A Life Beyond The Mirror

I had to slip into my grandma’s room after my mother went to bed. She was waiting for me in her chair by the window, tucked under a wool blanket, her braid draped over her shoulder, shining in the moonlight.

“Are you ready to listen?” she asked, placing her book down on her oak side table.

“Definitely.” I reply, sitting on the edge of her bed, tucking my legs underneath me.

“Let me start by saying, your father didn’t keep this from you to be mean. He was trying to protect you. And your mother has a spell on her to forget. It was the only way for you to be safe after your father disappeared.” She says, leaning towards me. “I hear you went through your mirror?”

“How did you know?”

“I heard the buzz of the magic when you slipped through. We used to live in the fae realm. Your Grandfather, Father and I, but after your grandfather died, I couldn’t stay. We needed a fresh start, with less magic.”

“Less magic?” my brow furrowed in confusion.

“There is less magic in this realm, meaning in my grief I had more control. We always planned on returning, until your father met your mother. Humans cannot cross into the Fae realm. Your Father chose to stay with your mother. Without him, there was no reason for me to return.” she smiled. “Where did you go? When you went through the mirror, I mean.”

“Finn’s Castle.” I replied awkwardly.

“Interesting. So, you saw the other realm for yourself?” she asked moving to sit next to me on the bed, laying the blanket over both of our laps, a gripped the edges, running my thumps over the soft material.

“Just the Castle. Eva, Rose, Hali and Rowan were there. I wasn’t there long. Why do you have the mirror?”

“I used to work for the palace as a healer, so when I moved to this realm, I took it with me and used it to collect herbs and ingredients I wouldn’t find here. Your Father used it then when he became the Seer. He was a powerful man. The same gift you have, but I’m sensing not the only gift.” She says, placing her hand on mine. “Funny how you ended up friends with a group of Fae. Though I haven’t heard of a couple of them. I’ll have to find out who their parent are.” She ponders to herself. She shakes herself out of her thought and looks me over. “The ties of fate are pulling you hard, I see.” Her hand settling on my shoulder.

“Do you know what magic I have?” I ask, almost a whisper. Her hand smooths across my hair as she begins to calm the fly aways, before resting her hand on my shoulder again.

“No, but that will all come with time. Tomorrow, I will teach you some beginner potions and we can make a start on your learning. But for now, you need your rest, you have gained much knowledge today, my dear, and that can take its toll on anyone.” She places her hand on my forehead, a warm sensation filling me, making my limbs feel heavy with fatigue, my mind clearing. “There. That should help. Hopefully you won’t have any visions tonight.” My eyes feel heavier as a yawn takes control. Gran nudges me to head for the door, before I leave, I turn to look at her once more.

“Gran, I feel terrible that I never believed you. You let everyone think you were crazy.”

“All the best of us are, dear.” She says, paraphrasing Alice in Wonderland, a book she used to read to me before bed. “Now, goodnight.” Placing a soft kiss on my brow.

She was right. I slept like a log. As my eyelids slide open, I startle at the sight of Toby, lying down next to me, staring like a creeper.

“Really?! You’re freaking me out.” I state and as if understanding, he gets up and walks downstairs. My ears twitch when I catch a faint humming sound irritating my eardrums. sliding off the bed, I search for the sound, following the noise, swinging my head from side to side, listening for its origin. I end up facing the mirror once more. It has never hummed before. Well, not that I have noticed.

I touch it as a flash moves across the pane, a shadow moving out of view. Was someone watching me? I stumble back, scrambling for something, anything. I tug the sheet off my bed and throw it over the mirror, completely covering it before rushing downstairs. Gran was already in the kitchen, clipping rosemary from her small herb garden on the windowsill, the smell of freshly brewed peppermint tea greeting my sinuses.

“Sleep well dear?” she asks, without turning.

“Can people look through the mirror and into my room?” I question, my heart racing in panic, my voice breathless.

“Only if they had the same one.” She says with a shrug. “Why?” She turns and takes me in, immediately putting down the scissors, concern etching her features.

“Well, I woke up to it humming and when I looked, something moved.” I stressed, my hands moving frantically to emphasise the problem.

She freezes, eyes wide. “Right.” Finally moving, snapping into action. “I will put a ward on it. That’s the last thing we want is people watching or wandering in here! Here let me show you how to make it.” she grabs the mortar from the side, placing it in front of me before gathering herbs from her shelves. “This can be your first lesson. Potions can be powerful things and dangerous in the wrong hands. Like magic. There is light magic and dark magic.” She says over her shoulder.

“How do you know the difference?” I watch in rapt interest as she grabs a few jars, smelling them, before heading towards me.

