Page 62 of The Never Queen

“Where are the stones?” I ask.

Time is ticking by in my head.

I believe Hansel when he says the Witch Killers won’t act yet, not until they have me, Vane, and the twins. Maybe those numbers even include Hansel, now that he’s jumped ship for a family he has long since denied himself.

But even knowing all that, I can’t be sure they aren’t torturing Darling. I know she’s tough as nails, but every minute that passes sends a tiny fracture through my resolve.

Vane jostles Kody, and the gnome’s teeth clack together.

“In my safe! In the bottom drawer of my desk!”

I give Hansel a nod and he goes around the desk, pulling the drawer open. “What’s the combination?”

Kody rattles off four numbers and the dial clicks with the turns. When the last is set, Hansel tests the latch and it opens with a metallic clang.

“They in there?” I ask.

The canvas bag is in his hand, clattering with the sound of rocks. He pries it open and checks inside. “Five of them.”

“See?” Kody lifts his arms, portraying innocence. “I kept them safe for you. I knew you’d come back for them!”

“What do you think, Vane?” I ask and cross the room to them. “Should we kill him? Or let him live?”

“If we let him live, he’ll always be looking over his shoulder.” Vane gives him another shake. “That doesn’t seem fair, does it?”

“I’m fine with persistent existential dread!” Kody says. “That seems like a fair trade off!”

The truth is, Kody does occasionally have his advantages. I’m not sure if I came here with the thought of leaving him alive, but now that I’m here, I think saving my energy for the Witch Killers will likely be the better decision.

“Let him go,” I say, and Vane gives Kody a shove.

The gnome stumbles forward and knocks into one of the guest chairs, dropping into it with a gust of air.

“That’s the last time you cross us, Kody. Yes?” I say.

“Yes. Of course. I’m sorry, Peter Pan. It’s business as usual except for you. I’ll always make an exception for you!”

I only half believe him.

With the stones in our possession, we leave the diner behind, aware that our presence could be reported up the Witch Killer chain at any moment.

Vane and I each take a stone, slipping them into our pockets. I would prefer to wear them on leather, but they aren’t drilled for it and time is of the essence.

To Hansel, I say, “We can fly you to the warehouse if you want to get there quickly. Or meet us there. Your choice.”

“I prefer the feel of gravity beneath me, but in this case, I’ll get over it. I know my sister better than anyone. I should be there when you confront her.”

With that settled, I grab Hansel by the shirt and lift off the ground. To his credit, he only yelps a little as the ground disappears beneath us.

31

WINNIE

Half the time when Bash ties me up, I pretend to struggle with the ropes and the knots. I like him fucking me while I’m tied up and he likes fucking me while I’m tied up, so really it’s for both our benefit.

I don’t know how to get out of all of his knots. He is the expert, after all, but it’s clear the Witch Killers do not have the experience of Bash, the fae king.

Because this knot takes me no time at all. Both my wrists and my ankles are free, and I move quickly to the ropes binding Mom.