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I lift my head and the world spins a moment before settling. The furious buzzing of the pixies grows louder as they swarm down the hill, toward us.

Raw panic claws at my chest. My hands begin to tingle with a familiar warmth. Raising my arms, green wisps of magic swirl around my fingers and gather in palms.

With a flick of my wrist I send my power to the ground. The earth trembles and thick vines burst from the soil in a rush of vibrant green. Twisting and weaving together like living ropes, they form a tight, protective barrier around us just as the pixies descend.

I wince as their tiny bodies slam into the barrier. They emit a series of high-pitched squeaks of indignation at being denied their prize.

Ren’s eyes are wide as he studies the foliage dome around us. “Gods above,” he murmurs, voice full of wonder as he turns his gaze to me. “That was incredible.”

I glance down at my hands in shock. I’ve used my magic before, but it’s never responded so quickly. Usually, I have to focus hard before I can call it forth.

Anxiety spikes through me as I suddenly realize my dress pocket is empty. “Oh my gods, where’s Finik?”

CHAPTER 13

RAPUNZEL

Frantic, I scan all around us, but I don’t see him.

“He must have fallen out of your pocket when we were rolling down the hill.” Ren’s voice is tight with worry. “Surely, he—”

The buzzing outside stops and a faint series of squeaks fills the airs.

“What is it?”

Ren narrows his eyes. “It’s the Hive Queen. She says Finik is outside with them, and she wants to speak with us.”

My concern is quickly replaced by protective anger, and my magic flares to life again in my palms. “Tell her that if she hurt him, I’ll—”

Another series of squeaks sounds outside and Ren turns to me. “She says he’s fine.”

“Prove it.” I grit through my teeth. “Because I swear if he’s harmed—”

Several more squeaks cut me off and Ren arches a quizzical brow. “She says that he takes his afternoon tea with an extraspoonful of honey and his favorite food is the almond cake you make once a week.”

My shoulders sag in relief. “It’s him.”

With a flick of my wrist, I direct my magic to pull back some of the vines so we can see outside. Several golden lights hover around us, but the closest one has a slight pinkish tint to it.

As it draws closer, I notice the Pixie is wearing a golden crown nestled in her dark red hair and a blush-colored dress that matches her fluttering wings. The Queen gestures behind her, and I see Finik sitting on the ground, feasting on a pile of hazelnuts that have been placed all around him.

Her dark eyes meet mine, and her lips pull back in a smile that flashes a hint of her sharp fangs before she dips her head in a small bow.

I do the same, and then she turns to Ren, his ears flicking forward in attention as she speaks in her high-pitched voice.

“I apologize,” he says. “You aren’t even remotely similar to gnats.” He flashes a winning smile. “More like regal, majestic beings—protectors of the forest.”

I bite back a laugh as the Queen rolls her eyes and shakes her head. She turns to me and begins speaking again.

Ren nods and then translates. “She has magnanimously agreed to forgive my insults, and allow us safe passage through their territory, if you will please do her a favor.”

I blink. “What does she want?”

“Their hive tree was damaged by a severe storm. She was wondering if you could speed along its healing with your magic.”

“I… I’m not sure it will work, but I can definitely try,” I offer.

She nods in agreement.