Chapter 29: 29: Finding Tiana

Fiona

Rowan paid the barkeep for two rooms at the Bitter Nightingale, since Lucas moved into one after Tiana had ghosted him. We made plans to meet up with the guys in a few hours after cleaning ourselves up, settling in, and resting.

The three of us girls scanned around the neat but small room housing two twin beds and a lumpy couch. I could feel the argument coming over who would hit the couch tonight. “Before the sleeping arrangements turn into an ordeal…” I glanced at Kat and Viona. “I’ll sleep on the sofa tonight.”

Viona shrugged and unpacked while Kat grinned at me. “I don’t mind taking the sofa. If I’m lucky… I won’t be having a sleepover with the girls tonight.” She gave me a saucy wink, making me groan aloud. The sound of Viona’s tinkling laughter resonated through the small space.

“Don’t cajole her, Viona. She gets in enough trouble with no endorsements.” I rolled my eyes at Kat.

“I didn’t take you for a prude, Fiona.” Viona looked at me over her shoulder.

“I’m not a prude. Thank you very much.” I slammed my hands on my hips and glared at a grinning Kat. “But Miss Kitty Kat here is a bit too keen on sharing her affections.” I came close to blurting out that Kat had already had a tumble in the sheets with Rian, but bit my tongue.

It didn’t seem wise or kind to impart that information, especially since I believed Rian and Viona shared some type of history. Rian had a minor past with Kat, and if I was correct about Viona, it could lead to a larger argument than who slept on the couch. We had enough tension dragging us down.

“I’ll leave you two to argue about this. Be back soon…” Viona winked and headed for the door.

“Wait… Where are you going?” I asked, approaching her.

She spun around. “You want me to find this missing fairy who dumped Kat’s new boy toy, right?” Viona lifted her brows, one hand on her hip, looking frustrated.

Kat cackled, and I frowned, shaking my head. “Yes, but—”

“But what?” Viona threw her hands up in exasperation. “Just relax. I’m getting the lay of the land and need some supplies. I didn’t realize before we left town, I’d need to find this fairy.” She shrugged.

“Be careful, please. I’ve grown fond of you.” I threw her a smile.

“Believe it or not, I like you too, Fiona. The jury is still out on you, Fairy Princess.” Viona winked at Kat. “But you have excellent taste in men. That Lucas is a tasty-looking morsel for a mangy wolf.”

Viona lifted one shoulder, throwing me a grin before leaving the tiny cottage.

After me and Kat showered, we hit the twin beds and fell asleep, exhausted from the long journey. The creaking sound of the door woke me up, and I rubbed my eyes.

“Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White,” Viona called out, causing Kat to stir.

“Your back,” I said, sitting up to stretch. “What time is it?”

“I’m starving,” Kat muttered around a yawn.

“It’s time to find Tiana. So, get up.” Viona clapped her hands.

Kat groaned, throwing the covers back. “Must you be a drill sergeant?”

“Hey, you’re the lass that always wanted in on the action?” Viona lifted one golden brow. “Well, today that Big Bad Wolf, Alpha O’Connell, can’t make you stay behind. But I will if you don’t get your little fairy ass out of bed.”

Kat saluted the witch and hopped to the floor. Within minutes, we dressed and headed for the pub, finding the guys already there laughing over pints. “Glad you could join us, gels,” Lucas yelled, holding up his ale.

Fabulous, they seem drunk.

Viona approached the table, shaking her head and digging into a purse she had crossed over one shoulder and between her breasts. “This is not the time to get pissed.” She sprinkled something into Lucas’s beer. “I need you to drive because you know the area best.”

“Hey,” he shouted and stared down into his mug. “What did you put in my ale?” he slurred.

“Drink up, lad.” She pointed at the beer.

Lucas shook his head, crossing his arms across his broad chest. “Nope. Not until you tell me—”

Viona pointed her index finger at Lucas’s hand, and I watched in fascination as he seemed to go into a trance. Lucas lifted his arm and, in slow motion, picked up the glass, draining it dry. “That’s a good lad.” Viona pointed again, and he sat the pint back on the table. She whispered some kind of chant, and Lucas shook his head, staring down at his hands.

“What just happened?” he asked, appearing confused.

“Just sobering you up, mate.” Viona took a seat and gestured for us to follow. “After eating, we are taking a short drive.” She grinned as we stared at her in awe. Even Rian kept his lips shut… for once.

Lucas followed Viona’s directions on a secluded road away from the seaside village. He drove through a deserted-looking wasteland until we lost sight of all traces of civilization.

The ocean running to the left seemed to indicate our direction. The gray, cloudy sky above peppered down snow and covered the road, making it impossible to note any landmarks.

When the road opened up, I noticed a gravel driveway. “Turn there,” Viona said to Lucas, pointing.

