Something Wicked This Way Comes

Chapter 28

Antigone just managed to bite down her burning hot anger as she and Claire followed the fae girl through the fields. She hated the secrets lingering in the stranger's voice and eyes as she led them to gods-know-where. Knowing they were on the precipice of one of the world's eldest magic focal points did nothing to quell her fear, and her annoyance.

What got her even more was the wolpertinger the fae held in her arms like a beloved child. The creature was evidently sick, that much Antigone could tell. It reeked of dark magic.

"Where are you taking us?" Antigone asked.

Selenia gave her a smile over her shoulder. It was a sweet smile, not unlike the kind ones she'd received from Hisirdoux often in the last week or so. "I'd rather thought you'd like to get out of the cold, miss."

Antigone scowled. "Maybe, but not to be murdered in the dead of night."

She laughed. "Ma'am, believe me, I am no match for two powerful sorceresses. I'm a caretaker, not a fighter."

Beside her, Claire gave a hum. Antigone let her gaze fall to her only companion, stiffening at what she saw. Claire was studying the girl, eyes flickering purple with her magic. The magic dissipated and Claire gave her an encouraging smile. One that clearly meant, "She won't hurt us". While comforting to a degree, it didn't do much to stop Antigone from fearing the worst.

Through the darkness, a little wooden cottage came into view. Selenia bounced up to the door, humming a soft tune. She shoved the door open with her shoulder, letting the two wizards pass her by. The inside was small, but comfortable. It was a cottage meant for two, a main living area right in the entrance, a modest kitchen to the left, and through another door that was ajar, a tiny bedroom.

"Do you live with anyone else?" Antigone asked, suspicion lining her tone. She didn't care to mask it.

"My husband," Selenia answered, a soft smile flitting over her features. "He's not here, though. He's part of the king's personal guard, and well, you know how these things can be."

Claire gave a nod. "Trust me, I do."

Antigone gave her a look.

Claire shrugged and smiled. "My boyfriend is a Divine King, Tiggs. He's got all sorts by his side making sure he's safe."

"Tiggs?" She questioned.

Claire flashed a smile. "Nickname. You earned it."

"I doubt that."

"Well," Selenia said, depositing the poor creature she'd been holding onto a nearby chair. "Far be it from me to be a rude host. Please, sit!"

Claire, clearly getting more comfortable by the moment, did. She pulled Antigone down next to her.

"What are you doing?" Antigone hissed.

"She's not dangerous," Claire whispered. "A little excitable? Sure, but there's nothing wrong with that. She kind of reminds me of Douxie."

Antigone scowled and crossed her arms. "Clearly you know nothing of the fae."

"I know they're magic, just like us." Claire said, brows furrowing. "What's so bad about them?"

"They're twisted," Antigone whispered, glancing at Selenia.

Who was preparing tea and some sort of snack in the kitchen, not listening to their conversation.

"Antigone—"

"Claire," Antigone gave her a serious look. One, she hoped, conveyed the fact that she knew more about this than Claire did. She'd spent so much of her life being taught about magic and its creatures by—