Ch.19 Lie to Me

Chapter 19

"You didn't feel anything?" Heyder turned to Maya. "How did you not feel something was wrong?"

"I did!" Maya frowned. "I was going to stop the spell but it was too late."

"Fuckin' fantastic!" Heyder threw his arms up into the air. "Brilliant, Maya Dorin. You just closed the time gap and trapped Fiza."

Maya felt her temper flare like a gas stove lighting up, "Why are you yelling at me?"

"You're supposed to stop as soon as you sense something is wrong!" Heyder snapped. "Not stop when the spell is fuckin' done!"

Syde looked at his assistants and then at Maya. He quietly backed away and excused himself leaving the loft to Maya, Heyder and a crying Fiza.

"I....I want to go home," the girl sobbed. "Emir is waiting for me. We're getting married."

Maya turned her eyes to the girl as Heyder pulled her into his arms to comfort her. Fiza buried her face into his chest and her narrow shoulder racked with sobs.

"Why does she even have a binding spell on her?" Maya asked. "Did you do it?"

"Oh yes!" Heyder laughed harshly. "I did a binding spell and didn't tell anyone. Listen to yourself."

"Then who did?"

Fiza lifted her head and looked up at Heyder with her puffy eyes, "That's a binding spell?"

"It connects you to a jinn," Heyder said to her. Maya hated the way his voice lowered as he spoke to her. "As long as the jinn lives, you will be bound to him. If he goes to any other dimension he can pull you with him."

"I....I don't know any other jinn beside you," Fiza frowned.

"What about Mirza?" Maya asked. "You know Mirza."

Heyder looked down at Fiza once more. He pulled her away from his arms and scanned her face.

"Fiza, did Mirza say or do anything to you?" He asked.

"He.....he was there when I woke up."

"What do you mean?" Heyder asked.

"When I woke up on the snow, Mirza was there."

"He probably pulled her out," Maya shook her head. "It can't be coincidence that of all the people in the word Fiza fell through the hole and she is bound to a jinn."

"Is that.....is that true?" Fiza trembled. "Did Mirza do this?"

"It's possible," Heyder sighed.

Fiza started to weep harder.

"I'm so sorry," she said. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know what he was doing."

"It's okay. It's not your fault," Heyder pulled Fiza back into his arms and held her head against his chest. Across the living room, his eyes connected with Maya, who stood in the salt circle staring at them with her face blank.

Maya felt a scream start to build up in her throat. Heyder had no right to treat her as if everything was her fault when it was his stupid brother and his wimpy lover that had messed everything up. She glared at him from across the room but he didn't seem to understand at all why she was upset. Or maybe he did, but he was just too stubborn to admit it.

With a heavy sigh, Maya stepped out of the salt circle and walked over to the sofa. She grabbed her coat and put it on before running down the stairs of the loft.

"Maya," Heyder called after her, but she didn't stop to listen. Her anger was fuming and she needed to get out of the stifling indoor air.

Where are you going? Heyder mind-linked her as she stormed past the barista and into the snow.

To hell, Maya replied as she looked up to the sky and let the cold winter air freeze her. She felt the fluffy snowflakes fall on her face. With her eyes closed, she leaned up against the cafe front and took deep inhales of the cold air. When Heyder didn't respond, she closed her mind- link and wandered off down the street.

The late afternoon felt a lot darker with the sun hidden behind the snow clouds. People rushed to get from one point to another before the roads turned icy and the snow piled up. Maya walked along the sidewalks until she reached the waterfronts. The boats in the harbor wobbled in the gray sea as she ran her hands over the freezing railings and brushed off the snow. Her fingers started to turn red, but Maya didn't mind.

After several long minutes, she perched herself on a wooden bench by the boats and looked out into the endless gray harbor. Her heart felt heavy like the anchor holding down the boat in the water. She felt her heat start to throb from the cold but the effort to button her coat was too much.

