrs. Houper left some stuff to try in the bathroom.¡± Seren said, trying to hide the numerous bandages on their legs.

    ¡°Like what?!¡± Eric scoffed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Mrs. Houper said, waving her hand. ¡°You go ahead.¡± Seren nodded and bolted. Not stopping to put on shoes, finding it felt better to roam barefoot.

    The stone walkways were just the right temperature to avoid burning their feet. Seren hummed and thought about their book¡¯s plot. Letting their mind be consumed entirely by daydreams.

    ¡°Keep it down!¡±

    Seren paused, looking around for who had spoken. Assuming they had been talking to them about their humming. Seren¡¯s glare rounded the streets until they saw a little group huddled together in an alley. Seren looked around at the other people on the street paying them no heed. It made Seren all the more suspicious. Unable to help themselves, they snuck forward to listen to whatever the little group were talking about.

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen it? Seen the gold?¡± One of the voices asked in hushed excited whispers.

    ¡°I have! The mines are starting to operate again!¡± Another of the voices said. ¡°It¡¯s a gold vein that¡¯s filled with gold! We¡¯ll be richer than kings!¡±

    ¡°SHHH!¡± With a single individual pointing, all the group turned to look at Seren, listening at the end of the alley.

    ¡°Fae-touched.¡± One man said with a sneer. ¡°C¡¯mon let¡¯s go somewhere the fae can¡¯t stick their greedy noses.¡± SEren rolled their eyes and walked off at the same time the group dispersed. They wondered what anyone would want with gold? Nothing in their kingdom ran on gold, it had no value in their kingdom specifically.

    But the thought did make Seren itch inside. Like their skin was crawling. They shifted their shoulders trying to shake off whatever the feeling was. But like a sliver, it stayed embedded in them.

    Seren cleared their mind as they arrived at the library. Their favorite place in the world, every book was like a doorway to another world. They couldn¡¯t think of anything more magical. The heavy doors creaked open as Seren threw all their weight into pulling them open.  The smell of the old books hit them hard in the face and enticed them to leave all their troubles at the doors and escape for a bit to somewhere else.

    Seren took their book and slid it through the return slot. Then they were left with the immeasurable task of finding another one. That took time and considerable amount of reading to find something they¡¯d be happy with.

    They wove through the bookcases, letting their mind wander through the titles in hopes they¡¯d find something that ignited their curiosity. But all they could think of was that stupid gold mine. What was so special about it? After pacing their usual reading haunting grounds and finding absolutely nothing that tore their mind away from fae and gold and why it mattered.

    After the second round through the familiar bookshelves, Seren sat down in one of the comfy chairs. Clearly they had a preoccupation, and it was interrupting their fun. So they did the only thing they knew what to do. They walked up the grand stairs case out of the fiction section and into the non-fiction archives.

 Chapter Three; The Hesitant Librarian

    Seren had never been in the non-fiction archives before. Nothing about non-fiction had ever caught their attention. In fact, they found it dry, difficult and boring. But the non-fiction section itself seemed just as magical as the fiction section just in a completely different way. Where the fiction section seemed to invite passersby in, beckoning to be explored. The non-fiction second seemed much more foreboding. Uninviting.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Seren stopped at the information desk at the top of the stairs. Where a librarian was working on repairing a damaged book.

    ¡°Yes?¡± The librarian looked up and smile. ¡°Oh, Seren! I don¡¯t often see you up here.¡±

    ¡°Evening Miss Alison.¡± Seren said. Knowing they were on good enough terms with the librarians they could drop the titles. ¡°I¡¯m looking for something a bit different today it seems.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Miss Alison closed the damaged book with a whisper thin bookmark. Removing her white cotton gloves after. ¡°Hungering for knowledge?¡±

    ¡°Seems so.¡± Seren smiled. ¡°I would like to know more about the fae and why gold is unpopular in the city.¡± Miss Alison fell right back into her chair.

    ¡°Wh- why ever would you want to read about that?¡± Miss Alison stammered nervously.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Seren asked. ¡°It¡¯s part of me, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I mean, you have it very good. Better than most fae-touched ever dream of getting. Why would you want to know about the fae?¡± Miss Alison said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see what my luck has to do with anything.¡± Seren shrugged stubbornly. ¡°I want to know why the fae-touched are treated the way they are and what the fae did to cause their banishment. Why is that so hard?¡± Miss Alison tried to come up with a response but she clearly had none.

    ¡°The fae archives aren¡¯t open to the public.¡± She said finally, then quickly held up her hands. ¡°That isn¡¯t me trying to mislead you. I¡¯m being very honest, they just aren¡¯t. I¡¯d have to write to my administrator with a full application which I¡¯m sure he would deny you simply because you¡¯re fae-touched and looking into the fae.¡±

    ¡°Okay, and?¡± Seren asked, not deterred for a second.

    ¡°And I suppose I could go¡­¡± Miss Alison said slowly. ¡°But wouldn¡¯t you rather look at some of our popular fiction books?¡±

    ¡°Did you get new ones this week?¡± Seren asked, knowing the answer.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then no.¡± Seren said, ¡°I¡¯ve read them already.¡±

    ¡°You are really invested in this.¡± Miss Alison said, Seren nodded. Leading to Miss Alison sighing in defeat.

    ¡°Very well. I cannot let you go into the archives but I can bring back some books on the topic.¡±

    ¡°Lovely. I want books on fae, their history and the history of why gold is banned in our city.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Mis Alison said, still unsure but left the information desk. Pulling a key out from her pocket and vanishing behind a hall that had a broad sign that said ¡®staff only¡¯. Seren waiting, more determined than ever to read whatever forbidden knowledge was waiting. Though they felt the unknown reaching out to them in an enticing way, the reality they knew was that the books (if any) would be overwhelmingly boring.

    Miss Alison emerged after a long ten minutes with only two thick, dusty books.

    ¡°This is what I could find that matched your request.¡± She said and put down the two books titled; ¡®A History of Fae¡¯ and ¡®The End of the Golden Age.¡¯

    ¡°Perfect.¡± Seren pulled out their wallet and removed their library card. ¡°I¡¯ll take them both.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I thought-¡±

    ¡°I have to be home before dinner. I¡¯m a fast reader but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m that fast.¡± Seren said, putting their card on top of the two books.

    ¡°Right. I¡­ right.¡± Miss Alison said. She went around the desk and scanned Seren¡¯s card.

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    ¡°Did you turn in your last book?¡± She asked hopefully.

    ¡°You know I did.¡± Seren frowned. Growing impatient. Miss Alison scanned the books slowly, as if hoping at any moment Seren would change their mind. They didn¡¯t of course. They took their card and returned it to their wallet and slid their books into their bag.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be seeing you soon.¡± Seren waved.

    ¡°I hope so.¡± Miss Alison said. Seren ignored the uncertainty in Miss Alison¡¯s voice and headed back home. This had taken way more time than they had wanted.

    Seren hurried home with their books, finding their side bag was heavier than they were used to with the two history books in them.

    They walked inside the house quickly and ran up to their room, helped by not needing to remove their shoes. Seren dropped their book bag onto their desk and took out their books. They had such boring and uninspired covers. Nothing but the titles. Seren picked up the book at the end of the golden age. Assuming that it had the information on the banning of gold.

    Seren tossed it onto their bed and jumped after it. Bouncing on the plush mattress. It still amazed them how soft their bed was. Even after a year of sleeping in it. All the blankets were down filled comforters that were heavy and warm. Seren found they spent more time in the novelty of a real functional bed. A very nice one at that. Seren flipped the book open to the first page. It had yellowed pages that had weird age spots on them. A cloud of dust erupted like a smoke screen  when Seren turned to the table of contents.

    ¡°Seren? You home?¡± Eric¡¯s voice crackled through the intercom. Seren left their book and went to theirs on the wall by their door.

    ¡°I am,¡± Seren pressed the button to reply.

    ¡°Good, dinner¡¯s ready.¡± The intercom crackled.

    ¡°Be right down.¡± Seren replied. Leaving their room and walking down to the dining room that was set for two. The dining room saw more use now that Seren was living in the manor. Eric had made it a point to try and eat dinner together ¡®as a family¡¯ every night. Another ritual Seren wasn¡¯t used to but rather enjoyed.

    ¡°Perfect timing.¡± Eric said as the dinner was brought from the kitchen to the table by the staff. Eric took his seat at the head of the table and Seren theirs on his right.

    ¡°So what book did you pick up this time?¡± Eric asked. Standing up again to grab the carafe of ice water to fill both of their glasses.

    ¡°I picked up a couple of history books. Big ones.¡± Seren said as they filled their salad bowl.

    ¡°History? You¡¯ve never shown an interest in that.¡± Eric said. Helping Seren slice the meatloaf and serve it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really care for it honestly.¡± Seren admitted. Pouring gravy on their mashed potatoes. ¡°But I overheard this weird conversation on my way to the library.¡±

    ¡°Yeah? What about?¡± Eric asked, sitting down after putting green beans on his plate.

    ¡°They were having this really quiet discussion about a gold mine and-¡± Seren was interrupted by Eric dropping his fork with a clatter.

    ¡°You stay out of it!¡± Eric snapped.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning on going there.¡± Seren said slowly, stunned at the outburst. ¡°I just wondered why it was treated with such secrecy. Why they got so offended at seeing me eavesdropping.¡±

    ¡°You mean aside from the normal reaction of being found eavesdropping?¡± Eric scoffed.

    ¡°Yeah other than that.¡± Seren shrugged. Eating slowly as they held the conversation. ¡°Normally people just get annoyed and leave but these people specifically said they had to find a place where greedy fae wouldn¡¯t overhear.¡±

    ¡°I hate to say it but that¡¯s not unusual for you.¡± Eric said. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t bother spending any more energy on it.¡±

    ¡°See that''s exactly why I want to.¡± Seren snapped forcefully. Surprising Eric. ¡°the librarian was just as forceful about stopping me from learning about it too. Now I have to know!¡±

    ¡°Well if that¡¯s all.¡± Eric said, ¡°What do you want to know?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Seren asked, eyeing Eric distrustfully. ¡°Any question? Honest answers?¡±

    ¡°As honest as I can.¡± Eric agreed. ¡°I can¡¯t say I know everything but I can tell you everything I know.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Why are fae hated?¡± Seren asked, abandoning eating entirely for the quest for knowledge.

    ¡°Fae thirst for gold. Why exactly I don¡¯t know. But they persue gold, they depleted the city¡¯s supply and when that was gone they began kidnapping children.¡± Eric explained, pausing to drink. ¡°From what I understand, fae can only reproduce by taking other children and turning them into fae. A fae-touched is an in-between state.¡±

    ¡°oh.. I see.¡± Seren nodded. ¡°But can¡¯t they have fae-touched children by¡­ y¡¯know¡­ marrying a normal person?¡±

    ¡°As far as I know, no.¡± Eric said. Seren thought this over. They had met the King who introduced them to his wife who was a pure fae. And their child who was fae-touched, like them. It made them think.

    ¡°Any other questions?¡± Eric asked. Continuing to eat dinner.

    ¡°Well. Let me think.¡± Seren said, sitting on their hands to think through what they learned. ¡°Fae used to be a part of the city but they started kidnapping and changing children. They continued to deplete the gold reserves. Which must be what led to gold no longer being supported in the city. And the kidnapping probably made the fae banished.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s about the size of it.¡± Eric agreed. ¡°And if a gold mine opens up then the fae will return. Perhaps things will be different this time. But what my personal worry is, that you are already fae-touched, if a fae likes you, and there¡¯s no reason they wouldn¡¯t, I could lose you entirely.¡±

    ¡°No you wouldn¡¯t. Even full fae, I¡¯d come back to you.¡± Seren said, returning to eating themselves.

    ¡°Fae had powers, you have abilities no one else does.¡± Eric said, ¡°They make you forget.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t forget.¡± Seren insisted.

    ¡°If you say so.¡± Eric said.

 Chapter Four; Start of the Work Day

    Seren¡¯s alarm clock woke them up at six. They sat up and flipped the switch that turned off the solar based alarm clock. They jumped out of bed and stretched. Already wide awake, they went to their closet and dressed in their usual work attire, including their armored vest. Changing into it now would save them the time of changing after their tutoring. They ran out of their room and up the stairs to the study where Eric was already at his desk with his coffee.

    ¡°Good morning, Serenity.¡± He said. Only briefly looking up.

    ¡°Morning!¡± Seren said and sat at their desk. ¡°When do I get to drink coffee?¡±

    ¡°Go for it.¡± Eric said, passing the tray toward Seren.

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Seren¡¯s eyes got wide. They took the spare cup and poured coffee from the silver pot. Taking the silver sugar bowl and spooning in some sugar and then using the creamer to finish it all up. They stirred as they got out their binder and started on their work for the day.

    ¡°Here, work out of this ledger.¡± Eric said, putting a heavy book on Seren¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Seren nodded and they worked in silence. The doorbell chimed throughout the house and Seren and Eric looked up at each other.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my tutor.¡± Seren said, checking their pocket watch.

    ¡°My first appointment is at eight.¡± Eric said, looking at the desk clock. The comms crackled as Mrs. Houper spoke

    ¡°Wilbur is here, shall I send him up?¡± She said. Seren snickered. Trying to hold back their laughter as Eric got up to reply.

    ¡°Send him home!¡± Seren whispered. ¡°He blew it!¡±

    ¡°Shh.¡± Eric said sharply. He pressed the button; ¡°Send him up.¡± Seren¡¯s jaw dropped.

    ¡°For what? Are you gonna yell at him again?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°No. I¡¯m going to put him to work.¡± Eric said. Seren just stared at him in utter confusion.They got back to working on their list for the day. Eric returned to his desk and the silence was short lived. With Wilbur walking in without knocking. The first thing he did when he entered the room, was glare at Seren.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t that be MY job?¡± He whined crossing his arms.

    ¡°Yeah? All right. Come try it then.¡± Seren grinned with the full mischief their face could handle. They stood up and stepped aside. Seren left the ledger but took their binder and notes with them. Wilbur walked over with his nose in the air and sat down,

    ¡°You need any tips?¡± Seren asked. Wilbur sneered and started looking through the book. He found a page and began writing. Seren tried to hold back their smile as they watched the pattern he was picking, knowing it was all wrong. They sat back and waited patiently, rounding the other side to grab their coffee mug and leisurely wait.

    ¡°Done. Get to it.¡± Wilbur held up the paper.

    ¡°I don¡¯t work until after class.¡± Seren smiled.

    ¡°Let me see,¡± Eric said and took the paper from Wilbur.

    ¡°Would you like to see mine too?¡± Seren held up their own list. Eric took it wordlessly and looked between the two pages. Seren rocked back and forth on their heels while they waited for theirs to be declared better.

    ¡°Serenity, use your list today.¡± Eric said, handing back their paper.

    ¡°What?! No fair!¡± Wilbur yelled, jumping from his seat.

    ¡°SIT!¡± Eric snapped and Wilbur fell into the chair in surprise. Seren smiled, waiting to see what happened next but the comms crackled again.

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    ¡°Serenity, your tutor is here.¡± Mrs. Houper said.

    ¡°Leave your things on my desk and get to your class.¡± Eric said. Seren muttered about missing all the fun but did as asked. Hurrying down to the library where their tutor was waiting to teach them something.

    The clock struck noon and Seren closed their math book. Their tutor finished wiping off the blackboard and turned to Seren on the sofa.

    ¡°You¡¯ve improved remarkably.¡± Their tutor said. ¡°I daresay it¡¯s time for you to join your peers. In a proper classroom.¡±

    ¡°No thanks. That¡¯s a whole day long commitment. I like our arraignment.¡± Seren said and put their textbooks away.

    ¡°You need to be with others your age.¡± Their tutor said. Seren laughed hard. Their tutor thought they were seventeen, everyone but Eric and Mrs. Houper did. The three of them knew that Seren was really only fourteen. Which meant the tutor had caught them up several classes above where their true peers would be.

    ¡°Thanks for thinking of me, but I like the company of my books.¡± Seren said. ¡°I have to get to work now.¡±

    ¡°Right. Well. I will¡­ I will see you tomorrow then.¡± Their tutor said, wearing a troubled look. Seren jumped up the stairs to the study. Giving it a quick knock and waiting a brief moment for an answer before entering.

    ¡°Class is out,¡± Seren announced as they strode to their desk, pausing to look irritably at Wilbur still sitting at their desk.

    ¡°Good, here¡¯s your work for the day.¡± Eric said, holding out their binder for them.

    ¡°Thanks! Be back soon, betcha I¡¯ll be done by noon.¡± Seren took their binder and threw their nose in the air. Boasting a bit with their cousin in the room.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t rush or end up in the hospital.¡± Eric sighed.

    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Seren grinned. Grabbed their bag and slid their binder into the bag and ran downstairs. Sliding to a stop at the front door and hitting the ground. Stomping on their boots and lacing them up. They were up again in a second and out the door. They yanked out their binder and looked at their list proudly. It was organized by address so they¡¯d go around in a large circle.

    Seren ran to their first stop, a nice little townhouse. Looked cute and quaint. Seren thought it would be nice to have a little place like that when they were old enough to own their first home. They hopped up the front steps and rang the doorbell. Rocking back and forth on their heels as they listened for the people answering. The door clicked and a small girl opened the door.

    ¡°Yes?¡± She said. Seren smiled and waved.

    ¡°Hi! Are your parents home?¡± They asked. The girl shook her head no and Seren frowned. ¡°Oh no. Did they leave you all by yourself?¡±

    ¡°They said they¡¯d only be gone for a minute.¡± She said. ¡°Can I take a message?¡±

    ¡°Yes, see. I¡¯m an enforcer, and it¡¯s my job to collect the money your parents owe me.¡± Seren bent down to be at the child¡¯s eye level. ¡°Do you have anything you can think of that you can give me on their behalf?¡± The girl thought about it, shrinking back behind the door for a moment. But Seren¡¯s smile lured the child back out from behind the door.

    ¡°I know where my mommy keeps the jewelry.¡± She said quietly.

    ¡°Ooh, can I see?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to let strangers into the house.¡± The girl said and Seren stood up with a theatrical gasp.

    ¡°You¡¯re right! Oh, I know!¡± Seren clapped. ¡°My name is Seren Asche-Winters. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Jane.¡± The girl said shyly.

    ¡°Well it¡¯s nice to meet you Jane.¡± Seren said and shook the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°There, now we aren¡¯t strangers.¡± The girl thought about it for a second before her face cleared.

    ¡°Yeah! Okay!¡± Jane opened the door and let Seren in. Seren let the door close behind them and looked about at the house. Pursing their lips and frowning at the lack of furniture. It all looked very bare.

    ¡°Your parents working?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°My mommy is now. She just started.¡± Jane said. ¡°That¡¯s why my parents are out. They went out to shop.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Seren said. The little girl led them into the main bathroom and pointed at a beat up old wooden box.

    ¡°There¡¯s the jewelry box.¡± Jane pointed, Seren opened the lid and looked in. Frowning at a single necklace, two rings with no stones and a pair of pearl earrings. Not even real pearls. Seren closed the lid and listened. The house was dead silent.

    ¡°That¡¯s truly unfortunate.¡± Seren sighed. They opened the box and took the jewlery. Putting it into their bag and pulling out the binder. ¡°Well, tell your parents when they come home I will be planning to return and that I have come by.¡± Seren sneered at their math. Finding the jewelry didn¡¯t even come close to how much they wanted to collect from this house.

    ¡°I will.¡± Jane said, ¡°I think my mommy will be mad without the jewelry.¡±

    ¡°Well I will come back. And we can speak then.¡± Seren said as they put their binder back in their bag. ¡°Here, for your cooperation.¡± Seren pulled out a little wrapped sweet and offered it to the child who smiled and took it.

    ¡°Thanks!¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Seren said as they left the house. Looking at what the next stop was.

 Chapter Five; The Caestus Rings

    The next item on the list brought Seren to a nice little villa on the edge of the Spring district. Just before the villa was the little caretaker¡¯s single room house. Seren looked over their binder and tapped the little note they¡¯d written to themselves. Specifying that it was the cottage and not the villa that they were looking for.

    Seren skipped up to the front door and gave a knock, hopping back and waiting for the answer. A woman opened the door and her face fell instantly.

    ¡°Oh. It¡¯s you.¡± She said.

    ¡°Hello, expecting me?¡± Seren asked with their usual chipper smile.

    ¡°I had a feeling you¡¯d be coming around,¡± The woman sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to offer you. But I suppose that won¡¯t stop you.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± Seren said, the woman opened the door and let Seren in. Seren looked around the cozy cubbyhole with the smallest rooms and only scraps of fabric around.

    ¡°How often do you get compensated as the caretaker?¡± Seren asked, listening for the sound of value.

    ¡°Once a month. It¡¯s modest, if you¡¯re wondering.¡± The woman followed Seren¡¯s idle wandering.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t.¡± Seren said. Wandering to the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯m open for negotiation if you have something else to offer.¡±

    ¡°Like what? We barely scrape by as it is.¡± The woman huffed. Seren paused at the counter.

    ¡°What do you grow in your garden? I saw a barn, you have livestock?¡± Seren leaned on the counter and crossed their arms.

    ¡°Yes, enough to live on.¡± The woman crossed her arms as well. Narrowing their eyes at Seren.

    ¡°Come on, please just work with me.¡± Seren sighed. ¡°I know we can come up with some sort of compromise.¡±

    ¡°The only thing we have to spare is the wool from our single old alpaca.¡± The woman snapped but Seren straightened.

    ¡°Dyed? Can it be dyed?¡± Seren asked. ¡°I¡¯m in need for a royal blue and a red rose yarn.¡± The woman¡¯s anger cleared. Seren pulled out their binder and did their math.

    ¡°What weight?¡± Seren asked. Making notes in the margins.

    ¡°Uh, what weight would you like?¡± The woman asked. ¡°I can do two pounds, but I need time to dye it.¡±

    ¡°How much?¡± Seren asked, making notes. ¡°And what dye are you using? Synthetics or naturals?¡±

    ¡°I have synthetic, some. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s enough for the colors you specified. But I can try.¡± The woman rushed to the hall cupboard and pulled out three bottles of primary colored dye.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how close you can get. I¡¯ll be back at the end of the day to see the progress and if it¡¯s too my liking I¡¯ll take the two pound skeins of each color as payment.¡± Seren said. ¡°That roughly equals the required amount for this month.¡±

    ¡°I can do that. Royal blue and rose red. I can work with that.¡± The woman said. Bringing out a tub of white powder and a thick black syrup as well.

    ¡°Lovely, I will see you later today then.¡± Seren put their binder away and left. Satisfied they¡¯d have new yarn to continue their scarf with. They wandered further through the Spring district to the giant flowered manor where the Spring family resided. Seren steadied themselves before entering the gate. The newest Lord of the spring district was a real pain to deal with. Seren had been trying to collect from him for days now. Always coming away empty handed due to the Lord''s stubborn and entitled ways.

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    Seren stood straight as they could and rang the doorbell. Within the minute, the butler opened the door. Looking at Seren tiredly.

    ¡°Back for more abuse?¡± She asked sympathetically.

    ¡°I said every day if I had to and I meant it.¡± Seren said. ¡°Shall we begin the dance?¡±

    ¡°If we must,¡± The Butler said and stepped aside. ¡°I¡¯ll alert the Lord to your return.¡±

    ¡°Please do,¡± Seren said, smiling as they rolled out their shoulders. They were determined to bring something back today.

    ¡°Again?!¡± Seren heard the yelling from upstairs. ¡°Send them away! What do you mean they''re already here?!¡± Seren smiled and followed the sound of the yelling, knowing it was their cue. They gave a half hearted knock on the door to the study and entered.

    ¡°Did you miss me?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°I missed you not bothering me,¡± Lord Spring said. He was a pudgy doughy man. Clearly young but it was hard to tell how young with the roundness of his face.

    ¡°Well, this account needs to be closed.¡± Seren shrugged, letting the butler escape out the door as they advanced. ¡°If my senses are accurate you could close it in a day. Right now in fact. So why drag this out?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the principle of the thing.¡± Lord Spring sniffed with his upturned nose. ¡°That account belongs to my parents. I have no business with you. Take it up with them¡±

    ¡°Your parents are dead and buried in the cemetery.¡± Seren said, ¡°any attempts to contact them have been unsuccessful and by law of succession, that makes the account yours.¡±

    ¡°You think you¡¯re so smart,¡± Lord Spring sneered. ¡°But there¡¯s more than one sharp eyed shark in these waters.¡±

    ¡°Whatever you say,¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°Now I¡¯ve been more than fair the last few visits. But this time I am afraid I¡¯ll have to be a bit more forceful.¡±

    ¡°Oh really? What are you going to do? Call the authorities?¡± Lord Spring laughed. ¡°The ones I pay? Or better yet, you gonna run off and bother the king? Beg him to help you with the baby matters?¡± Seren smiled darkly.

