Forever (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 5)

“Terry, it’s safe. You can trust us.” Nan piped up and smiled widely at the old Fae woman.

Terry nodded, blushing softly. She released a long sigh and glowed white before her body began to shift. The wrinkles softened but didn’t quite disappear, her body became slimmer, and she started to shrink. The smaller she became, the brighter she appeared, until only someone the size of a small doll sat perched on the edge of the cushion. Her skin was a creamy opaque color, and her ears were pointed and long with a cute dip on the tip.

In her house-elf body, it was even more apparent that something was wrong with her.

“Terrylin,” Mina spoke her real name, and the house elf smiled softly and shivered. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m dying. Your mother’s death has affected me more than I thought it would. We’ve been together a long time, and we’ve become connected. I can feel her loss, and it’s tearing at my soul. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes, when we Godmothers lose our Grimm, we lose a huge part of ourselves. It’s a risk, but we are all willing to take it.” Her eyes scanned the room and seemed to land on Ever as the only other Fae in the room. Nothing was said between the two, but an understanding seemed to pass between them.

Ever nodded once.

“Oh, Terrylin, what can we do?”

“There’s nothing you can do for me. My time is short, but I must speak to you alone, dear.” She gave the others a pointed look, and they got up and went to the kitchen.

Ever stayed where she was on the arm of the couch. “I’m her acting Godmother. I should be here.

Terrylin shot Ever a condescending look. “When you’ve dedicated your whole life to the cause, then I’d say you’ve earned your place. But you’ve been a Godmother what? All of a day?”

Ever looked away uncomfortably.

“That’s what I thought,” Terrylin said smugly.

When they were alone, Terrylin leaned forward and looked over to Charlie. “He must be protected.”

“He will be,” Mina answered.

“Do you really think you can protect him when Teague attacks again? He will. Make no mistake about that. He wants his revenge. He wants you my dear.”

“Then what do you want me to do?”

“I think you know what must be done,” Terrylin said softly as she started to fade in and out.

Mina couldn’t help but cry at the prospect of what had to happen. “I’m not ready for that yet.”

“I know, dear, but you need to think about what I’ve told you and put a plan in place. Do you understand?”

She nodded her head.

“Good girl.”

Ever popped her head in from the foyer and frowned at Mina sitting on the floor crying over Charlie.

“Hey, Gimp! Can I come in now?”

Mina looked over to Terrylin, who nodded her approval. Ever strode in and perched back on the armrest of the couch, glaring at the small house elf.

Terrylin smiled at Ever. “Are you ready to be sworn in?”

Ever stilled, only her eyes moving as she thought about what the elder Fae was asking. She didn’t take long to answer. “Yes, I am.”

“You know that this will bind you two together? As her Godmother, you will always be able to find her, no matter the plane you’re on, but it comes at a great price.”

“Ever, what’s going on?” Mina asked. “I’m not so sure this is such a great idea.”

Ever turned, wings fluttering. She made a shushing noise and waved her hand at Mina. “Hush, before I change my mind. Someone has to keep tabs on you, and it might as well be me.”

Terrylin moved up to the top of the chair cushion and beckoned Ever to come closer. “Hurry, girl, hurry!”