“The smell mainly. Good magic smells…well good. Like nature, grass, herbs, flowers, honey, the sea, the wind, the rain etc. Dark magic smell rotten. People who use dark magic are usually identifiable by their looks. But here are a lot of spells and potions to hide these though. You,” she points at me. “Will be able to feel it. Your instincts protect you. The gift of sight protects you. It is an asset. Here, try this.” She covers my eyes with her hands.

“What does your instincts tell you about me?” she asks. “Not how you think of me but the feeling I give you when you think about me.” I think for a moment.

“You’re my Gran.” I say not really knowing what she means. She uncovers my eyes.

“Okay, okay. Close your eyes. Try... Hali.”

“I feel I can trust her. She makes me feel like she’s got my back.”

“Good. I’m glad. Now Eva.”

“She’s brutally honest. I can’t trust her with any secrets, I know that, but she feels like a good person overall.”

“Last one. Finn?” my eyes fly open in a panic. “Go on.” She waves her hands, encouraging me to proceed, a gentle smile gracing her face.

’Well, I feel drawn to him. I don’t know if it’s the dreams, but there is something there. I can trust him. I can count on him. I feel safe when I’m with him.” I open my eyes and she’s grinning at me with one of those all-knowing grins. I scrunch my nose in realisation. “Stop it!” my cheeks flaming.

“The heart wants what the heart wants.” She sings rhythmically.

“He’s getting married.” I state. Placing the herbs she has measured out, into the mortar.

“I don’t change my argument.” She grins, her pitch mocking. “Right Thea. Head in the game. These are the herbs you will use in most spells. Like the building blocks of all potions…” lifting each one in turn telling me why she adds each herb to the potion. When she gives me the last ingredient to add to the mortar, she hands me the pestle.

“Now grind. But while you do. You need to think what you want this potion to do.” She says, picking up the used jars and placing them back in their original place.

“Why?”

“The magic of the potion comes from you. The intentions will flow through you and into the potion. Otherwise, you are making some type of broth.” I nod and smile at her joke.

“How do I know if it works?” and as if to answer my question a small plume of pink glittery smoke spouts from the bowl. “Oh, never mind. I must admit. That felt good!” a shiver lacing down my spine.

“It’s ready. Follow me.” She smiles.

We headed up to my room. “Why doesn’t Mum ask about your hip? Surely she thinks it’s weird that its already better?”

“I use the crutch when she’s around.” She says raising a finger to her lips.

As we take the winding stairs to my attic room, we hear a rustle of movement, then the hum of the mirror. I run up the stairs to catch the intruder. But the room is empty.

“Someone was in here.” I said once Gran emerged from the staircase.

“Does anything look out of place?” she asks, scanning the room. I cringe as I take in the mess. Half empty boxes, clothes still half put into the drawers.

“I don’t think so.” A little embarrassed, but scanning my eyes anyway, it’s not like I would be able to tell anyway.

“Seems whoever was watching, did fancy a visit. Not a moment too soon for this potion.” she said as dips a paintbrush in and sweeps it over the mirror. Arching and swirling, creating a symbol like the one on the back door. It glowed for a minute then returned to normal. “There.” She said leaning back to look at her handy work. “Now only you, or people with you, will be able to leave and return as the potion contains your magic. No one will be able to look through either. Which is definitely a good thing.” She steps away and glances around the room.

“You could do with a Tylwyth Teg to clean up after you. I know one who would love to get her hands on this.” She laughs, “Sadly, they don’t travel much between realms, so this is all your job.” I duck my chin, nodding. “Now get ready for school. You only have a little while until Hali gets here.” She says, nodding to the Robin outside the window, tapping his beak impatiently against the glass.

The horn honks outside and I run down to the car.

“Before you go dear.” Gran shouts from the kitchen, “Drink this. It hides the ears.” she said thrusting a glass into my hands. I look at her suspiciously before downing the liquid anyway. It surprising tastes nice, citrusy.

“Come on!” Hali shouts, impatiently from the car. Her head ducking so she could see me through the open passenger window.

I run, not even closing the passenger door before she’s speeding away. “No Eva?” I ask, whilst attempting to buckle up with Hali practicing driving only seen in Fast and furious movies.

“I think we could both do with the morning off from here.” I nod in agreement. “She doesn’t mean to come off so hostile. It’s just… her way. How are you dealing with it all?” concern lacing her voice.

“A bit of an information overload. My head was killing last night. I feel better today. It just still feels so… unreal.”

“That’s good. I can’t imagine what it feels like to only just find out who you are. Do you have any questions I can help with? I’m somewhat of an expert on all things fae.” She said, flicking her hair over her shoulder and tossing me a wink, over her sunglasses, before sweeping them back over her eyes.

