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I t all happened so fast. Some psychos were shooting arrows at us and then the entire world was spinning. When it stopped, I was set on my feet away from our camp and realized I was standing before a woman about my age.

“Holy shit, you’re gorgeous,” I blurted out.

She just shrugged.

“Most people say that when they meet one of us for the first time, but I’m actually pretty plain for a fairy.”

“That’s awesome. I’ve never been kidnapped by a fairy before.”

“I could sense you when I got close. I don’t know who you are, but you’re associated with the Fae. I can feel it. Our kings and queens don’t get reincarnated and there are versions of us all over the world, but we can feel our kind.

“Take this. Headmaster Mykene would have given it to you if she’d known. We all have different dietary needs. Shifters eat more meat, vampires need blood, sirens and merfolk need food from the waters, witches need food from nature, and the Fae need food made from seedlings we took from Fairy before we left.”

“Is that why I have diabetes?”

“No, but diabetes became common in Fae when we left Fairy. A lot of the humans that have it have Fae ancestors. You’ll still need insulin and to monitor your blood sugar, but it’s a lot easier to manage if you eat things that originally came from Fairy. We’re supposed to be throwing things in your way, but we can also help if we sense something.

“Honestly, most of you are going to be famous to us, so every year, you’re always more in danger of your competition than us. We’re blowing off steam and most of us aren’t cruel.”

“Um, you shot arrows at us. I’m Sage, by the way.”

“Saffron. If Fairies or Elves miss when they shoot at you, it’s because they meant to.”

“Noted. I’m not sure if it’s allowed, but all I know are boys here. They are cute, but that’s probably going to get annoying, eventually. Maybe we can hang out? Also, Liam is unhinged when it comes to me and he can talk to the wildlife here. I haven’t seen a weapon and I’m sure Headmaster Mykene had him frisked, but he might still have one. You don’t want to be found with me.”

Saffron just smirked and saluted.

“The ones with that kind of connection to nature are generally unhinged,” she said, zipping off in a blur.

Saffron had helped me a lot. She gave me a big hint about myself and I was pretty sure she’d given me one about Liam, too. I looked into the bag she’d given me. Whatever it was, it was several squares wrapped in leaves.

I hoped we could be friends, but I was glad she was completely out of the picture when Liam came crashing through the clearing.