Silver Flame

"Where is this place located?" I ask.

"Portland," Fen says. "So that part of your contract will be fulfilled."

"And my mom will be safe… "

He nods and I squeeze his hand and smile.

"So, The Black Lotus is conveniently in Portland?" I raise an eyebrow at that.

"More like you were conveniently in Portland," Fen says. "Our mansion is there because it's a useful location for our work with other beings in addition to the humans. It's likely what drew your mother to that area. Portland has a pull for those embroiled in the otherworldly, which your mother certainly was, even if she was only human."

"I'm going to pretend, for the sake of our relationship, that you didn't just say only human in relation to my mother. Them's fighting words, mister. Prince of hell or not." I'm still so tired, and so weak, and in so much pain, and things are still so bleak for us all, but I do my best to bring some levity into our situation. To laugh. To tease. To find some semblance of normality in all this.

Fen's face is tight, and strained by worry and anger and tension, but he sees what I'm trying to do and relaxes, if only marginally. He bows graciously and uses the same light tone I employed, though there is still a seriousness in his eyes when they lock with mine. "Please accept my apologies, Princess. I have only the utmost respect for humans."

I smile at his attempt. "Apology accepted. But don't let it happen again, or my royal punishment will be swift and merciless."

Fen laughs.

Dean clears his throat. "Do you two want a room? And some company?" He winks at both of us. "Could be fun."

"Ugh, you're gross," I say.

"You won't be saying that when our month is through, Princess," Dean says seductively, his teasing transforming into something serious. I can feel his pull, the hormones or pheromones or whatever magic makes him irresistible, but it doesn't make me lose my way. Dean is not the one I want.

The cavern we are in fills with the sound of running water. And it glows with crystals infused with some kind of magic. They hang from above us and jut out from the walls in all manner of shapes and sizes. A waterfall flows over them and into a small pool. It's a magical sight.

"The Mirror is behind the waterfall," Dean says, as he strips off his shirt and steps into the pool of water.

"Really?" I ask, eyeing his torso. "You know the shirt's going to get wet whether you wear it or hold it."

He grins like a mischievous boy. "But it's more comfortable off than on. And how could I deprive you of this view?" He flexes his muscles for me and I can't help but laugh. Fen just grunts.

"I thought there were no mirrors in the seven realms?" I say.

Dean laughs. "Not officially, but we are demons. By our very nature we don't follow rules. So each Prince keeps a secret mirror in his realm. For emergencies."

Fen smirks. "And I still wish you never knew about mine. You seem to have a difficult time with the word… emergencies."

"Hey? When have I ever dropped by without good reason? Except for that one time. And that other time. And the time with the drinking doesn’t count. Drinking’s important."

Their playful banter puts me more at ease, and I step into the pond. The water is warmer than I thought it would be. Almost hot. And it eases the cold aches in my bones and washes off the stink of the dungeon. I stand under the waterfall for a moment longer than necessary, letting it soak through my hair and cleanse me as much as it can. I can feel the grime and dirt peeling off my skin, and I sigh in temporary happiness. Now I just need some soap and proper toothpaste. When I remember we are returning to my world, my happiness soars at the prospect of plumbing and modern conveniences, assuming The Black Lotus has such things.

Fen pulls me past the water until we face a mirror built into the rock. It looks like it's made of some kind of reflective crystal. My image is distorted, looking as if from a surrealist dream, and of course Fen and Dean don't appear in the reflection at all.

Dean grabs my hand and squeezes. "Ready, Princess?"

I nod, and the three of us walk through, with a wolf at our heels.

***

Baron has never traveled with us to my world, so I don't know what to expect when we arrive. But we couldn't leave him behind this time, not when we are Inferno's most wanted. I'm relieved to see he managed the trip safely, and transformed just enough to blend into my world. He's smaller, looking more like a wild dog than an oversized wild wolf.

I smile and pat his head. "You're strong, aren't you boy? You need to teach Yami that trick. When he returns."

Fen looks at me curiously.

"I'm told when his magic is stronger he'll be able to take a form in other worlds, but not yet. Now he turns into jewelry. Really cool jewelry, but still, jewelry." I put a hand on my throat, the ache of missing my little dragon a physical pain.

"And Baron?"

I shrug. "He's been with you for many years. He's already very strong. So are you, I imagine. Once you practice. He should grow even more powerful. He should also be able to disappear around those he does not wish to be seen by. Has he done that yet?"

"Um, I don't know. I didn't ask."

I laugh and Baron barks and walks in a circle before settling between me and Fen, who no longer acts quite as grumpy that his wolf seems as loyal to me as to him. Right now I'm glad of that small comfort. I wish I knew what became of Yami. Surely he's not gone for good? He can't be, not while I yet live.