Page 21 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox's Story (Perfect Pixie Series Book 5)

Leon

“You look a damn sight better.” Johnny clucked his tongue as I walked up to the bar.

“Thank you. I feel much better as well.” The gnawing hunger hadn’t completely dissipated, but it was far more tolerable. I didn’t feel like I might snap Johnny’s neck for simply existing. That was a definite improvement.

“’Bout time,” Johnny groused. “I’ve got enough to worry about without adding your health to that list.” Walking off, I heard Johnny’s whispered mumblings regarding stupid, arrogant vampires. The words weren’t said out of malice but worry.

“Ditto to what Johnny said.” Lizbeth made her way down the bar while wiping a glass clean. “I’d ask if you want a glass of blood, but it looks like you’ve already dined tonight.”

I hadn’t dined yet tonight, but my pre-dawn meal had been heaven-sent and still maintained me. Phlox and I hadn’t had nearly the time we needed to discuss the situation. He’d fallen asleep not long after I finished feeding and he’d been gone before I woke. There was a note on the side table clearly explaining his destination and the reason for his absence. I was exceedingly grateful I’d shown Phlox how to leave Lucroy’s safe haven. Getting out was much easier than getting in.

“Thank you, Lizbeth. I appreciate your consideration.” Lizbeth’s lips twitched until finally giving way to a smile.

“Damn, Johnny really is right. It’s good to have you back to your old self, Leon. I’m not sure what changed, but please don’t let that happen again. I like working here. It’s the best job I’ve ever had and part of that is due to who runs the joint.” For a human, Lizbeth had perfected an excellent glare. Even her bubblegum-pink hair didn’t deter from the seriousness of her statement.

“Apologies if I caused you distress.”

“It’s okay. Just don’t do it again.” Lizbeth threw me a wink before walking away.

Dusk wasn’t officially open yet. The sun had only recently gone down and the bar wouldn’t open its doors for another two hours. Johnny and Lizbeth were here, along with a smattering of other employees, getting the bar prepared. Phlox obviously wasn’t back from his meeting yet. I was disappointed but not overly upset. He’d been considerate enough to leave a note.

Pulling out my phone, I shot Phlox a quick text, asking if he knew when he would return. When I didn’t get an immediate response, I placed my phone back in my pocket. With time to kill and my mind more settled, I decided to look through Dusk’s accounts. I’d been unable to focus the last few days and hadn’t kept up properly with my duties. The minimal time I’d allocated to the task most likely had questionable errors.

After a quick trip to Dusk’s small office, I settled in the corner booth and got to work. Accounts were tedious and not terribly interesting. Laptop nearby, I entered numbers into accounting and inventory programs. Nothing was terribly askew. Johnny really could run the bar without me.

When one of my nestmates silently walked up to the booth, I took up the position Johnny could not readily fill. With Lucroy gone more often, I’d assumed the position of liaison with our nestmates. I would solve problems where I could and if not, I would bring the situation to Lucroy’s attention.

“Antonia, what may I assist you with?”

Antonia sat down across from me and that’s how I spent the next hour, listening to nestmate’s concerns.

* * *

On my way back.

Those words were simple and sparse, yet they settled the frayed nerves slowly eating away at my calm. Phlox was gone far longer than I thought he’d be. His text gave nothing away beyond the fact he was tired, if the exhausted emoji was anything to go by.

On the heels of Phlox’s text was one from Lucroy. He too, it seemed, was on his way to Dusk. I wasn’t sure if Peaches would accompany him or not. I also wasn’t certain if Phlox had eaten much before he left. Even if he had, my beloved needed nourishment.

With that thought in mind, I caught Lizbeth’s attention. The bar was open now, but it was still early and a weekday so not as busy. While we didn’t regularly serve meals, we did have snacks. When Phlox arrived, I would inquire what else he wanted and order it to be delivered.

“Phlox will arrive shortly. A glass of orange juice and whatever snacks are available would be appreciated.”

“You got it.” Lizbeth headed back to the bar and disappeared into the back. I’d seen Phlox drink orange juice before and thought it a better choice than water.

I busied myself with some final computer entries and was just finishing when a cloud of bluish-gray pixie dust entered my eyesight. Phlox’s twittering wings not far behind.