    ¡°I wouldn''t dream of having any one else in this room but you and me.¡± They said. Walking closer to the desk.

    ¡°Why?¡± Lord Spring¡¯s smug look vanished. ¡°You gonna try that fae magic? It¡¯s not going to work, I have several fae-touched in my service. I know what you can do.¡±

    ¡°Magic? Rob myself of this catharsis? I wouldn¡¯t hear of it.¡± Seren brought out the caestus rings. Now having a matching set for both hands as well as a fae silver coating.

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Lord Spring¡¯s voice broke.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a threat.¡± Seren stopped on the other side of the desk. ¡°A threat is words or rumors of violence. This isn¡¯t a suggestion.¡± In a single leap, Seren was on the other side of the desk. Lord Spring didn¡¯t even have the time to scream before Seren brought their fist down hard onto his thigh, just above his knee. The interconnected rings digging in deep. Lord Spring¡¯s mouth dropped open in pain and horror. Nothing but wind came out, his eyes bulging out of his skull.

    ¡°Care to rethink your position?¡± Seren asked, readjusting their rings.

    ¡°I¡¯ll alert the authorities!¡± Lord Spring wheezed. Seren laughed.

    ¡°Yeah? What are they gonna do? Big guy like you? Beaten into submission by little old me?¡± Seren said, drawing back and striking again. This time sinking thier rings into the weight of his stomach. Causing the man to pitch forward. Dry heaving on the floor.

    ¡°How embarrassing for you.¡± Seren clicked their tongue. ¡°Having to admit that you got the sense knocked into you by a kid that can¡¯t even drink yet. A puny little fae-touched who didn''t even use any magic.¡±

    ¡°Just illegal weapons.¡± Lord Spring spat before throwing up.

    ¡°Weapons? What weapons? I don¡¯t have anything, and you can¡¯t prove I have them either.¡± Seren said, waving their fingers and making the fae-silver rings vanish. ¡°Nothing but hearsay from a debtor trying to outsmart the law.¡± Seren brought up their boot and drove their heel into the prone Lord''s back. Dropping him fully to the ground.

    ¡°How¡¯s that working for you? All that smart double speak and legal smoke and mirrors?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get even.¡± Lord Spring spat onto Seren¡¯s boots. Seren knelt down, their face stone cold.

    ¡°You think so? You slighted me first. You brought this all upon yourself. I told you that you could have just paid to make this all go away. But no, you chose this way. I hope it¡¯s everything you wanted it to be.¡± Seren stood back up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back tomorrow to close this account.¡± They said, taking a step to the side before thinking better and delivering another swift kick to Lord Spring¡¯s stomach. ¡°Be ready. Or we¡¯ll do this dance again. And again, and again. Until you are ready.¡± Seren left the room and closed the door behind them. Seeing the wide eyed butler spying at the door.

    ¡°Have a good rest of your day,¡± Seren smiled, ¡°and I will see you again tomorrow. Don''t worry about showing me out. I know the way.¡±

 Chapter Six; The Delusions of Lady Lorelei

    Seren slid their caestus rings back into their pocket and shook out their hands. The rings made their fingers hurt and feel stiff. But it was always exhilarating to use them. Their heart was pounding as if they¡¯d been on a ride at the local fair.

    It was hard to slow down enough to check their binder and know where they were going next. It appeared to be another place in the fall district. They wound through the working farms and smithys to a broken down old manor that stood alone on the walls of the district. Seren smiled, old lady Lorelei was¡­ eccentric. Or more accurately not at all connected to reality in anyway. Another job that really wasn¡¯t expected to yield results but less because she refused to pay and more because her delusions had no real grounds in reality and the situation she was in.

    Seren knocked on the door and waited. Counting out to twenty five before knocking again. The door opened and showed the elderly woman dressed in her elegant rags.

    ¡°I just cannot get good help these days.¡± The woman sneered and rolled her eyes. Finally looking at Seren and lighting up. ¡°It¡¯s that lovely Winters child.¡±

    ¡°Seren, and it¡¯s a pleasure to see you again, Lady Lorelei.¡± Seren sashayed in a graceful curtsy for her. The old woman gasped and clutched her pearls.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell my other guests, dear. But you¡¯re my favorite.¡± Lady Lorelei said. ¡°But where are my manners?! Come in, my child, come in!¡± The lady stepped aside and let Seren into the dilapidated house. It probably was a sight to see once upon a time. At least inside, it made Seren feel comfortable.

    ¡°I beg forgiveness for my butler, I have no idea where he¡¯s run off to.¡± Lady Lorelei flounced around the sitting room. ¡°Please take a seat. Ophelia?¡± Seren sat on the faded sofa, knowing full well there was no Ophelia in the house whatsoever.

    ¡°Ophelia?¡± Lady Lorelei called again to the empty house. ¡°Oh where is that lazy girl!?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too harsh on her, my lady.¡± Seren said, pulling out their binder. ¡°I happen to be here on business. I¡¯m sure we can agree such a lowly peasant has no business hearing such matters.¡±

    ¡°That is so true my dear.¡± Lady Lorelei sat herself into a loveseat across from the sofa Seren sat on. ¡°I certainly wouldn¡¯t want to reveal the secrets of my marvelous success.¡± Seren smiled at the dust that fell from the cracked ceiling. Wishing they could see the world as Lorelei saw it.

    ¡°So. How satisfied are you with the services rendered this month?¡± Seren said. Pretending that the account was ongoing and not severely default. Seren learned that if you wanted to talk to Lorelei, made a lady strictly through her own insistence, you had to play along with her.

    ¡°Not at all, I¡¯m afraid.¡± Lady Lorelei said with a deep frown. ¡°I find the servants disappearing at all hours, abandoning their work. This place is falling apart and I have seen no one coming to repair it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry about that.¡± Seren said. Pretending to write something in their notes.

    ¡°I¡¯m almost beginning to believe you¡¯re trying to pull one over on me. What am I paying you for?¡± Lady Lorelei huffed at them.

    ¡°I understand your dissatisfaction.¡± Seren nodded. ¡°I am fully willing to settle your account and we don¡¯t need to renew your contract.¡±

    ¡°I agree that is exactly what is required here.¡± Lady Lorelei said, lifting her skirts so she could cross her legs.

    ¡°Very well. Let¡¯s get this account settled.¡± Seren put their binder on the table open for Lady Lorelei. She gasped dramatically and clasped her pearls again.

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    ¡°This is highway robbery!¡± She cried. ¡°How do you expect me to pay that?! After what horrid service you¡¯ve rendered?¡±

    ¡°I understand your concern.¡± Seren nodded sympathetically. ¡°The price was negotiated prior however. Services were rendered and now the bill must be settled.¡±

    ¡°You cheeky little thing.¡± Lady Lorelei hissed. She shook her head and stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll settle this. Just you wait.¡± Seren took their binder back and waited. Wondering what the old woman would give them this time. Lady Lorelei returned with a purse, still mumbling to herself about how unfair the world was.

    ¡°Right, right. Now let¡¯s see¡­¡± Lady Lorelei opened her purse and counted something out. Seren didn¡¯t hear a single sound from the purse. Nothing like money anyway. ¡°Here.¡± Lady Lorelei held out a fist and Seren held out their hands and the Lady dropped a bunch of various buttons into it.

    ¡°There. A handful of mag coins should more than cover it.¡± Lady Lorelei said. Shutting her purse again. Seren smiled at the handful of buttons that was worth a single cor if pressed.

    ¡°Sure is.¡± They said dropping it all into the bag. ¡°Should I come to check on you again next month to discuss whether or not we will draw up another contract?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not certain yet. Perhaps I¡¯ll shop around.¡± Lady Lorelei said.

    ¡°All right, fair enough. I¡¯ll drop by next month to check up on you then and see how you¡¯re faring.¡± Seren stood up and brushed off their clothes.

    ¡°Sounds lovely, I¡¯m sure my resourcefulness will surprise you.¡± Lady Lorelei said with a smug smile.

    ¡°It always does, my lady. It always does.¡± Seren agreed. Lady Lorelei showed them out of the house and Seren laughed to themself at the buttons in their bag. They checked their binder to look at their next stop. It was in the Autumn district, so Seren left the Spring district. Hitching a ride on a passing wagon to save themself some time.

    They stopped at the garden store front. Looking at all the tools and seeds in the shop window before walking in. Ringing the bell as they entered the door.

    ¡°Just a minute!¡± A voice from behind the counter called. A person came through the door and their eyes narrowed at Seren. ¡°Oh. You. Well, I knew this was coming.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean we can make this nice, quick and painless?¡± Seren asked hopefully.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± The garden shop owner nodded. Opening their cash register and counting out some bars. ¡°Here, this should be more than enough.¡± Seren approached the counter and took the four bars. Impressed by the stl ingt as well as the irn ingts.

    ¡°Yeah. This about covers it.¡± Seren said. ¡°If you have another stl, which I know you do, you should drop by tomorrow and close your account.¡± The owner¡¯s cheeks grew red.

    ¡°Is that what I¡¯m down to?¡± The owner asked.

    ¡°More or less..¡± Seren said as they did their math. ¡°Yeah. That should do it.¡±

    ¡°Can I just give you the stl now and let that be the end of it?¡± The shop owner asked.

    ¡°Unfortunately not.¡± Seren said, ¡°but you should find it easy enough to close your account. Well. I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t be seeing you again so, goodbye!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, bye.¡± The owner waved slightly annoyed. Seren left and checked the binder. Their stomach rumbled, Seren looked up at the clock tower from inside the King¡¯s Ransom beyond the steamworks. Finding it just after noon. Seren looked around the road until finding a little food cubby. They ran over to it and looked over what the menu served. They ordered themselves a melty sandwich with fries and boba tea and sat at a picnic table to eat.

    Seren picked out one of the books on the fae history and read while they ate, though the book didn¡¯t bring any satisfaction from reading it. Instead making their head and eyes hurt slightly from reading it. They gave up reading and went back to their binder. Pleased that they only had two more stops before they were done for the day. They cleaned up their spot at the table and carried their tea with them as they headed for the next stop.

    They stepped up to the local holy grounds. They doubled then triple checked their binder to make sure they were at the right location. Seeing no way they could be mistaken, they walked through the gates and towards the biggest building. They didn¡¯t even make it before someone saw them.

    ¡°Welcome child, is there something we can help you with?¡± One plain clothed person asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m looking for someone by the name of Appleby?¡± Seren asked, checking their binder again.

    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s this way. You must have business with him.¡± The person directed Seren to follow and they entered the building.

    ¡°I do.¡± Seren said, finding the high vaulted ceilings echoey and intimidating. ¡°Is he far?¡±

    ¡°No, not very.¡± The person said before stopping at a pair of double doors and knocking at them.

    ¡°Come in.¡±

 Chapter Seven; A Rival

    ¡°Father Appleby, this child wishes to see you.¡± The person opened the door and ushered Seren in. They walked in, head high. Though they felt intimidated, they weren¡¯t going to show it. The father was at the desk and looked up from his writing confused, but then a flash of epiphany lit up.

    ¡°You must be that Asche-Winters child I was hearing about.¡± He said removing his reading glasses. ¡°Yes, come in please. Take a seat.¡± Seren walked to the desk and sat in the chair opposite of it.

    ¡°If you would like to know, the new roof is holding up perfectly.¡± Father Appleby said pointing up. Seren nodded, realizing why this person was in their binder now.

    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± They said, sipping at their tea. ¡°Should we deal with the real business?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course. You have a busy day?¡± The father asked, sitting back at his desk.

    ¡°Coming up on the end of it actually. I¡¯d like to save some daylight for reading.¡± Seren said. Pulling out their binder and laying it on the desk.

    ¡°Good, reading is very good.¡± The father said. He opened a drawer and Seren heard the tell-tale ring of currency, but they also heard something else. A ringing sound. ¡°Furthering your education will prove to be invaluable in time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Seren said, barely listening to what he was saying. ¡°Do you have fae silver in there?¡± The father looked up surprised.

    ¡°Why, yes. I do actually¡± He said, lifting up a silver shiny coin. ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a mystery to who left it but it was in our collections box after prayer this morning.¡±

    ¡°May I see it?¡± Seren asked and held out their hand. Putting their drink down so they could hold the silver with both hands. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen fae silver in a currency setting.¡± The coin was white as snow and so bright it would glow in even the dimmest light. There  coin had no engravings of any kind but a ring of gold inlaid around the edge.

    ¡°I did notice your sunstone ring.¡± The father nodded. ¡°Should that coin be added to the payment?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, it isn''t worth much in its current form. Not to anyone in the town. Maybe a collector but that¡¯s a long shot.¡± Seren said then thought about it a bit longer. ¡°Maybe a jeweler would want it, but I don¡¯t think this is enough to make any use of.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair, I suppose I¡¯ll keep a hold of it then.¡± The father said and held out his hand for it back. SEren stared at it mesmerized. Almost too much so to hand it back. Finally they dropped it back in the father¡¯s hand. Taking the rest of the money and putting it away.

    ¡°Thank you for being so compliant.¡± Seren said standing up from their chair. ¡°I  look forward to speaking with you again.¡±

    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± Father Appleby said as he stood up. ¡°If you ever have any questions for me, I¡¯m happy to answer them.¡± The father held out his hand and Seren looked at it. Relenting to shake his hand with a smile.

    They hopped down the steps. Waving at the other worshippers on their way. They pulled out their binder. Two more stops. Technically only one since they had to double back for the yarn but still. Two stops. Last one was in the Summer district, meant to be the easy last stop. Seren walked back to the caretaker¡¯s house. They disposed of the glass waste from their tea in a glass receptacle on the way. They knocked on the door and hear no response at first, but after a minute they heard the sound of running before the door was thrust open.

    ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± The woman said breathlessly. ¡°I was just checking on the skeins.¡±

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    ¡°How are they looking?¡± Seren asked excitedly.

    ¡°I think they are looking well.¡± The caretaker said, matching Seren¡¯s excitement. ¡°Come see,¡± Seren entered the house and followed the caretaker to the sink where the two skeins were hung to dry. One vibrant and beautiful red and the other deep royal blue.

    ¡°They are perfect!¡± Seren clapped happily. ¡°I am happy to consider this payment.¡±

    ¡°Really?! Mr. Asche accepts yarn?¡± The caretaker asked.

    ¡°No, I want it and he can take it out of my wages for the day. In the end your payment is paid either way.¡± Seren said. ¡°Are the skeins dry?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you can take them now if you want.¡± the caretaker said with a sigh. ¡°I guess I should thank you.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡± Seren asked. Taking the yarn from the hanger.

    ¡°For accepting a trade. I¡¯d never be able to pay back the debt otherwise.¡± The caretaker said. ¡°Is there a color I should prepare for next month?¡± Seren looked over the yarn.

    ¡°None thanks. This is all I need for now.¡± Seren said. Then they put the yarn away into their bag. ¡°But if you have extra still I¡¯d suggest the Artisan Market on Saturdays. The yarn itself is worth about 10.15 but you could get away with selling it for an easy 15 even.¡±

    ¡°Really? You think I could?¡± The caretaker asked.

    ¡°Yeah. Handspun, homegrown, cleaned and dyed. The synthetic dye might hold you back in some circles but I wouldn¡¯t worry about it to start. That¡¯s a thought to have in the future.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about that. Thank you.¡± The caretaker said. Seren smiled and headed for the door.

    ¡°Welcome.¡± They said as they left. The last stop was in the Summer district, the home stretch. They ran most of the way and stopped at the nice villa. It had some of its own animals. Namely chickens. You could smell them when you got close though whoever cared for animals worked hard to make sure you didn¡¯t.Seren knocked on the door and a chipper voice called for them to come in. Seren was baffled. So many easy jobs in a single day was unheard of. They opened the door and entered to see a smug man and a quiet girl tending to a little flower pot. But speaking to the man was another enforcer.

    Enforcers were easy to spy. Usually they had some patch on them to show who they belonged to. The true surprise was that the enforcer now standing before Seren belonged to the Spring district.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve met, I¡¯m Serenity-¡±

    ¡°I know who you are.¡± The enforcer said. He had bubblegum pink hair that was styled forward and curled into his face.

    ¡°Fair enough. Who are you then?¡± Seren asked, standing a little straighter and putting their hands into their pockets. The man was taller than them by a bit, but didn¡¯t have nearly as much weight as Seren. But Seren was more worried about the silver hand crossbow at his hip. Illegal weapons were the tricks to the trade but lethal weapons were never to be used.

    ¡°My name¡¯s Kyi. It¡¯s obvious what we¡¯re doing here. The real question is why.¡± He said.

    ¡°SOMEONE didn¡¯t do their work before lending it seems.¡± Seren said, smirking as nastily as the man before them. Seren couldn¡¯t tell his age but he looked to be older. Maybe even actually sixteen.

    ¡°Yeah that sounds about right. Which means My job takes precedence. So beat it.¡± The man said, resting his hand on his weapon.

    ¡°Uh, no. MY job takes precedence, you can look at the paperwork yourself.¡± Seren snapped. They watched the boy start pulling his crossbow from its holster. ¡°You don¡¯t scare me.¡±

    ¡°I should. Are you stupid?¡± Kyi took a long look up and down Seren. ¡°I mean you must be. Given the whole fae thing.¡± Seren slipped their rings back on their knuckles. They couldn¡¯t admit they were scared.

    ¡°You say whatever you want.¡± Seren shrugged, hoping they looked nonchalant as they pretended they were. ¡°At the end of the day you and I both came here to do a job. I think this guy might be trying to  get out paying his debts by getting us to fight each other.¡± Seren turned back to the guy who¡¯s smug smile faded. He looked at Kyi quickly.

    ¡°They¡¯re making you look dumb,¡± He said quickly. ¡°Are you going to take that?¡± Seren looked back at Kyi and sized him up.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t dumb. You¡¯re just new to this.¡± Seren smiled genuinely. Sliding the rings back off their knuckles. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll get what we¡¯re both due. No point in fighting over a debt, he screwed himself over here. So why should we pay the price?¡± Kyi¡¯s frown faded into a calculated smile. He removed his hand from his weapon. Both turning to the debtor.

    ¡°You heard ¡®em. Pay up.¡± Kyi grinned.

 Chapter Eight; Hes Gonna Have a Fit

    ¡°There has to be an agreement we can come to.¡± the man said, laughing nervously. ¡°This is all a funny misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who brought us here.¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°Now you have to pay what you owe.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kyi said. ¡°You want to play stupid games? Now you win a stupid prize.¡± Seren pulled out their binder and looked over their records.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you owe him, but I¡¯d be happy with twenty ingts.¡± Seren said. Tapping their fingers on their binder.

    ¡°What I owe? I mean. Let¡¯s not be too hasty.¡± The man said, near hysterically laughing. ¡°We. We should. I mean. You two are so chummy with each other. I swore your bosses hated each other.¡±

    ¡°Ahhh.¡± Seren said. Loudly cutting off whatever Kyi had tried to say. He glared at them, angry at being interrupted. ¡°I knew it. You are trying to play us.¡± The man paled further.

    ¡°Our bosses might not get along but that hardly has anything to do with us.¡± Kyi said. ¡°Now pay up.¡± The man cleared his throat.

    ¡°All right. You got me. I can¡¯t. What are you going to do?¡± The man shrugged.

    ¡°Don¡¯t play with me.¡± Kyi snarled. Unholstering their crossbow. Seren wondered what he¡¯d do with that.

    ¡°You can¡¯t hurt me. That¡¯s illegal.¡± The man said.

    ¡°Actually it isn¡¯t.¡± Seren said. ¡°We are fully within our rights to get payment by any means necessary. Just like you have every right to try and fight us off. Not that you¡¯d have much luck with that. There are two of us.¡± The man sized the two of them up. Seren slid their rings on and flashed them from their pocket. The man paled again and stood straight.

    ¡°Can¡¯t squeeze blood from a stone.¡± He said with a shrug.

    ¡°No. But you aren¡¯t stone. You¡¯re filled with blood to squeeze.¡± Kyi said, Seren grimaced at the imagery.

    ¡°So you hurt me. Still can¡¯t get any money from me.¡± The man crossed his arms. Kyi got riled, Seren tapped his hand to still him.

    ¡°Very well.¡± Seren said. Kyi¡¯s mouth dropped and he looked at them in disgust. ¡°You¡¯re right. Can¡¯t get money from you and all that¡­.¡± Seren shrugged theatrically. Kyi shook his head but Seren kept their hand on his.

    ¡°That leaves me no choice.¡± Seren said. They rounded into the kitchen, making the man run to keep something between him and Seren. The sheepish woman at the table flinched.

    Seren took a single petal from the plant the woman cradled, making her cry out. Then Seren took a bowl handy on the counter and took out a knife from the sink. They put the petal in the bowl and made a smal cut on their finger. Letting a drop of their blood fall onto the petal.

    ¡°With the drawing of blood, a curse upon your land.¡± Seren said. Turning and going to their ice chest and taking an egg from it. They cracked it into the bowl.

    ¡°All that is touched, die by my hand.¡± Seren continued. The occupants of the room watched in pure awe, Seren fought to keep the smile from their face. It was nonsense. They were just throwing things into a bowl and speaking in rhyme. The true magic came next.

    ¡°Start with that which grows in dirt.¡± Seren said, keeping one hand over the bowl. The other held out at their side. They focused their energy on the plant that the woman held, sucking its life back into its roots. As the plant began to wilt the woman screamed.

    ¡°End with the life whose responsibility was shirked.¡± Seren internally cringed at the forced rhyme. But their little ruse worked.

    ¡°I can pay!¡± The man said fearfully. Seeing the wilting plant wilt further as the woman sobbed over it. ¡°I can pay, don¡¯t let that happen to me!¡±

    ¡°Pay us in full,¡± Kyi warned.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°I can do that! Just stop the fae magic!¡± The man stammered and rushed off into the house. Seren waited, holding the plant¡¯s vitality in place.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Seren whispered to the woman sobbing over the plant.

    ¡°This was my mothers.¡± She whimpered.

    ¡°I meant with the guy.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°He¡¯s my brother, I don¡¯t have anywhere else.¡± The woman made little sense through her tears.

    ¡°I see.¡± Seren whispered. Going back to their nonsense brew when the man reappeared with a box Seren could hear was full of money.

    ¡°Here! 100 ingts. Split between the two of you is fifty each. That¡¯s enough right?¡± The man held out the ingts. Seren looked at Kyi who nodded. Seren nodded in return and dumped the brew down the sink. Releasing the plant¡¯s life and allowing it to spring back up from its roots and returning the plant to full health. The woman¡¯s sobbing stopped and she held her plant to her dearly.

    ¡°That didn¡¯t need to be this difficult.¡± Seren said, rubbing their hands together. Their fingertips tingled slightly.

    ¡°Nah, but I¡¯m glad it was.¡± Kyi grinned. Taking the ingts from the man. Seren rounded the kitchen and expectantly held out their hand for their share. Kyi swiftly turned, ignoring them and leaving the house. Seren followed, catching up outside.

    ¡°Excuse me.¡± Seren snapped. Grabbing Kyi¡¯s arm and spinning him around. ¡°Half of that is mine.¡±

    ¡°Yeah? You gonna curse me?¡± Kyi challenged, Seren squared up to match him.

    ¡°If I have to.¡± They said.

    ¡°I could have gotten this on my own.¡± Kyi said, ¡°So why should I share?¡±

    ¡°Because you didn¡¯t and you couldn¡¯t.¡± Seren rolled their eyes. ¡°Just threatening violence isn¡¯t enough with every case. Sometimes you will need to use violence and with a weapon like that you¡¯re more liable to get yourself arrested for attempted murder.¡±

    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know how to use this?¡± Kyi asked, taking his crossbow out of its holster.

    ¡°No, I think you do and that¡¯s the problem.¡± Seren continued. ¡°Look. Just give me what I¡¯m owed.¡±

    ¡°Or?¡±

    Seren sighed. They hated having to resort to the fae abilities twice in a single day. They looked into Kyi¡¯s dark eyes, channeling the force through them. Kyi¡¯s face softened as Seren¡¯s effect took hold.

    ¡°Can you give me seventy-five?¡± Seren asked nicely. Kyi¡¯s face changed but returned to the dazed expression.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s fair.¡± Kyi said drunkenly. He reached into the bag and brought out a handful of currency that Seren counted out and took the wanted amount from it.

    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± Seren released the hold and Kyi shook their head. ¡°Pleasure doing business.¡± They began walking back toward home, thoroughly exhausted.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kyi snapped running to catch up. ¡°Give that back!¡±

    ¡°Have your boss call mine if you¡¯re that offended.¡± Seren said. ¡°I imagine he¡¯s going to contact my boss anyway soon.¡±

    ¡°No, turn around now!¡± Kyi yelled.

