By Fairy Means or Foul: A Starfig Investigations Novel(12)

I snickered, but not because what he said was funny.

“That’s what everyone assumes and what my father lets creatures believe. The truth isn’t as glamorous. And, as you heard, dear old dad is all about reputation.”

I could tell he wanted me to elaborate. He didn’t ask though.

“Can you also pop places without the aid of a magical artifact?”

“No.” I left it at that. I struggled with popping even with a magical artifact because it didn’t know whether to interact with my dragon’s magic or my fairy’s. Magical artifacts tended to malfunction in my hands, sometimes to hilarious—or not so hilarious—results. “There’s some more harebringers stew if you get hungry.” I stood. “I shouldn’t be more than a couple hours.”

“Where are you going?”

“No time like the present to get the horn back.”

Quinn got to his feet. “I think you should take me with you.”





4





I laughed, looked him up and down. He was nicely built for a human, but size didn’t make much difference in this realm. Not without some magic to back it up. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I know a lot about Lapus and the way he operates. I’m also pretty good at getting into places. Um, places where I’m not supposed to be.”

“So, you are a thief. I figured as much.”

“What? No! I just like puzzles. Most locks are puzzles of some sort. Like take yours. You used your handprint to gain entrance, but with the right herb, I can mimic it.” He rummaged around in his bag and pulled out a leather purse. Opening it, he took out several smaller pouches. He selected one, untied it, and put a pinch of some kind of powder in his hand. It began to glow. “Shake my hand.”

“Why?”

“Just try it. It’s not anything harmful. I promise.”

“Fine.” I gripped his hand and a shiver raced down my spine that was reminiscent of Brandsome’s touch. The herb? Or more of the unicorn’s magic?

Releasing me, he then approached the door, placing his palm against the latch. The door unlocked.

I sucked in a harsh breath. Wow. I’d heard some humans were good with herbs, but I never saw anything like this during my time in their realm. “You must have been some thief. No wonder you were sold into servitude.”

Quinn’s eyes narrowed. “I said, I’m not a thief. I’ve just always liked plants. My mother was an herbalist.”

“Uh huh.” Apparently, he took me for an idiot.

“You don’t believe me.” He rubbed briskly at the back of his neck. “Figures.”

“If not a thief, then why are you in the Elder?”

“That’s none of your business.” His tone had turned defensive, his eyes wary.

“So you’re either a criminal or you voluntarily sold yourself. Which would you rather I think?”

“You can think whatever you want.”

The silence stretched between us. I didn’t have time for this.

“Well, I don’t need your help. Rainbowpebbles is dangerous. I wouldn’t want to worry about protecting you.”

“Who says I’d need your protection?” He puffed out his chest. “I’ve made it this far.”

“Under Brandsome’s safe-keeping. The Elder is no place for non-magical creatures.”

“So you’re one of those. I should have known you were like everyone else in this damnable realm.” His jaw ticked and his fists clenched.

“Those?” Was it wrong his anger amused me?

“A magicusist.”

“A what, now? I don’t even think I can get my tongue to say that.”

“Magicusist. You think because you’re magical you’re better than me.”

“Whoa there, Blondie, I think you’re reading way too much into my words.”

“Am I?” He glared. “And my name is Quinn.”

“Look, Quinn, I don’t think you’re less, but you don’t have the magical defenses the rest of us rely on in the Elder. Being non-magical isn’t a bad thing in itself, but I’m not crashing a tea-party. Rainbowpebbles wouldn’t hesitate to hurt you.”

“Or you.”

I chortled. “I’m a dragon. We’re hard to kill.”

“Half.”

“What?”

“Half-dragon, right?”

“And your point?” I huffed. I hated being reminded I wasn’t fully dragon or fairy. I was a one-of-a-kind creature that didn’t fit into either world.

“Have you been accepted here among the tiny, cute fairies, fae, and sprites? I mean, look at you. You’re huge. And definitely not cute.”

“Wow, you know how to stroke a guy’s ego.” I practically growled. “Make yourself at home. I’ll probably return late.”

“Wait! I-I didn’t mean that like it sounded. I just meant that since you’re not exactly the typical member of the Alphae Guild, haven’t you experienced discrimination? That’s what every day is like for me.” He blushed as he said it. It took the edge off my anger.

Okay, yeah, being a half-breed sucked. I didn’t fit in. I towered over all the other tiny Alphae members, yet I was too small to fly with a dragon clan—if I could even completely shift, which I couldn’t. Not surprisingly, I was chased out.