Chapter 6: Chapter Five

Gavin tossed the empty water bottle into the trash and leaned against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms. He could hear the faint rustle of fabric as Felicity settled on the couch in the other room. It had been quiet between them since they returned to his apartment, and he preferred it that way. He needed time to process—if that was even possible after the night he'd had.

She'd taken the blankets he offered and draped them carefully over herself, thanking him in that maddeningly calm voice of hers. Now, the silence felt heavier than it should, and no matter how much he told himself to let it go, his thoughts kept circling back to her.

He moved his hand behind his neck and rubbed the knots of tension that had gathered there since their encounter earlier. A nagging sense of unease clung to him, something he couldn't quite put into words. It wasn't just the absurdity of her claims or the memories he couldn't explain—it was something else, something lurking just beyond his understanding.

Gavin crossed to the window, pulling back the curtain to let in a little of the cool night air. The faint hum of the city filled the silence, but something felt off. He swept his gaze over the parking lot below, his truck sitting in its usual spot. The streetlights cast long, distorted shadows, and the lot was otherwise empty.

Except for a figure standing near the far edge of the lot.

Gavin frowned, leaning closer to the glass. The figure was barely visible, cloaked in shadow, but its presence was undeniable. It didn't move, didn't make a sound—just stood there, facing his building.

He felt a chill creep down his spine. Who is that?

Before he realized what he was doing, he turned and stepped into the living room. "Hey, Felicity," he said, his voice low.

She snapped to a sitting position from the couch, her auburn hair falling over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"Come here for a second."

She hesitated but rose gracefully, the green fabric of her gown flowing behind her as she crossed the room. Gavin didn't miss the wary look in her eyes, as if she could sense his unease.

"What is amiss?" she asked softly.

He didn't answer, just gestured for her to follow him to the window. When they reached it, he pulled the curtain back and pointed to the figure still standing in the shadows, peering up toward the window.

"Do you know that person?" he asked.

Felicity's expression hardened. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her hand instinctively moved to her sleeve—then froze.

"Stay here," she said, her voice sharp and commanding.

"I don't think so," Gavin shot back, grabbing her arm before she could move. "You know who that is, don't you?"

Felicity glanced at him, her eyes flashing with urgency. "I don't know who it is," she admitted, "but I have a very good idea of what they are."

Gavin blinked. "What they are? What does that even mean?"

Her gaze returned to the figure outside. "Not everyone wants you to return to Camelot. If I'm right, that's a shadow agent—one of Morgana's servants."

"Morgana?" The name felt foreign and familiar all at once, sending a strange shiver through him.

"Grandfather warned me that she might follow me here," Felicity said, her voice tight. "And now that I've found you, she'll stop at nothing to prevent you from reclaiming your place in Camelot."

"Okay, no," Gavin said, shaking his head. "This is crazy. You're telling me that person out there is some kind of assassin or... or what, a wizard like Merlin? And they're here for me?"

Felicity's express remained stern. "I know it's hard to believe, but you have to trust me. If we don't act quickly, they'll come for both of us."

Gavin stared at her, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He wanted to dismiss it, to call it nonsense and laugh it off, but the tension in her voice and the look in her eyes made it impossible.

He glanced back out the window. The figure hadn't moved, but it felt closer somehow, its presence more oppressive.

"Fine," he said, his voice low. "What do we do?"

Felicity's gaze softened, but only slightly. "First, we need to move. Staying here isn't safe anymore."

"Move where?"

"I'll explain on the way," she said, stepping away from the window. "But Gavin, if you don't believe me yet, you will soon. That's not just a person standing out there—it's a warning. And we don't have much time."

* * * *

"Wait, wait, wait," Gavin snapped, yanking his arm free. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what your plan is."

Felicity sighed heavily. Her heartbeat hammered faster than the rhythm of her wings when she flew last night. If only he'd believe her. "We need to move, Gavin. They'll come for us if we stay here."

"Where are we going? I'm not exactly thrilled about your answer about flitting around from place to place last night. I'm not like that. I need more information."

"I know not to where we are going," she admitted, biting her lip. "I'll figure it out. Usually, I have a quick mind, but

"Usually?" His voice rose. "You're not helping the situation, Felicity."

"I do understand your frustration, but first... I need to tell you something about myself."

Gavin's eyebrow lifted. "Now? We've got a stalker outside, and now you want to chat?"

