by Sarah Noffke
For a very long time, she’d been planning to destroy a single place. Doing so had gotten extremely complicated when the magicians had increased security. She gripped the vial of blood in her hands, overjoyed that the day had finally come when she could destroy the House of Seven.
The council forced their laws on other magical races, holding a supreme rule over most, and when Queen Visa had tried to resist their influence or turn others against them, she’d met much resistance. And their Warriors! They were always creating problems for the queen and her fae. However, that was all about to change. With no police enforcing laws, the world could work the way it was supposed to: in complete chaos.
Because of the House of Seven, Queen Visa had been unable to overrun the elves in the Pacific. The gnomes had refused to work with her, on the advice of a Warrior, and they had stepped in every time she’d tried to eliminate the fairy population.
And then a treasure had strolled into Queen Visa’s kingdom, changing everything.
When Warrior Beaufont had first tried to negotiate with the queen, she’d had no intention of complying. Then the dumb girl had offered Queen Visa the one thing she’d been looking for a long time: her blood.
Yes, she could have killed the magician on the spot. That would have been momentarily satisfying, but it wouldn’t serve any long-term good. Queen Visa had tried spilling a Warrior’s blood at the threshold of the House of Seven, but it had done nothing, not opening the door for her. She’d had to dispose of the pest in the kingdom of the Fae so the council didn’t figure out what she was trying to do. That was when she’d realized that the blood of a Royal had to be freely given in order to work.
And the idiot magician had strolled into her kingdom and given her exactly what she needed to destroy the House of Seven.
Queen Visa stood on the boardwalk outside the faux entrance to the House in Santa Monica, her long red dress billowing in the wind as the Pacific Ocean crashed on the shore at her back. She patted the head of the large black bear sitting next to her on his leash. Bruiser was Queen Visa’s most trusted companion. She treasured no one more than the bear, who had been by her side during every battle for the last three hundred years. Bruiser would ensure that the destruction of the House and its Royals was swift. No one would be left alive when they were done.
Lame mortals strode around the queen of the fae, thinking she was walking a large dog. They never saw things for what they were because they lacked intelligence. Queen Visa’s first act after destroying the House of Seven would be to eliminate the pesky mortals, something she’d gotten in trouble for many a time based on the House’s laws. No more, though.
Maybe she would keep a few mortals alive, but they would be the fae’s slaves. The House of Seven was short-sighted in protecting other races. They didn’t get that, as the ones with magic, they should be exerting their dominance over the weaker race. The fae were undoubtedly the most powerful of all, but they had been forced to live in the shadows, conforming to ridiculous laws. Queen Visa had had enough. Today that would all change.
She stepped forward, the giant bear following her. When she came to the door of the palm-reading shop, Queen Visa uncorked the vial of Liv Beaufont’s blood. With a wicked smile on her face, she emptied the vial on the threshold and waited for the door to swing open, granting her access to the House of Seven.
Nothing happened.
Queen Visa narrowed her eyes, giving it another few seconds.
Still nothing happened, and unstoppable rage coursed through the queen, lighting a white-hot flame inside her.
The door hadn’t opened, and that could mean only one thing: this wasn’t Liv Beaufont’s blood.
Which meant she would soon be dead.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“You brought us to the fashion district in LA?” Liv asked in disbelief, looking at the banner for Santee Alley hanging over a street clogged with mortals shopping for good deals.
Rory gazed around, seemingly trying to locate something on the busy street.
When he didn’t answer, Liv said, “Did you need Soph’s and my help picking out a suit? Is this where giants get their clothes because they get the best deals on extra-extra-extra-large jeans?”
Rory gave her a patient expression. “We’re not here for clothes.”
Liv looked down at Sophia, who was wearing a pink-and-white-striped dress jacket buttoned all the way up to her chin. She looked like she’d stepped out of twentieth-century London, with the hat on her head and carrying her parasol. Sophia Beaufont was a timeless beauty who had apparently inherited all the class that had skipped Liv.
“Maybe the giant wants our help picking out some high-tops,” Liv mused in a loud whisper. “I hear one can get good deals if they know how to haggle.”
Sophia giggled, her eyes wide as she watched the various characters peddling their wares and trying to get customers to come into their booths.
“I don’t wear high-tops,” Rory said simply, looking both ways before crossing the street.
“Birkenstocks, then,” Liv said at once, crossing with him, holding Sophia’s small hand.
He shook his head, towering over the crowd.
“Is this a wardrobe intervention?” Liv asked. “Did your mother put you up to this?”
Rory glared down at her. “It may surprise you, but I don’t even notice how you dress. Actually, I hardly notice you, runt.”
Liv laughed, glad to finally have gotten a reaction out of him. “How is Mummy? Has she found anything?”
Rory cut his eyes to the side, paranoia written on his face. “I don’t think so, but our communication is limited.”
“Like you only Facetime morning, afternoon, and evening?” Liv asked, holding tight to Sophia as the crowd around them thickened.
“Speaking of which,” Rory began, “I don’t think you should go to the Matterhorn yet.”