    ¡°Come at me, if you think you can get away with it.¡± Seren called. Afraid he might actually call their bluff. But plenty of witnesses were watching the altercation now. Seren tried to walk as casually as they could until they reached their house. Entering their front door and falling heavily against it. They slid to the ground and tried to breathe.

    ¡°Welcome back!¡± Mrs. Houper said as she turned the corner, her cheery features turning to a frown. ¡°Are you okay?!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay.¡± Seren said. Sitting up so they could peel off their boots. ¡°Just a tiring day is all. Is Wilbur still here?¡±

    ¡°No, he¡¯s gone home for the day. Not everyone can bring out Eric¡¯s soft side like you do.¡± Mrs. Houper winked. Seren chuckled to themself.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to have convulsions when I tell him what happened today.¡± Seren snickered. Mrs. Houper watched Seren stand and put their boots in the closet.

    ¡°Good news?¡± She asked. Which had Seren laughing harder.

    ¡°You wanna come listen and hear the meltdown?¡± They asked.

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be hearing about it before dinner.¡± Mrs. Houper said, shaking her head as she went back to her work. Seren took their bag upstairs to the study. Only knocking briefly before entering.

    ¡°Let me tell you about MY day.¡± Seren announced as they walked to their desk.

    ¡°You look fine.¡± Eric said, rolling his eyes. Seren put their hands on his desk, showing the bruises on their knuckles. ¡°Who was it this time?¡± He sighed tiredly.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to love this.¡± Seren said, grinning as they sat at their desk. ¡°First I stopped by Lord Spring¡¯s place.¡±

    ¡°I told you to leave that one alone.¡± Eric said, turning in annoyance.

    ¡°But it¡¯s the ultimate test!¡± Seren insisted. ¡°Besides, you might change your mind when I tell you what happened next.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Eric scoffed.

    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s got himself an enforcer and he¡¯s open for business.¡± Seren said. Eric¡¯s eyes went distant for a single second before realization hit and anger ignited.

    ¡°HE DID WHAT?!¡±

    The windows rattled and Seren was stunned from the noise. He knelt down to look Seren in the eye.

    ¡°Tell me everything. Now.¡±

 Chapter Nine; A fight and a bad idea

    Eric dropped another pile of books on his desk, Seren watched from their own desk. They¡¯d finished working hours ago. But stuck around to answer any questions about their day which there were many, and plenty of repeated ones.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong.¡± Seren asserted. It was partly a question and partly a statement.

    ¡°You never should have gone to that house.¡± Eric said sternly, not looking up from his books.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t do everything in my power to close that account then I¡¯m not worthy of this desk.¡± Seren said, only half joking.

    ¡°Mm.¡± Eric answered half-heartedly. Seren felt their stomach rise into their throat. They went back to their own book about the fae. It was a tough read but they came across some information to think about. Things like children not being allowed outside the city walls, and fae-touched being expressly forbidden from the city altogether.

    ¡°Eric?¡± Seren asked, looking up from their book. ¡°Am I not allowed in the city?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Eric asked, finally looking up from his books. ¡°What does that even mean?¡±

    ¡°It says here that fae-touched are forbidden in the city. Does that mean me too?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°No. Obviously not. You live in the city. That book¡¯s rules are old. Full of old outdated ideas.¡± Eric shook his head. ¡°That law hasn¡¯t been enforced in decades.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s still a law.¡± Seren said. Eric paused, looking blankly into the distance as he thought it through.

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± He asked, finally sitting down in his chair and facing Seren fully.

    ¡°I think it does. If the law still exists then it¡¯s only a matter of time before someone enforces it.¡± Seren said, looking down at their hands.

    ¡°Or it becomes erased due to obsoletion.¡± Eric said. ¡°Forget about the fae. They bring nothing but trouble.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m part fae. How do I forget a part of who I am?¡± Seren asked. ¡°You don¡¯t think I bring nothing but trouble.

    ¡°No. But. Look.¡± Eric sighed, rubbing his eyes under his glasses. ¡°If you go looking for trouble. You¡¯re going to find it. If you keep looking into the fae, you might not come back. Does that make sense?¡±

    ¡°Why would you not want me to come back?¡± Seren asked, their chest felt tight.

    ¡°What?! That¡¯s not at all what I said.¡±

    ¡°You do think I¡¯m trouble, don¡¯t you!¡± Seren stood up.

    ¡°I think you¡¯re going to be in trouble if you don¡¯t lower your voice.¡± Eric stood up swiftly. Towering over Seren with uncompromising authority.

    ¡°My voice is lowered!¡± Seren yelled. ¡°And what about  kids not being allowed out of the walls? I went out!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not most kids! You¡¯re fae-touched, that rule¡¯s meant to protect the kids-¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯m I not worth protecting?!¡±

    ¡°That is ENOUGH!¡± Eric¡¯s yelling rattled the windows. Startling Seren into silence. ¡°Go to your room right now! I don¡¯t want to hear another word until dinner!¡± Seren ran to their room, leaving the library book on their desk. They slammed their door and stood in shock. It all seemed to have happened so fast. The certain things in their mind were that they were fae. At least partly. That meant they were trouble. It meant they weren¡¯t worth protecting like the other kids. It meant they weren¡¯t even supposed to be in the city in the first place. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    All of it was a bit much for them to process all at once. They tried focusing on one part at a time but even that seemed too overwhelming. Seren paced in their room. Trying to find a single place to even start but all they thought about was the anger, the unfairness. It all circled around in their head like a cyclone. A tornado that ripped up everything else in their head.

    Then there was a lightbulb moment.

    Seren stopped pacing, looking out the window at the forest in the distance. A crude plan taking shape. They didn¡¯t have any spare shoes in their room but decided that was fine. They didn¡¯t need them, not really. They opened their window and looked down into the backyard. The sun was just starting to go down, casting purple shadows but not creating any dark spaces. The more interesting thing for Seren, was the forgotten rose trellis just under their window. At one point there may have been a plan to put in roses, or even roses actually growing up the trellis. But those were long abandoned and only the rotting wooden trellis were left. It was a possible way down but it seemed a bit dangerous.

    Instead Seren grabbed their coat, resolving that the front door was their best option. Turning off their lights and listening at their door. Hearing Eric stomp down the stairs they waited, holding their breath. But not hearing any more movement, they crept out their door. Shutting it behind them. They walked down the hall and slipped down the stairs. Listening intently for Eric¡¯s telltale heavy steps.

    ¡°You going out too?¡± Mrs. Houper asked. Startling Seren to falling down the stairs. Mrs. Houper ran from the kitchen archway and helped Seren up. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to surprise you dear. I heard that argument you two had up there.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. What do you mean going out too?¡± Seren asked, rubbing their back where they¡¯d hit the steps repeatedly.

    ¡°Eric went out. Said he had to return something.¡± Mrs. Houper said. Seren huffed, until they remembered their library book.

    ¡°My book!¡± Seren snapped. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t!¡± They stomped to the door and jammed their boots on. Mrs. Houper watched them go, before returning to gossiping with the kitchen staff.

    Seren ran down the road but stopped before the end of the block. What did it matter if he returned their book? They still had another. Besides that, they weren¡¯t really reading it anyway. Seren turned swiftly and began walking the other way. There was something else they wanted to try. If Eric was right and the book was useless then they wouldn¡¯t be out long. He was right about the laws that forbid fae-touched in the city but that didn¡¯t mean much if the rest was still accurate. They walked between the districts to the great gates to outside the city. A pair of city guards were standing on either side as was usual and what Seren expected.

    They walked toward the gate, feeling small and somewhat naked without their enforcer gear. They rubbed their arm uncomfortably, as they approached the guards.

    ¡°Hey, Serenity! What are you doing out and about this late?¡± One of the guards called, waving at them. Seren waved back awkwardly.

    ¡°I uh. I need to get out the gate.¡± Seren said. Their commanding voice wavering with uncertainty.

    ¡°Why?¡± The guard asked. ¡°It¡¯ll be dark soon. Don¡¯t you have someone who¡¯s going to miss you?¡±

    ¡°Is that going to stop you from letting me through?¡± Seren asked. The guards looked at each other before shrugging.

    ¡°Guess not. Go on then, try to be quick. You could get lost wandering the forest at night.¡± The guard said and with a pull of a cord, the gate began to open. Seren held their head high and walked through the gate and into the outer gate¡¯s steam works. Covering their ears against the noise and emerging out the other side. In the chill of the evening forest.

    They shivered at the loss of warmth, they walked down the dirt road until they heard the gates fully close behind them. Seren stopped and looked around, holding themself. They were in the forest now. The guards didn¡¯t even warn them about the fae. Or anything. Just let them by with a warning about getting lost in the dark. Seren¡¯s arms folded until they were tightly crossed. The anger building in their chest until they stomped off the road and into the forest. It would serve them all right if they did get lost and spend the night in the forest.

    Seren angrily shouldered through the forest bushes, now actively trying to get themselves lost. Turning here and there at random gaps between trees and lush bushes and ferns. Light pouring from the canopy became darker and darker until night fully settled into the forest. Seren stomped forward. Not hindered by the lack of light to see by. Being fae-touched gave them the ability to see in the dark. Only in dark grays, blacks, and white but still they could see enough to get themselves well and truly lost.

    Seren only stopped when they yawned long and hard. Feeling ready for bed. They tapped their foot in contemplation, slowly came back to their proper senses, then turned to go back home and forget all the silliness.

    But after turning around a few times. Seren could only press their lips together. The realization coming over them.

    They were lost. Exactly as they¡¯d wanted to be. Exactly as they warned they¡¯d be.

 Chapter Ten; The Sprites

    Seren sat at the base of the tree and waited. Listening to the crickets chirping all around them. They swatted a few mosquitoes from around their face. Hearing the squeaks of the bats flying overhead, hunting for insects. Seren felt oddly at peace. You didn¡¯t see the bats in the city. Only their distant silhouettes.

    Finally, they stood up and brushed off their pants. Knowing they should stay in place so if someone was looking for them, they¡¯d be found easier. But they didn¡¯t want to. Getting the feeling this might be the only time for a very long time they¡¯d get to wander the forest. Seren decided to take full advantage of it. They trailed their hand against the tree bark, wandering toward the sound of running water.

    The moon lit the clear river and made it shine like silver. It fell along the rocks in tiny rapids. Seren watched the river for a few minutes. Trying to estimate how wide and deep it was. It was as wide as their room was long. Deep enough that if they pulled up their pants above their knees they could cross it.

    Seren sat on the river bank, throwing blades of grass into the current to watch it drift away. They found a stick and tossed it in. Watching it spin as it drifted and fell down over the rocks. As Seren watched they noticed something else. A small, nearly translucent dragonfly-like humanoid flew around the river sprays.

    Crouching down, Seren saw more and more of the thin wispy sprites appear. Gathering drops of water barely bigger than a dew drop. Then whizzing off through the trees. Seren watched, entranced by the behavior of the strange creatures. One looked up at them and froze. The creatures had blank white eyes that seemed impossibly big.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Seren whispered. ¡°Sorry.¡± They stood up and crept away from the sprites. Who had all stopped to watch Seren in alarm. Seren crept away, wondering where the sprites had been taking the water. The curiosity got the better of them and they pulled up the pants and pulled off their boots. Stepping into the water and holding up their pants so that they didn¡¯t get wet as they crossed the river. Aware that the little sprites were watching them.

    Seren crossed and wandered barefoot through the trees until they heard a sweet buzzing noise. They crouched down and crept through the trees, making as little noise as they could until they saw a glowing ethereal paper wasp nest. Little sprites flitted about in a sparkling constellation. Seren¡¯s mouth dropped in awe. It was beautiful. They sighed and leaned against the tree.

    In a flash of light, the humming was silenced. All the sprites fell out of the air and hit the ground hard. Seren sat up in alarm. Lowering again into the bushes as a pair of ashen white fae walked out of the brush. They walked around the space, scooping up the fallen sprites and shoving them into white silken satchels.

    ¡°Find the queen.¡± The one farthest from the nest pointed to the wispy wrappings. Their companion nodded and went to the nest and began ripping it apart.

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Seren yelled before they clapped their hands over their mouth. They heard the paper ripping stop as the attention of the two fae now turned to where they were hiding.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± The fae closest to Seren called. ¡°Come out!¡± Seren laid flat and held their hands over their mouth. Trying to will themselves invisible. Holding their breath.

    ¡°Keep looking for the queen!¡± Snapped the fae and Seren heard the grass freezing and then being crushed as the fae came closer. A thousand awful scenarios ran through Seren¡¯s mind. As the fae grew closer, a chill came with it and raised the hair on their skin. They shut their eyes tight and felt the pressure building up. Their heartbeat was pounding so hard, Seren was afraid the fae would hear it. Their thoughts raced.

    As the fae looked over the bush, Seren couldn¡¯t hold their breath any longer and they gasped. The sound masked by the sound of an explosion. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°What was that?!¡± The fae yelled as they fell back.

    ¡°What are the city-folk doing out here?!¡± The other yelled

    ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s scram!¡± The first scrambled up to his feet. ¡°Before one of those projectile things hits us!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t find the queen!¡±

    ¡°Forget her!¡±

    Seren waited until the sound of the fae running away faded to silence. They sat up, their mouth was dry and their heartbeat was still pounding in their ears. The glow from the nest had gone dark entirely. Leaving the little clearing completely in shadow.

    Stumbling up to their feet, Seren ran into the clearing to look at the damage. Wingless sprites were strewn all over the ground amid the scraps of paper that had made up the nest. The biggest part of the nest was lying at the base of its tree it had hung on.

    ¡°Hello? Are any of you okay?¡± Seren asked, keeping their voice quiet. Afraid to raise it. As they approached the bodies the wingless sprites melted into crystal clear water, soaking into the grass and dirt and leaving only small white delicate flowers where the sprites had been.

    Seren felt tears filling their eyes. Unable to help feeling so sad surrounded by so much death. They shivered, feeling cold all over. Seren held their arms as they continued to look over what had once been a clearing of sprites but now was eerily empty. Seren shook their head and wiped the tears from their face. They fell to their knees and hung their head. Letting themself weep for the lost.

    Through their tears, they noticed a small glow coming from the scraps of the nest at the base of the tree.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Seren whispered. Sniffling and wiping their eyes, they crawled along the ground to the nest. Gently moving the scraps of paper strips until uncovering a glowing sprite. Her wings were bigger than any of the others Seren had seen. With a beautiful iridescence and her skin seemed to change colors like a pastel rainbow.

    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful, please be okay.¡± Seren whispered. Gingerly, carefully, Seren cupped their hands under the sprite and picked her up. Holding her close to their face, Seren held their breath as they waited for a sign of life. The little chest shifted, up and down. Seren let out the breath they¡¯d been holding. The little sprite was alive, for now at least.

    ¡°SERENITY?!¡±

    Seren jumped to their feet as they heard the sudden voice calling for them.

    ¡°Over here!¡± They called back. They looked at the sprite in their hands, panicking. They lowered their hands as if to put her back but then brought them back up. They spun around a few times before finally tucking the little thing gently into Seren¡¯s vest pocket.

    ¡°I¡¯m over here!¡± Seren called as they ran toward the sound. Holding onto their vest pocket so as not to jostle the little sprite too much. Seren emerged from the woods to find a pair of town guards with lanterns.

    ¡°There you are. Lord Asche demanded you be found and brought home.¡± One of the guards said. ¡°He seems to be pretty mad too, so the faster you get home the better.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah. I bet I¡¯m late for dinner.¡± Seren hissed through their teeth. ¡°Yeah we better get back inside the city.¡± The guards took either side of Seren and walked them back to the gates.

    ¡°Thanks!¡± Seren said but the guards grabbed their shoulder before they could run off.

    ¡°Sorry, but we¡¯re under strict instructions to bring you straight home.¡± The guard said apologetically.

    ¡°Oh, okay?¡± Seren said, swallowing thickly. They¡¯d had city guards tell them to go home before. But they hadn¡¯t ever had the guards escort them home before. They stiffly walked home with the guards escorting them all the way to the front door and ringing the doorbell. The felt their stomach drop as the door opened to Mrs. Houper.

    ¡°Serenity! Oh thank the gods. Where have you been?¡± She grabbed Seren and pulled them into a hug. But Seren pushed away, afraid Mrs. Houper¡¯s hug would hurt the sprite in their pocket.

    ¡°I just went out for a walk,¡± Seren said.

    ¡°A walk?!¡± She scoffed. She shook her head and addressed the guards. ¡°Thank you two. Have a good evening.¡±

    ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± The guards nodded and headed back off to whatever duties they had. Seren tried to rush past Mrs. Houper and to their room but she grabbed their collar.

    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t! Eric¡¯s waiting for you in the sitting room.¡± Mrs. Houper pointed down the small arch. ¡°You better go straight there and apologize like your life depends on it!¡±

    ¡°For what?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°Where are your boots?!¡± Mrs. Houper asked, finally noticing Seren¡¯s lack of shoes. ¡°Just.. Just go. Go talk to Eric. He¡¯s been worried sick.¡±

 Chapter Eleven; Meltdown

    Trigger Warning! Meltdown/Self Harm Scene in this chapter.

    Seren felt their heart pounding in their ears as they hopped up to the entryway to the sitting room. Eric was standing looking at the fire in the fireplace. Seren walked into the room and waited to be noticed, hoping they could slip away instead.

    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Eric asked suddenly. Seren felt their throat close.

    ¡°I went for a walk.¡± Seren said, ¡°And I lost track of time, I apologize. I was lost in my thoughts.¡±

    ¡°Where.¡± Eric said, it wasn¡¯t a question and it still demanded an answer.

    ¡°I lost track of time, what does it matter where I went?¡± Seren said.

    ¡°Because I was told you went outside the gates.¡± Eric said as he turned around. Now looking directly at Seren. They felt their stomach drop and their throat close. They kept their mouth shut, with no idea what to say and not trusting themself to speak.

    ¡°Did you?¡± Eric asked. Seren felt frozen in place. ¡°Did you go outside the gate?!¡±

    ¡°Yeah. There¡¯s no law stopping me!¡± Seren yelled, surprising themself with the outburst.

    ¡°You were forbidden!¡±

    ¡°By who? Who¡¯s stopping me!?¡± Seren felt like they were running downhill. The words coming out of their mouth faster than their better judgment could stop them.

    ¡°I AM!¡± Eric yelled, trying to be louder than Seren.

    ¡°YOU CAN¡¯T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!¡± Seren raised their voice,

    ¡°YOU LIVE IN MY HOUSE, YOU WILL FOLLOW MY RULES!¡± The whole house felt like it was shaking. Seren tried to stop but they couldn¡¯t.

    ¡°OR WHAT?!¡± They regretted that instantly. It was the first moment of pause in the whole argument.

    ¡°Who else wants you?¡± Eric said. The complete calm of it shattered the entire argument. Seren felt their heart rip in two. The air escaped their lungs and they couldn¡¯t breathe in.

    ¡°Go¡± Eric started, trying to find his own words again. ¡°Go to your room.¡± Seren turned and ran. Not able to get up the stairs to their room fast enough. Slamming the door behind them with a crash that made them flinch. Sobs making them convulse as they tried to make it to their bed before collapsing. They caught themself before falling fully on the bed, sitting up and gingerly pulling the sprite from their vest pocket. The little figure still moved so daintily. Seren pulled one of the pillows off their bed and put it into the corner.

    They laid the sprite down on it, trying not to drip their tears over the small body and failing miserably.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be safe here.¡± Seren said, trying to keep their voice steady. They held their breath and backed away from the small body. Seren was shaking with the effort to keep the looming meltdown back. The shame of breaking down in front of another living soul felt like it would crush them. They let out the breath they were holding and shakily took in another breath and held it. Opening the door and looking around before running to the bathroom. Once the door was safely closed and locked they let it go.

    <ul>

    <li>Beginning Melt Down/Self Harm scene. -</li>

    </ul>

    Breathing out and letting their tears flow. Hyperventilating and trying to stay quiet. They grabbed their hair hard, pulling at their scalp until it ached. It wasn¡¯t enough. The pain and pressure inside was building and pounding. It needed to get out. Seren looked around and saw the bathroom hutch. Made of sturdy wood and thick. It was heavy. Seren stood and wound up. Punching right into the flat side of the wood. Pain radiating up their wrist. They grit their teeth, it didn¡¯t feel good. But it didn¡¯t feel bad. It felt like relief. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    They hit it again, feeling their knuckles pop and tweak in the wrong way. There was a bruise forming over their hand. Adrenaline was building and numbing the pain. Another hit rocked the hutch. A basket clattering to the floor and spilling everything inside over the floor.

    All the items Mrs. Houper had given them for their ¡®changing body¡¯ scattered across the floor. Seren eye¡¯s were attracted to the razors, They were sharp, Seren knew that first hand from their first attempt at shaving their legs. They picked it up and without a second thought, or even a first. They slid it across their shin. It felt like their wind was taken from their chest and the pressure eased. Blood welled up and dripped down.

    Seren¡¯s heart was pounding, their eyes hurt. But they dragged that blade across their skin again and again until rows and rows of neat bloody lines littered up their shin and the pressure inside them settled.

    <ul>

    <li>End Melt Down/Self Harm scene. -</li>

    </ul>

    Seren sat back. Exhaustion dragged their bones to the ground. Now thinking clearly, Seren got up to their feet and cleaned up the mess they made. Putting the basket of items back into the hutch. They ran a bath and soaked. Half dozing in the hot water. When they could barely keep their eyes open, they drained the tub and dragged themself back to their bedroom. Barely able to drag their pajamas on before collapsing into their bed and falling asleep.

    Morning came and when Seren started coming back to consciousness, they became aware that they were starving. But they didn¡¯t get a chance to ruminate on that as they heard the sound of soft rustling on their floor. Seren¡¯s eyes flew open. Now listening intently,

    There it was again, that rustling in their drawers and curtains. Seren sat up and turned over. Their heart leaped up into their throat. The pillow had been ripped up and turned into a little nest. They sat up, staring in awe at the scraps of fabric that were just beginning to glow. The fabric scraps seemed glued to the wall, giving it a strange haunted structure to it.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Seren asked. A tiny face poked out from the fabrics. ¡°Good morning?¡± The sprite flew out of the nest and up to Seren. Closer up, Seren could see the speckled fair face of the sprite was smiling.

    ¡°Good morning indeed.¡± The sprite said, her voice high pitched like a bell. ¡°I am forever in your debt, cursed one.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that mean?¡± Seren¡¯s wonder turned instantly to annoyance. ¡°Why cursed?¡±

    ¡°You are cursed by a fae but not turned.¡± The sprite said. ¡°You are lost between worlds, cursed one.¡±

    ¡°We just call them ¡®fae-touched¡¯, the curse thing is kinda offensive.¡± Seren said. They pushed their blankets off and got out of bed. The sprite gracefully moving out of the way. Flying through the air and leaving little mists of water in her wake.

    ¡°Why are you dripping?¡± Seren asked as they went to their dresser.

    ¡°I am the Waterbearer. In our nests there is a queen that gives water magical qualities. That is me. That will be my daughter after me.¡± The sprite said, still following Seren.

    ¡°Oh, that magic thing is why the fae were hunting for you last night?¡± Seren asked before shutting their mouth. ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to be insensitive.¡±

    ¡°It is understandable. You are correct.¡± The sprite said. ¡°May I perhaps trouble you for a favor more?¡±

    ¡°Uhhh¡­ sure?¡± Seren said as they picked out their clothes for the day.

    ¡°I am famished. Is there anything sweet for consumption?¡± She asked. Clasping her tiny claws together before her chest.

    ¡°Yeah. I think there¡¯s some honey in the pantry. I can bring it up.¡± Seren nodded.

    ¡°Yes that would be lovely! And, pray, may I ask yet another?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Seren picked up their clothes. Deciding that changing in the bathroom would offer more privacy.

    ¡°May you open the window?¡± The sprite pointed to the window.

    ¡°Oh, yeah.¡± Seren said, walking over and opening the window enough for the sprite to escape when she had her strength back.

    ¡°Your kindness will be remembered always.¡± The sprite said.

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome?¡± Seren said. ¡°I¡¯m going to change and then I¡¯ll be back up with the honey.¡± Seren left, shutting their door and going to the bathroom. Dressing while pacing the floor. Pausing to rub at their calf, only to be surprised by the marks left there. Seren stared for a moment before they remembered what happened. They hissed as they could hear the talking to they¡¯d get for them. They entertained the idea that maybe they¡¯d heal before they¡¯d be noticed. The colder months were coming, so it wouldn''t be unusual for Seren to wear only long pants.