"It's important," she insisted in a wavering voice. "I'm not as strong as I should be. You see, my wand—it's missing. I lost it last night."

Gavin frowned, his arms crossing over his chest. "Your wand?"

"Yes."

Confusion filled his expression and he pushed his fingers through his hair. "I wish I understood you better. I have no idea what you're talking about."

She expelled a deep breath. "Fine, I'll come right out and tell you." She swallowed hard, hoping that she could find the right words. If only her grandfather was here to help. "I'm... a fairy, and I lost my wand that helps me with magic."

Felicity watched his face closely, not knowing how he would react. For the first few seconds, his scowl remained untouched. Then suddenly, his face relaxed and he laughed loudly.

"Oh, this is got to be the best prank I've ever gotten, and in the morning when my head clears, I'll figure out which one of my friends is behind this. Maybe it was Lance since it started last night."

Felicity pursed her lips. "This is not a joke."

"So, you're telling me you lost your wand?"

"Exactly." She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin in defiance.

"This wand," he continued with laughter in his voice, "helps you with magic?"

"It does. It's how I arrived in your world, and how I will take you back to Camelot."

The grin still stretched across his mouth, but he rubbed his chin as he stared into her eyes. "Then I suppose you are going to show me your fairy wings next?"

"Well, not at this very moment." She shook her head. "We need to get out of here first."

"Even though you don't have your wand?" He rolled his eyes. "Just great. Why would you have to lose it at a time like this?"

Now was one of the times she would like to slap the sarcastic smirk right off his face. "Without my wand, I can't cast defensive spells, I can't fight off the agent hunting you, and I can't fully protect us. That's why we need to leave—quietly and carefully."

It didn't take long before his scowl returned. She almost wanted his cockiness back.

"Fine," he growled. "Then let's get out of here."

Giving him a nod, Felicity moved toward the door. He followed, picking up his duffle bag on the way. She cautiously opened the door and peeked out into the hallway. "Stay close. Follow my lead."

She opened the door slowly and stepped into the dimly lit corridor with Gavin close behind. The air felt heavier now, as if the shadows themselves carried weight. They moved toward the stairwell at the far end, as she glanced over her shoulder every few steps.

"Why don't we just run to the truck?" Gavin whispered.

"Because if the agent sees us, they'll follow. They're faster than you think."

"Terrific," he muttered, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. "Now you're going to tell me that they have fairy wings, too."

She shot him a glare. "No. They have magic... which is something I would have if I could find my wand."

When they reached the stairwell door, Felicity paused, listening intently, but silence seemed to be her other companion. Of course, that only made her more anxious.

"All clear," she whispered, pushing the door open and leading him down the narrow staircase.

Their footsteps were soft, but every creak of the metal steps sounded like a shout in the quiet space. Her pulse pounded in her ears, and she couldn't shake the feeling that someone—or something—was just behind them.

When they reached the ground floor, Felicity froze, her body tensing as she peeked through the exit door.

Gavin leaned closer. "What now?"

Felicity turned to him, hoping to keep her voice low and steady, especially since her nerves were jumping like hot kennels of corn. "When we step outside, don't stop moving. Head straight for the truck, get in, and lock the doors. I'll be right behind you."

Before he could argue, she pushed the door open and slipped into the alley. Gavin followed. The streetlights barely reached the narrow walkway, leaving most of it in deep shadow.

Prickles of unease rose on her arms. Something was wrong. They were only halfway to the truck, but she grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop.

"What now?" he whispered.

She silenced him with a sharp glance, before fixing her focus on the far end of the alley. The shadowy figure stepped into view, its movements fluid and unnatural. It didn't run—it didn't have to. Its presence alone sent a chill down her spine.

"Run," Felicity whispered, her voice trembling.

Without waiting for him to respond, she pulled him forward, their footsteps echoing as they sprinted toward the truck. Her heart pounded and her body felt like ice, but she needed to protect the prince. She wouldn't allow anything to stop her.

The figure didn't give chase, but its steady, deliberate movements were somehow worse. It was as if it knew they couldn't escape.

"Get in!" Felicity shouted as they reached the truck.

Gavin fumbled with his keys, unlocking the doors and jumping inside. Felicity slammed the passenger door shut just as he started the engine, the truck roaring to life.

"What do we do now?" he asked, his voice tight with fear.

Felicity glanced out the window. The shadowy agent still watching. "We get far away from here. And we find my wand—before it's too late."