After what felt like miles, we came upon a small but pretty stone cottage with a garden in full bloom. I shook my head, dismayed. Where did the snow go? Why does it look like spring here? I glanced behind me out the back window and saw the gray sky and snow. As I faced forward, the sky was clear, and flowers and vegetables seemed to mock me.

“How is this possible?” I asked in awe, stepping out of the car and taking in the perfume-scented air.

“It’s magic,” Viona said, shrugging.

The door of the cottage opened, and a woman hesitated, glaring at us. She looked like a beautiful young woman, though her beauty differed from what one would call traditional. It seemed more natural. I realized this must be Tiana, but she appeared very young—almost childlike. Her short, curly hair, as black as coal, accentuated her heart-shaped face. She had dark caramel-colored skin, and her eyes were round and filled with expression, reminding me of a fawn.

As we drew closer, I noticed her full pink lips, dark eyelashes, and freckles crossing her upturned nose and cheeks. She stood barefooted in a jean jumper with an apron tied around her waist. Once we reached the steps, she hugged her body, appearing apprehensive. I smiled, hoping to reassure her, but her gaze lingered on Lucas.

“Tiana, we come in peace.” Lucas kept his hands in his jeans pockets and seemed as nervous as Tiana. “These are my friends.” He introduced us.

“It’s nice to meet you.” She bobbed her head and wiped her hands on the apron. “I wasn’t expecting any guests.”

Her eyes jumped from Lucas to me, then Kat, and I noticed them widen.

“The pleasure is ours, Tiana,” Rowan said in a polite voice.

“Won’t you come inside…” She stepped into the cottage, holding out her arm for us to enter. “Let’s go into the dining room, and you can explain this unexpected visit.” I watched her confused gaze land on Lucas and his cheeks reddened. Although the cottage appeared homey, I felt the tension between the old lovers. Once we seated ourselves, she stood at the range, hand on a kettle. “Would anyone care for tea or coffee?”

We all accepted her offer. I had always heard that a good cup of tea could fix anything.

Tiana served us steaming mugs of tea, chocolate biscuits, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam. We ate in silence, enjoying the delicious treat, and I held my breath, waiting for Lucas to explain why we were there

“It’s wonderful to see you. You look well,” Lucas said, taking a sip of tea.

“Thank you. You look good, too,” Taina responded with a strained smile. “I know what you must think of me, Lucas, and I’m sorry. Maybe one day you can forgive me.” I watched a look of anguish cross her features. “I fell for you hard, but I wish to be honest about everything…”

Lucas’s jaw ticked, and he kept his gaze glued to the plate of scones. He remained mute, and it felt like something had sucked all the air from the room. After clearing his throat, he raised his head, staring at Tiana. “Perhaps this is a conversation we should have in private?” He lifted his brows, glaring at her.

Yes, please. This is not for our ears, I thought, and realized I was again holding my breath. The tension building in the cozy room felt stifling, causing sweat to bead along my hairline.

Tiana smiled at Lucas and reached for his hand across the table. He appeared hesitant at first before extending his fingers out to hers. “Yes, we have much to discuss in private.” She gave him a nod. “But I need you to understand I desired a mortal life more than anything else in the world. More than passion, love, magic, loyalty, or even family. A simple life, removed from the politics and games of Queen Celestria’s court. But she could never comprehend my fierce desire. When I kneeled before her, explaining what I needed to be happy, she lost it. She made threats… horrible threats, including blackmail, regardless if I stayed or not.” Tiana shifted her gaze to their intertwined hands. “I realized I’d made a grave mistake by confiding in her and needed a way out to—”

“I get it.” Lucas jerked his hand from her grasp. “You used me as your way out.”

“No!” Tiana shook her head. “I was already planning to leave… don’t you see?” I heard her voice break and felt like I was watching some kind of tragic play unfold. “It was just perfect timing, but my feelings for you were genuine.” Tiana let out a rush of air and appeared dejected.

“I didn’t come here for this, Tiana. You left, I moved on.” Lucas lifted a shoulder, appearing nonchalant, but I watched his anger festering in his expression and rigid body.

Tiana leaned back against the chair, folding her arms. “Then, pray tell, why are you here surrounded by an entourage?”

“It’s a long story involving my father and perhaps someone in Queen Celestria’s court,” I said, the words rushing from my lips.

Tiana’s gaze drifted to me, and I noticed a silver sparkle in her large orbs. “I knew you looked familiar!” She released a groan, shaking her head. “You’re the daughter of a fairy, but your father is human… a psychotic maniac! He’s the hunter and scientist, Cormac Quinn.”

I now felt uncomfortable and wished I’d kept my mouth shut. But in for a penny, in for a pound… “Do you know my mother?”

She nodded. “Yes, her name is Amerlina.”