    They dressed, tossing their pj¡¯s into the laundry basket more grateful than ever their pajama pants were dark colored. Then they brushed out their hair and braided it and brushed their teeth and went downstairs for breakfast.

 Chapter Twelve; Await your Punishment

    Seren slouched down to the kitchen, hoping only Kalyani was in the kitchen that morning. But of course, Mrs. Houper also was in the kitchen, like every morning, gossiping and helping Kalyani cook and clean the kitchen.

    ¡°Good morning Seren!¡± Kalyani greeted before Seren could assess whether they wanted to be seen or not.

    ¡°Oh. Morning.¡± Seren said. They walked into the kitchen hesitantly.

    ¡°How are you feeling this morning?¡± Mrs. Houper asked. Wringing her hands together.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Seren said, not wanting to talk more than they had to. They just wanted to hurry it all up so they could be alone.

    ¡°I made your favorite, egg sandwiches with hashbrowns.¡± Kalyani said as she loaded up a plate and put it down on the breakfast bar for them. ¡°I¡¯ll get some hot chocolate going and some whipped cream for the top. How does that sound?¡±

    ¡°No thanks.¡± Seren said, sitting down at the stool. ¡°But some tea with honey would be nice?¡± They hoped that sounded convincing, by the look Mrs. Houper was giving them, they didn¡¯t think it did.

    ¡°Oh sure,¡± Kalyani said. She grabbed a mug and began the hot water for tea. Seren ate breakfast slowly. The anxiety of trying to con a jar of honey and the day¡¯s work ahead left them with no appetite. But their stomach rumbled at them and it was their favorite breakfast.

    Seren pushed their food around their plate as they watched the tea be made. Kalyani brought the mug and the jar of honey with a spoon to them.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Seren said quickly. Knowing at once the speed which they said it was suspicious. Mrs. Houper sat down on the stool next to them and looked at them.

    ¡°Serenity.¡± She said and Seren felt a lump in their throat. Wondering how she knew there was a sprite, a queen of sprites, upstairs in their room.

    ¡°Yes?¡± They asked. Trying to swallow the bit of hash brown that felt lodged in their throat.

    ¡°Serenity, you are safe. You don¡¯t have to be afraid or anxious.¡± Mrs. Houper said. ¡°This is your home and you are not in the wrong for living here.¡± Seren felt their skin go cold. The argument from last night replaying in their mind. Their stomach turned and they felt sick.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m hungry any more.¡± They said quietly. Pushing their plate away. ¡°I¡¯ll put the honey away.¡± Seren grabbed the jar and got up. Trying not to run back up the stairs and to the safety of their room. They walked stiffly out of sight and then ran to their door. Ducking into it and trying not to cry or throw up.

    ¡°I brought you some honey.¡± Seren said. Putting the honey down on their desk. There was no answer, just a stiff morning breeze coming from the open window. They weren¡¯t ready to start their work day but it was all they had to do. They breathed deep until it was regulated and then they opened their door again and walked, head as high as they could keep it, up to the study.

    They hesitated before they knocked on the door. Feeling all of their tumultuous emotions holding them back. But finally they pushed through it enough to knock.

    ¡°Enter.¡±

    Seren took in all the air their chest would hold and walked into the study. It was all the same as every morning but it felt like gravity had been turned up by double. They looked straight at their work and focused on only doing what they needed to do.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°Stop where you are.¡± Eric said and Seren froze. They felt like they wanted to throw up. ¡°I¡¯ve come up with a perfect punishment for you,¡± Seren gritted their jaw hard, it felt unfair to be punished on top of being punished.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve been punished enough.¡± Seren said, their voice taking on a robotic tone. ¡°Especially since I did nothing wrong.¡±

    ¡°That statement right there tells me you haven¡¯t learned your lesson.¡± Eric said not looking up. It seemed they both were avoiding eye contact. ¡°So I¡¯ve no choice but to punish your actions. Now go down to the library and wait for your tutor.¡± Seren wanted to say something, but they couldn¡¯t think of anything to say. So they turned and walked back out the study. Feeling their lip quivering and their eyes watering as they went down to the study. Happy their tutor wasn¡¯t here yet so they could be miserable by themself for a few minutes.

    Seren closed the library door behind them and collapsed on the sofa. Curling up into a ball and trying not to cry. It caused them to stare off into space. Their mind going blank. They heard the doorbell but it didn¡¯t break their vacant stare. After a few moments they heard the sound of feet on the steps. Seren took a long breath and sat up, pushing everything aside and putting up their metaphorical mask. They were surprised by the footsteps passing them entirely and going up to the study instead.

    Seren relaxed, wondering what their tutor wanted to talk to Eric about, they thought it could be about getting them into school which made them more miserable. How much could they be punished for just a walk? It wasn¡¯t even against any real rules. Seren sulked. Holding a pillow to their chest and squeezing the air out of it. They heard a second bell and stood up again. Now they were considering if their cousin was here already. That would make him early? Or was Seren late? They started picking at their fingernails anxiously.

    They heard footsteps coming up the stairs again and waited. This pair stopped at the door and knocked.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Seren called and their tutor entered.

    ¡°You¡¯re already here?¡± Their tutor said cheerily. Seren smiled weakly.

    ¡°Yeah, early start I guess.¡± They said. ¡°I didn¡¯t grab my work. I¡¯ll do that now.¡± Their tutor entered and Seren left. Going back to their room and scooping up their school work. Noticing the empty honey jar now on their desk. But they didn¡¯t dwell on that, instead hurrying back to the library.

    ¡°Welcome back. Should we start with math?¡± The tutor asked. Seren closed the door, still puzzling on who else could be upstairs. What kind of punishment was waiting for them.

    ¡°Serenity?¡± Their tutor said, snapping their fingers. Seren shook their head and looked up at the tutor.

    ¡°Huh?¡± They asked.

    ¡°Math?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. That sounds okay.¡± Seren agreed. Grabbing their math notebook and opening it to the newest page. Dating it but quickly losing focus again. The tutor tried to keep Seren on task but their mind kept wandering. Fearing that maybe they were getting replaced. Fearing their paternal grandmother was upstairs. Negotiating taking them away from their home. Fearing being put up for adoption, or sent to a home.

    So much to fear and they couldn¡¯t focus on a single thing, not even the reading or writing in which they excelled.

    ¡°Serenity.¡± Their tutor snapped his fingers again. Seren looked up, coming out of their thoughts again. ¡°Serenity, you¡¯ve never had this much trouble before. Is something bothering you?¡±

    ¡°I.¡± Seren started but didn¡¯t know what to say or even where to start. ¡°No. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you are. This class work is the worst you¡¯ve ever done. Worse than when we first started classes.¡± Their tutor said, piling up the work from the day. ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Seren said numbly. ¡°It¡¯s only ten. We still have two hours. I can keep going.¡±

    ¡°No, I think it¡¯s better if we end for the day.¡± The tutor said. ¡°We¡¯ll try again tomorrow.¡± Seren didn¡¯t speak. They only nodded and cleaned up their school work. Feeling more like a disappointment than ever. They dressed for their job and dragged their feet upstairs. Dreading whatever was waiting for them up there. Their heart beat hard in their throat and their stomach did flips as they approached the door to the study. They felt dizzy and their sight got fuzzy.

    Seren knocked on the door harder than they meant to.

    ¡°Enter.¡±

    Seren entered and felt the anxiety melt to confusion. Sitting at their desk was Wilbur, their cousin.

    ¡°Are you ready for your punishment?¡± Eric asked. Seren walked in and stood at the other end of the desk. Holding back tears and vomit.

    ¡°You are going to take him with you. He is going to do the job and you are going to help him.¡±

 Chapter Thirteen; Tagging along

    The study broke into noise as Seren and Wilbur both began to protest.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Eric yelled, silencing them both. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. Now get to work or get out!¡± Seren frowned but stormed over to the desk to take the day¡¯s work. Putting the binder in their bag.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡± Seren said, grinding their teeth as they did. Wilbur huffed and stood up from the desk.

    ¡°Fine.¡± He said. Seren led the pair down the stairs and to the front door where they paused. Remembering they left their boots in the forest. Seren growled as they dug through the closet and pulled out a pair of sneakers.

    ¡°I have the perfect idea,¡± Wilbur said, walking out the door and waiting for Seren on the steps.

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Seren asked doubtfully. Shutting the front door behind them.

    ¡°Yeah, see. YOU do the list and when you¡¯re done, you find me at home.¡± Wilbur said with a confidence unearned. Seren laughed aloud.

    ¡°No. That¡¯s not happening. I¡¯m not happy about the situation but we have a task so let¡¯s just complete it as fast as we can instead of trying to cheat or cut corners.¡± They pulled out their binder to look at the list curated by Wilbur. They scoffed at the messy ill thought out listings.

    ¡°This is pathetic. Our job requires us to keep a tight schedule. We need to be quick and efficient. Your list is all over the place.¡± Seren scoffed. Wilbur crossed his arms and sneered.

    ¡°I bet we can get this done before noon. I bet it¡¯s faster than your way.¡± He said snottily. Seren laughed aloud.

    ¡°All right. Bet.¡± Seren said, handing him the binder. ¡°We do it your way and if we aren¡¯t done by three at the latest then you owe me one favor, no questions asked.¡±

    ¡°Deal. If I win, you quit.¡± Wilbur said and Seren laughed again.

    ¡°Deal. Better get started. It¡¯s ten a.m. and we have a lot to do.¡± Seren said and pointed at the binder. ¡°I¡¯ll follow your lead. Wouldn¡¯t want to interfere with the results.¡± Wilbur looked at the binder and began to walk. Seren followed behind smugly. Thinking about what kind of favor they wanted from their cousin. They walked around and around the steam works. Seren watched, their grin only getting bigger and bigger as he got more and more lost.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to point you in the right direction.¡± Seren sang.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need any help!¡± Wilbur yelled and picked a gate to enter. Wandering into the Autumn district. Seren skipped after, watching the buildings pass by. Planning to watch until Wilbur had no way of winning. When Wilbur suddenly turned and nearly ran Seren over.

    ¡°Whoa! Hey!¡± Seren called out. ¡°Hey. Look. Let¡¯s try this. I take the first task, show you how and then you can pick it up from there?¡± Wilbur glared at them but his resolve cracked and he held out the binder for Seren to take. Seren took it and looked at the first entry.

    ¡°This is in the Spring district.¡± Seren said confused. ¡°Why¡¯d you lead us here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve.¡± Wilbur breathed in and then shrunk. ¡°I haven¡¯t actually been outside the Summer district yet.¡± Seren dropped their binder as well as their jaw.

    ¡°You what?!¡± They asked. ¡°You¡¯ve never? How. Haven¡¯t you ever gone shopping? All the best shops are in the Autumn district, and you¡¯ve never visited the Spring district? It¡¯s where all the artisan goods are!¡±

    ¡°Look. I.¡± Wilbur snapped but crossed his arms and shrunk further in. ¡°My mom¡¯s overprotective. Can we just get on with this?¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°You made a deal knowing full well you couldn¡¯t navigate the-¡± Seren scoffed and covered their face with their hands. ¡°Okay. For the sake of fairness, I¡¯ll lead us to the locations and we can go from there. Fair?¡±

    ¡°Fair.¡± Wilbur agreed. Seren bent down and scooped up the binder. They read the address and led them to the right location. Into the Spring district where Wilbur paused at the gates.

    ¡°What is it now?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°The smell?!¡± Wilbur gagged, Seren shrugged.

    ¡°It¡¯s the artisan¡¯s district. Where smelting, butchering, and smithing happens. This is the district of smells and confusion. It¡¯s a bit better in the winter when the meat isn¡¯t rotting in the heat.¡± Seren explained. Wilbur paled and gagged again. ¡°You¡¯re gonna have to get stronger, mate. There¡¯s a lot of contracts from this district.¡±

    ¡°When I take over, I¡¯m putting an end to that.¡± Wilbur said. Seren felt bile raise in the back of their throat.

    ¡°Is that so.¡± Seren said. Trying not to choke on the sour taste in their mouth.

    ¡°It is. This place is the worst.¡± Wilbur said. Seren shook their head.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to run the business into the ground.¡± Seren rolled their eyes, leading Wilbur to a smithy. Where metal worked goods were being made and placed for sale. ¡°Okay hotshot. Get to it.¡± Wilbur sneered and snatched the binder out of Seren¡¯s hands and waltzed up to the nearest person.

    ¡°Excuse me, I here to collect.¡± He said. Seren snickered as the person stared at him in confusion.

    ¡°Hey genius, that¡¯s a customer. You want the owner.¡± Seren called. Wilbur turned bright red and the woman at the forge laughed.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? Training your replacement?¡± The women stood up and wiped the sweat from her brow.

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m grounded.¡± Seren said, rolling their eyes. The woman laughed a bit more and brought a cash box up.

    ¡°Well I think you¡¯re going to have a hard enough time today. Here¡± The woman brought a handful of ingts and handed them to Wilbur. ¡°You were absolutely right by the way. Like you¡¯re a lucky charm. I think I¡¯ll keep my tab open just to have you come around!¡±

    ¡°Happy to hear that!¡± Seren waved. Wilbur shoved the ingts into his pocket and stomped over to Seren who frowned at him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t put it in your pocket. You put it in this cloth bag and you have to record the amounts.¡± Seren said, holding out the bag for him.

    ¡°I thought you were going to let me do this my way.¡± Wilbur scoffed. Ignoring the bag.

    ¡°Yeah the collections, not the job itself!¡± Seren said and caught up to push the bag into his chest. ¡°You have to do it right!¡±

    ¡° I am!¡± Wilbur said. Still not taking the bag. ¡°Now where are we going next?¡±

    ¡°Dude at least write down the amount so when you collect the next amount the books will balance.¡± Seren sighed in pure frustration. Wilbur took a breath and then fished the ingts out of his pocket and counted them. Writing down the amount in the binder and then holding it out for Seren.

    ¡°Happy now?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Yes, and come the end of the day, you¡¯ll be happy you did it too.¡± Seren said, taking the binder. ¡°Next one¡¯s in the Summer district. So let¡¯s get going.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that one next?¡± Wilbur asked. Following Seren back toward the steam works.

    ¡°You made the list. You should make it so that it¡¯s a round trip,¡± Seren instructed.

    ¡°Or you could just read it in round trip order.¡± Wilbur said. Seren stopped and turned to look at him incredulously.

    ¡°Or you could just write it as a round trip. What is wrong with you?¡± Seren shook their head and continued leading them back toward the Summer district.  ¡°Whatever, you said you''re way is faster.¡±

    ¡°Not if you don''t read it right!¡± Wilbur snatched the binder back. ¡°You''re trying to sabotage me!¡±

    ¡°I''m doing it the way it''s meant to be done!¡± Seren huffed and crossed their arms. ¡°And if you''re going to be ungrateful then you can find the locations yourself!¡±

    Wilbur looked at the address and started off towards the Summer district. Seren had faith he could at least find the one in his own neighborhood, at least, they hoped he could. But was ready to step in and direct him and show how pathetic his view of the world was. Luckily, he found the townhouse easily.

    ¡°Okay, your turn.¡± Wilbur said with a sigh. Seren laughed.

    ¡°My turn what? The first job we did you harassed the wrong person and I secured the payment due to the owner knowing me. YOU are going to do every one until you pull your weight.¡±

    ¡°UGH!¡± Wilbur stomped. He went to the door and rung the doorbell. Tapped his feet twice then turned around. ¡°No one¡¯s home. Can we go now?¡±

    ¡°No! You haven¡¯t even tried! You can¡¯t just go back without anything. Eric will skin you alive!¡± Seren said in awe of the audacity. ¡°If you¡¯re going to do the job. Do it right!¡±

    Wilbur let out another long groan before ringing the doorbell again and then knocking on the door.

 Chapter Fourteen; Broken Nose

    The man who answered the door looked angry before even spying Seren or the binder.

    ¡°Hey. You need to pay your debt.¡± Wilbur said bluntly. Seren winced and waited for the retaliation which came swift. The door slammed and Wilbur lay dazed on the ground. Nose bleeding.

    ¡°So. I have some pointers for the next one.¡± Seren said, walking over to him. They knelt down and pulled out a handkerchief. ¡°Here, it¡¯s laundered. I haven¡¯t needed to mop up any blood with it in a while.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? This is common?!¡± Wilbur asked, sitting up and feeling his bruised and slightly more crooked nose.

    ¡°Way more common if you¡¯re going to have an attitude about it when you collect.¡± Seren said. ¡°Tilt your head back.¡± Wilbur held the handkerchief to his nose and leaned back.

    ¡°So whadd¡¯ya do?¡± Wilbur asked, his voice becoming nasally.

    ¡°You be meaner.¡± Seren said and showed a flash of the Caestus rings. Wilbur¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Dose are illegal!¡± He whispered.

    ¡°But very effective at doing their job. You don¡¯t tell or you¡¯re going to find out just how effective. Clear?¡±

    Wilbur nodded frantically. More blood dripping.

    ¡°Can we go do da hosbiddle now?¡± He asked. Seren stood up.

    ¡°Nope. No ¡®hosbiddle¡¯ until the jobs done. All of it.¡± They said and rang the doorbell.

    ¡°Bud my nose! I dink i¡¯s broken!¡± Wilbur pleaded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve completed the job with a busted ankle, three cracked ribs, and broken arm respectively. Walk it off champ.¡± Seren said callously. The door opened and the man looked even angrier.

    ¡°That may have been a good lesson for him but I¡¯m afraid I still have a job to do.¡± Seren said. ¡°Now. I hear a few ingts rattling around in your pants pocket. How about you hand this over and let this all be over?¡±

    ¡°Fae trash.¡± The man growled and tried to slam the door but Seren stepped in and stopped it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you understand.¡± They said with a sigh. ¡°Give them to me. Or I will take them by force.¡± Seren let their magic flow, cracking a vase by the door and wilting its bouquet.

    ¡°Fine! Take them!¡± The man shouted and threw the ingts at Seren. A few hit their face. Seren held out their hand and let the ingts rise to their grip.

    ¡°Thank you. See you soon.¡± They turned but paused before leaving altogether. ¡°I hope the next time we meet, you¡¯ll be more polite.¡±  Seren let the door slam behind them and knelt back down next to their cousin.

    ¡°They wanna be tough, you have to be tougher.¡± Seren said. They wrote down the amount in the binder and felt their face where a few of the ingts had bruised them.

    ¡°He called you drash.¡± Wilbur said quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been called wayyyy worse than just fae trash. That¡¯s almost become a beloved nickname for me.¡± Seren laughed weakly. Putting the binder and payment away in their bag and then helping Wilbur to his feet.

    ¡°Doh, now we go do da hosdibble?¡± Wilbur asked still holding his nose.

    ¡°Nope. We still have the rest of the list to finish.¡± Seren said, a hint of sympathy starting to form. ¡°But nosebleeds don¡¯t normally last for too long. You should be fine in a bit. Let¡¯s just focus on the next house. You¡¯ll do better on that one. I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°I sdill hafda do da colleggding?¡± Wilbur huffed in pure disbelief.

    ¡°Hey, at least you have me to help you.¡± Seren said, helping Wilbur down the walk and back to the street. ¡°When I started I didn¡¯t have anyone to help me. I got knocked down like that a lot and still had to get back up and try again. You¡¯re lucky.¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°I don feel very luggy.¡± Wilbur said. ¡°Is id gonna bruise?¡±

    ¡°Ha. Mate, it¡¯s broken. You¡¯re gonna be bruised and sore for a while.¡± Seren said, ¡°And not to scare you but your nose will probably be a bit crooked for the rest of your life too.¡±

    ¡°Dis is da worst day of my life.¡± Wilbur sulked. Seren tried to feel sympathetic but this pity party was starting to drag on.

    ¡°All right. Enough of this feeling bad nonsense. Let¡¯s just get on with it.¡± Seren said, opening the binder to look where they were heading next.

    ¡°The.¡± Seren stopped. ¡°You picked one from the Winter district.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Is id in da wrong place?¡± Wilbur moped.

    ¡°Yes but I also don¡¯t like going into the Winter district much.¡± Seren said. ¡°But you¡¯re taking this one so why don¡¯t I give you the binder and meet you in the Autumn district? I¡¯ll grab us lunch and we can take a little fifteen minute break.¡±

    ¡°Only fifdeen?¡± Wilbur whined. ¡°Waid you¡¯re nod coming? Whad if I need you?¡±

    ¡°Figure it out. You failed twice. Don''t fail again.¡± Seren handed him the binder and put their hands in their pockets. Enjoying the way Wilbur¡¯s face drained of color.

    ¡°Whad if I ged punched again?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Then get back up.¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°This job isn¡¯t for the weak.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m nod weak.¡± Wilbur stood up suddenly and Seren smiled manipulatively.

    ¡°Prove it.¡± They challenged. Wilbur squared up and looked at the binder. Storming off to find the Winter district. Seren shook their head. Feeling well and truly punished and yet they still felt like it was undeserved. They walked into the Autumn district, partly surprised they didn¡¯t see Wilbur circling the steam works again. They took the time to lean against the steam works. Hearing the machinery inside and feeling the heat coming off the stone. It was a warm day already and the heat from the steam works quickly had them sweating. But the action itself was comforting in a nostalgic way.

    They thought about how nice it would be to have another enforcer with them. So they wouldn¡¯t have to ever go into the Winter district again. It was a nice thought. They pushed off the wall and walked around to the Autumn district. They wandered down the road to think about what they wanted for lunch. They were feeling something spicy. Seren checked their bag and looked through their funds. Finding more than enough for two meals at their local curry shop. The thought of curry and a chai made them feel instantly better.

    Spirits rising, Seren headed for the curry shop but they stopped when they realized they had no idea what to get their cousin. Curry wasn¡¯t like a sandwich, if you got the wrong one it could make or break if you ever tried curry again. Seren was ready to bet all the money in their bag that Wilbur hadn¡¯t tried curry before. They contemplated how long it would be before he found his way back to them. Quickly giving up hope that today would be over before the sun went down.

    Seren pulled out a blank notebook they kept just in case. Quickly writing down a few of the addresses they remembered while they still remembered them. Then ordered them correctly on the back of the page and went to work. Knowing that even if they sped up the process it still wouldn¡¯t affect the overall outcome.

    Half an hour later Seren returned to the Autumn district. Where they found Wilbur staring blankly at the streets.

    ¡°Hey,¡± They called, making him jump.

    ¡°Where were you!¡± He yelled. Storming over to them.

    ¡°Helping.¡± Seren said. Opening their notebook and taking the binder to copy over the information.

    ¡°You.¡± Wilbur paused. Suddenly becoming sheepish. ¡°You were helping?¡±

    ¡°I was doing my job. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll get this done before the sun goes down and I know neither of us want that.¡± Seren said. Putting both back into their bag. ¡°So let¡¯s take lunch and we¡¯ll talk about how you did.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Wilbur said quietly. Kicking at the stones of the sidewalk.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, we¡¯ll take a little bit of a longer lunch break and grab some curry. There¡¯s a great place nearby.¡± Seren said and began walking toward the restaurant.

    ¡°Hey. It¡¯s Serenity, right?¡± Wilbur asked. ¡°Sorry I never stopped to learn your name properly before.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Serenity.¡± Seren said. Preferring people who weren¡¯t close emotionally to use their full name rather than their nickname.

    ¡°Right. Serenity. Why do you do this job? I know Uncle Eric wouldn¡¯t make you do it if you didn¡¯t want to.¡± Wilbur said. ¡°This job sucks, why do you do it?¡±

    ¡°Cause it makes Eric proud of me.¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°This is what made him notice me. See something worthy in me. If I don¡¯t do it, am I still worthy?¡±

    ¡°I never thought about that. Weren¡¯t you born worthy?¡± Wilbur asked. Seren shrugged.

    ¡°Is anyone?¡± They asked. ¡°I think it¡¯s something you earn, not something you¡¯re born with.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Wilbur stared hard at the ground all the way to the restaurant. Seren held the door open and got them a booth.

    ¡°I can explain whatever''s on the menu. I personally like the vindaloo or the korma. I recommend them. Especially the locally caught seafood ones.¡± Seren said. Trying to make more conversation. Wilbur looked at the menu like it was in another language.

    ¡°We might need a bit longer for lunch than you think.¡± He said bashfully.

 Chapter Fifteen; Perfectly

    ¡°Wow.¡± Wilbur said as they left the restaurant. ¡°That was so good! I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve never tried that before!¡± Seren smiled in pure pride.

    ¡°I know. I told you it was good.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°So good!¡± Wilbur jumped.