Maya didn't know for how long she sat on the bench watching the waves and the snow when she felt the Heyder take a seat next to her.

"What happens now?" she asked when he didn't speak.

"What do you mean?" Heyder looked over at her.

"She's here," Maya said, not looking away from the water. "She's staying. What does that mean for us?"

"Nothing has changed between us," Heyder said. "We still look for the ophiotaurus and cure the curse."

"And what about Fiza? What happens to her?"

Heyder let out a heavy breath, "The plan remains the same. We send her back."

"How?" Maya frowned as she looked over at the Jinn.

"We have to undo the binding spell first,"

"How do we do that?"

"We have to kill Mirza," Heyder turned his head and looked at the water.

"And what about the time veil?"

"It's a delicate thing," Heyder sighed. "We'll have to poke it around a few times before we can get an opening."

As Maya stared at Heyder, he turned his eyes back to her.

"Have you been traveling since I got back?"

"No," Maya shook her head. She pulled her necklace out and held it by the heart, "I have this to ground me."

Heyder reached out and took the little heart in between his fingers. He rubbed his thumb over it before dropping it against Maya's chest.

"You'll get sick if you sit out here like this," he said.

"Where's Fiza?"

"I took her home."

"Is she okay?"

"She's shaken up, but she'll be fine."

"Thank the lord you're there to comfort her in such dark times," Maya rolled her eyes.

"She's not like you, Maya."

"Nobody is like me."

Heyder let out a laugh as he shook his head. He lifted his hand and used his thumb to scratch the spot right below his eyebrows. His tattoos peeked out from under his sleeve as he moved his arm around. Maya wanted to trace the dark ink.

"Fiza is from a different time," Heyder said. "She lived a very sheltered life in a small town. She wasn't raised to ask questions or demand things."

"Every man's dream right there," Maya said. "A perfect doll to come home to."

Heyder didn't answer. Maya wondered if she was more hurt by his lack of response or by the face that she feared he thought Fiza was a perfect doll.

"Heyder...."

"Yes?"

"Am I anything like what you expected?"

The corner's of Heyder's lips lifted up into Maya's favorite half smile, "No."

"What were you expecting?" Maya asked.

"I don't know...." Heyder shrugged. "When I saw you standing behind Owen the day of the battle, I couldn't get a read on you."

"What do you mean?"

"You came out of the blue," Heyder turned his eyes to Maya. "Your eyes were alert and watchful and very curious. For someone who had landed in the middle of a battle, you didn't seem scared at all. I think that's what struck me the most."

"I was scared," Maya said in a small voice. "I was scared for you. I was scared of failing at setting you free."

"But you didn't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game," Heyder said. "Then why are you giving up now?"

"Who said I was giving up?" Maya frowned.

"I know what goes on in your head, Maya," Heyder chuckled. "You think I'll leave you for Fiza."

"It's a reasonable fear."

"I'm still here, aren't I?" Heyder asked. "I could be with Fiza right now but I'm sitting with you."

"Why are you here?"

"Because you've waited for me for so long."

Maya's heart immediately sank. It wasn't the answer she was expecting. She looked away and took in a long deep breath before releasing it slowly.

"That wasn't the answer you were looking for, was it?" Heyder asked.

"No," Maya shook her head.

"What did you want to hear?"

"That you were sitting here with me because you loved me," Maya said honestly.

Heyder remained quiet. The street lights came on above them and casted the perfect spotlight. It captured the dancing snow as the wind put on a show for the world. The sounds of the city were muffled behind them as the waves broke against the boats.

"Sometimes I wish you could lie," Maya said quietly after a long pause. She felt Heyder move his gaze from the water to her.

"You want me to lie to you?" He asked.

Maya nodded her head as she put on a smile, "I think it would hurt less."

"Maya, I-"

With a heavy sigh, Maya got up from the bench. Heyder watched her as she dust off the snow in her hair and clothes. Her cheeks and nose were glowing red from the cold. Her fingers looked frozen.

