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“A monster tried to kill me…” It was a question from a dry throat. Her pulse picked up speed at the realization.

“Yes, Violet. His unhidden name is Mor Trisencor—my enemy. It looks like he stole every one of your memories to torment me, and now you don’t remember the things we’ve been through together. He was jealous that you belonged to me.”

Heat touched Violet’s eyes, tears forming at the sounds of those things—those beautiful words about being together. Belonging to someone.

“Thank you for saving me,” she whispered, feeling the need to be polite. Because even after the feelings of familiarity, she felt a strange coldness toward this guy that seemed reserved for acquaintances.

She pulled back to look at his face again, trying to place it. Trying to memorize it so she wouldn’t forget it again. His gaze dropped to her mouth and heat spread through her when he leaned in like he was going to kiss her.

She tore back a step.

He blinked, a flit of frustration crossing his handsome face, his mouth twisting to the side.

“I don’t know you,” Violet said, not sure if she was apologizing or explaining herself. “I mean I don’t remember you yet. I don’t want to do…” she motioned between his lips and hers, “…that.”

The guy slid his hands into his pockets. He pulled a red gemstone out of one of them and rolled it over his fingers, but he didn’t take his eyes off her. “There’s something I need you to do for me, and I only wanted to kiss you before I asked.” He reached for her hand, and she felt something cold slide into her fingers, but when she tried to look down, he pushed her chin back up and levelled her gaze with his. “But I understand your hesitation. You must be very confused. Why don’t you come with me, and I’ll brew you a tea and we can talk about it. You might change your mind then.”

Violet shook her head. “No.” Nausea crept into her stomach out of nowhere. She turned toward the path to walk away, placing a hand against her forehead as dizziness spilled in. None of this felt right. What sort of weirdo tried to kiss someone who didn’t remember them?

She only took five steps before his voice snapped through the forest.

“Haley Whitefield,” he said.

Violet’s body went rigid. Her muscles felt ready, like they were waiting for something, eager to move. She looked down at herself, at her body that wouldn’t cooperate. The guy sauntered around and came to stand in front of her again. He didn’t look at her with sweetness anymore. Instead, a dark twinkle replaced the kindness in his eyes.

“When Mor comes for you,” he started, “I want you to kill him.”

Fire pooled into Violet’s veins. Her hand tightened around something, and she looked down to find a dagger she didn’t realize she was holding. She gasped at the most sudden, powerful, uncontrollable desire to kill the next person who walked into her view.

The guy leaned in, his face an inch away. “Don’t move from this spot until he finds you,” he added.

Violet watched in horror as the red-haired guy took a few steps back. A slow, sinister smile crossed his face. He disintegrated into thin air before her eyes.

43

Mor Trisencor and the Hunt

The whole human police station went still and quiet when Mor barged in. Mor scanned the faces for one he knew, clutching his side where his fairy blood leaked out. Police officers dotted the space, some at desks, others escorting non-uniformed humans around.

“Lily!” Mor shouted, the sound taking flight and booming across the station, shuddering the curtains at the window and making every being in earshot jump.

Lily came rushing out from the break room, followed by her partner Connor. “What in the world…” She rushed over with horror-stricken eyes, taking in the cuts on his arms and abdomen, the bruising on his mouth. “Are you crazy, Mor?!” she exclaimed, looking back over her shoulder as she nudged him toward the door.

“I need the assistance of all the guardians at this station,” Mor stated, addressing the officers around the room this time. “A human female has gone missing. Her name is Violet Miller. She could be anywhere in the city, and she’s in great danger. Additionally, two of my interns are missing. I’ll provide Officer Lily Baker with all the information I have.”

“Seriously?” Lily whispered at him. “What happened?”

“I can’t airslip,” Mor told her in a low voice, looking down at his weak body. Anguish filled his chest, and he pushed his hand against his thudding heart.

Lily took his arm and headed for the door again, grabbing a folder off her desk on the way by. “You can ride with me.”

“Baker! Wait for me!” Connor scrambled to catch up.

Lily led the way out of the station and to her chariot, flicking on the flashing blue and crimson torches as soon as she got inside. Connor went to the passenger side.

“Sit in the back, Connor,” Lily told him.

Connor looked at Lily as if to ask if she was serious. He glanced over at Mor, scowled, then got into the back. “You two better not lock me in here,” he muttered.