“What magic do you have?” I ask, around a laugh.

“Good question. I have power over the water. I grow gills when I’m in there. But there are good and bad of us though. Me, I just worship the water. There are others such as sea hags, mermaids and sirens. They use their power to lure people to their deaths. I would only do that if someone really pissed me off.” She says with a shrug and my eyes widen. “Speaking of water- fancy going to the beach tonight? We’re all going. It should be fun.” She sing songs.

“But it’s a Wednesday?” She looks at me over her sunglasses.

“And your point is?” She quirks her brow. She did have a point; I forget how close to the beach we are living here. In Chester we would have to drive at least 30 minutes to get there so it was always a day trip. Sandy sandwiches and all. Here, there’s always a beach within 10 minutes wherever you are.

“Sounds good!” I reply trying to sound a little cooler.

“That’s the spirit! I’ll take you back to yours after school and you can pick up your stuff for swimming.” she dances excitedly in her seat.

As she pulls into the carpark at school Eva and Rose walk towards the car.

“Nice of you to join us.” Eva remarks.

“Bite me.” Hali replies harshly, before they both bark out a laugh.

“So, Thea. How are you finding school so far?” Rose asks, hooking her arm through mine as we walk towards the school gates.

“Great thanks. Nice to have some friends already I guess.” She smiled again, before her attention catches on something behind me.

“I invited her to our beach trip later.” Hali shouts, gathering her bag from the back and running to catch us up.

“Oh, That’s great! It gives us a chance to get to know you more.” Rose smiles, unhooking my arm and heading back towards Eva.

“Yes! You will have to tell us all about your human life.” Hali exclaims, bouncing up and down. “It’s still so strange you never knew!” The bell sounds and we head towards our classrooms. Eva and Rose head off in the opposite direction towards theirs.

“That went better than yesterday. Seems they have heeded the warning” Hali said hiking her thumb over her shoulder, to Rose and Eva.

“What do you mean? What warning?”

“Mine. And Finns. Your new to the fae and they can be harsh around newcomers. Eva is an expert bitch to strangers, and Rose has always followed her lead. Plus, she does have a thing for Finn but he ignores it trying to be nice.” She said taking a piece of gum from her bag and offering me the packet. I take a piece and smile. “Actually, that’s probably why she doesn’t like you. She probably sees you as competition.” She said nodding with understanding.

“What? Why?” I ask surprised.

“Do you think I’m an idiot? I saw how you two acted yesterday. He clearly likes you.” she chewed, side eyeing me as we walk through the main gates.

“He’s engaged.” I remind her, holding up my right hand as if to show off an imaginary ring.

“The heart wants what the heart wants.” She shrugged.

“You sound like my grandma.” I mutter and She laughs hard at that.

“I can see the sparks. You would have to be blind not to.” She closed her eyes feeling the air in front of her. “Oh, my mistake. I can still feel them as well. Electric.” She says theatrically. I hit her with my bag, and she breaks out in laughter again.

“You are seriously not funny.”

“It’s okay, your secrets are safe with me.” putting pinched fingers to her lips and zipping them closed.

“All of them?” I ask, even though I can already feel I can, I like to make sure.

“I guess, why do you have more?” she asks as we enter the classroom, tapping her fingers together like a movie villain.

“Maybe some other time.” I gesture to the full classroom.

Lunch comes around quickly as we head to the cafeteria. “So, dish me those secrets.” Hali reminds me, urgently, leaning towards me as we walked.

“Well—” I trip, falling face first to the cold linoleum floor. Just before my nose connects the hard ground, somebody grabs my flailing arms and yanks me back up. The electricity that zaps across my skin let’s me know who it is before I look up and meet those brilliant emerald eyes.

“We seriously have to stop meeting like this.” Finn jokes, his grip firm on my arms as I regain my footing.

“I’m sorry, I’m so clumsy. I’ll make sure to look where I’m going next time.” I say shaking my head.

“It’s okay, I think I like catching you.” He whispers, sliding my bag back onto my shoulder. His minty scent making my head spin before I come to my senses and lean back and step away from him. He steps back, joining Rowan in one of the queues.

“Thank you.” I turn around to see what I tripped on. A bag placed in the middle of the cafeteria. Eva and Rose were sat at our table, laughing as they caught the whole thing. I try to hide the embarrassment on my face.

“Come on let’s get something to eat.” Hali suggests holding me by the shoulders and moving me towards the queue. “We will be over in a minute guys.” She shouts over her shoulder.