"Let's go home," she said.

Heyder rose from the bench beside her. He flickered his fingers and a portal appeared behind Maya. She looked around at the city one last time before she walked straight into the portal. Heyder followed right behind her.

When Maya appeared on the other side, the scent of cinnamon and sugar hit her nose like a brick wall. She shook off her coat and dropped it on the sofa as she entered the kitchen. Fiza was busy mixing something in a bowl as a pot boiled on the stove.

"You're home," she smiled up at Maya.

"What are you doing?" Maya asked with curiosity.

"I thought I got dinner started," Fiza put the bowl down and looked at Heyder over Maya's shoulder. "I'm making your favorite cookies. The ones with the sugar."

"Thank you," Heyder said with a smile.

"I'll be upstairs," Maya didn't wait around for an answer. She skipped up the stairs and then into her room. After shutting the door, she threw herself onto the bed and switched the lights off.

The hollow bitterness inside of her was eating her up. She curled up into a ball as her body began to warm up. It wasn't long before the events of the day caught up to Maya and she started to drift off to sleep. She didn't even try to fight it as her eyelids grew heavy and her heart slowed down.

Right as she was about to completely lose herself to the peaceful slumber, she heard her door open. From the scent and the way her neck warmed, Maya knew it was Heyder. She laid completely still with her eyes squeezed shut as he pulled the covers over her body and pressed a kiss on her forehead.

"Stay," Maya mumbled half asleep.

"Do you want me to?" Heyder asked.

"Yes," Maya said.

After a few seconds, Maya felt the bed dip beside her as Heyder climbed in. His warm arms wrapped around her as he pulled her closer to his bare chest.

"Maya?" he said in the darkness after some time.

"Hmm?"

"I wish I could lie to you," Heyder whispered. "Maybe then I wouldn't hurt you so much."

_______________

On most nights Heyder tossed and turned for hours until any ounce of sleep would even dare look his way. But as soon as he had slipped into bed beside Maya, he knocked out like a log. Not once did he have to turn or toss to get comfortable and sleep through the night. Maya's scent of lilies invaded every inch of Heyder and kept him imprisoned. He couldn't get enough of how good she smelled.

When the morning light started to make its way into the room, Heyder groaned. He had no intention of getting out of bed or opening his eyes. But the light's persistence had him move his head back and lift his lids. And by god, what a sight he was welcomed to.

Maya laid beside him on his arm, still as a rose on a wild vine. Her lips were parted and the sunlight gleamed off high points of her cheeks like morning dew. Her hands here curled up to her chest, making the oh so vicious queen look like a daydream.

Heyder found himself smiling down at her. He lifted his hand and traced the edge of her face causing her to stir. He froze immediately thinking he had woken her up. But Maya moved closer to his touch. Heyder's whole body jumped to high alert as Maya tucked her head into the curve of his shoulder. Her brows furrowed as if she was waging war somewhere far off in her dreams.

With a soft chuckle, Heyder brushed his lips over her forehead. Instantly, in her sleep, Maya smiled. The little action made Heyder's heart beat faster. He pressed another kiss over her cheek earning another heartwarming smile. Pretty soon, he became an addict.

With extreme slowness and tenderness, Heyder placed kisses along Maya's face just to see the smile on her lips. He tucked her hair behind her ear and twirled her locks.

When the sparks running down the jinn's back became too much for him to handle, Heyder reluctantly slipped out of bed and ruffled his dark hair. He stood by the edge and gazed down at his sleeping girl. She had no idea how incredibly beautiful she was.

Quick as lightning, Heyder grabbed his sketch pad. He moved to the corner of the room and sank down into the chair. With his brown eyes glued on Maya's face, he began to try and capture the fantastic sight in front of him. But no matter how fast he drew or how many times he started over, he couldn't get it right. The frustration of the whole process started to sour his good mood. After some time, Heyder shut his book and walked out of the room.