My grin was automatic, just shy of showing fang, as was the lightening of my chest. “Phlox.” That singular word was sweet as honey dripping from my lips.

“Leon.”

I took back my earlier thoughts. The sound of my name spoken in Phlox’s soft voice and was far superior. What wasn’t better were the dark circles under his eyes and the pallor shading his skin.

Holding out my arm, I motioned for Phlox to settle in beside me. He snuggled in close. “I missed you today,” Phlox said, making my heart skip a beat. “I know you couldn’t be there. The sun was way too high in the sky when the meeting started. We also conducted a fair bit of business outside. I mean, you could have come for the end.” Phlox scrubbed his hand over his face, and I brought the glass of orange juice into his visual range.

“Oh, thank you.” Phlox grabbed the glass and downed its contents before reaching for the nearby chip basket. “I should have eaten more before I left but I didn’t get a lot of notice. The phone rang and Peaches told me to haul ass to his orchard.”

“Peaches said that?” I inquired. It did not sound like his normal MO.

Phlox grunted. “I got the feeling he was quoting someone else. Probably Ray, although I doubt he used those exact words either. Most likely Peaches paraphrased the intention.”

“It was that dire?”

Another glass of OJ appeared on the table and I barely had time to whisper a word of thanks before Lizbeth was off, attention already on another table. She’d set a glass of water beside the juice.

“I’m not sure. I think it was to accommodate Erasmus’s schedule. Although I believe that might be shot to hell now.” Phlox groaned. “You are not going to believe what happened.”

“Indeed, Frost is correct.” Lucroy walked up to the end of the table. Peaches was absent. However, Ray and Wendall were there.

“I already lived this once. I don’t need to rehash it. I think Trinket and I will head to the washroom. I could use the busy work to take my mind off things.” Wendall placed a kiss on Ray’s cheek before asking Phlox, “Do you want to come with me or would you like to stay here?”

“I’ll head back and help in a minute. I’d like some time with Leon if that’s okay.”

Wendall grinned and nodded.

“Lucroy, I believe you and Frost are more than capable of filling Leon in on tonight’s happenings. I will leave you to do so while I do the same with my queen.”

“You’re going to visit Aunt Silvidia?”

“Would you like to come along?” Ray asked.

Wendall appeared to consider the offer before finally shaking his head. “Not this time. Like I said, I don’t really want to rehash what just happened. I think Aunt Silvidia will understand. Let her know I’ll come visit soon.”

“As you wish. I will walk back with you to your station.”

With his hand on Wendall’s lower back, Ray guided them both through the growing crowd until they disappeared behind the bar and into the room beyond.

“It seems we are all on similar missions,” Lucroy coolly stated. “I dropped Peaches off at Philodendron’s home on my way here. He will relay the matter to Alpha Voss.”

Phlox quickly informed me why Sedrick and Phil were not at the meeting, finishing by saying, “I think Peaches wanted to check in on Ruthie too.”

“I am certain the child is on the mend,” Lucroy stated, not unkindly. “She is a dire wolf and the toughest of her werewolf species.”

I figured Lucroy was correct. Still, Ruthie was a child and Peaches loved her like a niece. It was only natural he’d be concerned.

Starting on his second glass of orange juice, Phlox waved his free hand in Lucroy’s direction. “Feel free to get Leon up to speed.”

Lucroy cocked an eyebrow but did as instructed. I sat there, listening and wishing I’d been present. This necromancer sounded intriguing. I would have also enjoyed witnessing Sylvie’s unmitigated pain.

Lucroy’s tale was entertaining until the topic of djinn entered the conversation. The thought that another was actively seeking one out was a horrific concept.

“You are certain it is a djinn they are after?” I asked.

“No,” Phlox answered instead. “I mean, I don’t think we’re certain. It’s just what makes the most sense. What fits.” Phlox’s lips twisted in thought. “Honestly, I don’t know what else it would be.”

“Nor I,” Lucroy answered unhelpfully. “And if it is something else, then I doubt our situation will be improved. The thought of anything being more powerful than a djinn is truly frightening.”

As a six-hundred-year-plus vampire who’d found their beloved in a nature pixie and now no longer even feared the sun, hearing Lucroy Moony admit he was scared of anything was eye-opening.

