3. Lark

Chapter 3

Lark

My throat burns as if I swallowed fire ants. Drake's magic wraps around me so throughly I can't move, let alone breathe. I squeeze my eyes closed against the grit flying in the air as the magic brings me back to Flutter, where a red-faced Drake stands on stage with Ava.

Drake is annoyingly handsome in an older guy kind of way. He always wears tailored suits. His dark hair has silver at the temples and he has a sexy, strong jawline. But the best part is his expressive face. We always know what Drake is thinking. Right now, the smug look pisses me off.

As soon as I'm released, I rush to Ava's side. One of her hands cups her mouth. Blood spills between her fingers.

"What did you do to her?" I pull Ava into my arms as I glare at Drake.

Drake throws something at me. Two of what look to be long white beads bounce off the hard floor. "The next time you ever try to escape, it won't just be her fangs."

My stomach twists and tumbles. Bile rises in my throat, but I push it back.

"I'm so sorry, Ava." I hadn't thought things through. The luck coin heats in my pocket. For days, the coin urged me to freedom. Drake must have been tired, because he had somehow forgotten to lock the basement. Then the back door was open for fucks sake. I took the opportunity and ran. I should have questioned the container of salt on the table by the back door. It was too suspicious, but the little voice in the back of my head said it was a sign. A sign I deserved freedom and to find myself a crossroads demon to get home. But it was all for nothing. I'm back in Drake's clutches and now Ava is hurt because of me.

She squeezes me close. "Shhh. This isn't the first time I've lost my fangs. Won't be the last."

"I'm sorry."

"Enough of this," Drake snarls as he grabs my hair.

"Let me go! I can walk."

Drake drags me behind him while I try to keep up with his stride and the awkward walk. It's still dark out, just past midnight. Call me a romantic, but summoning a demon at midnight sounded like the perfect plan.

Drake hauls me through the back hallway. We stop in front of the basement door where he unlocks it, then pushes me in. I catch myself on the banister as he locks the door behind me. At least I got a few days of sun in me because I'm sure I'll be stuck here for who knows how long. I lean my head against the door, not ready to take the trek into the creepy dungeon like basement I've called home the better part of ten years. Sometimes Drake has me on display in a golden cage in his dining room at his house, but those instances have become more rare over the years.

I smooth my hand over my pocket where the luck coin stays safe and sound. How Drake hasn't detected it yet, I still don't know, but I'm grateful for. I swear it pulses beneath my fingers.

"I don't know if I should be angry at you or happy. I did find a crossroads demon. But I got sucked back. On the other hand I now know that had I tried to go home I'd be dead." I rub my throat, unable to feel the magic Drake wrapped around me.

Tears sting my eyes. Everything is fine . I've survived this far with Drake. All I have to do is to be better. Don't incite his wrath for my and Ava's sake. But do I really put my faith in an unknown demon, of all people? They're as tricky as Fae are.

I know one thing, I can't give up hope. It's time to go back to planning. Hopefully, the luck coin has better ideas this time. I pull it from my pocket and grin at the words etched into its face.

The last idea was perfect.

You got a crossroads demon.

And information.

Be grateful.

"I am grateful."

Sure doesn't sound like it.

"We need to do better."

Yes, we . It's been a one coin show so far.

I scoff. "Excuse me. I'm the muscle here. And I've been the only one trying for a long time. My brain is fried. Give me a break."

A stick person with their tongue sticking out replaces the words.

Get rest. We'll have fun in a few more days.

"I don't think I like the sound of that," I mumble.

Trust me!

"That's what you said last time."

Sighhhhh.

I roll my eyes as a yawn escapes. "Thanks, coin, but I think you're right. It is time for bed." My blanket and pillow nest looks cozier than usual and I strip down to my underwear as I walk. I settle the coin on one of the pillows and snuggle in. "Night. Night."

Sleep tight.

My eyes shutter closed and thankfully my mind doesn't race.