After a quick shower, Heyder carried himself down to the kitchen in desperate need of some coffee. He had half a mind to portal to Greece to his favorite cafe, but the thought of being too far away from Maya didn't sit well with him, even if she was still sound asleep.

"Good morning," Fiza greeted the jinn cheerfully as he grabbed a coffee mug from the cupboard.

"Morning," Heyder said.

"Here, let me get that for you," Fiza jumped forward and took the mug from Heyder's hand. He tried to protest and tell her she didn't need to, but Fiza wouldn't have it.

"You shouldn't have to do this," She said as she poured him coffee. Heyder was about to grab his mug when she started to add milk. He groaned under his breath with irritation. He hated milk.

"Does Maya not help you out with the house work?"

"What?" Heyder looked up in confusion.

"I mean as your wife, taking care of your home is her responsibility, don't you think?"

"She's not my wife," Heyder rubbed his forehead.

Fiza looked up from her tea cup with wide eyes, "You're having a child out of wedlock?"

"No," Heyder sighed. "She's not pregnant either."

"She lied?"

"She's dramatic," Heyder smiled. "She was angry and wanted to put me in my place."

Fiza sat silently in her chair lost in thought. Heyder pushed his coffee away and wondered how he could get another cup without offending the girl.

"Is she really the heir to her mother's throne?" Fiza asked.

"Yeah, she is," Heyder nodded.

"She's not....." Fiza hesitated. "She's not really suited to be a queen."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Heyder frowned as he leaned back in his chair.

Fiza shrugged, "I mean she seems like a nice girl but do you see the way that she dresses?"

"What's wrong with the way she dresses?"

"It's so.....tight.....and revealing," Fiza shook her head. "And her sharp tongue."

"Fiza," Heyder sighed as he leaned forward. "Times are different now. There is nothing wrong with the way Maya dresses. And she needs to have a sharp tongue. Otherwise people would walk all over her."

The room grew silent after Heyder finished. Fiza picked up the little teaspoon and stirred her tea. Heyder could tell she had more to say and his curiosity got the best of him.

"What's on your mind?" He asked.

"Is there really no way to send me back home?" Fiza sighed.

"There is," Heyder nodded. "And we're trying."

"How?"

"We have to get rid of the spell on you first."

"How will you do that?"

"Don't worry about it," Heyder said quickly. He didn't know why he wasn't comfortable with the idea of telling Fiza that he had to kill his brother. Hadn't he told Maya last night the same thing as if they were talking about picking our curtains.

"How long will it take?" Fiza asked.

"I honestly don't know," Heyder sighed.

"So.......I could be stuck here for a while."

"Yes, that's a possibility."

"Will I be staying here with you?"

"Where else would you go?"

Fiza smiled. She sat her cup down and walked around the counter until she was in front of Heyder. He watched her closely as she reached out and touched his face. Her warm bony fingers grazed over the stubble on his jaw.

"You are my home," she whispered.

Suddenly, Heyder was reminded of the night he had first seen Fiza in the small village outside of town. Her laughter had captured his attention for the whole night, he couldn't see anyone else beside her.

"What's wrong?" Fiza asked.

"Nothing," Heyder shook his head. "I was thinking of the time when I first met you."

The apples of Fiza's cheeks changed shades right in front of Heyder's eyes. She tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ears and looked up at him through her lashes. The gesture seemed very odd to the jinn. He couldn't ever imagine Maya blushing in front of him like that.

"I have work piled up," Heyder said as he took Fiza's hand and slid it off his face. He was about to push off his chair and walk away when the look of sadness in the girl's eyes made him feel like a jerk. Hadn't he promised her he would never leave without telling her how much he loved her?

"Fiza...." Heyder started, but the words would not form. She waited for him with large round eyes and a small smile. Heyder felt as if there was a ton of brick placed over his chest.

"Thank you for the coffee," he finished wanting to get out. He quickly brought her hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss over her knuckles before jumping out of the chair and heading up stairs.

