I glance up to see her looking at me like she wants to slap me, so I resume shifting around the images, and drawing new lines.
“My point is that I’m not in there anymore. Neither are you. I’d like to think about what comes next, and I think you should reexamine your plan.”
“Kya,” I murmur as a smirk tugs at my lips.
“Yeah?”
“Call a meeting with everyone, except for Simone and Hank. Order those two to sit in a bunker. Even under a blood oath, I no longer trust them.”
“O…kay… What just happened?”
I draw the final line, and I quickly stand to grab one of my family’s oldest journals.
“I just figured out what the unusual star pattern is leading to, and when the next portal will have to be opened. And for once, we might have fucking time to prepare.”
“Okay,” she says, sounding a little quicker to oblige as she darts out.
Only because I need no distractions, I decide to check in on Ella, since she should be close to finally returning home now. My eyes close, and I wait until her face starts to come into view.
It takes less than a second for the image of her to clear, and I arch an eyebrow when I see her doubled over and heaving out laughter. Laughter that sounds like a ringing echo since she’s so far away.
I neglected to tell her that I’ve been able to hear her since the first time I heard her speak in person—as long as I’m close enough. It’s nice to have some secrets left.
She’s the only thing in the frame, so I have no idea what has her laughing so hysterically. And the distance is messing up the clarity of the sound.
Glancing out the window, seeing Kya still busy, I dematerialize, mentally berating myself the entire time.
I drop onto the other side of the meadow, hearing the laughter fall over me in waves. Even the sound of her fucking laugh is maddening. Everything she does tests my control.
It’s not supposed to be this strong.
Edging into the shadows, I continue to watch, still puzzled by what has her laughing so hard. She’s braying like a donkey, choking on air, and slapping the ground as tears roll out of her eyes. Her mouth is gaping when she does some little ca ca ca sound through her guffaws.
It’s the single most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen in my life.
I’m forced to wipe the stupid fucking grin right the hell off my face.
She tries to speak, but it’s all gibberish, then there’s another long donkey bray as she gulps in air and repeats the process all over again. I can’t even understand a single word she’s trying to say, and my stupid grin just keeps on growing for no real good reason.
With a lot of concentrated effort, I finally tear my eyes away from her to find Polly laughing, standing right beside…
I
s that the incubus?
With long, bright red braided pigtails—like Polly’s—and pink rosy cheeks—like Polly’s—and long, blue eyelashes—like Polly’s—and a fluffy, very short poodle skirt with a very busty poodle shirt…like Polly’s.
I don’t remember his hair being quite so long. Or red. I could have sworn it was short and black just a few hours ago.
I’m almost tempted to ask what exactly is going on, because I’m quite certain he didn’t have very large breasts either.
Almost.
“Yourlegsrrrrrrrshaveddd ahahhahaha” is what Ella is raging from the ground.
I think she’s pointing out the fact the incubus has smooth legs…as if that’s the most ludicrous thing going on at present.
This is the future queen, ladies and gentlemen. Bravo.