“But the doctor said that a brainwave—”
The scolding look on Rory’s face cut her off. “I remember what you told me. No details here. There are many, many magical creatures in this place.”
Liv studied the people around them. Most of them appeared to be tourists who liked to buy knockoffs while eating cotton candy. “Where are these magical creatures?”
Rory rolled his eyes. “All over. How do you not see them?”
Taking another glimpse around, Liv immediately spied what he meant, almost like his words had made them appear. Hanging out in a row of handbags were fearsome-looking gremlins, who ducked into the purse every time a mortal got too close. Flying between the rafters of a nearby swimsuit shop were fairies, sprinkling sparkly dust on the customers. And the jewelry shop that was filled with mortals was most assuredly run by gnomes. They were all hiding in plain sight, but the mortals didn’t even seem to notice them. No one even paid attention to Rory, who towered above the crowd.
“Oh, there they are…” Sophia said, apparently having seen all the magical creatures about the same time that Liv did.
“You’re much more observant than your sister,” Rory said to the young magician. “Which is why I’ve agreed to get you this item today. I think you’re worthy of it.”
“Wait, that was a compliment,” Liv argued.
“And?” Rory asked.
“You’ve never given me a compliment,” she complained.
“Haven’t I?” he asked.
“Oh, that’s fine,” she said, crossing her arms. “I risk my life to save the giants and get you that sword, and you act like my existence is a constant annoyance to you.”
“Act?” he questioned, striding through the alley, many parting to make way for the giant.
“Ha-ha,” Liv said. “Well-played, giant. I thought you were allergic to jokes.”
“Just bad ones,” he retorted. “So, the ones you tell.”
“My jokes are fantastic,” Liv countered.
“About the Matterhorn,” Rory said, his face growing more serious. “We know it’s a dangerous place based on wh
at happened to your parents. I think more research needs to be done before you venture there.”
Liv nodded. She was antsy to go to this place that could hold answers, but Rory was right that she needed to be careful. “I thought about starting by going to the burned-down beach house where Ian and Reese…” Her voice trailed away when she saw the traumatized expression jump to Sophia’s face.
Thankfully she didn’t have to finish her sentence. Rory knew what she was referring to. “I think that needs to wait, too. What I think you should do is more research. You don’t even know what you’re looking for right now, so you might miss it.”
“I’ve been researching,” Liv stated, frustration growing in her. With each day that passed, she felt like she was letting her family down by not making progress.
“Yes, but there’s still more to do,” Rory encouraged, his tone actually sensitive. “You mentioned that bit about John. I think that’s worth looking into more.”
Liv nodded. “Yes, I’m having him dig up his old family records. And I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am,” he stated plainly. “If you’re caught in either one of those locations, it will throw too much suspicion on you. For now, I actually think you need to take the break the council has given you and relax a little. You’ve been going nonstop between cases.”
He was right, and Liv appreciated the sentiment, even if it wasn’t a compliment. She and Trudy had proudly informed the council that they’d remedied the werewolf issue in Lupei and there wouldn’t be any more problems. Adler appeared mildly irritated but hid it well, dismissing them both at once, saying they didn’t have another case for them yet. Apparently, he’d expected them to be gone for a lot longer. Or killed.
“You did promise to take me for nachos,” Sophia said excitedly. “Can we do that?”
Liv beamed. “Good idea! And yes, we’ll do that, and I’ll teach you how to play video games and board games, and we can—”
Rory held up a hand. “Before you go making a lot of plans, Sophia might be busy after we leave here.”
Liv arched an eyebrow at him. “Busy how?”
“I just think she’ll have extra responsibility.” He glanced down at the little magician. “That’s okay with you, isn’t it?”
“Oh, yes!” she exclaimed.
“What do you have up your sleeve, Ro?” Liv asked skeptically.
“An arm,” he answered matter-of-factly.
Liv was about to make another joke when a short, round woman ran up to Rory, throwing her arms around his waist. It looked like she tried to pick him up as she rocked back on her heels, but he merely tilted slightly, his face blossoming into a fantastic shade of red.
“There’s the man who saved my business,” the woman said in broken English.
Rory fought to get out of her grasp, but she had her head pressed to his waist and her eyes closed as she squeezed him.
“Oh, this should be interesting,” Liv said to Sophia out of the corner of her mouth.
Finally Rory was able to peel the woman off him. “It was nothing,” he said to the girls before looking down at the woman. “Ms. Krucken, you’re looking well.”
The woman wiped tears from her eyes, smiling broadly and revealing several blackened teeth. “Thank you, but if I am, it is only because of your generosity, you big strong man.”
“Whatever did you do for this lovely lady?” Liv asked, sidling up next to the woman. Ms. Krucken had several warts on her chin, as well as a fair bit of facial hair.
Rory waved her off, shaking his head at the short woman. “It was nothing, and definitely not something we need to talk about.”
“Nothing!” the woman yelled, gaining attention from several passersby. “When this strapping young lad found out my business was going to close, he paid my mortgage for the next two years, giving me the money I needed to keep things going.” She wagged a finger at Rory. “The bank wouldn’t tell me who did it, but I know it was you. Simon said he saw you in the bank the day before, talking to my account manager, all shush-shush.”