Maya was right around the corner of the second floor as Heyder rushed up the stairs. She halted in her track upon seeing him and the sight of her send Heyder's heart beating like the wings of a hummingbird. She stared up at him with curious blue eyes as he approached her with a mischievous smile.

"Good morning, birdie," he said. He couldn't help himself but pull her closer and kiss her forehead. The way her heart started to flutter in her chest sounded like music to the jinn's ears. "I like the way you moan my name in your sleep."

"Yes, I was dreaming of killing you softly," Maya rolled her eyes.

"With your love?" Heyder teased, suddenly feeling very playful.

"My love for you won't kill you softly," Maya said looking up into his brown eyes. Heyder let her lean her body against him as she pushed him back against the wall. His hands found their way to her waist as he hooked his fingers through her belt loops.

"My love will be like poison in your system," Maya said, her eyes flickering down to his lips. "Slow and steady."

Fuck, Heyder thought. I love this girl.

Maya pushed away from his and smacked his hands off her hips. She threw one last glare over her shoulder before she walked away leaving Heyder slightly speechless and stunned leaning against the wall.

It wasn't until he heard Fiza's voice downstairs that Heyder straightened himself back up. He cleared his throat and followed Maya's scent down the stairs. She looked up at him from the coffee machine and raised a brow.

"Want coffee?" she asked.

Yes, please for the love of god, Heyder mind-linked her.

"He already had coffee," Fiza said as she pointed to the mug of untouched milk coffee she had made him earlier.

Maya flickered her eyes back to Heyder and then to the Fiza.

"I hear that too much caffeine can cause a heart attack," she said. "Heyder, maybe it'll kill you faster. Here."

"Oh my god, Maya," Fiza gasped. "How can you say such a thing."

"Relax," Maya rolled her eyes as she slid the mug over to the jinn. "He's too stubborn to die."

Heyder couldn't help the laugh that came out of him. He grabbed Maya's coffee mug and took a log sip. Over the rim, his eyes caught Fiza glaring at Maya.

"I'm going into the veil today," he said quickly to dismiss the tension in the room.

"Why?" Maya asked, pouring herself more coffee.

"I have a friend that might be able to help us with the ophiotaurus. And you're coming with me."

"What about me?" Fiza asked.

"Sorry love," Heyder frowned. "The veil is very unsafe for humans. It can mess with your mind."

"So I have to stay alone here?" Fiza frowned. "What if someone comes by. What if your brother comes or her father?"

"Ever heard the story of the big bad wolf?" Maya asked.

"Yes," Fiza nodded.

"It's about my dad," Maya smirked as Fiza paled and looked at Heyder with wide eyes.

"Maya," Heyder wasn't pleased with her torturing Fiza. Yes, it was hilarious. But Fiza was easily frightened.

"That's not true," Heyder said to the scared girl clutching her tea cup. "She's pulling your leg."

"My my what big eyes you have," Maya teased as she sipped her coffee.

Heyder shook his head. He needed to separate the two before he lost his mind.

"Maya, go grab your coat," he said. "Fiza, I'll put up spells around the house. No one will be able to hurt you."

"What big teeth you have?" Maya laughed as she walked out of the kitchen.

Fiza's heart tumbled as her eyes watered. Heyder didn't understand why she was ready to cry over such innocent fun. He sighed as he walked over and placed a kiss on her head to comfort her. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his chest.

"I don't like being alone," Fiza frowned. "Take me with you."

"I can't," Heyder said looking down at her. He knew she had never been alone before. She grew up in a large family with many siblings and cousins. He didn't want to leave her alone in a different time where anything could happen. She was not prepared. It was unfair to ask her to suddenly forget about everything she ever knew in life and get with the time.

Heyder's words made Fiza's bottom lip tremble. She held onto him tighter and lifted her gaze.

"Do you remember the day when you said you couldn't come with me to the market?" she asked.

