Forever (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 5)

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!”

Ever kneeled on the chair before the house elf, and Terrylin raised a finger up in the air and whispered a few words that only the two of them could hear. Her finger glowed brightly, and, as she touched Ever’s forehead, a bright light emanated from the touch and encompassed the room. When the light dimmed, Terrylin was gone, her chair empty. Only a small silver ring sat in her place.

Ever bowed her head in respect. She reached forward and picked up the ring, sliding it onto her middle finger.

The ring was in the shape of an infinity symbol. On Terrylin, the ring had been covered with diamonds. On Ever’s hand, the Godmother ring was simple silver. She had noticed a gold ring on Mei’s hand, but never before had she put two and two together. Ever had just taken the Godmother oath and bound her life to Mina’s.

She had just promised to guard her with her life…forever.

Chapter 4

Charlie slept through the night and into Sunday morning. Mina had taken the chair and spent an uncomfortable night curled up with a blanket, checking on her brother every few hours. Around four a.m., his fever broke.

Brody slept on the floor by the fireplace in a sleeping bag, so he could stoke the fire throughout the night. Nan lay by Charlie’s couch in another sleeping bag, still snoring quietly.

Ever hadn’t slept. She paced and patrolled the house.

Each time the front door opened, Mina woke up in a panic, but it was just Ever checking the wards. It was odd to see their group, all piled into the living room like lost puppies. Sometimes she felt like that’s exactly what they were. They had refused to leave her and Charlie alone after just losing their mom. Mina didn’t know what excuse they were giving their parents. Frankly, she didn’t want to know. But there was something comforting in seeing their band. Their mini army.

When sunlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating the dust swirling in the room, Charlie finally began to stir. Nan’s uber-sensors went off, and she sat up, watching him intently. Mina uncurled herself from the chair, her leg muscles cramping as she walked across the room. When she passed Brody, still on the floor, he met her gaze and gave her a sad smile.

Charlie opened his eyes and looked up at Nan and Mina’s expectant faces. His alert eyes darted here and there around the room. They noticed Brody and Ever, then continued, as if searching for someone. When he didn’t find what he was searching for, he closed his eyes, lay back down on the couch, and pulled the blanket over his head.