“Aribella?” Her delicate voice rang out, breaking our stunned silence.
I dropped to my knees, bringing my face closer to where she stood.
“How do you know my name?”
She danced closer to me and, as if sensing safety, the rest of the inhabitants followed.
“Josian speaks of you often,” she trilled. “Did we not stock enough food for you?”
So apparently it was cave fairies who had stocked the place.
Lucy and I walked back to the kitchen in silence. I wasn’t sure about her, but I felt like a little kid discovering fairy tales were real. Everyone turned as we stepped into the lit room. They were sitting around the table eating plates piled high with eggs and smoked meat.
“Where have you two been?” Talina asked. “Usually we have to fight you off to get any food.”
“We were just in fairy land,” Lucy practically screeched. “Like tinka-bell, fairy godmother, grant-me-a-wish miniature land. They sounded like bells, freaking bells and tiny prancing feet.”
“Is this an Earth thing?” Colton side-whispered. “What are they talking about?”
Brace leveled his gaze on me. “You found the lalunas?”
I shook my head. “Lalunas are stones. These were tiny little people.”
“You know the lalunas are their own worlds? That’s what happens when one is broken.”
Colton launched to his feet. “No gods damn way. Josian has a functioning laluna world?”
Brace nodded. “Yes, they’ve been with him since the beginning of time. They chose to break free of their walls.”
“So, let me get this straight: that blue stone that follows Abbs everywhere has fairies inside?” Lucy crinkled her brow. “How do they fit?”
Brace tilted his head, his smile broadening. “More like the essence of ... fairies, as you call them. Once the stone is destroyed the power it contains will manifest into the laluna people and their world. You must be careful of them. They are ancient, powerful and dangerous. Josian is the only one they care for or are loyal to.”
“So if my laluna exploded –?” I started.
“You would be the only one to control them. You’re their bonded guide.”
“If they break free without a guide?” I watched him closely.
His eyes darkened. “You must hope that never happens. They are beyond our ability to contain, and they have no clear emotions or control without the help of a guide.”
Lucy sighed. “They seemed so cute and sweet.”
Brace nodded. “They have spent many years with Josian. He has tamed them somewhat. But never accept gifts or advice from them. You don’t want to owe them. Always seek Josian’s help if you need them for anything.”
“What can they do?” Dune asked.
“Everything,” Brace said. “They have the ability of creation and destruction at their fingertips.”
I looked at Luce. “Well, at least we know where our shirts came from.”
I managed to stay away from them for the rest of our time there, even though their power continued to call me. I’d had enough of manipulation by powerful entities. They seemed to screw with my head all too easily. My own laluna had not arrived in a long while, but I knew it would be back when I needed it.
“I can’t believe we have to leave tomorrow.” Fury was sprawled across the soft rug in the television room. “I don’t think I’ve been this relaxed in years.” Her head was cushioned on Dune’s stomach.
“Personally I think I’ve gained ten pound from all of this amazing food,” Lucy said, throwing her head back and trying to catch popcorn as I launched it at her.
Colton snorted. Lucy spun around to glare at him.
“What’s that snort for, Coltonnn?” She dragged his name out.
“I’ve never understood why women stress about gaining weight. Personally, the more curves the better for me.”
“Well, you just shot to the top of my list.” Interest was written across Lucy’s face.
“What list?” he asked.
She shook her head, refusing to say more.
“Seriously, where is this list located?”
I smiled to myself. She was going to torment him with this. I just hoped she wouldn’t get in too deep with this Walker. I really liked Colton, but he had ‘player’ written all over him.
That night as I lay in Brace’s arms I let out a contented sigh.
“Is it wrong that I kind of don’t want to go back in the morning?” I missed my parents, but this felt like such an escape from our responsibilities.
He tightened his arms. My head shifted on his tensed bicep.
“I know what you mean. My instincts are telling me to throw you over my shoulder and escape somewhere.” His lips brushed my cheek. “But since you tend to frown and kick me where it hurts when I go all caveman, I’ve discarded that plan.”