    ¡°Back to work. We still have three more jobs to do before we can head home.¡± Seren said, pulling out their binder. ¡°Or the hospital, but your nose stopped bleeding and the swelling¡¯s gone down so you might not need to anymore.¡±

    ¡°Right, and we have to get it done before-¡± Wilbur started and then looked at his pocket watch. ¡°Oh. It¡¯s already two pm.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. And that¡¯s with me doing three jobs on top of the three you did.¡± Seren laughed. ¡°So, you owe me. But we¡¯ll tackle these last three together and just try to be done before dinner. Fair?¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t ask me to do anything embarrassing, all right?¡± Wilbur huffed; Seren shrugged.

    ¡°Guess we¡¯ll have to wait and see.¡± They sang. ¡°For now, the next job is in this district over here.¡± Seren led them to the townhouse and waited so the two could walk up the steps together.

    ¡°I¡¯ve done this one once or twice. It should be pretty easy.¡± Seren said, ¡°So I¡¯ll let you do the talking, okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I can do this!¡± Wilbur agreed. He knocked on the door and waited. Finally, a woman opened the door and looked in confusion at the two.

    ¡°Hi Serenity. Who is this?¡± She asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m Wilbur Summers, and I¡¯d like to speak to you about your debts.¡± Wilbur said very diplomatically. Seren nodded, impressed with how quickly he¡¯d learned his lesson.

    ¡°A bit young to be retiring, aren¡¯t you?¡± The woman smiled as she pulled out her purse.

    ¡°Not retiring. Just grounded.¡± Seren shrugged.

    ¡°So, you have someone else doing the work?! Well, how do I get grounded?¡± The woman laughed. Handing over a handful of coins. Seren looked at the coins and nodded at Wilbur.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Seren shrugged with a laugh. ¡°Lovely doing business with you though.¡±

    ¡°Oh wait, if I could perhaps trouble you?¡± The woman began wringing her hands in anxiety.

    ¡°For what?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°I have this fae thing. I was hoping you could tell me what it is?¡± She asked with a shy smile. Seren grinned.

    ¡°Sure. Let me see it.¡± Seren said, the woman left the doorway and retreated back into her house. Appearing a few minutes later with a necklace of enchanted fae silver. Wilbur¡¯s eyes lit up and he dropped the coins.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Seren barked and Wilbur snapped out of his trance. ¡°Put the money away before you zone out.¡± Wilbur dropped down and began picking up the coins but couldn¡¯t help staring wide mouthed at the necklace.

    ¡°Wilbur, have you never seen fae silver before?¡± Seren asked. Inspecting the necklace, hearing the way it sang.

    ¡°No. It¡¯s beautiful.¡± He breathed; Seren shook their head.

    ¡°The silver isn¡¯t anything special, aside from being fae silver. This one has golden inlays in the centerpiece and these jewels look like pearls.¡± Seren said, listening to hear the specific parts of harmony that the necklace sang. ¡°Enchanted, if I remember correctly the pearls signify that the necklace, when worn, will bring wisdom and protection from harm.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The woman breathed in awe. ¡°It was my grandmother¡¯s! Oh, it¡¯s a beloved heirloom but I never knew it was enchanted.¡± This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°Most golden inlaid fae jewelry is,¡± Seren said as they handed back the necklace. ¡°It¡¯s a lovely piece. Worth a king¡¯s ransom. About thirty-two thousand or so? My advice is to hold on to it. It¡¯ll accumulate in worth the longer you hold it.¡± The woman¡¯s eyes filled with tears.

    ¡°Th-th-th.¡± The woman stuttered. Trying to comprehend the amount. ¡°I. No. Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Very. Here¡¯s a jeweler who can collaborate and get you in touch with a buyer if you¡¯re interested.¡± Seren jotted down a name and address before tearing it out of their notebook and handing it over to the woman. ¡°Thank you for sharing that. It was beautiful to see.¡±

    ¡°No thank you!¡± The woman began crying, holding the paper and the heirloom close. She seized Seren and held them in a hug.

    ¡°Oh. No. That¡¯s not necessary.¡± Seren said. They wormed out of the woman¡¯s grip. ¡°We have other stops. But thanks, and I hope you have a good day!¡±

    ¡°I will! Y-you too!¡± The woman said, tears still streaming down her face. Seren picked Wilbur up off the ground and led him back down the steps. He still tried to keep eye contact with the fae silver.

    ¡°Hey, focus.¡± Seren snapped their fingers in front of his face a few times to bring him back.

    ¡°Huh?¡± He said coming back to reality.

    ¡°It¡¯s just fae silver. I know everyone gets weird about it, but it isn¡¯t that special.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°It¡¯s enchanted. And did you see how it shone? Like pure light.¡± He said dreamily.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t come back to reality I¡¯m going to slap you.¡± Seren said, holding their hand up to prove their threat. Wilbur snapped back and looked at their hand in alarm.

    ¡°Okay, okay. Don¡¯t hit me!¡± Wilbur held up his hand to block any attacks.

    ¡°Good. Two more jobs. Did you count and record the amount?¡± Seren asked. Pointing at the binder. Wilbur shook his head and counted out the amount and then put it into binder. Seren looked at it and frowned.

    ¡°Whoa, hold on.¡± Seren said. ¡°That¡¯s not right. It should be twenty-six fifty. Where¡¯s the missing Stl?¡±

    ¡°Uh.¡± Wilbur looked through his pockets. ¡°Are you sure? I don¡¯t have any more coins.¡±

    ¡°You dropped them, you better find it.¡± Seren said sternly. ¡°Or you¡¯ll replace it.¡± Wilbur frowned but stomped back to the walkway to look around for the missing stl.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t we just say it doesn¡¯t exist? Just write down what we have!¡± Wilbur called.

    ¡°Cause it¡¯s not honest. Plus if your debtor also keeps records you¡¯re going to get in trouble and then what will you do?¡± Seren crossed their arms.

    ¡°Pay for it.¡± Wilbur said as if Seren was dumb.

    ¡°So nice you have that luxury.¡± Seren smiled. ¡°Not all of us do. Or, did. I guess I should say.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, see. We don¡¯t have to worry about it. Here,¡± Wilbur stood up and pulled out his coin purse. ¡°Here¡¯s a stl. Easy.¡± Wilbur took a stl and put it into Seren¡¯s bag. Seren shook their head.

    ¡°That¡¯s going to get you in trouble.¡± Seren said. ¡°What are you going to do when you run out of money?¡±

    ¡°Like that will ever happen.¡± Wilbur scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m a Summers. We don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡± Seren rolled their eyes.

    ¡°And I¡¯m a Winters. What¡¯s your point?¡± Seren asked. Wilbur opened his mouth but then closed it again.

    ¡°Look, let¡¯s just get this done so we can go home?¡± He said instead.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Seren said. Feeling like their teaching wasn¡¯t going the way they wanted to. ¡°Two more to go. Let¡¯s do this. Can you find the next one?¡±

    ¡°Maybe. You¡¯ll help, right?¡± Wilbur asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I will.¡± Seren said. ¡°Where is it?¡±

    ¡°The Spring district. Another one!?¡± Wilbur said with a sigh. ¡°Why isn¡¯t it next to the first one?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good question. Why isn¡¯t it?¡± Seren smiled. Wilbur looked up and then scowled.

    ¡°Okay, okay. I get it.¡± He said. ¡°Let¡¯s just go finish this. Can you do the second one? You¡¯ve already won the bet.¡±

    ¡°Oh, fine.¡± Seren sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll take the last one in the summer district. If you aren¡¯t done before me, then I¡¯ll come find you.¡± Wilbur happily handed over the binder so Seren could copy down the address. They parted ways and Seren went to the Summer district, hoping that this day would be over soon. The job was quick, at least for them, and once it was done, they stood on the road waiting to see Wilbur. But they didn¡¯t. Which didn¡¯t surprise them in the slightest. They began ambling toward the center of the city to see what was keeping him. They got to the gates when Wilbur ran and bounced excitedly barking their name over and over.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°I did it!¡± Wilbur opened his hands and showed a collection of ingts. Even a mag.

    ¡°That¡¯s really cool! You collected a good amount!¡± Seren said impressed. ¡°Did you write it down?¡±

    ¡°I did! I did it! Perfectly right?¡± He asked, stars in his eyes. Seren laughed but nodded.

    ¡°Yes, you did it perfectly. Let¡¯s head home now.¡± Seren motioned and Wilbur put his collection in his pockets and took off for home. Seren walked shaking their head. Not looking forward to getting home and hearing the reprimand for the pitiful day they¡¯d had. They couldn¡¯t think of a single day they¡¯d had that was this bad, not even their very first day. But they held their head high and arrived back home ready to face what was coming.

 Chapter Sixteen; Over Protecting Mother

    Seren kicked off their shoes and went up to the study where Wilbur was already recounting the day in pure excitement. Talking about how he¡¯d never been assaulted before, how he saw fae silver for the first time, and tried curry. Seren arrived and shut the door behind them. Shaking their head at how excited he was over their daily routine.

    ¡°Tomorrow, I should take you to try boba.¡± Seren said as they placed the bag on their desk.

    ¡°What¡¯s boba?¡± Wilbur¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Is it spicy too? I think I like spicy.¡±

    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s a sweet tea with tapioca pearls.¡± Seren shook their head and handed over the binder. ¡°Can you dump your pockets on the desk for the final count?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Wilbur ran over and dumped all the random currency onto the desk.

    ¡°You put it in your pockets?¡± Eric asked. Disappointment was clear on his face.

    ¡°Yup.¡± Seren said as they added up the numbers in the binder. ¡°But he did a good job. He did three jobs all on his own.¡±

    ¡°Is that why the numbers look the way they do?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Seren said.

    ¡°Yeah, cause I am so good at this! You really could retire at this rate!¡± Wilbur said smug with pride. Seren shared a knowing smile with Eric and shook their head.

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking of retiring?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°Nah, one of the people we talked to today thought I was training my replacement.¡± Seren said. Beginning their counts.

    ¡°Right.¡± Eric nodded, ¡°Thank you for your work today, Wilbur. You may be excused.¡± Wilbur nodded and with a giant grin he ran out to no doubt tell his mother about the day.

    ¡°You let him get hit?¡± Eric asked,

    ¡°He let him get hit.¡± Seren corrected. ¡°He walked up to an angry man and told him to pay up. It was a rookie mistake and sometimes pain is the best teacher.¡±

    ¡°We are going to hear from his mother. Especially when she hears you let him handle fae silver.¡± Eric sighed taking the binder from Seren to look over the numbers.

    ¡°He never touched fae silver. The lady just wanted me to identify its worth. He saw it but never touched it. And lost a stl in the process and tried to pretend he never had it.¡± Seren said, shaking their head before writing the final number onto a scrap of paper and handing it to Eric to be written in the binder.

    ¡°You did a lot of these,¡± He said finally. ¡°This is more than I expected from today. You did double the work today.¡±

    ¡°Well yeah.¡± Seren said dumbfounded. ¡°The work still needed doing and if Wilbur was going to slow me down then I was going to work harder to pick up the slack.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without you.¡± Eric said, giving them a side hug.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Seren said numbly. Still hearing his own words echoing in their head. They got up once their work was done and was ready to just faceplant into their pillows.

    ¡°Seren.¡± Eric said, they turned tiredly. Eric hesitated.

    ¡°Good job today.¡± He finally said. Seren nodded and smiled tiredly. They trudged down the stairs and to their room falling onto their bed. But they couldn¡¯t rest as there was a strange annoying humming sound. They looked over to the corner of their room and their mouth dropped. The nest had doubled in size and easily was the size of a volleyball. Little iridescent sprites whizzed around the nest. Seren jumped out of their bed in alarm.

    ¡°What is this!?¡± Seren tried not to yell as they got closer to the nest. The sprites buzzing around the nest intensified their buzzing and rushed up to them. ¡°Whoa! Whoa! Hey!¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Be still, sisters!¡± The Waterbearer suddenly appeared. ¡°They are Serenity, our savior!¡±

    ¡°Your what?¡± Seren asked weakly. The sprites stood down and instead their humming became sweet.

    ¡°You are our savior. They¡¯ll treat you as they would me.¡± The waterbearer said. ¡°For giving us a beautiful home to call our own. Safe from our enemies.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Seren said. Raising their voice made the sprites defending their waterbearer stop humming sweetly. ¡°No, that wasn¡¯t at all what I had in mind. I thought you¡¯d make your home somewhere in the city. Fae aren¡¯t allowed in the city.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re fae, are you not allowed?¡± The waterbearer asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been over this I¡¯m.¡± Seren stopped and sighed. ¡°Y¡¯know what? Nevermind. How long are you going to stay here?¡±

    ¡°We are going to protect you for the rest of your days.¡± The waterbearer said. Seren felt more exhausted.

    ¡°All right.¡± They said, ¡°That¡¯s a tomorrow problem.¡± Seren fell back into bed to rest. Their eyes closed and they fell asleep instantly. But not for long.

    The doorbell ringing repeatedly and loudly jolted them out of their sleep and had them up and out of their bed. They groaned and considered just ignoring it and waiting for Mrs. Houper or Eric to deal with it. But when the door was answered, the doorbell was replaced with screaming. Beside them, the sprite nest turned from sweet humming to aggressive humming.

    ¡°Whoa, no.¡± Seren said, launching out of bed. ¡°It¡¯s my aunt. She doesn¡¯t know and probably doesn¡¯t care about you.¡± Seren quickly left their room and shut the door, hoping them being out of the room was enough. They got to the stairs just as their aunt came up them.

    ¡°You! You did this to him! I know you did you little rat!¡± She screamed.

    ¡°Mom stop!¡± Wilbur begged.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, Mommy will take care of this offense!¡± Seren¡¯s aunt yelled. ¡°Where is he! Upstairs?! ERIC!¡± She left Wilbur and ran upstairs. Shrieking all the way.

    ¡°Wow.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Wilbur said, eyes wide as dinner plates. ¡°Please don¡¯t hate her. She¡¯s just over protective.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, a rat is kinda a compliment.¡± Seren said they heard something creak. Turning they saw their door opening on its own.

    ¡°Hungry!? Let¡¯s go to the kitchen!¡± Seren took Wilbur¡¯s hand quickly and led him down into the kitchen.

    ¡°I¡¯m not really,¡± Wilbur said confused. Waving at Mrs. Houper as they passed her. ¡°But okay.¡±

    ¡°I am! Sooooo hungry.¡± Seren said. Rubbing their stomach to help sell the lie though they were sure it just made them seem more suspicious.

    ¡°You¡¯re so weird.¡± Wilbur said but then laughed. ¡°It¡¯s actually nice to be around someone so different for once.¡± Seren slowed and released his hand. Considering this.

    ¡°Dinner¡¯s not ready. Just getting it started.¡± Kalyani said. ¡°If you¡¯re hungry you might have to wait.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay. Thanks.¡± Seren said. They pulled out a seat at the breakfast bar. ¡°Kinda admirable, your mother is so willing to stand up for you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s pretty overprotective of me and my younger sisters.¡± Wilbur said. ¡°She¡¯s convinced everything is either beneath me or dangerous. But I really think she should be thanking you.¡±

    ¡°For getting your nose broken?¡± Seren asked. Noticing for the first time the bandage taped on the bridge of his nose. ¡°Is that supposed to reshape it?¡±

    ¡°Wh? Oh, yeah.¡± Wilbur said, wincing as he gingerly touched the bandage. ¡°Mom took me straight to the emergency room and has been screaming since I came home.¡±

    ¡°I believe that.¡± Seren said, still hearing the screaming coming from the third floor. ¡°But why thank me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve learned so much today. Seen so much. Tasted so much. There¡¯s so much out there just outside my door, and I never even knew it was there.¡± Wilbur said, shaking his head.

    ¡°Ah, well. You¡¯re welcome then.¡± Seren said. They looked up at something moving in their peripheral vision and their face froze. A small horde of the sprites were lurking around the ceiling, keeping a watchful eye on them. ¡°So. What is it you want to do? Like. When you get old enough to take on the world?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Wilbur shrugged. ¡°I always thought I¡¯d be the next Lord Summers but now it seems like I¡¯ll just take over here.¡± Seren forced themself to keep their face neutral.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± They asked through the tightness in their chest.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to inherit this business. My parents want it, and my mother really has worked pretty hard to make sure that I¡¯ll be the one to inherit it. Blood relatives versus pity adoption.¡± Wilbur shrugged.

    ¡°Pity?¡± Seren clenched their jaw.

    ¡°Y¡¯know I think I need something from the pantry. Seren, can you bring me some chili flakes?¡± Kalyani jumped in.

    ¡°In a minute,¡± Seren said. ¡°Do you even want to do this for a career?¡±

    ¡°No, why are you so upset?¡± Wilbur asked, honestly confused.

    ¡°Chili flakes, Serenity. Sooner rather than later please?¡± Kalyani said louder.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll get them.¡± Seren said standing up and trying not to stomp away.

    ¡°You know, when I do inherit. I¡¯ll keep you on as my enforcer. You¡¯re really good at it.¡± Wilbur said after them as they went into the pantry.

 Chapter Seventeen; Changes?

    Seren waited in the pantry until they heard Wilbur and his mother leave. The brought the chili flakes to Kalyani who took them in confusion.

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t actually need this love. I was just trying to save you from that boy¡¯s ignorance.¡± Kalyani said, putting the jar on the counter. ¡°We all know Lord Asche has something up his sleeve for you taking over everything.¡±

    ¡°Out of pity.¡± Seren said numbly.

    ¡°No.¡± Kalyani said sternly. Turning around and kneeling down to look them in the eye. ¡°He has never pitied you. You don¡¯t need pity. You are a force of nature and never once has Lord Asche envied you. Only admired how much drive and passion you have.¡± Seren stared at her numbly only to hear a scream from the main hall. The two of them ran to the entry hall, meeting Mrs. Houper and Eric at the stairs.

    ¡°Something stung me!¡± Lady Summers screamed. Holding her neck.

    ¡°Ow!¡± Wilbur yelled, suddenly slapping his shoulder. ¡°It just stung me!¡±

    ¡°You should leave!¡± Seren yelled, suddenly all eyes turned to them. ¡°I thought I saw a nest of wasps in the doorframe. You might have disturbed them.¡±

    ¡°I hate this house!¡± Their aunt screamed and yanked Wilbur out of the house. Seren let out a breath and tried to creep away upstairs before anyone noticed.

    ¡°Serenity.¡± Eric turned. ¡°What was that?¡±

    ¡°I saw a nest. I didn¡¯t think it was in a place where it¡¯d bother anyone.¡± Seren said, choosing their words carefully. ¡°But I guess her screaming proved me wrong.¡±

    ¡°In that case, call an exterminator.¡± Eric said warily to Mrs. Houper. ¡°Seren?¡±

    ¡°Mm-hmm?¡± Seren clapped their hands together and rocked anxiously back and forth.

    ¡°Is there something you wanna tell me?¡± He asked in that knowing tone that made Seren sweat. They looked in his eyes, trying to figure out what he knew, if he knew and was giving them a chance to come clean.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so?¡± Seren said finally. Knowing how unsure they sounded. ¡°I can¡¯t think of anything I know that you don¡¯t already?¡± They knew that was cheap, but it was the only thing they could think of to say that wasn¡¯t just admitting to everything.

    ¡°Okay, if, you¡¯re sure.¡± Eric said, still staring. Seren wondered if he knew something was up but needed proof.

    ¡°I am. I¡¯m going to change now; I fell asleep before I could.¡± Seren said, retreating upstairs as fast as they could. Their door was now wide open, and they feared their secret was found out. They ran into their room and shut the door. Looking at the nest.

    ¡°I need the Waterbearer, now.¡± Seren said, storming over to the nest. The sprites hummed aggressively but the Waterbearer appeared.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯ll let you guys stay here and I¡¯m glad you guys are so prepared to protect me. But we need some ground rules.¡±

    ¡°Ground rules?¡± The Waterbearer asked. ¡°I¡¯m not familiar.¡±

    ¡°It means we need to have an understanding about when you can and can¡¯t defend me. I¡¯m able to defend myself in most if not all circumstances and I don¡¯t need protection from my.¡± Seren paused, hesitating at calling the Summers their family. ¡°Look. You can¡¯t attack people that come in the house unless I specifically call for you to help me. Okay? Can we agree on that?¡±

    ¡°What about the nest?¡± The Waterbearer asked. Seren looked at it and consented.

    ¡°You can defend this room. That¡¯s fair.¡± Seren said. ¡°Can we agree?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we agree. I shall tell my warriors.¡± The Waterbearer said. ¡°But you must understand, you will have ladies who will follow you in case you are in peril.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡± Seren sighed holding their face. ¡°Okay. Fine.¡± This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°Wonderful.¡± The Waterbearer returned to her nest and Seren shook their head, this was quickly becoming a nightmare. They grabbed their pajamas ready to get comfortable and spend the rest of the evening in the library rereading their favorite comfort book. Wandering into the bathroom to change.

    ¡°Dinner!¡± Mrs. Houper called up the stairs after Seren had finished changing.

    ¡°Coming!¡± Seren called back. Ducking into their room and tossing their clothes onto their bed. Though not everything made it onto the bed. As they came down the stairs they paused, thinking about the staff trying to clean their room and getting attacked.

    ¡°Mrs. Houper?¡± Seren said, realizing too late their voice was way too loud.

    ¡°Yes?¡± She asked surprised. Seren cleared their throat.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone going in my room. Not even to clean it. Please.¡± They said, trying to sound commanding and not like a whiny petulant teen.

    ¡°Oh. Sure. Any reason why?¡± Mrs. Houper asked.

    ¡°Because.¡± Seren said but couldn¡¯t think of a reason. ¡°Because I don¡¯t want them to.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll pass the word around.¡± Mrs. Houper said and nodded. They held their head high as they walked into the dining room where Eric was already standing and watching them worriedly.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± He asked. ¡°You¡¯re being awfully secretive.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± Seren said quickly. Holding their jaw closed tightly. ¡°This is normal. Completely normal. Dinner?¡± They sat down at their spot and began serving themself food.

    ¡°Serenity, if something¡¯s bothering you. You can talk about it.¡± Eric said. ¡°Mrs. Houper is always around to listen to you. You can trust her.¡±  Seren smiled.

    ¡°Yeah, I know. She¡¯s always around when I need her. But I don¡¯t right now.¡± Seren insisted. ¡°I mean it, I¡¯m okay. Just. Growing I guess.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡± Eric said, still watching their face. Seren shrugged tiredly. Eating slowly. ¡°How was working with Wilbur? Honest thoughts.¡±

    ¡°Heh.¡± Seren scoffed, nearly choking. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have it. Not a bit of enforcer material in him. Both too aggressive and too soft. Never stepped foot outside the Summer district. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s tried foods that aren¡¯t completely bland and tasteless based solely on how pathetic his spice palette is. That boy doesn¡¯t even know what good coffee or tea tastes like.¡±

    ¡°His mother does tend to keep him close.¡± Eric agreed. ¡°He seems to be taking to exploration rather well.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s good for holidays, not great for collections. You need to read people. Gauge when force is needed, what kind of force, and how much force. This guy couldn¡¯t read a book, much less a person.¡± Seren said. Rolling their eyes. ¡°Please tell me I don¡¯t need to take him with me again tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡± Eric said. But he was avoiding looking at them in the face. Seren looked at them curiously.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± They asked.

    ¡°Yeah, just thinking.¡± Eric said. Staring hard at the table. Seren went back to their own dinner and left it alone. Finishing up their dinner in relative silence.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m finished. I¡¯ll take in my dishes and head upstairs.¡± Seren said. Standing up and taking their dishes with them into the kitchen.

    ¡°Hey there kid, did you get enough to eat?¡± Kalyani asked as she cleaned up the dishes.

    ¡°Yeah, it was good.¡± Seren said robotically. Putting their dishes in the sink.

    ¡°Still bothered by what he said to you?¡± Kalyani asked, Seren couldn¡¯t open their mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty tired. I think I¡¯m just going to go upstairs and go to bed.¡± Seren said and left without answering. From upstairs they could hear the adults at the bottom of the stairs talking.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange right?¡± Eric asked. ¡°They¡¯re hiding something. I¡¯m going to search their room.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Mrs. Houper said. ¡°They¡¯re just going through puberty. This is normal. I¡¯ve had this happen before with you and with my own children. Kids their age need privacy, the guarantee of privacy. Trust them. That¡¯s all they want.¡±

    ¡°But. That¡¯s not normal for them!¡± Eric insisted.

    ¡°It might be. Their cousin did have some insensitive words for them earlier.¡± Kalyani said.

    ¡°Insensitive things? Like what?¡± Eric asked, Seren could hear his temper rising.

    ¡°He said you only adopted them out of pity and that when HE inherits everything, he¡¯ll make sure they stay on as the enforcer.¡± Kalyani said. ¡°I think it¡¯s really gotten to them.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s coupling with something ELSE said recently?¡± Mrs. Houper said with a very intentional tone. There was silence.

