“I’m working it as a wizard. The spells trip up my fingers, though.”
“It’s not you. They’re working on an upgrade for that. You want my opinion?”
“Absolutely.”
“Shut off that wizard mode. Play the game as an evil pixie. You will kick everyone’s ass.” A mischievous gleams lights up her eyes when she says kick everyone’s ass.
“And is ass kicking the point of playing?”
She laughs. “There’s another?”
“Not in Magicorum Killers, that’s for sure.”
“You look so familiar, Fred.” She frowns. “Have I seen you somewhere before?”
My arms are itching to reach out for her again. Maybe now is the moment to reveal who I really am. Something tells me Elle won’t care either way.
A new voice interrupts us. “What’s going on here?” The speaker lurks in the shadows of the loading docks, just as I did a few minutes ago. Still, there’s no question who’s joined us.
Diamond.
I raise my pointer finger toward Elle. “One sec.” Next I turn around and shoot Diamond a quick wave. “Be right over.” When I look back, Elle is gone. Her wagon sits on the concrete, broken and alone. That fact makes me a lot sadder than it should.
As I approach Diamond, I check over my shoulder every few steps. Nope. Elle stays gone. By the time I near Diamond, there’s no mistaking the look of absolute rage that tightens my mother’s features.
“Why is that girl here?” she asks.
I hand over the signed receipt. “She had an order from MingMart. You asked Coco to get you the hottest stuff in giveaways for the press, remember? Big opening for L Center and all that.”
“MingMart.” Diamond glares at the spot where Elle just stood.
“All the girl did was drop off some boxes and go.”
“You were talking to her.”
Now I could tell the truth, but something makes me feel protective of Elle. “I signed a receipt, Diamond. That’s hardly a deep conversation.”
“That girl?” She points to the spot where Elle stood. “She’s not for you. Ever.”
I straighten my back. “Why?”
“Because I said so. And never breathe a word about this to your father.”
“Why would I tell Legend about some random delivery girl?”
Diamond throws up her hands. “You’re acting all kinds of strangely today. Why were you out here in the first place?”
“There’s a new Production Assistant. We got a little lost. She told me to wait here while she figures out where I should be for the run through.”
Diamond huffs out a breath. “That’s because the actual set is open today. We aren’t rehearsing in the hotel anymore.”
“Well, Clarissa got confused.”
“Oh, that makes sense.” Diamond rubs her temples with her fingertips. “I’m just worried about the show tonight, that’s all. Let’s find this Clarissa. We’re late for the dry run as it is.”
“Sure.”
I wasn’t lying to Diamond before, by the way. I’d never tell Legend about meeting Elle. Mostly because I want to see Elle again. Clearly, asking permission won’t get me that. Magic might.
Whatever it takes, I’ll find her.
12
Elle
I hustle my butt down Second Avenue. Poor Fred. That guy is in deep trouble. I couldn’t see who was calling to him, but whoever it was? They were seriously ticked off.
And it’s all my fault.
Ah, well. It’s probably for the best. I was getting way too chatty with Fred anyway. Plus, the guy definitely gave off some kind of magical signature. In other words, Fred is not human. And me? I’m the fae warden. Getting to know people with magic can only end with me getting exposed.
As I step along, I keep glancing back toward the L Center. Maybe I’m hoping Fred will step out and follow me.
Okay, I’m totally hoping Fred will appear.
He doesn’t, though. Which is probably for the best. Fred is a distraction. It’s time to move on and forget all about him.
And I will.
Maybe.
13
Alec
Hours later
Hours later, I stand backstage at the L Center. Our first show is almost finished. It went exactly as Charles described all those weeks ago.
Contestants step down a winding staircase.
Charles introduces them.
My parents ask questions.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
After a few hours of this, I walked out and named our new Le Charme Lady.
Now, we’re at the part of the show called the parade of sponsors. This is where different celebrities come out to explain the newest Le Charme Lady what she’ll be talking up for the next year because—surprise, surprise—those celebrities are contracted to the exact same companies. Funny how that stuff works out.
While all that fun goes down, I keep standing at stage right. From here, I can see the show proper, but no one can see me. Well, not unless you count Knox, who keeps glaring in my direction while pulling on the collar of his tux.
“I can’t believe you got me into this monkey suit,” he grumbles.
“Honestly, I’m shocked you showed up at all.”
“I rally, you know that. We wardens stick together.”
On stage, another celebrity sponsor marches up to our newest winner. Knox frowns. “Is that—“
“Hemorrhoid cream. Yes.”
Stage right is divided into sections. Knox and I stand in the area closest to the front. Curtains line up behind us. A new set drapes down every few yards. Voices sound. Some folks are chattering on the other side of the fabric closest to me and Knox.
“I don’t know how Legend does it,” says one guy. I recognize the voice. He’s Ekon Streng, a senior enchanter (which means he turns objects into living things).
“I’ll tell you how,” says a second man. “Legend’s latest mistress is none other than Amoura. Did you see her in that new movie, Lovesick? They say she’ll win an Oscar.”
