When Nix opened the door to the library, Constance was sitting in the same high back chair as last time, drinking tea and talking with someone. Mina wasn’t surprised to see her music teacher, but Nan certainly was.
Constance glanced over at Nan. Her short white hair was particularly spikey today, reminiscent of a hedgehog. Her teal wing-tipped glasses matched her knitted button-up sweater and pencil skirt.
“Mrs. Colbert?”
Constance straightened in her chair. Mina’s guest seemed to take her by surprise.
Quietly, Nan said, “Our music teacher is a Fae too. This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder.”
“Yes, dear. I’m a muse.”
As they approached and could see both women, Mina cleared her throat, feeling awkward. “Nan, you remember Mrs. Wong?”
Nan’s eyes widened as she recognized the small Chinese woman as well. She nodded.
“She goes by Meira here.”
Mrs. Wong smiled at Nan. “I’m a brownie. You can call me Mei.”
Anders ran across the polished floor toward Constance in obvious distress, squeaking and making odd noises. Her brows narrowed and she frowned. Apparently, Constance could understand them. “What happened, Baldander?”
The creature answered.
“I see. That’s horrible!”
She looked to Nix. “Are you okay? Would you like to go to the healing garden?”
Nix shook his head. “I’ll be fine. I won’t leave Mina.”
“As you like. Let’s get them dry.” Constance nodded to the puddles that were forming under their feet.
Mei waved her hands over the girls’ clothes and, within seconds, they were dry.
Mina filled Constance in on their earlier events—the accident and Teague’s warning. Both Mei and Constance were stumped.
“We shall have this incident investigated immediately,” Constance said.
“Mina,” Mei said softly, “on the tail of our recent discovery, this is worrisome indeed.”
“The reason I’ve brought you here, Mina, is so you can meet with the leader of the Guild and we can discuss a development. Come with me now; Nan and Ever can stay here.”
“No, they come with me. I’m not letting Nan out of my sight, until I know that no one is going to mess with her memories.”
Constance’s eyes squinted, her thoughts impossible to discern.
“All right. But you mustn’t interfere with the Guild’s decision, Mina.”
“I won’t. As long as I agree with their decision,” Mina added. She slowly stepped in front of Nan, in a protective manner. Mei caught Mina’s eye and gave a subtle wink.
A small smile flew across Constance’s lips. “We shall see. Mei, notify Ken and the others to put more wards up and send a team to investigate this interloper. We can’t be left vulnerable,” Constance warned.
“Yes, we’ll get right on it,” Mei answered before disappearing out into the hall.
“Follow me please.” Constance gestured toward the girls.
Nix stepped in line behind Nan.
“Nix, you don’t have to come,” Constance said.
“Yes, yes I do,” he said.
“Very well. This way.” Constance pointed toward a gray metal door at the back of the room, the rings on her fingers glinting in the light.
They followed Constance out the door and down a hallway. The temperature started to drop and Mina’s heart felt heavy. She could tell just from these two signs which way they were heading.
“Nan, close your eyes and give me your hand,” Mina whispered.
“What?” Her small voice sounded so distant and unsure. “What’s happening?” Even now she was affected by the dangerous feelings assailing her. Nan gripped Mina’s hand tightly. Nix slipped in front of Mina and took her hand, taking lead. He used his own body to block the Troll’s unnatural gaze.
Ever sucked in an audible breath and shivered. “What is that?”
Constance turned to warn them, but nodded her head for Nix to continue leading Mina and Nan past the troll. Mina’s skin prickled and she could feel the hate radiating from the large gray troll who was slowly turning to stone.
“He’s been trapped here for the last twenty years, when Teague last attacked the GM’s headquarters,” Mina said. “As long as you don’t look the troll in the eyes, you can pass him. Most everybody is used to ignoring him.”
“I’m scared.” Nan’s hand shook in Mina’s. “I feel…I feel…I need to get away from here.” She pulled her hand away, and Mina knew the moment Nan opened her eyes and saw the troll. She froze on the spot—her mouth opened in fear, her eyes locked onto the troll. Tears started to pour from her eyes and her body trembled.
“Nan, don’t look.” Mina yanked on Nan’s hand, but she wouldn’t budge.
Nix rushed forward and wrapped his arms around Nan in a strong hug, burying her face in his chest, breaking the visual connection. His arms rubbed up and down her back in a comforting way. He whispered soft, encouraging words to her. When he was able to move her, he guided her down the hall and around the corner.
Mina kept her eyes on the ground and followed, only pausing when she thought she heard something. It sounded like the troll had spoken—but that was impossible.