    ¡°What about just trying to talk to them?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°You could try. Teens can be stubborn; they also might soon be going through¡­ changes.¡± Mrs. Houper said.

    ¡°Chan- oh.¡± Eric sounded small. ¡°I am not prepared for that.¡±

    ¡°I gave them enough to¡­ staunch the flow. But if they aren¡¯t prepared, they might get very upset. Whenever you think the time is right, but their behavior might be indicative of the storm coming.¡± Mrs. Houper said cryptically. Seren tried to figure out what they were talking about. What storm? Why would they be upset?

    ¡°Right.¡± Eric sighed. Seren got the feeling they would soon be discovered if they didn¡¯t move soon. They quietly went straight to the bathroom and started the water. They felt all sorts of squeamish and uncomfortable. They started to undress to take a bath and avoid being social for just a little bit but as they went to put their clothes in the hamper, they froze solid.

 Chapter Eighteen; Take a Sick Day

    Seren felt their throat close and their ears ring. They were bleeding. They wanted to scream but they didn¡¯t know how.

    ¡°Seren? Can we talk?¡± Mrs. Houper called.

    ¡°Mrs. Houper, I uhhm. I think I need to go to the hospital.¡± Seren called. They took off the soiled clothes and wrapped themselves in a towel.

    ¡°What? Are you injured? Let me come in.¡± Mrs. Houper said at the bathroom door.

    ¡°I¡¯m bleeding, I¡¯m not dressed.¡± Seren said, beginning to panic.

    ¡°I¡¯m coming in.¡± Mrs. Houper said sternly. Opening the door and looking at Seren in the towel. ¡°Where are you bleeding from?¡± She looked around the ground and saw the discarded clothes. Her eyes lit up in recognition.

    ¡°Oh, this is what I was coming to talk to you about.¡± Mrs. Houper said. ¡°You don¡¯t need to go to the hospital. It¡¯s part of growing up.¡± Seren stared at the housekeeper in utter confusion.

    ¡°Are we about to have sex talk?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°Well¡­ yes.¡± Mrs. Houper said. She looked at Seren¡¯s legs and frowned. ¡°How did that happen?¡± Seren looked down at the cuts on their leg.

    ¡°I.¡± Seren said, not knowing what to say. ¡°Job hazard. Can we have this talk after my bath?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sure.¡± Mrs. Houper said unconvinced. ¡°But if there¡¯s anything you want to talk about, anything at all. You can talk to me, you know that right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I know.¡± Seren said. Mentally correcting that the problem wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t trust her, it¡¯s that she just didn¡¯t want to talk about it at all.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Mrs. Houper said and closed the door. Seren started running the water and got into the bath. Deciding that this day was indeed the worst day ever.

    Seren felt well and truly traumatized as they fell into their bed. That talk about puberty with Mrs. Houper was awful. But they learned about that time of month, and how they were growing up, and how life as a woman sucked. Seren felt sick. They didn¡¯t want to be a woman. Their dad always let them be whatever they wanted and they very clearly didn¡¯t want to be a girl so why in the world would they want to evolve that into a woman?! Seren curled into a ball. Life was so unfair. Why wasn¡¯t there a way to undo this? To prolong the childhood version of their body forever? Just get taller and stronger but none of this stupid.

    Seren felt the pillow they were laying on getting wet. They shoved their face into their pillow and tried not to reveal they were crying to the humming sprites on the other side of the bed. They cried themself to sleep, waking up with their alarm the next morning. They reached out to turn off their alarm.

    ¡°Protect the savior!¡± A group of tiny voices shrieked. Seren¡¯s eyes opened and they sat up fast.

    ¡°No, no, no! Not my alarm!¡± Seren quickly stumbled to turn off their clock and protect it from the army of sprites. Leading to them tangling up in their sheets and falling out of bed.

    ¡°But it screamed out a war cry!¡± One of the sprite warriors said, hovering over Seren.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a war cry. It¡¯s a noise that wakes a person up when they¡¯re sleeping so they wake up on time.¡± Seren explained, exhausted.

    ¡°You don¡¯t just sleep until you wake up?¡± The sprite asked.

    ¡°If I did that, I¡¯d miss my tutor and my work.¡± Seren said. They started untangling themself from their sheets. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°You could just do all that afterwards.¡± The sprite said simply. Seren groaned. The nest whistled and the sprite flew away. Seren stood up and was immediately struck with an all consuming pain in their stomach that felt like something ripping them apart. Seren dropped to the ground and let out a string of curses that were enough to make a sailor blush.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    Seren heard Eric from behind the door but their cares were taken by the sudden and unrelenting pain. Their door opened and Seren thought about the nest.

    ¡°No! Don¡¯t!¡± Seren yelled as they tried to get up but another wave of pain had them curled back up into a teary eyed ball.

    ¡°Don¡¯t what?¡± Eric asked as he walked into the room, ¡°What happened?¡± He knelt beside them but Seren pushed him away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch.¡± They said weakly. ¡°Hurts.¡±

    ¡°What hurts? Where?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°Stomach.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Eric said, clearly trying to figure out where to go with the conversation. ¡°Why don¡¯t you get back into bed, I¡¯ll have Mrs. Houper bring you a hot water bottle. Just. Take a sick day.¡±

    ¡°Take a what?¡± Seren said through bared teeth. They¡¯d never taken a sick day, they¡¯d never spent a day in bed.

    ¡°You need to take it easy today, and as your parent I¡¯m calling you out of class and work today.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°That¡¯s not fair.¡± Seren said. Trying to ignore the pain and stand. Or doing anything that shows they were capable.

    ¡°Perfectly fair. Come on, I¡¯ll help you back into bed.¡± Eric held out his hands for Seren to take. Seren couldn¡¯t make their legs work on their own and had to reluctantly let him pick them up and put them into bed.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay to need to rest.¡± Eric said. Seren sneered at their bed covers.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to rest. I can¡¯t rest. No one else rests, time doesn¡¯t rest.¡± Seren said. Eric sighed and sat on the bed.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. But if you push yourself to the end you will have more to make up then you would if you took the time to rest now.¡± He said.

    ¡°You don¡¯t rest.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not curled into a ball on the floor.¡± Eric said. He pulled the covers over them. ¡°I¡¯ll have Mrs. Houper be listening for you so if you need something you can call for her.¡± Seren frowned but their lip curled into a pout as the pain redoubled and they whimpered. Burying their face into the pillow and curling into a ball.

    ¡°And I¡¯ll have Kalyani make something sweet. Cupcakes?¡± Eric asked. Seren didn¡¯t respond, they didn¡¯t know if they could. ¡°What about red velvet? With the buttercream?¡± Seren felt like they were going to throw up. The idea of food was not helping.

    ¡°Maybe I''ll send someone around the apothecary and grab you something to help.¡± Eric said, ¡°I¡­ Mrs. Houper will be around if you need her.¡± Seren nodded. Holding their breath until the volley of pain was manageable again. They looked up to see the door shutting. They let out a breath of relief that Eric didn¡¯t spot the now soccer ball sized nest in the corner of their room.

    ¡°Are you in distress?¡± A sprite came up and hovered over them.

    ¡°Nooo.¡± Seren whimpered. Not wanting to incur the sprite¡¯s wrath on anyone.

    ¡°You sound distressed.¡± The sprite said.

    ¡°No one is distressing me. I¡¯m just¡­ becoming a woman.¡± Seren hissed. The pure loathing was clear in their voice.

    ¡°Are you in pain?¡± The sprite asked, hovering closer.

    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s my own fault.¡± Seren said, ¡°Now please leave me to my suffering.¡± The sprite flew away and Seren sighed. Trying to forget they existed.

    ¡°This will solve the distress.¡± The sprite appeared again, Seren didn¡¯t turn over right away, afraid of what they¡¯d see. But they slowly looked up and saw what looked like the cap of an acorn.

    ¡°What is it?¡± They asked.

    ¡°Water from the Waterbearer. It will solve your distress.¡± The sprite held out the cap to them. It was big as a dinner plate in her hands.

    ¡°What does that even mean? Make the pain go away? Make the.. Gross. Go away?¡± Seren whimpered. Burying their head into the pillow again.

    ¡°It soothes.¡± The sprite said. Seren groaned but sat up.

    ¡°Okay, fine.¡± Seren said, holding out their hand. The sprite put the acorn cup in their hand. Seren looked at it before popping the whole thing in their mouth letting the cool water run out of the cup before pulling the acorn cup out of their mouth.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Seren said, handing it back to the sprite who took it back to the nest. After a few minutes with their eyes closed, Seren found the pain gone. They sighed in relief. Looking over to the nest. ¡°Thanks, really.¡± The humming changed and Seren jumped out of bed. They grabbed their clothes and ran for the bathroom to change. Hoping if they could be quick, they¡¯d be able to salvage their day.

    Seren ran up to the study to show they were better, not bothering to knock before entering.

 Chapter Nineteen; Let Go

    Seren stared at their desk. Wilbur was already sitting at it.

    ¡°Seren, I told you to take today off.¡± Eric said. He was sitting with Wilbur, pointing out how to do THEIR job.

    ¡°I feel better, I¡¯m not in pain anymore. I can do it.¡± Seren said, stubbornly.

    ¡°Not today. Today you are going to take it easy.¡± Eric said. ¡°And tomorrow too.¡±

    ¡°What? Why tomorrow?¡± Seren yelled.

    ¡°Wilbur, is the list done?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll just get started.¡± Wilbur said, hastily getting up and running past Seren.

    ¡°Serenity, why don¡¯t you sit?¡± Eric gestured to Seren¡¯s desk, and the chair that should have been used by them this morning. Seren stomped over to it and sat down. The glare very clear on their face. Eric sighed and looked at his hands, Seren watched. Waiting for him to say something, anything.

    ¡°Serenity. As you have probably heard from Wilbur and his mother.¡± Eric said, finally. ¡°He stands to inherit the business. It¡¯s an agreement made long before you arrived.¡±

    ¡°Okay, and?¡± Seren asked. Feeling sick to their stomach.

    ¡°And I¡¯m not going to break it.¡± Eric said. ¡°I¡¯m. I¡¯m letting you go.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Seren asked, not comprehending what they were hearing.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t working anymore.¡± Eric said. ¡°And I think it¡¯s about time for you to go to school proper. So you¡¯re not going to have a tutor coming anymore. Next school year, you¡¯ll be going to class with other kids your age.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, my age?¡± Seren asked. ¡°I¡¯m seventeen,¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re fifteen.¡± Eric said, ¡°And I¡¯m going to treat you as such.You are not old enough to legally be-¡±

    ¡°When has that been a problem?!¡± Seren said, jumping up from their chair.

    ¡°Do not raise your voice at me,¡± Eric said, getting louder.

    ¡°What did I do?!¡± Seren yelled, ¡°I said I was sorry for leaving the city!¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about you disobeying, it''s about you being too mature for your age. Go outside and be a kid!¡± Eric yelled.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to! I don¡¯t know how!¡± Seren yelled back.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to learn!¡± Eric yelled back. ¡°And I want to make it clear that this room is from here on out expressly forbidden to you!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not fair!¡± Seren shouted. Not knowing what else to say.

    ¡°Get over it!¡±

    ¡°I hate you!¡± Seren turned and fled the study and ran back to their room and slammed the door as hard as they could. Jumping into their bed and screaming into their pillow. Unleashing every frustration. They screamed until they were dizzy and had to come up for air. They laid in their bed, trying not to cry. But their attention was taken by the sprites staring at them in alarm.

    ¡°Are you in need of protection?¡± One asked.

    ¡°No. I¡¯m just frustrated.¡± Seren said. They watched the sprites carefully go back to their nest, it was growing. Now dominating the corner and looking like a hamper full of clothes. They watched the sprites buzz around the nest, irritated though the rage started to subside as they watched the sprites. Seeing little male sprites with no wings stumbling in a drunken fashion around the base of the nest. Seren watched them with growing concern. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Seren asked, and a team of winged sprites flew up instantly. ¡°Are they okay?¡± They pointed to the wingless sprites.

    ¡°Yes, this is their life.¡± One of the sprites explained. ¡°We maiden sprites are the defenders and makers of the nest. The Waterbearer makes the waters that enchant the wrappings to make the nest. As well as having the daughters to protect and build the nest. The wingless fathers only are good for creating daughters. So they drink the enchanted waters and live lives of relaxation and frivolity.¡±

    ¡°Wow.¡± Seren said. ¡°I feel like that would drive me crazy if I had to live like that. But I also like the idea of resting.¡±

    ¡°You are not a sprite. You are a fae being. Fae do not live by the same rules we do.¡± The sprite said before returning to her duties. Seren thought about that, feeling more depressed by the second. They decided there was no reason to be in their clothes but couldn¡¯t get out of bed to do anything about it. They only kicked the blankets up so they could nestle in and stare out their window. Watching the clouds pass. They heard a crackling of the comms stating that there was breakfast.

    Then lunch

    Then a snack

    Seren watched the stars come out and the sky grow dark. They could smell that stale smell of being in bed all day. Thought about a shower but couldn¡¯t get their body to move them out of bed. They heard the knock on their door, but they didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Seren?¡± Mrs. Houper asked gently, opening the door. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten anything all day. I brought you some dinner. You must be hungry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Seren said, though their stomach protested otherwise. Even more so when they smelled the dinner being put on their desk.

    ¡°Seren, I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± Mrs. Houper sighed and sat on the end of their bed. ¡°I know it¡¯s difficult to deal with changes, and there¡¯s so many of them right now. But maybe it¡¯ll be okay? Maybe it¡¯s for the best.¡± Seren curled their lip and held perfectly still.

    ¡°Serenity. I don¡¯t know how to say it. But Eric really is trying to do right by you, and by your father.¡± Mrs. Houper said, resting her hand on Seren¡¯s leg. ¡°He¡¯s not very good at saying it, but he wants you to have a good childhood. No one wants to grow up too soon.¡± Seren stayed quiet. Mrs. Houper patted their thigh.

    ¡°Just give it a try, it took so long for him to see you as a child and not just how much potential you have.¡± Mrs. Houper said, ¡°I know you want to be useful and have all that potential mean something, but you have more than enough time for that later. For now, enjoy reading. Enjoy writing! Enjoy the things you love, with no limitations.¡± Seren held their pillow tighter. Still at a loss for words.

    ¡°Oh my!¡± Mrs. Houper said suddenly. Seren sat up instantly.

    ¡°Mrs. Houper!¡± Seren started to explain, though they didn¡¯t know how.

    ¡°The plate is empty!¡± She pointed at their desk and Seren stared at it. Their eyes darted to the nest, in plain sight, just beside the desk.

    ¡°Uh. That¡¯s a real mystery.¡± Seren stood up and went to the desk Blocking the nest with their legs the best they could. ¡°Maybe a dog or a racoon?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll have to call an exterminator immediately.¡± Mrs. Houper said standing up and inspecting the plate. ¡°Oh, it looks like it¡¯s been licked clean¡­ This isn¡¯t a fae trick, is it?¡± Mrs. Houper stared at Seren and even they had a doubt that it had been something they¡¯d done. But the hunger in their stomach said otherwise.

    ¡°No. That wasn¡¯t me.¡± Seren shook their head. ¡°I¡¯m still hungry,¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Mrs. Houper said, still looking at the plate worriedly. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go downstairs and get you something to eat?¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Seren agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll be down soon, I think.¡± Mrs. Houper nodded and took the empty plate. Once their door was shut, Seren turned to look at the nest.

    ¡°That was close, you guys have to be a bit more careful when you swipe stuff like that!¡± Seren said, crouching down to the nest. ¡°And you might have to move this thing somewhere, where it¡¯ll be easier to hide you. If Eric found out about you, he¡¯d have you removed.¡± The sprites looked up at them curiously.

    ¡°This is our home, and we will not be removed.¡± Said a sprite.

    ¡°I understand, hence why we should just move the nest to a place like¡­ like the closet! You can be there, and no one will see you!¡± Seren said. ¡°I can help if you need it.¡±

    ¡°We will speak with the Waterbearer about this.¡± Said another sprite before vanishing into the nest.

    ¡°SERENITY!¡±

    Seren nearly jumped a top their desk, hearing the yell from downstairs. They froze, trying to consider what it was they did wrong.

    ¡°COME HERE NOW!¡±

    They didn¡¯t have time to consider it. Opening their door and going down to find out the hard way. Eric was pacing up and down the hall in front of the stairs. He turned once Seren came into view.

    ¡°Serenity,¡± He started but Mrs. Houper grabbed his shoulder hard.

    ¡°Seren,¡± She said, ¡°You aren¡¯t in trouble, and you¡¯ve done nothing wrong.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Yes. You¡¯re not in trouble.¡± Eric nodded and looked at them. ¡°You have a curfew at 8, no 7 pm every night and you are not to leave this house without telling me, ME, where you¡¯re going.¡±

    ¡°What?! Why!?¡± Seren yelled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°Eric.¡± Mrs. Houper snapped. ¡°Explain.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± He took a breath. ¡°Children have been going missing again.¡±

 Chapter Twenty

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Seren asked, not yelling anymore. ¡°Again?¡±

    ¡°Every so often, the children of this city go missing.¡± Mrs. Houper said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you out during times that children tend to go missing. Mostly during night, evening, and early morning.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°Because of the missing kids? Where are they going? Why are they disappearing?¡± Seren slowly wandered down the kids.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, it¡¯s an adult problem.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°They deserve to know, they¡¯re¡­¡± Mrs. Houper said, she looked at him and then at Seren. ¡°They should know.¡±

    ¡°What should I know? What am I?¡± Seren asked. Daring them to mention the fae.

    ¡°You¡¯re fae-touched. It makes you a higher target for the fae.¡± Eric said. ¡°It doesn¡¯t happen often, but when children go missing, like they are now, the fae-touched are always the first to go.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Seren asked, though their confrontational tone slipped.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Eric said. ¡°But that curfew stands until the mess is over. For you and all the other kids. And I want to know where you are and what you¡¯re doing if you aren¡¯t in my house.¡± Seren clenched their jaw again, ready to shout.

    ¡°It¡¯s just until the fae retreat again. They always do.¡± Mrs. Houper said, ¡°We just want you to be safe. And I¡¯ll be taking time off myself to care for my own children.¡±

    ¡°What?! You¡¯re leaving?¡± Seren asked, panicking as they came down to the ground floor.

    ¡°Just until the curfew lifts, it won¡¯t be too long. I promise.¡± Mrs. Houper said, Seren held onto the banister for dear life. Their knuckles going white. The doorbell rang out and everyone turned to the front door. Eric turned back to speak to Seren but the door bell started ringing rapidly cutting them off from speaking. He turned and opened it and the Lady Summers stormed in.

    ¡°Where is Wilbur? Why hasn¡¯t he come home yet!?¡± She snapped, getting as close as she could to Eric to yell.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Eric yelled back, squaring up with her and forcing her back. ¡°He hasn¡¯t come back yet!¡±

    ¡°You sent my precious baby out alone?!¡± Nicole Summers shouted, spying Seren on the staircase.

    ¡°Serenity isn¡¯t old enough to be an enforcer!¡± Eric yelled and her mouth dropped.

    ¡°But they-¡±

    ¡°YOU wanted Wilbur to take their job and now we know he can have it due to a medical oversight.¡± Eric said, cutting her off. ¡°Now stop interfering!¡± Nicole¡¯s mouth moved wordlessly before she turned and rushed out. Seren couldn¡¯t breathe. They felt like it was all permanent now, everything they worked so hard for, gone.

    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s time for me to head out, you two take care of each other.¡± Mrs. Houper said as she got on her coat. Seren tearfully dragged their feet to her. Throwing their arms around her. Mrs. Houper hugged them back.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯ll all be okay.¡± She said softly to them. ¡°Just be strong and keep safe. Okay?¡± Seren nodded and Mrs. Houper kissed their forehead before leaving. Seren watched them go, Eric staying right behind them.

    ¡°Uh. Mrs. Houper said that you haven¡¯t eaten all day.¡± Eric said. Seren didn¡¯t have an appetite but their stomach was begging for them to eat. ¡°C¡¯mon, there¡¯s food in the kitchen.¡± Seren let themself be led into the kitchen. Sitting at the breakfast bar. They looked up at the small chuckle from Eric.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°It feels just like the first day you came to live with me.¡± He said as he brought down a plate from the cupboard. Seren shrugged and looked at the counter top. The silence felt heavy. Dinner was placed in front of Seren with silverware. They lifted the fork numbly to try and force themself to eat.

    ¡°You look a lot better than back then.¡± Eric offered idly. Seren looked up, ready to be offended. ¡°You were nothing but bones and pale as snow. You¡¯ve gotten taller, you¡¯re at a healthy weight for your age. You got some color in your cheeks finally.¡± Seren looked back down and glared at their plate. Moving the food around instead of eating it.

    ¡°I¡¯m.¡± Eric started but stopped. Pacing around the kitchen a few times. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Seren looked up again. Eric rounded the counter and sat with them at the bar.

    ¡°I know it means so much to you, so much to your self-worth, to work. And don¡¯t misunderstand me. You are good at it, best yet.¡± Eric said. ¡°But I don¡¯t want this to be the best you aspire to. You have so much potential, you could do and be so much more. I don¡¯t want this, just this, to be the rest of your life. I want you to study. I want you to play. Make friends. Learn what it is you actually want and then be the best at it.¡±

    ¡°But what if this is the best I can be?¡± Seren asked quietly. Trying to hide the tears that were welling up.

    ¡°It isn¡¯t. I know it isn¡¯t.¡± Eric said, scooting closer and pulling them into a hug. ¡°You know it isn¡¯t. Don¡¯t tie your self-worth to something temporary. Tie it to your own character, there¡¯s so much to be proud of.¡± Seren didn¡¯t feel like there was anything to be proud of but it felt nice to hear.

    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you.¡± Seren said quietly. Eric just laughed.

    ¡°I know.¡± He said finally. ¡°I know that you¡¯re going through some stuff right now and as you get bigger we¡¯ll probably keep fighting.¡± He sat up and put Seren back on their stool.

    ¡°But how about we make a promise right now.¡± Eric said, holding out his hand for Seren to take. ¡°I promise that if we fight, I will take a break and return at a later date. And though I won¡¯t always understand, I¡¯ll always apologize when I¡¯m in the wrong.¡±

    ¡°And I promise that I¡¯ll also take breaks and try to communicate better.¡± Seren agreed. Taking Eric¡¯s hand.

    ¡°That¡¯s all we can do.¡± Eric agreed. ¡°Now, you eat. Then, there¡¯s a little daylight left, we could go to the library?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think I have a book to return.¡± Seren said. They felt better, and their appetite was back. There was still a little lingering distaste but it was being smothered by a sense of hope. They began eating their dinner, suddenly ravenous. Eric gave them a pat on their shoulder and stood up. The doorbell rang and he sighed.

    ¡°If that¡¯s your aunt again I swear.¡± He muttered as he went to answer the door. Seren smiled, focusing back on eating. They looked up as Eric re-entered but with a few of the city¡¯s guards.

    ¡°Serenity, I¡¯ll be taking these men up with me to the study.¡± He said. ¡°Can you answer all this woman¡¯s questions?¡± He gestured to the guard woman who smiled and held up a notebook. Seren nodded. Trying to think again of what they¡¯d done wrong. Was this about leaving the city? Did they know about the nest??

    Eric led the two men up to the study and the woman took a seat with Seren at the table.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you haven¡¯t done anything wrong.¡± She said. ¡°We¡¯re just investigating some missing children. What do you know about your missing cousin?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s missing?¡± Seren asked. ¡°Are you sure he isn¡¯t just taking a long time completing his job? Or in the hospital? Or dead?¡±

    ¡°What.¡± The woman was taken aback but she scribbled down onto her notebook and gathered herself. ¡°What makes you say that?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s an enforcer. It comes with the territory.¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°Though, I don¡¯t think so. I think he¡¯d be in the hospital. He¡­ he doesn¡¯t seem like the enforcer type.¡± Seren had it drilled in to their head to never reveal their true age but now that it was so public, they weren¡¯t sure what to say.

    ¡°I heard you were getting retired.¡± The guard chuckled. ¡°At the old old age of-¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I. I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± Seren said. ¡°I didn¡¯t go with Wilbur today. Since I¡¯m not an enforcer anymore. But when I did go with him, he was pretty quick to give up and go straight to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°I see, did you speak to him before he left for the day?¡± She asked.

    ¡°I¡­ no. I didn¡¯t actually.¡± Seren said, remembering their morning. ¡°He left and I.¡± Seren sighed trying to figure out what to say.

    ¡°I went back to bed,¡± They said finally. ¡°Just got up actually.¡±

    ¡°Really? Is that all?¡± The guard asked, suspiciously.