“Okay, that was like fireworks.” She said, placing a finger to my arm, pulling it away and shaking it like I burned her. She laughs and I smile but the embarrassment still flames my cheeks. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just not great with public humiliation.” I reply, ducking my head as I glance at the girls again. They’re still laughing, mimicking my fall. She follows my gaze as her eyes snag on Rose and Eva sniggering at me.

“Oh fates no.” she said waving her hand. “I’ll fix this.” She points a finger towards the girls as they go take a drink of their water, she flicks her wrist. The water cup overturns on their faces, soaking them.

Hali quickly turns to me. “Don’t look. They’ll think it was you.” She said giggling under her breath. “I think you just started Girl War 3” I say. “They are going to hate me.” I whisper, my eyes watering from holding in the laughter as I try with all my might not to turn around.

“Totally worth it.” she said erupting in laughter, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. She offers me hers for a high five and I immediately take her up on the offer. As I finally take a look at the table, Rowan is laughing hysterically, even whilst handing them napkins and then my gaze collides with Finn. He is already staring at me, giving me a knowing smiling.

“I think he knows it was us.” I whispered to Hali.

“No, I think he just likes you.”

Not dropping my gaze from his I reply, “You think?” before the sentence can be filtered out. My gaze snaps to hers at the realisation.

“Well, now I know you like him too.” She said laughing and my cheeks flame. She waves her hand at me. “Come on love bird.” She giggled as we headed down the queue.

…

“What do I need?” I ask almost out of breath, as Hali and I sprint up the stairs to my bedroom once we get home from school. I really needed to get back into exercising on the regular.

“Bikini, A drink, some sun cream- have you not been to the beach before?” sarcasm in her tone as she plonks down on my bed.

“I like to be prepared.” I replied putting everything into a backpack. Hali takes the opportunity to snoop. Grandma must have come up and finished emptying the boxes for me, because my room was spotless and looked so much bigger. Thank God for that woman, she is truly a saint. Or she knows I would never get around to doing it myself.

“Is this the mirror you came through yesterday?” she points at the most beautiful feature of my room.

“Uh huh.” I said throwing the bag over my shoulder, whilst hunting for the flip flops.

“You ready?” she asked turning to look at me. I throw my hand in the air containing the flip flops like I had just discovered the burial place of an Egyptian pharaoh.

“Yep, just got to put these on.” I smile, awkwardly hopping to place a flip flop on each foot.

“Is that for Finn?” She said with a wicked smile and wiggle of her brows, eyeing my bikini. It was my favourite one. A maroon, red colour that didn’t make my pale skin look like Casper the friendly ghost and it gave me the right amount of protection from nip slips. To date, I haven’t had one yet. Over it, a white kaftan, that’s appliqued design isn’t the best if you leave it on in the sun. I learned that the hard way last year. I looked like I was trying to become a leopard.

“No.” I replied, my cheeks pinking a little. She shakes her head as if she didn’t believe me. “So what beach are we going to?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“Fresh Water West. Best beach around. I hope you have packed some warmer clothes for later.” she said as we headed down the stairs and to her car. I nodded and we waved goodbye to Gran, sitting in her usual place, Len taking up the space on the armrest, enjoying a pile of sunflower seeds.

The small car park is situated by the colossal sand dunes, the sand dusting itself across the road in the wind. Long reed like grass of all different shades of green is covers the sides, dancing in the wind. I step out of the car and the salty air refreshes my senses.

The last time I came to this beach, I was nine. Every time we came to Grans in the summer, this was the beach we came to. A lump forms in my chest as I take in the surroundings. Nothing has changed and I feel like that little girl again. I swallow hard as I take a deep breath. We had played rounders on the beach. A few families there had joined in and the game grew, the more people took notice. At the end of the day, as the sun started to set, Dad started a little fire and we roasted marshmallows as he told us the story of the Farmer who came across a sleeping mermaid on his travels across Aberbach beach. He kidnapped her, locking her up. When she awoke, she called to her family through her mournful song and when they arrived they cursed the farmer to never have a child born to his house.

. We pulled the deck chairs from the boot and tossed the bags over our shoulders, turning to see Eva and Rose, waiting for us at the start of the path.

“Nice outfit.” Eva smiled. Her fringe was blowing in the wind as she fights with it to keep it out of her eyes. She wore purple t-shirt and denim shorts. Eva wore a black bikini top with a black jacket half zipped up.

“Thanks.” I replied, pushing the strap further on to my shoulder as it slides off the smooth material, “Yours looks edgy as hell.” She smiles at that, sticking out her tongue.

Out of nowhere Finn and Rowan come up behind Hali and I and take the stuff out of our hands.