"Yes," Heyder frowned knowing exactly what she was talking about. It was the first time he had felt real fear in his heart.

"The boat tipped over and I was trapped underneath it," Fiza shivered from the memory.

"That's not going to happen," Heyder said, wrapping his arms around the girl. "You're staying home. You're not going anywhere."

"You promised you would never leave me alone after that day," Fiza reminded him.

"I did," Heyder sighed. "But Fiza, the veil is more dangerous. Please, I can't take you with me."

"But you're taking Maya."

"She's a witch!" Heyder said. "She can handle herself. I won't have to look over my shoulder and worry about her."

"I'm a burden on you," Fiza whispered.

"No, no." Heyder groaned. "You're not a burden. You're just......I can't lose you. I can't see you get hurt."

Fiza opened her mouth to speak, but Heyder's attention was already stolen. He felt Maya's eyes on him as he stood in the middle of the kitchen with Fiza wrapped around in his arms. When he turned to look at her, he swore he heard thunder strike somewhere. Her blue eyes were guarded but they were like a violent storm.

"You ready to go, Romeo?" she asked.

Heyder sighed as he took a step away from Fiza. She held onto the hem of his shirt and frowned when he moved away.

"Fiza, I have to go," he said. Fiza nodded her head slowly. She wiped the tears with the back of her hand and sniffled.

"He's not going off to war," Maya snapped. "Let's go! We're burning daylight."

"I'll be back soon," Heyder said as he touched Fiza's face. "Stay here."

"Okay," Fiza nodded.

Heyder walked around the counter and walked over to where Maya stood. He threw one last look over his shoulder at Fiza standing in the kitchen before he opened the portal to the veil. He urged Maya to go a head before him as he followed behind her.

"She's dramatic," Maya said as soon as they appeared on the other side.

"She's naive," Heyder squinted his eyes and looked around at the snow covered grounds. "Have you ever been in the veil before?"

"No," Maya shook her head as she adjusted the wool hat on her head. Her hair was a wild mess but it suited her. Heyder liked the way it blew around her face.

"But my parents have," she continued. "My mom lived here for about a year with her uncle."

"Yes, it's very popular with witches," Heyder said as he began to move forward through the frozen forest. The enormous evergreens created a wall off green to guide them through the woods.

"It's also the home of Jinns," Heyder said as he held a low branch back for Maya.

"Who are we meeting?" she asked.

"An old friend of mine,"

"Does she have a name?"

"Why do you assume it's a woman?" Heyder chuckled.

"You're a manwhore so I expect nothing less," Maya said.

"Ouch," Heyder rubbed the spot over his heart.

"So it's not a woman?"

"Sadly, no," Heyder smiled. "His name is Ali. I've known him my whole life."

"You have a best friend?" Maya raised a brow. "Shocking."

Heyder smiled looking over his shoulder. Maya had her eyes glued on the slipper frost ground as she took careful steps. Heyder reached up and pulled on a branch over her head. A cascade of snow that fell over Maya head's head making her shriek.

"You ass!" Maya yelled as she spit out snow. She grabbed a handful of snow off the ground and threw it directly at Heyder's head.

Heyder laughed as he ducked and the snowfall hit the trunk of a tree. He pulled on another branch but this time Maya was prepared. She jumped out of the way of the mini avalanche and pushed Heyder to the ground. But her plan didn't go according to plan as the jin grabbed her arm and pulled her down with him. Maya and Heyder landed on the pile of fresh snow, the weight of their bodies causing them to sink down.

"Smile a little," Heyder said looking up at Maya as she laid on top of him with a frown on her face. "Maybe you'll melt my heart."

Maya wiggled her hand free from between them and pushed a handful of snow onto the jinn's face. Heyder started to laugh as he caught from the cold ice in his mouth.

"Let go of me," Maya said as she wiggled to get up.

"Stop moving like that," Heyder gripped her hips and held her still.

"Is it getting you excited?" Maya suddenly laughed, filing the silent air with the warm sound.