“Wow! Is this true, you big, strong man?” Liv asked Rory, who looked like he wanted to crawl into a large hole.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Rory said, looking around like he was suddenly late for an appointment.
The woman laughed, slapping Rory on the arm. “He knows what he did, and he’s a saint. I owe everything I have to him. I plan to repay you as soon as things are better.”
Rory shook his head. “No, that’s not necessary. Please don’t—”
“So you did do it,” Liv said proudly, grateful to finally have caught him in the act of doing something nice, or kind of.
“No, it’s all a misunderstanding,” Rory stated in a rush.
“So humble,” the woman said, smiling at Liv. “And is this your wife and daughter? They sure are…compact compared to you.”
Sophia laughed. Liv grimaced. Rory’s red shade deepened.
“I look old enough to be her mother?” Liv asked, pointing at her sister. “I do need to take a break from working so much.”
“And take vitamins, and stop eating so many carbs,” Rory muttered.
“We’re his friends,” Sophia said cheerfully. “He’s taking me to get a present.”
Ms. Krucken clapped her hands together. “Oh, that sounds like my knight in shining armor. Such a blessed soul.”
“Well, we better be off,” Rory said hurriedly. “Good to see you again, Ms. Krucken. Please take care.”
He grabbed Liv, who had a hold of Sophia’s hand, by the back of her collar and dragged them through the horde of people. When they had reached a less congested area, he released them, looking like he’d just run a marathon.
Liv gave him a huge smile and winked. “You really are a man of mystery, aren’t you, you big, strong knight?”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Apparently, Rory didn’t like any of the jokes Liv told as they wove their way through the open market. His expression remained sour as he kept his head down, like he might be recognized by someone again and have more of his secrets exposed. Liv kept a tight hand on Sophia, not releasing her even when they halted in front of a shop that sold hair extensions.
“This is where you’re buying my sister a present?” Liv asked, and peered down at her sister. “I’m sort of glad that the giant hasn’t taken a shine to me.”
“I’m not buying Sophia hair extensions,” Rory said dryly, looking around the store as if trying to locate someone.
“Oh, they are for you, then?” Liv quipped. “I’m not sure they will be able to match those curly brown locks of yours, but maybe if you get a Brazilian blowout and have it straightened, they can pair it up with something that blends in.”
Rory shot her a mock-contemptuous glare. “You are seriously ridiculous. You do realize that, right?”
Liv spun around, searching for the person he was referring to. When she didn’t find anyone, she turned back, pointing to herself. “You mean me? I’m the ridiculous one? I’m the only one in this group not attracting attention to myself because I’m unbelievably adorable or abnormally huge, and I’m the strange one between the three of us? Yeah, okay.”
“Come on,” Rory said, striding into the shop toward the back, where a small Asian woman was standing behind a counter.
“Ooki,” the woman exclaimed when she caught sight of Rory. “It’s been so long. How have you been?”
Rory bowed to her humbly with a fake smile on his face. “I’m well. And you?”
The woman’s eyes slid to Liv and Sophia as she nodded. Although her ears were glamoured, Liv knew she was an elf. For some reason, Liv got the distinct impression of water when she looked at the woman, which was the element that elves controlled and pulled from. This must have been how others had recognized her as a magician before she introduced herself. They must have just been able to feel her unique brand of magic.
“Is Shin here?” Rory asked.
“Yes, he’s in the back,�
�� the woman said, nodding to a curtain behind her.
Rory sidled around her and headed in that direction. Liv went to follow with Sophia in tow, but the woman stepped into their path and stopped them with a single hand.
“Ooki, can you vouch for these two?” the woman asked him, her eyebrows arching.
“Yes. The smaller one is fine, and the other one is a pain in the butt but still completely fine,” he answered.
“They won’t talk?” the woman questioned.
“Talk about what?” Liv asked.
The woman ran skeptical eyes over her. “We don’t like others to know what we sell back there. It’s private, and by invite only. Ooki has been invited, and if he vouches for you, you can go back there, but only if you don’t tell anyone that we’re here. We don’t need the wrong types of people noticing us.”
Liv nodded, wondering what the hell they were getting themselves into. “Yeah, we’ll keep it hush-hush. Don’t worry.”
Seemingly satisfied by this, the woman stepped aside, allowing Liv and Sophia to pass.
They followed Rory through a back curtain, where he had to duck down a narrow, dark hallway made of fabric curtains.
“What was that all about?” Liv asked.
“This shop, Zuma Zat, sells rare and hard-to-find things,” Rory explained in a whisper. “They don’t want the wrong types in here or to get attention for the stuff they sell.”
“Is it illegal?” Liv asked.
“Maybe by House of Seven standards,” Rory explained. “However, not for the rest of the magical community. And while we’re talking about it, don’t mention that you’re a Warrior. That’s the last thing we need.”
“You know, one day I’m going to find out what you do for a living and then tell you that you can’t talk about it because it’s taboo.”
Rory shook his head. “Seriously, how do you not know what I do? After all the time we’ve spent together?”
Liv looked over her shoulder at Sophia. “Am I missing something?”