I know this guy, too. It’s Kwon Bai. He’s another kind of wizard called a potion master.
When you have my life, this kind of thing happens more often than you’d think. It’s true that my father isn’t faithful. I hate it, but there’s not much I can do. Even so, I don’t want to stand around and listen to other people gossip about the situation. I’m about to cough and make my presence known.
That’s when Kwon says something that makes my hair stand on end.
“Don’t be too hard on Legend. It’s that Le Charme curse, you know.”
My gaze turns to Knox. My shifter buddy rolls his eyes and whispers one word. “Warden.”
No question what Knox means. As wardens, we’re under a supernatural curse. We’re supposed to find something called the Fountain of Magic. If we don’t find it—and then we get married anyway—our spouse will sicken and die. It isn’t something that I think about much. After all, I’m not a shifter. If Knox finds his life mate, then he’s sunk. His wolf won’t be happy until they have the equivalent of a shifter wedding. But me? I can stay a bachelor forever, no matter what my parents say about my Glass Slipper Ball.
Knox repeats the word. “Warden?”
“Probably,” I whisper.
Inside, I’m not so sure. The thing is, the warden curse isn’t specific to Le Charme. I’m a gemstone mage, so my tuxedo jacket is packed with hidden pockets and stones. Right now, all those gems feel extra heavy, like they’ll tear through my coat and plunk onto the floor. It’s my magic’s way of telling me that something is wrong here.
Inside my pocket, I grip an emerald in my fist. This variety can have divining powers. In my mind, I ask a question.
What’s wrong?
As a gem wizard, I do more than pull power from stones. We interact. In this case, the emerald replies in a warbling voice.
Danger, danger, danger.
I’m so focused on the message from my stone, I don’t eve
n notice when the show ends. At some point, my parents stand before me. I drop the stone and focus on my mother.
“What’s this about a Le Charme curse?” I ask.
Diamond’s nostrils flare. “Who told you that?”
“Kwon and Ekon were talking about it. I overheard.”
“I’ll have a chat with them.” Diamond rounds on Legend. “This is your family’s problem. I suggest you take Alec somewhere quiet to discuss.”
Translation? My mother wants no part of this.
Which means it’s bad.
Legend reaches into the pocket of his tuxedo coat and pulls out a handful of red gems. The stones glow in his hand. Tendrils of crimson mist swirl up around us.
My brows lift. “When Diamond said to discuss, I didn’t think it meant this minute.”
“It does.”
The mist surrounds us and we’re gone.
A moment later, we’re back in my family’s penthouse overlooking Manhattan. Legend dropped us off by the living room window. I type out a quick text to Knox.
MagicMan: Got called away. You can take off your straightjacket now.
FortMe: Thanks. Coming over to game.
MagicMan: Sounds like a plan.
I reset my cell into my jacket pocket and watch Legend pace around the living room floor.
“Want a drink?” asks my father. “I have soda and such.”
“No, thanks.”
Legend goes over to pour himself something alcoholic. After downing the shot, he refills his glass and heads over to the leather couch. “You’ll want to sit down for this.”
I cross the room while loosening my bow tie. All this while, my thoughts about a curse have led to one worry.
Shadowcoe.
These are dwarves, trolls, vampires and other beings that go bump in the night. Some have been helping out Le Charme for centuries.
Are they at risk?
I take a seat across Legend. “Does this have to do with our shadowcoe?”
“No.” Legend downs a healthy gulp of his drink. “I’m sorry, son. You need to know our family secret. You see, there’s a curse to being a Le Charme. All this wealth. Privilege. Attending West Lake Prep high school. But there’s a dark side to the Cinderella myth for us. Know how long Le Charme has been around?”
“More than a three centuries, both here and in Europe.”
“Quite right. In all that time, a son of Le Charme has always led this company. Each one has had a Glass Slipper Ball during his eighteenth year.”
“Sure. I know that.”
“Here’s what you’re unaware of. Each son of Le Charme walks into their glass slipper ball with one vow: never find his bride. Myself included. And each one walks out engaged, the deal sealed by the Queen of Hearts. It’s what happens to us.”
I scan my father’s face. There’s the camera-ready Legend, a guy who’s all charm and glamour. This is a different man altogether. Whatever my father is saying, he believes it.
“So what happens?” I ask.
“We all start off trying to make things work, but they never do. Within a few weeks—a month at most—it’s all over. Cinderella and her prince loathe each other.”
I can’t believe this. “You hate Diamond.”
Legend sighs. “How can you truly love with someone that you met for two minutes? For some it’s possible, but not the Le Charme boys.”
I turn this news over in my mind. Same parts simply don’t make sense. “I’m also the warden of all casters. I can’t get married anyway.”
“We’ll see about that. The Le Charme name can not die out. As long as we solve this warden problem by the time your eighteenth year, it’s fine.”