"Not the time, Maya Dorin," Heyder said as he used his magic to levitate his body. He rose from the snow into a standing position with Maya still caged in his embrace.

"There's never a wrong time," Maya said. "Love is timeless."

Heyder felt the corner of his lips perk up. He leaned down and kissed away the little clumps of snow on Maya's cheek. He felt himself cheer with triumph as Maya sighed and pushed up to her tippy toes for more.

Heyder knew if he held her a second longer his self control would be a thing of the past. He wanted nothing more than to hear her breath his name in a wooden cabin somewhere in the snowy mountains. He could almost feel the way her soft warm skin would feel under his touch. The thought of Maya biting down on her bottom lip as she laid beneath him with the glow of the fire on her face made every cell in Heyder's body ignite like gunpowder.

"What's wrong?" Maya asked, looked up at him when he stood still staring down at her.

Where do I begin, Heyder thought to himself as he unwrapped his arms from around Maya and took a step back. Every time Heyder thought he could throw everything out the window and pull that firecracker of a mouth to his lips a dark cloud appeared over his mind.

He couldn't do that to her. He simply couldn't.

No matter how much he wanted to, Heyder couldn't doom Maya. One kiss would be all it took to make him feel alive. But one kiss would also be what it took to seal her fate. He couldn't let his physical need for her destroy her future. She had so much to live for. Maya was the future to a whole new generation of witches. It wasn't hard to tell she wore greatness on her shoulder like a pair of wings.

Heyder couldn't clip her wings.

"You're distracting me," Heyder frowned.

"You started this"! Maya defended herself. "Get away from me and start walking."

Heyder let go of the breath he was holding. He turned on his heels and heeded up the narrow trail. Maya threw one last snowball at his head before he fell into steps behind him.

"Very mature," Heyder said as he shook his coat to prevent the ice from going down his back.

"Thank you. I try very hard," Maya brushed her hands against her legs.

For the rest of the short trip, neither one spoke. Heyder was lost in his thoughts as he led Maya through the forest and finally into the clearing he was all too familiar with.

"The gatekeeper," Maya gasped as she spotted the lady sitting in the middle of the field with her carpet and cups of tea. Her colorful outfit and copper hair stood out against the field of white snow as the delicious scent of her tea swam around Maya's head.

"That smells so good," Maya said, taking a step forward.

"Oh no, you don't," Heyder pulled her back as he pinched her nose. "Didn't your daddy tell you about not drinking tea with the gatekeeper?"

"Yes," Maya nodded her head as Heyder continued to hold her nose. "But it smells really good."

"All a front, sweet baby," Heyder said as he tucked her under his arm and began to walk along the edge of the field.

"Heyder," Maya frowned. "I can't breath."

"Use your mouth," Heyder said.

"Let go of my nose."

"Nope," Heyder shook his head. "Open your mouth."

Suddenly Maya started to giggle.

"Not like that, you pervert," Heyder rolled his eyes. He tried to remain grumpy but a smile cracked across his lips.

"Heyder!" The gatekeeper stood up and held her hand above her forehead to see better. "Is that you?"

Heyder didn't answer. He continued to walk as he hid Maya in his arms.

"Is that Maya Dorin?" the woman's voice floated over with the wind. "What are you doing with her? Let the poor girl breath."

"I need to see Ali," Heyder called over to her. "Lead me to Ali."

"Come warm up and have some tea."

"No," Heyder said sternly.

"Maya seems so cold," the woman frowned. "Bring her here. Let's catch up."

"Lead me to Ali," Heyder enunciated each word.

"How about a cup of tea first?"

"Forget the goddamn tea, woman!" Maya yelled as she looked over Heyder's arm. "Where is Ali?"

The gatekeeper smirked, "Just like her father."

"Don't make me come over there!" Maya threatened.

"That's exactly what she wanted," Heyder said as he pulled her closer. "Shut up."