“Can’t have you pretty ladies carrying anything to strenuous now, can we?” Rowan said his blonde hair brushing against his forehead in the sea air, blowing almost perfectly in the breeze without having to wrangle it like Eva. His gaze set intently at Hali. Her cheeks pinken as she sweeps her flowing blonde hair just over her blue bathing suit.

“Thanks!” I shout after them. Finn turning and winking in reply. I turn to Hali. “So, Rowan huh?” I say nudging her with my elbow as we pad through the sinking sands of the dunes towards the beach, the tall reedy grass scratching at our legs as we navigate our way down to the shore. The sand seeping into my flip flops, I shake it out quickly as the sun-drenched grains burn my heels.

“Only forever.” She sighs, whimsically. “But don’t tell the other girls. They would only use it against me and make fun of me.”

“Why?” I ask, my brows dipping.

“It’s just their nature. Doesn’t mean I have to deal with it if I don’t have too though.”

“Your secrets are safe with me.” I said, zipping my lips and handing her the key. She smiles, taking the fake key, and throwing it over her shoulder laughing.

“It’s a good job that wasn’t real or I would never be able to talk again.” I laughed with her.

“Thanks, it’s nice to feel I have true friend around.” She said linking my arm.

“Me too.” We smile at each other and head down the last dune, kicking the sand behind us in our wake. The beach stretched for miles; a pebble bank takes up the space near the base of the dunes but the rest of the beach was pure golden sand. The tide was going out as the water drenched grains sparkle like diamonds in the afternoon sun. The mirrors of water reflecting the brilliant blue sky, making you feel you were in some tropical resort, not Pembrokeshire.

The boys had already started for the rockier side of the beach, and I frowned to myself. “Shouldn’t we stay on the sand? It will be much nicer. If we stay out too long the tide will cut us off.” I said to Hali.

“Just you wait.” She said, leaning in closer and pointing to them. With a flash, they disappeared. My eyes bug out of my head. I blink repeatedly but I still can’t grasp what just happened.

“Where did they go?” I asked looking around. She laughed breaking into a run, heading to where the boys were.

“Come on!” she shouted. As we neared the jagged rocks there was still no sign of the boys. “Come here and hold my hand.” I took it and she lent down to the rock in front of her. It did look oddly out of place on the beach. Minimal signs of erosion from the harsh sea and the colour was just, off. It made want to move away. She tugs me closer, seeming to have stepped back instinctually as she touched it and a force sucked us through the stone.

A scream climbs my throat and I fight to contain it. I try to stay standing as my head spins and I lean on Hali.

“Sorry, I forgot to tell you about that. The first time always sucks.” Sounding guilty as she grips my arms to steady me.

“What was that?” I asked, my head clearing enough to turn and see Eva and Rose appear.

“A portal to the Seelie Realm. As I said, Best Beach.” She said pointing out to the view. The sea looked brighter, deep turquoise and clear, the sand softer under my feet, cool even. The waves crashed against the rocks near the cliff face, creating our own miniature rainbows. The smell of the salt air intrinsically the same though. But the best part of all? No one else around. “Our secret spot.” She beamed. She ran straight for the ocean diving into the waves.

“Like a moth to a flame, that one.” Rowan gestured, laughing as Rose and Eva join us.

“More like a fish to water!” Rose replies and we laugh at her terrible joke. Hali crests the waves her long hair flicking out water.

“She looks lonely out there. Maybe we should join her?” I suggest.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” He says taking off his t-shirt and running to the sea.

“Come on.” I said to Finn and the girls. Finn took off his shirt in answer. A little squeak escaped my throat at the sight of his broad chest. His perfectly sculpted chest that somehow glistens, even though there isn’t a bead of sweat on him. After a minute I realise I’m still bloody staring. Lips parted and that dumb as look on my face. I turn quickly, not looking up into his face, feeling mortified as I start to take off my Kaftan, before turning and running to the shore, the girls doing the same, all of us running for the blue beyond.

As I jump into my first wave the cold hits me in the chest and I let out a little gasp.

“Come on Thea. It’s not that cold!” Hali jokes, waving me over to her, as she lazily swims. Since entering the water her hands had developed some webbing and small gills have appeared on her chest. Her skin was almost iridescent and slightly blue.

“I’m sorry I don’t have witchy water magic!” I shouted back, splashing her as I shiver against the cold, moving in further on my tippy toes as to avoid the frigid waters.

“Wrong game to play.” She says and sends a wave towards me. I submerge myself to prevent being thrown down the beach before breeching the surface again, laughing as I hold my hands in submission.

“I’ve learned my lesson.” I smile as she laughs victoriously.

I swim out to the group, getting used to the chill against my skin; more refreshing than freezing now.