“And if we don’t?” The thought hangs out there. My bride will die. I don’t even get into the part where I don’t want to get married at eighteen. The death situation should be enough to end this idea.
“I said we’d figure it out. And after we do, I’ve some ideas for you. Better a loveless marriage than one filled with hate, right?”
“Not sure what you mean.” If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s this: never agree with Legend on something if you don’t know all the particulars.
“Diamond and I believe that Le Charme jewelers must stay in business. We’re working an option. Some folks in midtown have a magical item that might help us.” He takes another gulp from his glass. “In any case, we’ll find you a bride who’s useful to Le Charme.”
The word useful sticks in my brain. The stones in my pockets feel weighty once more. “Why would I need to be useful?What aren’t you telling me?”
“The company isn’t going bankrupt, if that’s what you mean.”
“I didn’t say it was.”
Which makes the fact that Legend even brought up bankruptcy all the more sketchy.
“Son, I understand that the idea of a wife can be overwhelming at your age, but once you’re eighteen…”
“I won’t marry at eighteen.”
Legend chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “We all say that. It’s the nature of the curse.”
As I watch Legend down the rest of his drink, I come to a big decision.
I don’t believe in curses. I’ll find a way out.
14
Elle
Two Weeks Later
New text flashes on my computer screen.
Congratulations, Elle Cynder! You have completed 52% of your freshman year of high school.
I’m about to close out the program when another message pops up.
As a Magicorum, you are required to check in with your local Denarii League.
The text goes on to explain how magic is fading from the world and Magicorum like me must be protected even if I’m challenged.
Challenged.
That’s their way of saying I’m a fairy without wings. Whatever. The notice goes on to say that the Denarii league can help me, blah blah blah. There’s even an address where I can stop by and meet my group facilitator.
Wow. That’s so not happening.
I scan the fine print. To get out of these group sessions, my parents need to send proof that I’m living by a proper fairy tale life template. No a problem. I’ll send Mom and Dad a link to the paperwork for this stuff; it’ll be fine.
With my school work over, it’s time for some fun. Gaming is tempting, but I still need money for what I call my Cinderella’s In Trouble Fund. So I open a browser for Magicweb. Within seconds, I’m scanning through postings on a message board for lost valuables. One catches my eye.
Vampire coven seeks lost pendant. Reward $200.
Now in New York, $200 will cover lunch and a taxi ride to New Jersey. Still it’s interesting. In my mind, lost jewels are like a puzzle. Who took the gems? Where might someone find them? And what if that someone was me? I keep on reading.
Jewel last seen in Manhattan. It’s three perfect emeralds set into gold disc. Reverse side contains runes of protection. Family heirloom. See image below.
Magical runes? That means most stores wouldn’t try to sell it. Not a lot of places would. The MITRE agency would be on your back in a hot minute. Only one human I know would carry this kind of item. Dirty Leon. If it’s dangerous and magical, it often ends up in Dirty Leon’s pawn shop.
I tap my chin and wonder. Dirty Leon’s store is just up the street. What would happen if I stopped by? Would I find the pendant?
I might find trouble, but it’s been a boring week.
Closing my eyes, I summon in my fae power and call out to my mousey friends.
Anyone nearby? Need some help here.
A minute later, one of my favorite animal buddies skitters across my desk. It’s Gustav the mouse. He’s a little grey guy with big eyes like black marbles. He sits back on his haunches.
“Do I look fat to you?” asks Gustav.
I shake my head. “I am not having this conversation with you again.”
“So I’m fat.”
“You are a sleek and gorgeous marsupia
l.” Gustav needs fresh compliments. I have to look up new words online in my spare time.
Gustav runs his little hands over his pointed nose. “Thank you.”
I tap the computer screen. “You see this pendant? I think it may be at Dirty Leon’s. Can you go check out?”
Gustav sighs. “I’m not sure.”
“I’ll get you some Cheerios.”
“And a candy bar?”
Now he’s just getting greedy.
“How about we work out another outfit for Halloween?” I made Gustav wear a tiny shirt four years ago. He still lives in terror of it, considering that be believed it showed off his so-called love handles.
“I’ll go! I’ll go!” Gustav skitters off toward the window.
Once Gustav is gone, the door behind me swings open. The scent of rose-hips and rotting leaves wafts into the room. Only one person carries that particular stench. Marchesa. I quickly click back from the Magicweb to my online classes. The less Marchesa knows about my actual interests, the better.
“Don’t mind me,” she says. Like always, she wears a fitted black dress. “I’m just dusting.” Marchesa then raises her dust cloth as evidence.
Totally believable. In another universe.
After that, Marchesa does zero in the way of actually removing anything that looks like dust from anywhere in my parent’s office. Instead she checks behind chairs, scans inside filing cabinets, and generally snoops around.
No question what she’s looking for.
“It’s not here,” I say.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“The Coffer of Wonders. My parents hid it.”
“How clever of them. Do you know where it is? As the Office Manager, I should be aware.”
Slippers and Thieves Special Edition Page 5