“And yet, we still do not know who this individual is?” I asked, gaze shifting from Lucroy to Phlox.

“No,” Phlox huffed. “Ray says Hamish is still working on Sylvie’s computer. Although he did get a message from Hamish earlier this evening. I think Hamish might have found something. Chances are it’s not just the fairy queen Ray will visit tonight.”

“Let us hope Sylvie’s computer bears fruit.” Lucroy’s dark eyes locked on mine when my attention was pulled to the edge of the bar room. “Leon?”

“Arie’s minions have returned,” I answered. They were coming in every night now.

“The same ones that left the note?” Phlox asked.

“No. There are only two this time and neither one was here that evening.” I’d yet to hear if Alpha Voss knew anymore regarding the note left. None of us were certain if it were a true cry for help or trap. From what I understood, Arie Belview was prohibited from harming Sedrick Voss or anyone Sedrick considered part of his pack. However, Arie might be able to get around that restriction if it was proven that Sedrick instigated the incident. Arie could claim self-defense which might clear the way for him to evade his fairy law oath.

“Lizbeth is currently taking their orders. I doubt it will be more than one beer each, if that.” Sometimes they simply ordered water.

Lucroy’s vampiric stillness intensified. Given his current position, Lucroy couldn’t see the wolves. Having spent the last two centuries with my king, I knew he was deep in thought and allowed him the time. Lucroy would speak when ready.

Phlox didn’t know that and slumped further into my shoulder. I cherished the small weight.

“Wait until you hear the rest,” Phlox mumbled, words slightly slurred. “If you think what Lucroy’s already said is—”

“When did Arie’s wolves begin coming in more frequently?” Lucroy asked, cutting Phlox off. My beloved appeared little more than slightly miffed.

“I would need to speak with Johnny, but I believe it was midwinter. Why?”

Lucroy went silent again before asking, “Was it after the incident with Arthur Stover?”

I contemplated the question. When you were essentially immortal, time became an interestingly fluid concept. Beyond the daily rise and set of the sun, time was of little consequence. The seasons blurred, the days and weeks even less distinct.

“I believe so,” I answered. “Although, again, Johnny would know more precisely.”

“The night Alpha Belview came into Dusk, when he was interested in Wendall’s unique zombie status, I believe you were part of that conversation, were you not, Leon?”

While time might move in shifting tides, a vampire’s memory for particular incidents within that timeframe was crystal clear. “I was. Although I did not arrive until after Aurelia appeared.”

“Do you remember what Arie said?” Lucroy’s tone could freeze the tropics.

“Of course. Are you looking for a specific comment?”

“Aurelia,” Lucroy answered.

“He was surprised. As most of us would be. He commented that djinn were little more than myth. I believe he was shocked to be in the presence of one. I believe it is also fair to say he was annoyed to be so out of the loop. The fact I knew of Aurelia’s existence and thought little of the fact grated.”

Lucroy’s attention suddenly shifted to Phlox. “When you were captured, you said Sylvie was speaking with someone regarding Leon’s worth.”

I easily recognized Phlox’s rumbled growl. His inner cat was very upset. “It wasn’t a phone conversation, but over the computer. Whoever she was talking to wanted Leon dead and offered to pay for the recorded images of his demise.” By the time he was done speaking, Phlox’s eyes glowed yellow and his words were little more than garbled hisses.

“Pardon me, Leon. I believe I need to have a word with Sedrick.” Lucroy easily slid out of the booth and headed for the hall leading to the parking garage.

I quietly watched him go. Phlox stood on the booth seat, body completely turned and wings fluttering. “What the hell was that about?” Phlox waved a hand in the general direction of the parking garage. “That was hardly a proper goodbye and he didn’t even finish telling you what happened tonight.”

While I wasn’t certain what was on Lucroy’s mind, I knew he had a good reason for his actions.

Phlox spun around and flopped back down on the seat beside me. Arms crossed, he huffed. “I suppose it’s up to me now.” Uncrossing his arms, Phlox’s tension dissipated into lethargy. Slumping, he ran his fingers through his hair. “You have no idea how badly I want to shift right now.”

