Page 36 of Magical Moonbeam

“Skonk, explain. Now. Before Twobble sets fire to your pants.”

“They’re flame-resistant!” Skonk chirped, sitting up. “Tested them last summer during a dragon-festival mishap. Don’t ask.”

I gave him a flat look. “There are no dragons.”

“No, but there are plenty of people who enjoy cosplay and lighting up a propane torch. I’ll tell youthatmuch.”

Relief sprinkled through me that the Academy’s dragon secret was still safe within their den, and Skonk didn’t accidentally stumble into the information.

“You two need to behave at Stonewick Academy,” I said pointedly to Skonk.

He sighed. “Fine. I came to offer guidance. Goblin to witch. I happen to know a lot about places like Shadowick. Dangerous places. Places where things don’t stay put, and doors don’t like to open the same way twice. Let’s not forget you want my help.”

I hesitated. “That hasn’t been decided.”

Skonk wagged a finger. “But you’rethinkingabout it. Which means you’ll need help. Help from someone notafraidof shadows. Someone who blends in.”

“Like mold,” Twobble muttered darkly.

“Iamresourceful,” Skonk said proudly. “Also charming. And excellent at throwing pebbles for distraction purposes.”

“You’re a walking hazard,” Twobble spat.

“But useful,” Skonk added, beaming at me.

I turned to Twobble. “I spoke with him earlier. He said he might know paths in Shadowick. Places to avoid. Wards that still hold. You don’t seem to care for him, but should I trust him?”

Twobble’s face twisted into a look of utter betrayal. “Youspoketo him?”

“It wasn’t a tea party,” I said quickly. “But the Academy didn’t throw him off the grounds, so I figured I’d follow up.”

Twobble folded his arms. “Maybe it wanted to see how long I’d last before committing murder.”

Skonk pouted. “You wouldn’t last two minutes with mywiles.”

Twobble lunged again.

“Enough!” I said, catching Twobble’s collar mid-jump. He dangled like a furious cat.

My dad barked once in what I could only interpret as agreement.

I set Twobble down carefully.

“Look,” I said, rubbing my temples, “Skonk may be annoying…”

“Offensively so,” Twobble added.

“But if hedoesknow things we don’t, I can’t ignore that. Not with what we’re planning. Not with what’s coming.”

Twobble looked mutinous, while Skonk looked victorious.

I felt guilty, but I also knew once Twobble took a few deep breaths, he’d want us to explore every avenue, regardless of how irritating.

Twobble folded his arms over his chest and stared into my eyes. “I may not like my twin cousin, but he is, after all, in my bloodline, and we goblins stick together.”

Surprise hit me with this revelation, since moments ago, Twobble had looked like he wanted to eat Skonk for lunch.

“So, you don’t think he’s a spy for Gideon?” I questioned, and Skonk hissed.