“Nice dodge.” Hali winked. We were just out of our depth. Rose and Eva staying close to Finn and Rowan as it was clear, Rose wasn’t a confident swimmer, but she joined us non the less.

“Any cool things you can do?” I asked pointing to her newly grown flippers.

“I can breathe under water, hence the gills. I can swim fast. Oh! And this.” She dives under the water and about 300 yards away soars out of the water and flips, spinning the water in the air like a Catherine wheel, before diving back under the waves.

“Wow!” Rowan gasps, high fiving Finn.

“I also can lure sailors to their death with my voice, but that seems a bit too far. So, I use it to win Karaoke competitions when we go out into the human world.” She grins viciously.

“Probably best you don’t use it for anything else.” I joke, as she giggles, diving back under the water and swimming away.

I lift my legs up in the water to float in the surf. Staring into the sky, breathing in the salty sea air, drifting in the waves. I get lost in the relaxing feeling of weightlessness. No thoughts of worries, no thoughts at all really. Only the euphoric feeling of peace. Something I haven’t felt in a long time.

“Thea!” a faint voice beckons to me. I turn to look and realise I have drifted too far, headed towards the cliff, the sound of the waves crashing reaching my ears now I’ve lifted my head above the water.

I start to swim back to them, but the something slowly wrap around my ankle, one tendril at a time. I reach down to unwrap the clingy seaweed, but as my fingers graze it, I realise it’s not seaweed at all. But a scaley hand. I struggle to break free, the grip tightening. In one last ditch effort I kick out, cresting the water.

“Hel-!” I scream just before it drags me under. I open my eyes to see what has got me, the saltwater burning my eyes. The green slimy hand around my ankle leads to being, somewhat humanoid, dragging me into the abyss. The hair like seaweed drifting in the ocean. The head turns to me. “Princess will be most pleased.” The monster screeches, black eyes like the deep pits of hell. I don’t know if the fact I could hear her under water or the fact she was trying to drown me freaked me out more. I can feel the evil within her seeping into my ankle like the cold chill of winter, where she holds it. I fight against her hold, clawing and scratching at her hand on my ankle but she continues, unthwarted by my efforts. My lungs burn as I struggle to hold my breath. My eyes heavy. Deeper and deeper into the sea. Weakness taking over my limbs to the point where I can no longer fight.

Another hand takes a hold of my arm tugging me away from the creature. I blink to see, but the darkness creeping in at the edges makes it almost impossible. My eyes flutter again. Another hand grabbing the other arm, pulling so hard, pain lances my shoulder. A blast of water hits the sea creature with unrelenting force. She loosens her grip enough for the strong arms to pull me to the surface. As the surface breaks around my head, I gasp in the sweet, crisp air above. Coughing and spluttering like an old petrol lawnmower.

“Are you okay?” Finn grips me in his arms wiping the hair out of my face, his eyes scouring my face and body. I must look so attractive right now.

“What the hell was that?” I say gasping in the air my lungs craved.

“A Sea hag. They shouldn’t be in this realm.” He replied. “Can you track her Hali? I’m going to transport to the castle and get the sea guard.”

“On it.” She shouts flipping her tail in the air as she goes. “Rowan, take the girls back.” He says pointing at Rose and Eva. “Hold on okay?” he wraps my arms around his neck. He closes his eyes and the air buzzes around us. And in a flash, we were at the castle, a gush of water disperses over the stone floor. My head feeling woozier with the travel. He places me down gently on a nearby bench. “Stay here.” I salute in response as there isn’t much else I can do, still gasping for air and feeling like I’m going to ruin his castle with my vomit.

He walks over to the shocked guard paddling in our sea water. After a hushed conversation, the guard immediately nods and walks away.

“How did you get us here?” I ask, my head spinning as he returns to me. I grip the edge of the bench as I start to breath more normally, shivers wracking my body.

“Transportation magic. Comes in handy if you need to get out of somewhere quick. Can you walk?” he asks, not waiting for an answer and sweeping me up and into his arms anyway. His warmth radiating into me, making me sink into him. I fight a moan. “Never mind. This will be quicker.”

“Thanks again.” I say embarrassed.

“The third time now is it? I’ll have to start charging.” He says seriously, but his eyes dance with amusement. “You don’t need to thank me, Thea.” I can’t help but take him in again and my breath hitches with his beauty. Can you even call a man beautiful? We head down a golden corridor and up the stairs curling towards the sky.

“I have feeling the bill will be a long one the way I’m going.” I chuckle nervously.

After a moment I ask, “Do the sea hags have royalty?”

He looked puzzled by the question. “Why would you ask that?”

“Well, when she was dragging me down, she said ‘the princess will be pleased’.” I mimicked the scary golem voice. “I assumed she was taking me to her sea hag princess.”