    ¡°Well.. I¡¯ve been feeling a bit different lately.. And Eric and I got into a .. a fight..¡± Seren admitted sheepishly. ¡°It was stupid, I just didn¡¯t want to go to school.¡±

    ¡°Ahh.¡± The guard nodded. ¡°I had a step-mom growing up. It¡¯s not easy. I still call her by her first name too. But you¡¯re young, you¡¯ll be okay.¡± Seren nodded, thinking about things.

    ¡°Excuse me, if you don¡¯t have any more questions. I¡¯m going back upstairs.¡± Seren said. Taking care of their dishes. Stopping by the pantry to grab another jar of honey.

 Chapter Twenty-One

    ¡°Did you talk to him?¡± Eric asked, Seren yawned.

    ¡°No. I went straight to my room I didn¡¯t say anything to him.¡± Seren said, trying to force their eyes to stay open. ¡°I¡¯m tired. Can I go to bed?¡±

    ¡°You spent all day in bed and your cousin is missing.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I was sleeping.¡± Seren shook their head. Getting dizzy from watching Eric pace around the library. ¡°You should change up your path before you wear a groove in the floor.¡±

    ¡°This is serious.¡± Eric said, stopping his pacing to look at them.

    ¡°How do we know he hasn¡¯t just gone home or to the hospital or literally anywhere else?¡± Seren asked. ¡°I mean. I¡¯m concerned cause he¡¯s missing, sure. But he could just be anywhere in the city.¡±

    ¡°The guards are looking.¡± Eric said, rocking back and forth until he began pacing again.

    ¡°Is this because of what happened¡­¡± Seren started but they couldn¡¯t finish the statement. But they were thinking about Miss Jass, a recurring nightmare. Eric¡¯s silence wasn¡¯t soothing Seren¡¯s anxiety.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything, right?¡± he asked. Seren shook their head.

    ¡°No. Never.¡± Seren said sternly. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to Wilbur. I want him home safe. I just. I just didn¡¯t want him to replace me. But I never did anything to him or wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Okay, you can go to bed then.¡± Eric said, motioning them to the library door. Seren stood up and yawned again.

    ¡°Are you going to bed too?¡± They asked. ¡°It¡¯s almost midnight.¡±

    ¡°Soon.¡± Eric said. ¡°But it¡¯s okay for you to go on to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Seren agreed. They began sleepwalking back to their room where they found the nest now more active than ever.

    ¡°What are you all doing?¡± They asked, closing their door.

    ¡°We have agreed to move to a more protected place.¡± A sprite said, bringing an armful of material toward the closet.

    ¡°Oh, good idea, you need help?¡± They didn¡¯t actually want to help but felt it was right to offer.

    ¡°No, we do not wish for our home to be touched by mortal hands.¡± The sprite said with a polite nod. Seren looked in their closet and found the nest being rebuilt behind their shoes and coats. A perfect place.

    ¡°All right, I¡¯m going to get into my pajamas and sleep then.¡± Seren said. ¡°Did you finish the honey I brought?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, but thank you.¡±

    Seren pulled their pajamas out of their dresser and went into the bathroom to change. They threw their clothes down the chute and brushed their teeth. Seren turned off the light to head back to their room.

    ¡°Why do you change in the bathroom? Is there something wrong with your room?¡± Eric asked, causing Seren to jump.

    ¡°Oh, no. Nothing¡¯s wrong.¡± Seren said, quickly. They gathered their wits before giving their explanation. ¡°It¡¯s just seems more logical and efficient. Why put my clothes in a basket when I can put them directly in the chute?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair I suppose.¡± Eric said, looking at them contemplatively before heading up the stairs to the study. Seren sighed and then went to their bedroom. Turning off their light and collapsing into their bed. Watching the sprites by the light of the moon until they fell asleep.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    In the morning, Seren got up to their alarm but once they realized there was no reason to, they silenced their alarm and went back to sleep. They woke up to the sound of the doorbell. Seren rolled over but the doorbell kept ringing and no one was answering it. Seren sat up in annoyance but they then remembered Mrs. Houper wasn¡¯t here. They groaned and got up to their feet. Finding Eric going down the stairs at the same time they were.

    ¡°You slept in,¡± He said as they both went down to answer the door. ¡°Was it nice?¡±

    ¡°Not really, I feel worse for it actually.¡± Seren admitted. ¡°Feels like I¡¯m being lazy.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re allowed to be lazy. That¡¯s a pretty normal thing for a kid during summer break.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°What¡¯s that mean?¡± Seren asked, following Eric all the way to the front door.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± He said before opening the door. ¡°Ah, yes. My first appointment for the day.¡± Seren shrugged, feeling like there was no reason to even peek at who it was.

    ¡°We¡¯ll continue this conversation at dinner, hm?¡± He asked. Seren smiled and nodded. ¡°Good, go get yourself some breakfast.¡± Seren turned and ran to the kitchen. Missing Mrs. Houper yelling for them to not run in the halls.

    ¡°Hi Kalyani!¡± Seren said. The hired kitchen master turned to them.

    ¡°There you are! I missed you this morning.¡± Kalyani said, ¡°Now that Monica¡¯s home I¡¯m so bored and lonely here. Maybe you could keep me company, I¡¯ll teach you how to cook.¡±

    ¡°That sounds okay.¡± Seren said, thinking it all over.

    ¡°We can gossip about everything we think of.¡± Kalyani said with a mischievous wink. Seren grinned, that sounded fun.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll get dressed and then can I eat while we cook?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°Of course, make sure you¡¯re wearing short sleeves. I think I have an apron around here somewhere.¡± Kalyani turned from her washing to find an apron Seren¡¯s size. Seren ran upstairs and to their room. Getting dressed and running back down to the kitchen.

    ¡°Here¡¯s an apron for you,¡± Kalyani handed them an apron and brought out a stool for them to stand at the counter with. ¡°I haven¡¯t started anything yet, so what do you want for dinner? You¡¯re making it, you can pick.¡± Seren thought hard about what they wanted to eat.

    ¡°Uhm. Can I see the options?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Kalyani said and brought up a large and well loved recipe book. ¡°I¡¯ve collected these recipes from my family and every source I can find. Take a look and see if there¡¯s anything that speaks to you.¡± Seren opened the recipe book and started flipping through the pages slowly. Passing by cakes, cookies, biscuits, stews, steaks, and dishes of all kinds. They stopped at a recipe that sounded delicious.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever had pay-ella.¡± Seren said, Kalyani chuckled.

    ¡°It¡¯s Paella. Pie Ey Ah. It¡¯s delicious.¡± Kalyani said. ¡°It¡¯s a seafood dish. That¡¯ll require a trip to the markets. Would you like to come with me?¡±

    ¡°Sure. I have to tell Eric first.¡± Seren said. ¡°But I bet he¡¯ll let me go as long as it¡¯s with you.¡±

    ¡°Good, I¡¯ll make up a list of ingredients we need to get and you get permission.¡± Kalyani took off her apron and held out her hand for Seren¡¯s. Seren handed it over happily and then ran upstairs all the way to the third floor where they stopped. Their first instinct was to enter without hesitation, as had always been their right. But now they had to stop and remember they weren¡¯t allowed in there anymore. It was all different. They hesitantly raised their hand and knocked.

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    Seren opened the door and stepped inside.

    ¡°Kalyani and I are going to make dinner, but we need to go to the market.¡± Seren said. ¡°May I go with her?¡±

    ¡°You may but stay with Kalyani and don¡¯t wander off.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°Yes! Thank you!¡± Seren waved and ran out of the study. Taking care to shut the door behind them. They ran down to their room and got ready to go, finding their library book. They shoved it into their bag and grabbed some money in case there was something they wanted at the market. Before they stepped out they went back to their closet, knocking tentatively.

    ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯m running to the market and I was wondering if there¡¯s anything you need?¡± Seren asked, opening the closet and speaking into the closet.

    ¡°We need more to grow the hive.¡± Whispered a voice.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll grab something.¡± Seren said before closing the closet again. They stood up and then left their room. Making sure the door was closed tightly. Then running downstairs to find Kalyani ready to go too.

    ¡°Did you get permission?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Yup. Oh, also. Can we go by the library? I need to return this book.¡± Seren opened their bag enough to show the spine of the library book.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not, we can do that first.¡± Kalyani agreed, double checking she had everything she needed. ¡°All right, let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Two

    Seren led Kalyani up the grand stone steps of the library and to the return slot. Dropping their book in.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have the time for you to peruse for a new book.¡± Kalyani said, Seren nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, I know. I just wanted to return the book. It wasn¡¯t very interesting and I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be reading it anymore.¡± Seren said, sadly. ¡°I want to, it¡¯s nice to learn about. Nevermind.¡±

    ¡°Learning about the fae part of yourself?¡± Kalyani asked, leading them toward the carriage.

    ¡°Yeah, seems like no one wants to talk about it, or even acknowledge it.¡± Seren said, out of the corner of their eye they saw people coming out of the library. It made them want to go inside and lose themself in a book. But they had other work to do. Maybe cooking could be just as fun?

    ¡°I bet that¡¯s hard.¡± Kalyani sympathized, walking to the carriage. The footman opened the door and pulled the step out for the two of them. ¡°I know how you feel. It¡¯s hard to have secrets.¡±

    ¡°Secrets?¡± Seren asked, getting up into the seat.

    ¡°Yeah, everyone has secrets they can¡¯t talk about. Stuff they hide.¡± Kalyani said, sitting across from them. The footman put the step back and shut the door. ¡°It¡¯s hard to hide things but it¡¯s important. Hiding the bad is what keeps people happy. There are times when I wish I hadn¡¯t told the truth.¡± Seren watched out the windows, thinking about what Kalyani had said. She looked out the opposite window, seemingly thinking deeply herself.

    The carriage came to a stop in the Spring district and the footman opened the door and pulled down the step again. Seren gestured for Kalyani to go first. They stepped out and looked around the shops. Riding to places was much faster and easier than walking and Seren enjoyed it. They pondered the idea of getting their own horse to ride places instead of having to walk. Kalyani led Seren around the market, showing off what produce was needed for the dish and how to pick the best produce. Most shopkeepers squirmed when seeing Seren approaching.

    ¡°Seren, this is a surprise..¡± A farmer smiled nervously.

    ¡°I¡¯m just shopping, not working today.¡± Seren said, trying not to show the sadness in their smile. The farmer visibly relaxed.

    ¡°That¡¯s a change of pace isn¡¯t it.¡± The farmer said, laughing nervously. ¡°But I¡¯ve heard the way you haggle. Think I¡¯d rather you visit on business.¡± Seren shrugged.

    ¡°Fair¡¯s fair.¡± They said, looking over the goods. Kalyani wandered on and Seren wandered off into the other direction. Looking for something sweet for the nest, they didn¡¯t even realize that Kalyani had separated from them.

    Seren wandered from stand to stand. Finding it harder and harder to see all the shopkeepers preparing to pay them but stopping when Seren shopped instead. Seren fell heavily into a bench near the only park in the Spring district. They were conflicted, they could imagine the pride and joy on Eric¡¯s face if they brought back and completed the job on their own time. Picking up the slack that Wilbur had left behind. But on the other hand, they also could imagine how mad he would be instead.

    ¡°Kalyani, I think¡­.¡± Seren started but when they looked up they realized Kalyani was gone. ¡°Kalyani?¡± People moved about the markets. None looked like Kalyani. Seren sighed and got up to their feet. They were supposed to stay with her but they were still exactly where they said they¡¯d be.

    ¡°Hi there, you lost?¡±

    Seren looked around at a hooded stranger that they didn¡¯t recognize.

    ¡°No. I¡¯m not lost, I know exactly where I am.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°I mean, where¡¯s your parent? Your guardian?¡± The stranger asked, getting closer.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    ¡°At home, where he¡¯s meant to be.¡± Seren said, backing away with every step forward the stranger made. The stranger didn¡¯t feel overly dangerous, just annoying.

    ¡°So you¡¯re alone?¡± The stranger asked. A second walking up. Seren stopped backing up and squared up instead.

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Seren asked. They didn¡¯t have their rings in their pocket and that made them feel vulnerable. They weren¡¯t wearing their body armor either.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± The stranger said. ¡°We¡¯re just worried, let us take you home.¡±

    ¡°Piss off. I don¡¯t need an escort.¡± Seren snapped. Letting the magic lash out, it was the only real power they had on them to use. It manifested as the paint peeling off the bench they¡¯d just been sitting on. The two strangers stepped back at the sight, but only for a moment. They put their hands together.

    ¡°You are fae?¡± They asked. Seren didn¡¯t like the anticipation in their voice. It was very different from the hesitation and fear than they were used to.

    ¡°Oh, Serenity.¡± called one of the merchants. A butcher. They came up to Seren and took their shoulders. ¡°Fancy seeing you, working?¡±

    ¡°No, not today.¡± Seren said, it felt much safer having someone with them on their side.

    ¡°Well, you were right about those piglets!¡± The butcher said,

    ¡°I know,¡± Seren said. ¡°Did you get a new litter?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll even let you pick one out to name.¡± The butcher began leading them toward the pig farm.

    ¡°Are they following us?¡± Seren asked quietly.

    ¡°No, looks like they¡¯re talking, but they are watching us.¡± The butcher said. ¡°What are you doing here? All children are supposed to have an adult with them at all times.¡±

    ¡°I had one, we got separated.¡± Seren said, ¡°and I thought it was just a curfew.¡±

    ¡°Not anymore.¡± The butcher said. ¡°Too many missing kids. Now you get home.¡±

    ¡°What about Kalyani, I have to find her first. Plus you said I¡¯d get to name a piglet.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t name piglets unless they¡¯re pets and is Kalyani an adult?¡± The butcher asked.

    ¡°Yeah but why don¡¯t you name-¡±

    ¡°Then she¡¯ll be fine. Get home.¡± The butcher gave Seren a shove and went on his way. Seren rolled their eyes but went back to where the carriage was, but it wasn¡¯t there anymore. Seren looked around but couldn¡¯t see it. They huffed and began stomping their way on the long walk home.

    Seren opened the door and shut it. Home finally. Ready to yank off their boots and maybe take a hot shower.

    ¡°Serenity!¡± Eric shouted and had Seren falling back and to the ground. ¡°What were you thinking!?¡±

    ¡°What was I thinking?¡± Seren scoffed. ¡°One minute I¡¯m looking at produce the next? I¡¯m by myself in the market! And once I realized I was left behind I came straight home.¡± Eric looked hard at Seren. Scrutinizing their honesty. Seren stood up and put their shoes to the side, crossing their arms. Finally Eric turned.

    ¡°KALYANI!¡± He roared before storming off toward the kitchen.

    ¡°Oh boy.¡± Seren sighed, and ran after. ¡°It was a busy day at the markets! An accident! Plus I am more than capable of staying safe on my own!¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change the fact that she left you alone! She was supposed to be watching you!¡± Eric said as he stormed into the kitchen. Kalyani¡¯s color drained from her face.

    ¡°She¡¯s not a babysitter!¡± Seren argued. ¡°I asked to go with her!¡±

    ¡°Are you disputing that it¡¯s her fault you were forgotten.¡± Eric turned and asked. Seren grit their teeth together.

    ¡°Why does it have to be anyone¡¯s fault?¡± Seren asked. ¡°Why can¡¯t it just be an accident?¡±

    ¡°Because accidents lead to errors! Deaths! Disappearances! You think Wilbur¡¯s disappearance was on purpose?¡± Eric yelled at them.

    ¡°Well someone might have!¡± Seren yelled back. Eric knelt down and looked at them very sternly.

    ¡°Was that person, you?¡± He asked in a very dark voice.

    ¡°Why are you so convinced it¡¯s my fault!?¡± Seren yelled. They stomped their foot.

    ¡°Because you are being so secretive! What am I supposed to think?¡± he yelled, standing back up.

    ¡°That maybe I just want a little privacy?¡± Seren asked. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just hit me that I have walls and doors that function and I have the right to use them?¡± Eric scoffed and rolled his eyes.

    ¡°You.¡± He started but then his expression changed. ¡°Right. You didn¡¯t have a door.¡± Seren shook their head and groaned in frustration.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to my room.¡± They said. Stomping up the stairs. ¡°I hate not being able to do whatever I want when I want to do it! I can go to the market by myself, I can go to the library alone!¡±

    ¡°Blame the fae! That¡¯s the reason all this is happening!¡± Eric shouted after them. Seren¡¯s only response was to slam their door as hard as they could.

 Chapter Twenty-Three

    Seren threw their bag and hit the bed hard. They, for all intents and purposes, were grounded. And they didn¡¯t even do anything to deserve it. They rolled over and stared up at their ceiling. Trying to decide what they were going to do for the rest of the day, rest of the week, month? Year? How long was this going to go on? They sat up and got off the bed. Walking to the closet and opening the door.

    ¡°Can I speak to the Waterbearer?¡± Seren asked. The sprites looked up at them and nodded. One dove into the noticeably larger nest while the rest continued their work. Seren sat criss-crossed on the floor and waited until the Waterbearer appeared. She had grown even more stunning than when Seren had found them in the forest. Her gown now flowed like a light rain.

    ¡°Yes, Serenity?¡± The Waterbearer asked.

    ¡°I need to know more about the fae. I need to know from other sources.¡± Seren said. ¡°Children are going missing and I need to know why. What do you know?¡±

    ¡°I know little I must admit.¡± The Waterbearer sighed. ¡°The fae take sprites and try to cultivate them. Like farm beasts. If you are insistent, perhaps I could reach out to other nests, see what they know.¡±

    ¡°Yes, if you can.¡± Seren said, they went to their window and opened it. Letting the sprites out to find out more. The doorbell rang and Seren sighed, missing Mrs. Houper for more than just her emotional support. They went down stairs and to the door. Opening it and being overwhelmingly surprised by Kyi standing at the door.

    ¡°Hey, lazy bones. Where you beem?¡± He huffed. Seren¡¯s mouth dropped.

    ¡°I. Wh- why are you here?¡± Seren asked in confusion.

    ¡°Uh, cause we¡¯re friends. Duh.¡± Kyi said and walked into the house.

    ¡°Oh. So that¡¯s how that happens.¡± Seren said, mostly to themselves. They¡¯d always wondered how people made friends. Turns out they just show up at your door with a declaration. Made things easy.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Eric asked, appearing from the staircase.

    ¡°Oh, can I have a friend over?¡± Seren asked. ¡°We won¡¯t cause trouble, promise.¡±

    ¡°I.¡± Eric paused, looking Kyi up and down. ¡°Yeah-yes. Absolutely. Carry on.¡± Eric turned and went back up the stairs. Kyi took off their boots.

    ¡°You live with your boss?¡± Kyi asked.

    ¡°Not technically.¡± Seren said. ¡°See, he¡¯s my adopted guardian after my dad died.  Also, I¡¯m sort of retired now.¡± Kyi¡¯s jaw dropped.

    ¡°Oh that is not fair.¡± He scoffed, ¡°How did YOU get to retire?¡±

    ¡°Eric wants me to have time to be a kid.¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°Whatever that¡¯s supposed to mean.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re almost an adult.¡± Kyi laughed, then cleared his throat. ¡°I mean. WE¡¯RE almost adults.¡± Seren smiled knowingly.

    ¡°Sure we are.¡± They winked. Kyi narrowed his eyes but then lit up with relief.

    ¡°You.¡± He lowered his voice. ¡°You too?¡±

    ¡°Not as uncommon as you¡¯d think.¡± Seren whispered back. ¡°But did you really just come here to talk about work?¡±

    ¡°Nah.¡± Kyi shook his head. Relaxing a bit more. ¡°Came to talk about the fae stuff going on.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Seren said. They felt their chest tighten. Kyi wandered out of the entry hall and into the biggest sitting room.

    ¡°This place is huge.¡± He said, looking up at the chandelier in the room. Then inspecting the marble fireplace.

    ¡°No kidding.¡± Seren said, walking in after him. ¡°Feels like I live in a museum.¡± Kyi laughed and fell into an armchair.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°So. Fae. You gotta know something.¡± Kyi asked conspiratorially.

    ¡°I wish I did.¡± Seren said uncomfortably. They took a seat on the sofa. ¡°But no one wants to talk about it and my only excursion into the forest didn¡¯t yield any real insight.¡±

    ¡°Excursion? You went outside the walls?¡± Kyi asked. Scooting to the edge of his seat.

    ¡°Yeah. There¡¯s no rule against it for fae-touched.¡± They said, ¡°Got lost, found a pretty looking river, climbed a tree, lost my shoes, got found and brought home and then got grounded. Nothing interesting.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Kyi said, clearly disappointed. He sat back with a sigh. ¡°Here I thought you had. Y¡¯know, adventures! People talk about you. Like you¡¯re something special.¡±

    ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± Seren asked. Kyi shrugged and readjusted in his seat.

    ¡°I heard stories about you. When you get on as an enforcer you hear about this fae scourge that will come in like a shadow. With the precision and sharpness of a scalpel.¡± Kyi said while looking around the side tables for something interesting. ¡°Hard as flint and cold as the sea. But then you hear the stories about this fae miracle that¡¯s a warm breath of sunshine. Soft as velvet and warm as summer. Sweet and generous as the song of the bluebird.¡±

    ¡°People talk about me in riddles?¡± Seren asked sarcastically.

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m just smashing a bunch of ¡®em together.¡± Kyi laughed. ¡°I see where the stories come from. You¡¯re fun. Keeps me entertained.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ glad?¡± Seren asked. Still trying to puzzle out how they felt about the stories. They knew there were stories, sure. That wasn¡¯t surprising. Everyone had stories told about them. It was just hearing them had Seren confused.

    ¡°Good. Dude, it¡¯s boring without you in the streets.¡± Kyi sighed and sunk into the chair. ¡°People all have this weird hoarder mentality, like someday you¡¯re gonna come back for all the dues.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been gone for two days.¡± Seren shook their head. ¡°I can¡¯t have been missed that much.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d think but I¡¯m telling you. Everyone¡¯s on edge.¡± Kyi leaned back and crossed his legs.

    ¡°I bet that has more to do with the kidnappings going on and less to do with me.¡± Seren said, ¡°Why are you out anyway? Aren¡¯t you at risk?¡±

    ¡°Sure, but it¡¯s not like anyone¡¯s actually policing it.¡± Kyi shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s up to the parents. Which mine aren¡¯t that big on stepping on my independence.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s irresponsible.¡± Seren said. They scooted closer to the edge of their seat. ¡°Have you been approached by strangers yet?¡±

    ¡°Have you?¡± Kyi sat forward and the two stared at each other. Seren knew they had, but they couldn¡¯t tell if Kyi had or if he was bluffing.

    ¡°I asked you first,¡± Seren said. Kyi narrowed his eyes before pouting.

    ¡°No.¡± He said with a disappointed sigh.

    ¡°That¡¯s probably for the best,¡± Seren said, ¡°I¡¯ve met them. They are.¡± Seren paused. ¡°Strange. Not overly so, but strange.¡±

    ¡°We are going to be such good friends.¡± Kyi said. ¡°I bet we could solve this kidnapping problem too.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? How would we do that? Where would we even start?¡± Seren had a rush of questions but they were on board with the idea of putting an end to the kidnappings.

    ¡°You in?¡± Kyi asked.

    ¡°Of course I am.¡± Seren agreed. They looked around for anyone who might be listening. ¡°But we should move to a more. Quiet place.¡± Seren stood up and motioned Kyi down the stairs to the basement. Creepy, dark, but empty as the housekeepers were all home for the night.

    ¡°Okay, we can talk here. Eric doesn¡¯t come down here and no one else will until tomorrow.¡± Seren said. ¡°Did you have a plan or are we at level zero?¡±

    ¡°Of course I have a plan. We go into the forest, find their lair and kick their-¡± Kyi started so proudly. But Seren scoffed loudly enough to cut him off.

    ¡°There¡¯s tons of fae and only two of us.¡± Seren pointed out. ¡°We need a way better plan¡­ we know they want. Kids. I heard they make them into gold or new fae via some magical sprite water.¡±

    ¡°What? Where¡¯d you hear that?¡± Kyi asked.

    ¡°Library. Good source of information in the archives.¡± Seren lied, hoping that they sounded convincing. ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s more information out there. Maybe the king and queen know something, I imagine they have access to a way bigger and older library.¡±

    ¡°I heard the rumors that you were in good with the king. Have you really seen the queen?¡± Kyi asked, wide eyed.

    ¡°And the heir apparent.¡± Seren nodded. Kyi¡¯s jaw dropped again.

    ¡°They had a baby?!¡± Kyi shook his head and then laughed. ¡°And you don¡¯t think you have adventures?¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t.¡± Seren shrugged. ¡°Back on topic. More information. We could meet up at the library and try to get through those old archives and big tomes. They¡¯re huge and boring but they might have some good information.¡±

    ¡°Or we could write to the king and make him tell us what he knows!¡± Kyi said deviously. ¡°We have blackmail.¡±

    ¡°OR¡­. we could just ask and share what we¡¯ve already learned and see if there¡¯s anything we can glean.¡± Seren suggested.