Sliding closer, I grabbed Phlox’s hand and entwined our fingers. “You do not need to speak further about tonight if you do not wish. I can hear it from another or you can tell me later when you’re feeling up to it. If you desire to shift, I have a perfectly good lap you can lie on.”

Phlox’s lips parted, eyes wide as he stared up at me. I hope it wasn’t premature, but I swear I saw adoration sparkling in their deep blue depths.

“You really wouldn’t mind if I laid in your lap?”

“Not even a little,” I reassured.

Phlox’s lazy, appreciative grin lit me up from the inside. I almost believed I could survive on that look alone.

“I’ll definitely take you up on that later.” With a regretful sigh, he said, “But right now, I need to be a responsible agent and fill you in on the other tidbit of amazing information we learned tonight. I don’t think Erasmus was keen to tell us, but after a bit of persuasion, he dropped a big-ass bombshell.”

I was all ears and leaned down when Phlox lowered his voice. I could barely make out his words above the pounding music setting Dusk’s atmosphere.

“First off, necromancers are scary as fuck. Turns out, they might be more useful than we originally thought. Do you remember what Vander said the other night about necromancers, witches, and warlocks? He said that back in the day, witches and warlocks procreated and it was only after their falling out over djinn that they stopped doing that, turning to humans to keep their species going.”

“I remember that, yes.”

“So, as it turns out, necromancers weren’t even a species when djinn were created. They came along later as a product between warlocks and humans.”

“That follows, but I fail to see the importance.”

Phlox licked his dry lips. “I didn’t either. I didn’t even think much of it when Aurelia didn’t know what Erasmus was. None of us thought much about it until Erasmus said he didn’t think djinn are as indestructible as previously believed.”

My eyebrows shot high. “How so?”

Phlox cringed. “You know that all djinn have an object of attachment?”

I nodded. “Yes, Aurelia’s is an ancient amphora.”

“Exactly. Well, it turns out that object is a little more special than anyone thought.”

I could not imagine how that could be true. My barely raised eyebrows must have expressed my disbelief.

“Yeah, I know how you feel,” Phlox said, running his fingers through his hair, tucking it behind an ear. “Goddess, I could murder a burger right now.” Phlox’s stomach growled in agreement.

My eyebrows did more than barely tilt upwards. “Meat? I have never seen a pixie eat meat before, not even you.”

Phlox shrugged as if it were unimportant, or perhaps, he didn’t want to make a big deal of it. “I’m part Pallas’s cat shifter. I’m mostly a vegetarian, but sometimes I crave something a little bloodier. I think my blood donation early this morning might have something to do with it. Although Peaches doesn’t crave meat, so my guess is it has more to do with my shifter side.” Gaze drifting to the side, Phlox cautiously asked, “Does it bother you?”

“That you eat meat sometimes?” I asked incredulously.

“Yeah. I know that’s not very pixie-ish behavior. I’ve been careful over the years not to eat it in front of other pixies. Bless Auntie Tandra. I think it hurt something deep in her soul to buy it for me, but she did it anyway.”

The more I heard about Phlox’s auntie Peltandra, the more I desired a direct meeting. “I care not what you eat, Phlox. I only care that you are properly nourished and happy. I would slaughter whatever livestock you crave.”

Phlox’s nose wrinkled. “That should sound gross and yet it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I’m not really sure what that says about me.”

“It says nothing negative. Now, do you have a preference from where food is ordered?” I pulled out my phone and found a food delivery app. Phlox listed what he wanted and from where and I happily placed his order.

With my beloved’s needs on the way to being met, I turned the topic back to Aurelia. “You mentioned Aurelia’s object of attachment is even more significant than earlier believed. You have piqued my curiosity.”

Phlox took another drink of juice before nodding. “It’s not something any of us knew. The way Vander and Erasmus talked, it’s something only a necromancer would be able to determine.” Phlox cringed. “I swear, the witches of old were some twisted women. I don’t mean to be species-ist and condemn a whole generation, but those ladies needed a serious reboot of their moral compasses.”

Curiosity is a precious gift vampires do not take for granted. “Do tell.”

“Did you ever wonder how djinn were created?” Phlox asked. “I mean, we know they were created by witches and a shit ton of twisted magic, but where did they get the raw materials?”

I blinked, my mind blank.