“Fiona has a desire to know her mother,” Rowan said, throwing me a reassuring smile. “But we need to know if you have any idea who in Celestria’s court might conspire with Quinn… to assist him with creating and distributing the drug, Sexflex?”

Her brows raised. “I’ve heard of Sexflex, of course, but I left the fae realm before news spread of the drug. I realize how dangerous it is and will help if I can…”

“Are there any fairies you know well enough to ask?” Viona, who had remained quiet thus far, asked.

Tiana shook her head. “I can’t risk Queen Celestria finding me, but I know Amerlina well,” Tiana confessed, shifting her gaze to me. “I’m not sure how much you know about your mother or your aunt—”

“My aunt!” I felt my mouth drop open.

Her enormous eyes widened, appearing confused, and she stood from the table. Tiana paced the room in silence, leaving me with my heart pounding in my ears. Kat’s hand found mine under the table and I squeezed it, glad for her support.

“What do you know?” Lucas asked. “We came here for information. Please, Tiana…”

She halted and gave a curt nod before approaching me and Kat. “I have personal information about both of you. Do you want to go somewhere private?” Tiana glanced between us.

“No. We have no secrets.” I shook my head and glanced at Kat.

“She’s right. We trust everyone here.” Kat nodded.

“You are pure fae.” Tiana stared at Kat.

“Yes, my mother is Queen Celestria. But that’s the extent of our knowledge. Cormac… Fiona’s father removed our wings and has experimented with me for years.”

Tiana gasped, a crestfallen expression crumpled her face. “I-I’m so sorry.” She kneeled before us, frowning. “How do you know each other?”

“The humans I thought were my parents died. They were colleagues and friends of Cormac’s. So, Fiona has been my best friend since I can remember.” Kat shrugged.

“My father took Kat in when her parents died,” I finished and glanced at Tiana.

After a moment, Tiana shook her head. “You’re more than best friends… you are cousins.”

“W-what?” My eyes widened, and I felt Kat’s grip tighten around my hand.

“Amerlina and Celestria are sisters.” I noticed the silver sparkle in her orbs again as my heart felt lodged in my throat and collective gasps resounded in the room.

“I should have guessed they were related,” Viona said and made a tsking sound.

“How does this help us, though? We’re still at a dead end,” Rian replied, sighing.

“Not necessarily,” Tiana announced and stood with a coy grin. “I might be able to help you, but we’ll have to wait for nightfall.”

“What do you mean?” Rowan inquired, folding his arms over his chest.

A tranquil smile spread across her lips. “Why don’t you guys go into the living room?” She strode to the fridge and plucked out three beers. “Here… The ladies and I will be with you soon.” She handed Lucas the bottles, and with frowns of confusion, they did her bidding.

She grabbed a bottle of wine and, while uncorking it, I said, “I see why you wanted to live like this. Here in this peaceful place.”

She handed us each a glass of red. “I bet both of you always felt odd in your own skin…”

“Now it feels that way,” I whispered.

“How come we don’t have powers?” Kat asked, brows raised.

“You must try first and put your mind to it.” She shrugged and sipped on her wine.

“It takes a lot of mind control,” Viona interjected.

“She’s right.” Tiana winked.

“You’ve been busy using magic here…” Viona winked back.

“Yes, well… I despise the winter and prefer warmer weather. But I have left most of my magic behind and love living a human life.”

“How can you help us?” I blurted out.

“Do you have anything that belongs to your father, or something he touched?”

I nodded and dug in my purse for the infamous necklace.

“Only a hunter would give his daughter a wolfsbane necklace,” Lucas said, startling me. I turned and found the guys back in the dining room.

“And they say women are nosy…” I rolled my eyes.

Tiana laughed and held out her hand. She was careful while plucking the necklace from me and laid the pendant on her palm. Then she lifted her free hand over it and whispered something. I observed in shock as the necklace moved in her hand—like a gentle tug.

She gave a decisive nod and handed it back to me. “Oh, yes… I can help you.”

“What are you planning to do?” Rowan’s expression appears curious, but I could tell he was gritting his teeth.

She gave him a veiled smile. “You’ll have to wait until tonight when the moon is high.”

Lucas moved over and kissed Tiana on the crown of her head, but I noticed his gaze on Kat.

“I’ve seen Tiana do some amazing things. Please trust her.” He glanced at Rowan. “She is an expert at finding out secrets.”

“Like all fairies,” Rowen mumbled.

Tiana giggled. “Oh, I assure you, you won’t be sorry. But, careless son of wolves, your heart, and its secrets are safe from me… Though if I were you, I would share more with your mate. I promise, she is far more perceptive than you think.” She winked at Rowan and I felt the heat rise, settling in my face.

“So, we wait until nightfall, then…” I hoped changing the subject would break the ice.

“Yes. Until nightfall,” Rowen replied, staring at his feet.