    ¡°Then we use blackmail!¡± Kyi finished. Seren shook their head.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go write the letter.¡± Seren said, leading Kyi up from the basement and into the second floor library.

 Chapter Twenty-Four

    Seren wrote the letter while Kyi walked around the library shelves. Looking at all the books and occasionally flipped through one before putting it back on the shelf.

    ¡°Okay, I think I¡¯ve got something I¡¯m happy with.¡± Seren said, putting down their pencil. Kyi strode over and looked over their shoulder, reading the letter quickly before nodding.

    ¡°Wait, the sprites make a water that can change people into fae?¡± Kyi asked. Pointing to a part of the letter.

    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re like wasps. Paper/fabric like nests, a queen, they make water that can do magical stuff.¡± Seren said. ¡°Healing, turning kids into gold, I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s needed for turning kids into fae. I think that¡¯s different but I don¡¯t know .¡±

    ¡°All of this was in the library books?¡± Kyi asked.

    ¡°Well. Not the nest part. That I found when I went out into the forest. Not the sprites themselves. Just an empty, torn apart nest.¡± Seren quickly came up with a plausible excuse. ¡°It was so magical it had to belong to a sprite.¡±

    "Did you snag a piece of it?¡± Kyi asked excitedly. Seren stared at him. They felt the tug to tell the truth, to share the secret. But knowing virtually nothing about him, except who he worked for, stopped them from being as honest as they wanted to.

    ¡°No, I got surprised by the guards looking for me.¡± Seren said, quickly looking away.¡±But the letter looks good?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s seal it up and get it sent.¡± Kyi agreed. ¡°Once this kidnapping stuff is solved then you¡¯ll come back and we have a playful competitive rivalry where we totally hate but respect each other and do lots of roasts and snide commentary.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s gonna happen.¡± Seren said. ¡°But we should work on sending this out.¡± Kyi frowned. Following Seren out of the library and downstairs.

    ¡°Why not? The kidnapping stops and you come out of retirement.¡± Kyi said. ¡°It¡¯s why you stopped isn¡¯t it? Why he stopped you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Seren said. ¡°I think.¡± Seren stopped, holding onto the railing. They had a theory, but they were struggling to put it into words.

    ¡°You think¡­?¡± Kyi nudged them.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m growing up. Reluctantly. And he kinda had to see it and think about the whole, no childhood thing and it rattled him a bit.¡± Seren said. Trying to surmise what they had been pondering. ¡°At least, that¡¯s my approximation.¡±

    ¡°Sounds logical. But stupid.¡± Kyi said, passing Seren on the staircase. ¡°I¡¯ve never known time to go backwards.¡±

    ¡°Agreed, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a thing.¡± Seren said. Jumping down the rest of the stairs and leading Kyi into the kitchen. ¡°I think we have envelopes and stuff in here. I mean, we have them for sure in the study but I¡¯m not allowed in there anymore.¡± Seren resisted the urge to roll their eyes at the nonsense it was to ban them from the study. They went through the old hutch where the good porcelain and lace were kept and found a few old envelopes and stamps.

    ¡°Perfect.¡± Seren folded the letter and sealed it in the envelope. Placing on the stamp and writing out the rest of the letter and address. ¡°To the mailbox!¡±

    ¡°Race ya!¡± Kyi said. Not even done speaking before he took off. Seren bolted after, but the tight halls of the house didn¡¯t allot for racing. Kyi stopped to put on his shoes but Seren didn¡¯t, Leaping over him and running out the door.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kyi yelled before also running after. Seren slapped the mailbox.

    ¡°I win!¡± They yelled breathlessly.

    ¡°You cheated!¡± Kyi huffed. ¡°You were supposed to put on your shoes!¡±

    ¡°Why? It¡¯s not wet or snowing.¡± Seren said, putting the letter into the box. ¡°Plus it was a race, which means fastest wins.¡± If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°Not if the fastest cheats by skipping an obstacle.¡± Kyi yelled. Seren put their hands on their hips.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t define any rules about obstacles.¡± Seren yelled back. ¡°You¡¯re just a sore loser!¡±

    ¡°Damn right I am!¡± Kyi yelled. Seren paused, taken aback by how easily he admitted it. The intensity lasted only a second before the two devolved into laughter.

    ¡°What are you two doing?¡± Eric yelled out the wide open door. ¡°Get inside!¡± Kyi and Seren looked at each other before running back up the steps and in the door.

    ¡°We were just mailing a letter.¡± Seren said. ¡°Since when am I not allowed to go to the mailbox?¡±

    ¡°Since you didn¡¯t tell me and no one was watching you.¡± Eric said equally as stubborn as they were.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to be watched! I¡¯ve been taking care of myself since I was born, I don¡¯t need anyone to start trying to care for me now!¡± Seren shouted.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to. I AM.¡± Eric said. ¡°It¡¯s time for your friend to go home.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Seren felt braver with Kyi behind them. Even though Kyi seemed pretty frozen by fear.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking.¡±

    ¡°Neither am I.¡±

    The stand off had time stopped. Seren narrowed their eyes but felt something was wrong. They looked hard and found Eric barely moving. Time hadn¡¯t stopped but it had slowed. Seren¡¯s breath left their chest. They turned to Kyi who was mid-blink. Seren got right next to his face, their breath didn¡¯t even make him flinch. Seren could feel their heart pounding. Little glimmers of fae magic had always been a part of their daily life but something this big.

    Shadows moved at the window. They moved at normal speed. Which was possibly more alarming. Seren looked out the still open door. The whole world looked frozen but whatever had moved was gone. Leaving only pairs of prints in the mud at the window.

    ¡°Serenity Ba- Wh. Where¡¯d you-¡± Everything suddenly returned to normal. ¡°How did you move over there so fast? Where are you going?!¡±

    ¡°Nowhere.¡± Seren said. Backing away from the door. ¡°Kyi, maybe you should go. We should call someone to take you.¡±

    ¡°You''re not arguing anymore.¡± Eric said. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need an escort.¡± Kyi said with all the bravado he had.

    ¡°I think you might.¡± Seren said, still watching the door from a reasonable distance.

    ¡°What did you do?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°I stopped time.¡± Seren said. ¡°And not everything stopped.¡±

    ¡°Kyi. Wait here. I¡¯ll get someone to walk you home.¡± Eric said. ¡°Stay inside.¡± He left and Seren held themself.

    ¡°You stopped time?!¡± Kyi whispered in awe.

    ¡°Yeah. Never done that before.¡± Seren said. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how I did it. IF I did it.¡±

    ¡°You mean you might not have?¡± Kyi asked.

    ¡°I might just be immune to a lot of fae magic because I¡¯m fae touched.¡± Seren said. ¡°Are you sure you haven¡¯t noticed anyone following you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Kyi said.

    ¡°Then keep an eye out. They.¡± Seren paused, feeling a pit of guilt in their stomach. ¡°They might be now.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Kyi nodded. He went pale. Finishing lacing up his boots, then grabbing hsi coat.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Seren said, Kyi looked at them. ¡°You wanted an adventure right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kyi agreed but it seemed hollow.

    ¡°Okay, I have you mother coming to walk you home.¡± Eric called as he came back down the stairs. ¡°She said she¡¯d be here soon.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Kyi said.

    ¡°Sorry, for all this.¡± Seren shrugged apologetically. Feeling small.

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. I kinda asked for it.¡± Kyi smiled weakly.

    ¡°Still friends?¡± Seren asked. ¡°I understand if you don¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°Nah, still friends.¡± Kyi playfully hit them on the shoulder. ¡°But we skip the adventure next time. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡± Seren said. They changed the topic to more lighthearted things, until Kyi¡¯s mother came and picked him up and took him home. Seren shut the door and sighed. They turned and saw Eric waiting in the sitting room.

    ¡°Being grown up is exhausting.¡± They said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t I know it.¡± Eric agreed. ¡°Now come here, we need to talk about this attitude and what you saw and how in the world you managed to stop time.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how I did it. I saw things moving at the window and prints in the dirt.¡± Seren said, walking over to the chair across from the sofa. ¡°And I don¡¯t want to talk about my attitude. It¡¯s fine and perfectly proportional to the way you¡¯re trying to baby me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not babying you.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°You are. You used to trust me.¡± Seren said. They felt overly tired. Too tired to even cry. ¡°Now it¡¯s like I can¡¯t even be trusted to leave my room. It¡¯s suffocating. I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m going back to my room.¡± Seren stood up and went back upstairs, they found it more surprising that Eric didn¡¯t have anything to say, didn¡¯t try to stop them. They went to the bathroom instead. Digging around in the unused ¡®woman¡¯ products Mrs. Houper had left. They found the trusty blade they¡¯d hidden. It had been coming in handy more and more often lately.

 Chapter Twenty-Five; Easy Enough

    Seren washed their hands and their little secret and dropped the towel down the chute. Feeling more in control of their emotions, they went back to their room.

    ¡°You are back!¡± Cried a sprite as it flew up in front of them.

    ¡°I am.¡± Seren said. ¡°Did you find something?¡±

    ¡°Yes, come!¡± The sprite flew to the closet and Seren followed. Kneeling beside the nest that was quickly becoming as big as they were.

    ¡°Wow, this nest has nearly doubled in size since this morning.¡± Seren said, trying not to sound too worried.

    ¡°Yes, we collected some more wayward sprites in the forests.¡± Said a sprite. ¡°Our family is growing.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Seren nodded.

    ¡°Serenity.¡± The Waterbearer appeared from the nest. ¡°We have heard from our sisters in the forests and eaves. They have news for us.¡±

    ¡°Good. What news is that?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°The fae are kidnapping the children to make into children of their own.¡± The Waterbearer said. ¡°You must be careful. You will be a very prized target.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°You are an exceptional fae.¡± The Waterbearer said. ¡°You will be a trophy of sorts for the Fae Queen.¡± Seren grimaced.

    ¡°Gross. But noted. Is there any way to stop this?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°Yes. By cutting off the entry to the fae realm they will not be able to return.¡± The Waterbearer said.

    ¡°That sounds easy enough.¡± Seren said. ¡°I figure out where they are coming from and I close it. Next question though, how do I bring back the others?¡±

    ¡°The others?¡± The Waterbearer asked.

    ¡°The others who were kidnapped. I can¡¯t leave them there.¡± Seren said. Thinking about their cousin. How easy it would be to leave him to his fate. But they also thought about how he was coming around to being something pleasant. ¡°I mean I can. But I don¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°That is very strange.¡± The Waterbearer said. ¡°If that is truly what you intend, then give us some time.¡±

    ¡°Do we have time to spare?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°Unfortunately time is of the essence. But if you want to go into the fae realm, then it is important.¡± The Waterbearer said. ¡°We will work hard and fast but it will still take some time.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Seren said they were exhausted all over again. ¡°Great to hear. I¡¯m going to close the closet so I can change and get some sleep.¡±

    ¡°Pleasant night to you, Serenity.¡± The Waterbearer said. Then she returned to her nest and the other sprites looked at Seren distrustfully but nodded to them in respect and went inside the nest as well. Seren closed the closet doors but left them open a crack. They got into clean night clothes and hit their bed hard. The sun wasn¡¯t down and it wasn¡¯t even dinner time, but they were exhausted and very done with the day.

    They lay in bed, not sleeping yet just laying and watching the window in misery. Birds flew by. Cat¡¯s hung out on sills and rooftops. People moved behind glass windows. Life went on. They ignored the knock on their door.

    ¡°Hey I thought maybe you¡¯d want to go out for dinner tonight?¡± Eric asked, opening the door a crack. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°I¡¯m not really hungry.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten all day. Or yesterday.¡± Eric said. ¡°Are you feeling alright? Does your stomach feel queasy?¡± Eric came in and felt Seren¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°No,¡± Seren said. Moving his hand away. Seren felt their stomach arguing with them. ¡°Maybe I am a little hungry. What are we getting?¡±

    ¡°Whatever you want.¡± Eric said. ¡°Just name it.¡± Seren thought about it.

    ¡°I kinda want sushi. Or orange chicken and fried rice.¡± Seren said. ¡°Kalyani makes really good shrimp fried rice.¡±

    ¡°I fired her.¡± Eric said. ¡°But we can get sushi, I know a place.¡± Seren turned over.

    ¡°What? Why?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°Because she was supposed to keep an eye on you and she didn¡¯t.¡± Eric said sternly. Then he sighed. ¡°I do trust you. You can have the run of this town, go wherever you want and do whatever but not while the fae are hunting.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Seren said. ¡°Eric. I understand you¡¯re worried about me. But what if there was a way to stop the fae? And I was the only one who knew? Wouldn¡¯t it be my responsibility to do the right thing and stop them?¡±

    ¡°No. It¡¯s the guard¡¯s. If you have something that needs to be said, you can tell the people in charge and they will do the right thing. You¡¯re a child.¡± Eric said. Clearly getting frustrated but trying to stay patient.

    ¡°Yeah. But I don¡¯t feel like one.¡± Seren said. ¡°I¡¯m growing up and becoming an adult. But I¡¯m a child? It¡¯s confusing.¡± Eric was silent. The thought process clearly trying to make sense behind his eyes but not getting anywhere.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have an answer.¡± He said finally. ¡°I think it¡¯s a normal part of growing up to feel that way, if that¡¯s any small consolation.¡±

    The doorbell rang and Eric glared into the middle distance.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope this fae nonsense is over with soon so Monica comes back.¡± He said standing up. The doorbell chimed again. ¡°Impatient, let¡¯s hope it¡¯s something important.¡± Eric left and Seren sighed and got out of bed. Their curiosity getting the better of them. They wanted to know who would bother coming around so late, and if it was their aunt then they wanted to see the drama that unfolded.

    Seren wandered down the stairs, disappointed as they heard the door shut.

    ¡°Who was it?¡± Seren asked, leaning on the banister.

    ¡°Urgent from the palace. Get dressed, we¡¯ve been summoned.¡± Eric said.

    ¡°What? Why?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know but the carriage is waiting.¡± Eric said. Seren nodded and went up stairs. Digging through their dressers for something that seemed proper for a visit to the palace. They dressed quickly and ran back down the stairs to Eric who was waiting. He had a letter that he was reading.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Seren asked as they ran to the closet and grabbed their shoes.

    ¡°The letter that came with it. You sent a letter to the Queen?¡± Eric asked.

    ¡°Yeah, Kyi had the idea. It was supposed to be helpful.¡± Seren said, ¡°You don''t think I¡¯m in trouble for it do you?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. But it seems the Queen has an interest in the sprites you mentioned¡­¡± Eric paused and looked at Seren. ¡°What sprites?¡±

    ¡°Uh,¡± Seren froze. ¡°When I went out the gates I found a sprites nest that had been ripped apart. I didn¡¯t mention it before cause I didn¡¯t think about it.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Eric said slowly.

    ¡°Ready!¡± Seren yelled and threw open the door to avoid any more of the conversation. Eric followed, turning out the lights and locking the door. The footman opened the door to the carriage as Seren neared and bowed to them, which Seren politely returned before stepping up into the carriage. Eric followed after and the footman shut the door and picked up the footstool and a minute later the carriage began to move.

    ¡°Serenity.¡± Eric broke the silence and Seren felt their cheeks flush. ¡°I want you to tell me everything you wrote in your letter.¡± Seren shuffled uncomfortably. But began to explain the letter. Going on long tributaries in a way of defending their choices. They finished as the carriage entered the steamworks.

    ¡°I see.¡± Eric nodded. But he stayed silent which made Seren feel even more guilty. They watched the buildings of the nobles and wealthiest of the kingdom pass by. Stopping out front of the palace steps. The footman stepped down from the back and put the stool down and then opened the carriage door. Seren was the first out followed by Eric. The pair walked up the steps, with Eric keeping a hand hovering by their shoulder. Though Seren couldn¡¯t tell if it was in support or in discipline.

    At the top of the palace stairs the staff of the palace led them through the halls and stairs to a grand set of double doors. The staff announced Seren¡¯s presence and then doors opened and Seren was ushered in.

    In the large study was the King, the Queen, and the young heir apparent. On the table was an elegant tea set with several plates of little snack-like foods. Once the doors closed the royals turned to Seren and Eric and the queen¡¯s already pale face went paler and they dropped the tea cup and saucer in their hands. The dishes shattering on the ground and splashing tea everywhere.

 Chapter twenty-six; Fae

    ¡°Serenity, what happened?¡± The queen asked, her face filled with fear.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Seren asked, looking at Eric who looked just as confused at Seren.

    ¡°What did you do?¡± The queen put a chair in between themself and Seren. The king looked at his queen before looking at Seren again. Cocking his head and rocking the little baby who cooed, oblivious of the tension.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t? I mean. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on. What did I do?¡± Seren said slowly. They looked up and down their own clothes looking for something out of place. But nothing was obvious.

    ¡°Are you? How?¡± The queen drifted closer but seemed hesitant.

    ¡°What is it?¡± the King asked. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything wrong.¡± The queen took Seren¡¯s hair and gave it a gentle pull and rubbed it.

    ¡°Is something wrong with my hair?¡± Seren asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s brown.¡± The queen said in awe. Seren looked at Eric.

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Seren said. ¡°It¡¯s been that way since I was born.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t fae when you were born. You weren¡¯t fae when we met.¡± The queen said. Seren felt their mouth drop.

    ¡°I¡¯m not fae?¡± Seren said, confused. ¡°Just fae-touched.¡±

    ¡°No¡­ no, you.¡± The queen backed up again. ¡°You changed.¡± Seren tried to think but then remembered the waters. It cures what ails you, the sprite had said. Seren kept their mouth closed.

    ¡°They can¡¯t be. They still have all their color.¡± Eric said before quickly; ¡°I mean, no offense meant. Your majesty.¡± The queen looked at Eric very sternly but then nodded.

    ¡°None taken, though Serenity was the only one invited and I find that a bit offensive.¡± They said.

    ¡°In the midst of the current kidnappings, they go nowhere without me.¡± He said and the queen¡¯s expression changed.

    ¡°That is a fair point. It is also why you were summoned.¡± The queen turned back to Seren. ¡°Please, sit¡± The queen didn¡¯t take their eyes off Seren as they went to their king¡¯s side and took the baby from him. Cleaners were summoned to take care of the broken porcelain and tea on the floor. Seren walked and sat down with Eric right beside them.

    ¡°So what¡¯s going on?¡± Seren asked, ¡°What did I do?¡±

    ¡°You went into the forest, and saw fae collecting sprites?¡± The King asked, sitting down. The queen held her baby a little closer to her.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s not against the law for me to leave the walls of the city. I¡¯m fae-touched so it¡¯s completely legal.¡± Seren said. ¡°I read the bylaws.¡±

    ¡°What happened? Exactly and spare no detail.¡± The queen commanded.

    ¡°I.¡± Seren paused. Partly trying to remember what happened that day and partly to try and figure out what lie to tell. ¡°I was angry and wanted to see how strict the bylaws were and went out into the forest and got a bit lost. I took off my shoes and crossed a river to follow some lights and that¡¯s when I saw this nest of sprites. It was really cool. I dropped my shoes and that¡¯s how I lost them. Then there was a flash of light and some fae were grabbing sprites and tearing the nest apart. From what I¡¯ve learned since, I think they were searching for the Waterbearer so they could cultivate hives of their own. Sprites seem to function like ants.¡±

    ¡°Where did you learn this?¡± The Queen asked.

    ¡°Books mostly,¡± Seren shrugged as nonchalantly as they could.

    ¡°You got permission from the elders to look through the restricted section?¡± The King asked.

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°No. But the librarians know me well and they brought me some options.¡± Seren said. ¡°Those rules are stupid by the way. If someone wants to learn about something, then there shouldn¡¯t be a rule stopping them.¡±

    ¡°There should when the knowledge can be dangerous.¡± The king said, narrowing a very stern look at Seren. Who felt like they¡¯d done something wrong but couldn¡¯t quite figure out what.

    ¡°That¡¯s all that happened? You didn¡¯t eat or drink anything while you were there?¡± The queen asked. Seren¡¯s cheeks flushed.

    ¡°Well..¡± Seren took a minute to sort out what they wanted to say. ¡°I chased away the fae and found a survivor sprite who was really, really pretty and I put her in a tree where she¡¯d be safe and in return she gave me a little acorn thing with water. She said it would cure what ails me.¡±

    ¡°When did you drink it?¡± The queen held the baby tighter and the little toddler began to fidget.

    ¡°A day or so ago?¡± Seren shrugged. They looked at Eric and felt their cheeks get tighter.

    ¡°The first day of your cycle.¡± He said with a sigh of realization.

    ¡°You¡¯re on your cycle?¡± The queen nearly shrieked.

    ¡°Yeah, I mean. I haven¡¯t been bleeding..¡± Seren said slowly. But the admission seemed to calm the queen.

    ¡°How bad is this?¡± The king asked, standing and taking the baby from the queen. The queen sat down and sighed.

    ¡°Serenity, the sprites create enchanted waters that give the fae their powers.¡± The queen said slowly. ¡°By consuming the nectar of the Waterbearer you¡¯ve completed the necessary prerequisites, you are now full fae.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not possible. To be fae you have to give up all emotions, the colors. It¡¯s very clearly defined in the books.¡± Seren said. They felt a bit shaky as the numbness they¡¯d been feeling reared its ugly head and made them nauseous. ¡°I still clearly have color so I must still feel.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s unmistakable.¡± the queen said sadly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Fae are forbidden in the city.¡± Eric said. Taking Seren¡¯s shoulder and holding them closer. ¡°You can¡¯t just throw them out, that¡¯s completely uncalled for.¡±

    ¡°The law is the law.¡± the king said but he looked at his fae queen. ¡°But clearly there are exceptions and I don¡¯t intend on following unjust laws made long ago. Not every rule made is meant to be followed forever. Plus I believe there is something very interesting to say for you Serenity.¡± Seren looked up tiredly.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, you aren¡¯t traditionally fae and perhaps there is a secret in that. One that could spare our children from going missing in the future.¡± The king gave a look to Seren that they read easily. ¡°Perhaps even lead to our missing children being found.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate that.¡± Seren nodded. They took a deep breath, they could feel and that calmed them. ¡°I think, from what I¡¯ve been reading, that the fae are kidnapping children to turn into fae.. What should we do about it?¡±

    ¡°There is no we!¡± Eric said sternly.

    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± The king agreed somberly. ¡°There is no we. There is unfortunately nothing more we can do, We have no way of finding where the fae are getting in and we don¡¯t have the manpower to oppose the Fae Queen herself. The best we can do is make the rules that keep people safe.¡± Seren nodded. They could hear subtext, they were aware it could only be in their head but it wasn¡¯t going to change their mind.

    ¡°Okay, I understand.¡± Seren said. ¡°I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s anything else I can help you with.¡±

    ¡°There is.¡± The queen said without any hesitation.. ¡°Where did you leave the Waterbearer?¡± The queen asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I was lost.¡± Seren said. ¡°I was found by some of the guards after wandering about for a bit.¡±

    Are you sure?¡± The queen pushed. The whole room dropped in temperature. Becoming so cold Eric and the king¡¯s breath could be seen.

    (*)¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Seren said. The tension was thick and Seren felt a weight trying to push into their mind. Seren pushed back on impulse. Not sure what the feeling was but knowing it was foreign and that was enough. After a tense moment the queen settled down and held their head.

    ¡°Very well.. That is all.¡± The queen¡¯s voice was cold and the glass mirror behind the fireplace cracked. ¡°You are excused.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Seren said and bowed. Eric followed out a half step behind them. Both were silent on the walk out of the palace and to the waiting carriage. But as soon as the door was closed Eric looked at Seren accusingly.

    ¡°What happened?¡± He asked. ¡°What did you do?¡±

    ¡°The queen thought I was lying so they tried to get into my mind and I pushed them out.¡± Seren said they felt guilty but reminded themself they did nothing wrong. ¡°The glass probably broke because of the pressure.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you warn me the queen was a fae?¡± Eric asked, though the accusatory tone didn¡¯t soften.

    ¡°I honestly didn¡¯t think we¡¯d see her. I thought it would just be the king.¡± Seren said.

    ¡°And you being fae?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡± Seren said, though Eric didn¡¯t look convinced. ¡°Reading can give me a lot of knowledge but it doesn¡¯t mean I know everything.¡± Eric didn¡¯t say anything just gave them an I told you so look. Seren pressed their lips together.

    ¡°I kinda like that sometimes, don¡¯t I?¡± Seren asked. Eric nodded but smiled.

    ¡°At least you¡¯re learning.¡± He said.