"Maybe we can have tea another day," the gatekeeper lifted her hand an a portal appeared in front of Maya and Heyder.

"See," Maya said looking up at the jinn. "She's scared of me."

"Yes, you are terrifying," Heyder rolled his eyes. He picked Maya up and rushed into the portal.

"If you break my nose, you owe me a nose job," Maya complained as they appeared on the other side of the portal.

"I would never dare harm your nose," Heyder said as he sat her down and let go of her nose.

Maya took in a deep breath with added drama, "Oh sweet oxygen!"

"Oh sweet baby," A voice purred.

Maya and Heyder both turned to find a tall man standing by the bar of an old tavern. Heyder knew the place like the back of his own hand. He had spent many drunken nights at the establishment with his good friends. And the one standing in front of them right now was the closest thing he had to a real brother.

"Ali," Heyder nodded his head in greeting.

"I don't even care about you right now," Ali said to Heyder as his eyes moved up and down Maya's figure. "Did you steal an angel?"

Maya laughed, "Who, me? An angel?"

"She crawled out of hell," Heyder said.

"I wanna take you home to my mama," Ali took a step forward and held out his hand. Maya laughed as she offered him hers and he placed a kiss upon it.

"This is Maya," Heyder introduced her. "Maya, this is Ali. My oldest friend."

"At your service, Madam," Ali winked. "How may I lay my life down for you, my Queen?"

"Oh?" Maya raised a brow. "I like him, Heyder."

Heyder rolled his eyes. Ali was born a flirt. Other than his mother and sisters, there was not a single woman on Earth he hadn't tried to hit on. People often said he was the sugar for the ladies.

"And I like you too," Ali said to Maya.

"Okay, enough," Heyder took Maya's hand away from Ali. "I have business to discuss with you."

"Of course you do," Ali straightened up. He ran a hand through his dark locks as his eyes gleamed from the charming smile on his lips. He gave off a very carefree and vibrant air as he led the couple to a small table. Before Heyder could act, his friend had already pulled the seat out for Maya.

"Thank you," Maya said with a smile.

"Anytime, my lady," Ali gave her a wink as he took the seat across from Heyder.

Maya looked around at the crowd gathered in the tavern. Witches stole glances in her direction and whispered amongst themselves as jinns eyed Heyder. A lady in a red dress sang on stage as the front row threw money at her and cheered her on. Waitresses in silk belly dancing outfits moved through the crowd and served drinks left and right. Their faces were covered by a sheer veil and their eyes were heavy with dark liner.

"What would you like to drink?" Ali asked.

"Nothing," Heyder said before Maya could answer. She shot him a dirty look before she looked back at the friendly jinn.

"Where have you been all these years?" Ali asked.

"My parents imprisoned him," Maya said, causing Ali to burst out laughing.

"Serves him right," he said. "What did he do?"

"He tried to sleep with my aunt,"

"Good lord man!" Ali sat up in his seat. "What is wrong with you? Why the aunt when you have this divine beauty?"

"He doesn't want to sleep with me," Maya sighed.

"Okay, enough," Heyder hit the table making the glass rattle. "I'm serious."

"Okay, okay," Ali said, trying to compose himself. "It's good to see you, man."

"I wish I could say the same," Heyder glared. "I need you to help me find something."

"What is it?" Ali asked. "And I don't work for free anymore. You gotta pay me."

"Her family is loaded," Heyder motioned towards Maya.

"Filthy rich," Maya nodded.

Ali smirked, "How do I marry you?"

"Ali," Heyder groaned again.

"Sorry!" the man held up his hand. "You keep distracting me. What's the job? Get to the point."

"I'm looking for the ophiotaurus," Heyder leaned forward and lowered his voice. Maya copied his movement as the three huddled their heads together over the table.

"The ophiotaurus?" Ali paled. "You know what legend says about it, don't you?"

"Yes," Maya nodded. "Kill the beast and it will grant you the power to kill the gods."

What do you think of Ali? :)