“The bodies, Leon. Where did they get the bodies? I mean, they had to come from somewhere. It’s not like they threw a bunch of ingredients together, popped it in the oven, and out came a djinn.” Phlox shook his head. “Honestly, I’m kind of embarrassed I never thought about it before. I think Vander and Ray were more pissed at themselves than the rest of us.” With a huff of irritation, Phlox said, “They killed them. The witches… They murdered perfectly healthy humans. But worse than that, they used that soul, that human’s very life essence, to create their object of attachment.”

My body stilled as I made zero attempt to feign life. The implications were… I could not fathom the words.

Phlox took my silence for the unholy disbelief it was. “Erasmus figured it out. I’m not entirely certain how necromancer’s abilities work, but Erasmus dumbed it down for us. Necromancers can find the detached spirit. They zero in on the lifeforce and drag it back to the body. It’s a very specific specialty and Erasmus could tell there was something hinky about Aurelia’s object of attachment. Goddess, Leon, Erasmus could literally feel Aurelia’s soul in it. Can you believe that shit?”

I wasn’t certain which part Phlox found unbelievable. The fact witches might be capable of such atrocities or the fact that Aurelia’s soul was well and truly bound to an earthly object. Which made me wonder, “What was Aurelia’s reaction? Was she aware?”

Phlox violently shook his head, scattering his hair. “She had no idea. I mean, she knew the object is special and specific to her, but she didn’t know it contained her soul. Aurelia doesn’t remember a life before becoming a djinn. Vander and Erasmus aren’t certain, but the best guess is that djinn creators found a body—a living human, and essentially hollowed it out, leaving little more than a shell behind. Vander described it like stripping a house down to the studs and redecorating it to suit your needs and tastes. Vander didn’t seem one hundred percent certain, but he thought the analogy was close enough. Erasmus agreed.”

If I’d required breath, I would have inhaled deeply. As it was, I maintained my stillness. “Earlier, you mentioned that Erasmus believes djinn aren’t as indestructible as we imagined. I assume it has something to do with this latest revelation.”

“Oh yeah.” Phlox’s eyes widened, his earlier tiredness temporarily gone. “Erasmus isn’t certain, but he thinks a djinn’s object of attachment is their Achilles’ heel. It’s something witches back in the day never would have considered because necromancers didn’t exist when they created djinn. That soul, that lifeforce that’s trapped within the weave of Aurelia’s amphora has the power to break every single spell held within Aurelia’s body”—Phlox snapped his fingers—“just like that.”

Few situations truly stunned me. I’d thought finding my beloved would be the culmination of unexpected revelations. By far, it still held the spot of most joyous. However, this newest piece of information attempted to rise to a similar occasion.

“Before, when Professor Arthur Stover controlled Aurelia, Vander and Matilda attempted to unravel her magical bindings. I believe they described it as a layered onion. The deepest connection was to Aurelia’s object of attachment. Vander and Matilda both said it would take days, perhaps weeks, to sift through all the layers.”

“Maybe for them, but Erasmus seems convinced that it can be done a hell of a lot quicker. While he can’t be certain, Erasmus believes all it would take is releasing a djinn’s soul and returning it to their body. According to Erasmus, there’s no stronger magic than the soul. Souls trump any twisted witch spell. Pulling that soul out and placing it back in the djinn body will unravel everything, essentially making them powerless.”

I sat there, staring into my beloved’s generous blue eyes. “Could it truly be that simple?”

Phlox cocked his head. “I’m not sure, but if it is, that’s a game changer. Ray and Vander convinced Erasmus to hang around a little longer. He’s staying with Peaches and Lucroy for the time being. Besides Phil’s home, it’s the safest place, and at least this way, Erasmus has a whole orchard he can get out and explore.”

“They are concerned for his safety?”

“Wouldn’t you be? If this gets out, whoever’s got a hard-on for a djinn of their own is going to be royally pissed off. They’ve put themselves at a lot of risk in search of a djinn and spent loads of money in the pursuit. If they find out a necromancer can upend their plans…” Phlox’s words faded.

I didn’t need him to finish. I could easily see the bloody road that information led to. Necromancers had human lifespans. They suffered from human ailments and shared their mother’s fragility. I had not considered that disadvantageous. Given my current knowledge, I saw it for the flaw it truly was.