The Winter Phoenix (WAYHAUGHT)

Friendship lost

Nicole's phone pinged with a text from Kevin. "Crap, forgot it's bingo night. I'd better call him."

"I wouldn't mention any of this," Wynonna offered, placing several slices of bread in the toaster.

"Duh. I'm having enough trouble trying to work this out, without trying to explain it to someone else. I'll tell him I've popped home to see my parents, who apparently aren't my parents, but are happy to provide me with themed knitwear."

"You really need to move past this sweater thing," Wynonna teased.

Kevin was understanding. Not the most dynamic of partners, but that suited Nicole just fine. Being told she had a wife helped explain some of the feelings she'd been struggling with. She'd almost asked out someone from her accountancy course, nerves getting the better, deciding comfortable Kevin was her limit. It wasn't just nerves preventing her from making a move. Rather, a strange feeling of it not being right, as though she would be cheating if she went with another. Now she knew why.

Three quick knocks on the front door had Nicole and Wynonna staring at each other. "Stay out of sight," Wynonna whispered as she went to see who it was.

Nicole crouched behind the sofa, instantly recognising the voice. "I have news. Grave news."

"Is Waverly okay?" Nicole asked, appearing. "Did you see her?"

"Alas not. I asked of her, but she has not been seen for some time."

"I must find her," Nicole said, an inexplicable panic suddenly overwhelming her. "She's in danger."

"You cannot return," Wynonna replied. "The treaty is binding. If you are caught in our world you will be executed without trial."

"The ice people have broken the treaty," Nicole's grandmother informed. "Bulshar seeks to control the Glades in your absence."

"So you're telling me we were totally played," Nicole said. "And, this Bulshitter guy gets to take over, and not me. How does that even work?"

"Because he cheated," her grandmother replied.

Nicole stared at both women. "Okay, okay. Explain to me how he has this advantage?"

"What of my people?" Wynonna interrupted. "What news of them?"

The older woman grabbed the back of a chair to steady herself. "A moment. A glass of water if you have it."

"Come," Nicole offered. "You must be exhausted. Wynonna get the whiskey."

Nicole helped her grandmother to the sofa, Wynonna offering a glass to the frail elderly woman. "Fear has swept through the kingdom. Many believe the fire breathers are in league with the ice people."

"I must go," Wynonna said. "My parents. I need to know they have found safety. Waverly too."

The older woman's hand shook as she lifted the glass to her lips. After several gulps of the liquid, watery eyes met Wynonna's. "I'm so dreadfully sorry. Those who could not escape in time were rounded up."

"Where are they?"

"They needed someone to blame for the worsening situation."

"Where are they?" Wynonna demanded.

The older woman's voice was but a whisper. "Those who didn't make it out were cast adrift on the Sea of Estlingan."

"No!" Wynonna cried out. "Tell me this is not so. Not my people."

"I don't understand," Nicole said. "What happened?"

"The sea serpents," her grandmother replied. "A travesty."