“The only princess she would obey is one who was paying her. The Unseelie Princess.” Anger flashing across his face as his grip on me tightens.

“Your fiancé? Why would she want me dead? How would she even know me?” I shook slightly with panic.

“Don’t worry. I got you.” he said looking at me with eyes so dreamy before, he pulls me closer, tucking my chin beneath his head. We entered the same sitting room as yesterday, the one I assume is his seen as it is attached to his bedroom, sitting down on the sofa and placing me next to him. “First we need to get you warm.” He said, tucking me close to him, rubbing my arms. He holds out his free hand to the golden fireplace igniting the fire with a blast.

“How are you doing that?” I exclaim, my eyes like saucers as I take in the dancing flames.

“Fire magic. All members of the royal family have access to the four elements. Water, Air, Earth and fire.” He states, like it makes total sense. “How are you feeling?” he asks his eyebrows furrowed with concern, still rubbing my arms, his hands obscenely warm making me worry he might accidentally blast me with is fire magic before thinking otherwise.

“Honestly? A little naked.” He leans away to look at me, like he couldn’t remember what I was wearing, his gaze lingering a little too long before blinks himself out of his daze.

“Right, one second.” He moves into his bedroom and returns with one of his shirts. I stand to take it from him but wraps it around, before I can object. I weave my arms through the holes, and he starts on doing the buttons up. Slowly. I know I could do them up myself. He knows I can do my buttons up myself. But I enjoyed him doing it so much more. “How about now?” he asks, his voice husky.

“Like Pretty Woman.” I giggle. The reference going completely over his head, his eyes confused. “You have never seen the film ‘Pretty Woman’?” I ask shocked.

“I haven’t seen many films.” He shrugged.

“Well, that is a must see. A classic!” my hands emphasising the word.

“Maybe you could show it to me sometime?” he says, gazing down at me. His green eyes bright. I gulped.

“Definitely. When you…have some free time.” I replied struggling to get out the words. My eyes switching between his eyes and his lips. He leaned down, closing the distance and presses his lips to mine. Heat erupting between us. My hand latching on to his shoulders as he drew me closer, his fingers weaving into my hair, holding me hostage against his lips. My heart thundering in my chest, like it was ready to take flight. My skin heating at his touch. When reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I slowly pushed him away.

“You’re getting married in less than two weeks.” I almost whisper.

He looks away, cheeks flushed with the heat. “I don’t want to marry her.” he says.

“What do you want?” I ask. Biting down hard on my lip.

He stares at me for a moment “To be free. Free to make my own choices.” He whispers, turning to look at me, his green eyes burning into my soul. My heart thumps against my rib cage, like it’s just learning what it’s beating for. “I can’t get you out of my head. Before we met you were just a dream. A perfect girl that I wanted. Wanted so badly I looked for you face in every stranger. So badly I insisted on studying in the human realm just for a chance to meet you, because I knew that’s where you would be.” He says sweeping a strand of hair behind my pointed ears, his hand lingering on my cheek. “Now you’re here and it’s so much worse. I want you and I can’t have you.”

“Finn, we don’t know each other. what about everything you said yesterday? The duty to your kingdom?”

“I know, it sounds insane, but I do know you. I feel like I have known you all my life. It’s cheesy I know but it’s the truth. You can feel it too, right?” He asks, his eyes searching mine.

The answer hits me instantly. Yes. I’ve known this man, what? Two days and already he is completely ingrained in my DNA that I can’t stop thinking about him and that feeling of knowing. Of recognition feels stronger than just from my dreams. Like I’ve known him my whole life, a thousand lives. But how is this even real?

Before I can open my mouth to answer, a guard enters, faltering at the door realising he was interrupting.

“Your highness, there is no sign of the sea hag.” He said, his eyes remaining glued to the floor. Finn’s fist clench and he hits the ornate table. The guard still lingering at the door.

“What?!” Finn shouts, the guard taking a step back, shocked by his outburst.

“Your friends are here, your highness. Shall I send them in?” the guards eyes flicking from me to Finn.

He waited a minute, looking back at me. Before he could say a word, Hali erupts into the room.

“Thea!” she said jumping onto the sofa between us and hugging me. Finn stands, moving to the back of the sofa, leaning his palms against the backrest; eyes never moving from mine. I send him a sorry look. “I tried to follow her, but she disappeared just beyond the portal. Those sea hags are always making us morgens look bad.” Finn nods a thanks.

Rose, Eva and Rowan sweep into the room.

“Are you okay?” Rowan asks, sitting next to Hali.

