It seems to take hours. Fen and Ace are both sweaty and dirty by the time they are done.
I stand and stretch, dusting plaster off my body in vain. I look down the hole they created. "How will you get it out?" I ask.
They dug a space around the casket. Both men jump into the hole and grab the lid.
"Together?" asks Ace.
"Together."
They push open the casket, and the lid clatters to the ground.
"Shit," Fen says, looking inside.
I move closer to see and then gag and pull away. "What happened to him?" His body is a blackened shriveled up lump. Nothing resembling a man remains.
"Someone has defiled his body," Ace says, frowning. "We'll never get any answers from him now."
Fen slams his fist on the side of the casket. "Who ever did this knew we were coming."
Ace's eyes go wide. "Wait. You think it was me?"
"No." Fen grabs the lid and covers the casket once again. "But it was someone on the High Council."
Realization dawns on Ace's face. "You think the vote tipped them off. They knew we'd come here even without permission. At least, they suspected."
Fen clasps his brother's shoulder. "Arianna cannot stay with each prince. It is not safe."
"But the contract... no. You're right. We'll find a way."
"What does this mean?" I ask.
"It means you are in more danger than we realized," says Fen. "Tomorrow night we'll head back to your world. In the meantime, keep your guards and Baron close. I need to have a chat with my brothers privately."
"Don't do anything stupid," I say.
He smiles, but it's a smile full of menace. "They are the ones who should be worried."
***
I spend the next day working on my sword, which is nearly done thanks to Kayla's help. And that night, Fen keeps his promise and takes me home.
It doesn't take long for the boat to arrive at the magic mirror that will whisk us back to the mansion. I'm excited to see my friends but the worry that weighs on Fen also effects me. There are too many unknowns, too many dangers: the Fae who tried to kidnap me, a killer amongst the princes. All of it is tied to my mother's fate. Still, I try to let it all go for a few hours so I can enjoy my time in my world. "How will I explain who you are to my friends?"
"A business acquaintance?" he suggests.
"Who insists on being with me every single moment of my very personal visit to see my dying mother and visit my best friends?"
He frowns. "What do you suggest?"
"You'll have to pretend to be my boyfriend," I say.
He doesn't reply, but I know I have him.
Baron isn't happy we are leaving without him, but how could we possibly explain a giant white wolf with us? He is much too wolfy to pass as a Husky or mix. So we leave him at Stonehill and promise to be back soon. I only get half a day—or a night rather, but I'm going to make the most of it.
As we step out of the mansion and the limo pulls up to greet us, I realize I haven't had to worry about cars for a few weeks, and I actually forgot I'd need one when in Portland.
I tremble as I climb into the back. Fen sits next to me, though there were other seats, and he holds my hand. "We can overcome our fears," he says quietly, as we pull away from the mansion.
I squeeze his hand, pulling it closer to my body, enjoying the weight of his arm over my legs. I want more of this closeness, but he only offers it for comfort, not for pleasure or true intimacy.
It has the intended result. I'm no longer scared of being in a car. Perhaps everything I've gone through in hell has changed me. I breathe deeply and smile, enjoying a car ride for the first time in my life.
"I assume you'll want to see your mother first?"
I nod, and we head to the hospital. It's a bit of a culture shock, being back in Portland. The city is too loud, too bright, too different. I'm wearing my old clothes, and Fen's trench coat, and I have my cell phone. I changed once we got to the mansion. So did Fen, who still looks wild and untamed. I feel more like myself than I've felt in the last few weeks, but less at home. It makes no sense to me.
I text Es on the way to the hospital.
Hey girl. I have a layover here for a few hours. Am checking on my mom and hoped we could meet for coffee?
Her reply is nearly instant.
Omgomgomgomg I've missed the hell out of you! Where are they keeping you locked up? No phone? No internet? No love?
Fen is reading over my shoulder and frowns. "You cannot tell her the truth."
I roll my eyes at him. "No kidding."
Not locked up. Just super busy. We are doing international meetings, lots of no-internet zones, but mostly just buried in books and research. Omg so much research. My head might explode from it all.
Not totally a lie, either. Reading by candlelight until all hours of the night isn't great for the head.
Can't wait to see you. Come by Roxy after seeing mom. I'll take a break. Everyone else would love to see you 2.
I smile.
Will do. Have someone for you to meet too. <3
I put my phone away as we park, knowing Es will be dying from suspense. I don't even bother checking the bajillion messages, texts and phone calls she and Pete have been leaving. My Facebook has blown up with too many tags and comments to check. Who knew I was so popular until I disappeared, literally, from the face of the earth.
My mom has been moved to a private room in the long term care wing, as promised by Asher, and I confirm with the nurse on duty that she is getting the best care available. When we enter her room, it is filled with fresh flowers and the curtains are open to let in some light. "I wonder who sent the flowers."