“Yeah, thanks to you lot. That was a pretty awesome blast Hali.” I pushed her softly in thanks.

“I can’t believe she thought she could enter our realm. What did she want with you?” she asks.

“Apparently the princess sent her.”

“That Unseelie bitch. I told you she was bad news Finn! When I see her, I’m going to show her how we Seelie say an Unseelie hello. A kick in the teeth!” she fumes.

A tension fills the room, a dark cloud that seemed to press on my senses. Hali follows my gaze.

“And where the hell were you two?” she shouts standing. Pointing at them aggressively. “She could have been sea bait and you two were just, gone!” Rowan stands up and puts his hands on her shoulder.

“Come on, Hali, it wasn’t their fault, Rose can’t swim you know that. Let’s go for a walk.” He leads her out of the room, well, pulling her.

“I think I should go home now.” I said looking back up at Finn.

“I’ll take you to the mirror.” he slid around the edge of the sofa and offered me his arm. Eva and Rose sit there in stunned silence, the cloud of tension filling all spaces before Rose shouts “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you Thea,” I smiled, understandingly in return as Finn helped me up and led me put of the room.

As we entered the hallway the calm air soothed me. “Did you feel that?” I asked.

“No, what?” he asked. I felt silly, like I was reading too much into things.

“Never mind.” I replied. Luckily, he never questioned any further. As we reach end of the corridor my steps faltered, and my eyes bugged out of my head. Hali and Rowan, kissing near the staircase. Hali pinning Rowan against the wall by his shoulders, his arms wrapped around her, both their eyes closed, gripping each other tightly. Finn goes to clears his throat and I quickly pull him into the side room.

“Shh! Do you know how long she’s liked him? Give them a minute!” I whisper with haste. He looks at me and smiles.

“Playing Cupid?” he laughs, his eyebrows quirking at me.

“No. Just letting them have their fun.” I smile. I look around the room Id pulled him into. Paintings covering the white marbled walls of Men and Women dressed in their finery. Huge, banded crowns with intricate details of trees, flowers and fruits sit upon the men’s heads while a familiar twisted vine like band sat upon the females. “Are these all your ancestors?” I ask.

“Yes. This is the Kings office.” My eyes widened as I balked, and I looked down at myself. My red bikini showing through the prince’s shirt, wet patches clinging to my skin. I tugged on the shirt trying to make it longer. This did not look good. Finn laughed. “The Fates are out.” I let out a breath as I calmed, but realised I have no clue what he meant.

“The fates?” I ask, still struggling to tidy my attire.

“That is what we call our king and queen. Collectively they are known as the fates.”

He pulled my hand away from his shirt, coming towards me as he adjusted the collar. “I like the outfit.” He whispers in my ear, sending a shiver through me. He leaned in close again, our lips almost touching, when the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. He pulled away quickly.

“I think they left. Come on. I’ll take you to the mirror.” My hands fly to my cheeks, trying to hide the flush.

As we enter the Seer’s chamber, I wonder what my father would have done here. I glanced at the papers on his desk. The last thing he wrote.

I’m being watched. I can feel something is coming for me, but their powerful magic is hiding their face. Purple flames. They want my magic. They want my daughter. She is the key to their end. The yellow canary marks the beginning. Nothing survives the purple flames wake. They will come for her. They will come for us all.

Images flash in through my mind. The purple flames from my dreams. My chest constricts in panic; its all real.

“What’s wrong?” Finn asks, looking down at the piece of paper. “Your dream? Your father has seen it too.” His eyes wide with shock. I can’t speak. I open my mouth and no words come out.

“Come on I will take you home. You need to rest.” He says taking the paper from my hands.

“He was taken.” I said, a tear escaping. “I knew he wouldn’t just leave us.” Finn embraced me in a hug. His warmth enveloping me. I bury my face in his strong chest and a feeling of calmness takes over. My thoughts filled with guilt at having given up on my father. We stay there, wrapped in each-other’s arms unable to pull away, like something is binding us together, pulling us together, like magnets.

“I should go home.” I say into him. He pulls away slowly. I let go and walk towards the mirror.

“I should speak with your grandmother and tell her what has happened.” He says. I put my hand on his chest stopping him. He was still shirtless.

“I don’t think your dressed appropriately.” I say taking in his muscular chest. He looks down.

“We are quite the sight.” He says staring at me once more.

“It’s fine. I’ll talk to her. Thank you for saving me.” I smile, pulling my hand from his chest. And I press my hand against the mirror. It buzzed with life.

“Thea.” He says, I turn to look at him and he is lost for words. “Be- uh-Be careful until I next see you. I can’t save you if I’m not there.” He smiles.

“I’ll try.” I smile and I push through the mirror.