Page 39 of The Mating Quest

The goblin waved his hand. “No, not them. Not the Fae world. Our real home. Tir Na-nog.”

Her lower lip trembled. “You want todie.”

“Yes. I’m ready. I thought about asking my guardian, the CrystalWizard…”

“Him,” Ilana scoffed and Ethan wondered why she had a problem with her guardian andjudge.

“But I was afraid because I didn’t know if he would hurt me.” He stroked the pelt. “I thought maybe if I stayed here every night, Tristan would come for me and take me there, without hurting me. I’ve seen how he is with the pack. He’s nice. But hehasn’t.”

Moisture shone in her eyes. “Then ask Tristan to take you there in exchange for you giving the pelt to Ava, his representative. The pelt is histalisman. “

Plyx stopped touching the pelt. “You really thinkso?”

Ilana nodded. “He’s a good wizard, Plyx. And Ava really, really needs thispelt.”

She looked at Ethan. Ethan didn’t need prodding. He called upon Tristan, who immediately appeared, as if anticipatingthis.

Ilana wasted no words. “Plyx wants to die. He wants you to take him to Tir na-Nog. He’s afraid the Crystal Wizard will punish him for pasttransgressions.”

Tristan looked thoughtful. “You mean the time you put broccoli into the donuts of those Skins in Iowa? Or when you switched out the air freshener in that wealthy Skin’s house with an airhorn?”

Ilana smiled and Ethan chuckled. Plyx looked hopeful. “Yeah those. They were good pranks, but the people were haughty mean. Will I be punished because ofthem?”

“No. All is forgiven. I consulted with Xavier, your guardian and judge and he has waived all past wrongdoings. If this is what you truly wish, Plyx, I will do as you ask,” the wizardsaid.

“It won’t be painful? You promise?” the goblinwhispered.

“I promise,” Tristan toldhim.

“And it will bequick?”

“All will be well, Plyx.” Tristan’s smile was so gentle Ethan wanted to cryhimself.

Plyx looked at Ilana. “Will you stay with me until I’m gone? You are my only realfriend.”

A fat tear rolled down her cheek. “Yes.”

“I don’t want fuss or anything, Ilana. Bury me in the woods with a stone to mark the spot. Once in a while you can put flowers there, if youwish.”

She held the goblin’s hand. The wizard touched the goblin’s face. Tristan’s expression tightened as Plyx gave a final sigh, and closed hiseyes.

Tristan looked at Ilana. “He’s gone. I must go now to Tir na-Nog and see himthrough.”

Ilana scrubbed at her face. “Thankyou.”

The wizard gave a soft smile. “No, thank you, Ilana, for being a truefriend.”

Tristan vanished. Ava was weeping, and Ranger fighting tears as well. Ethan struggled with his own emotions. So this was death. Not violent as he’d seen with his parents, nor brutal, but peaceful. And yet stillheartbreaking.

He didn’t know Plyx, but he ached for Ilana. She sat by the goblin’s body, still clutching his hand. Ethan went to her, touched her shoulder. Sheflinched.

Finally she spoke. “Can you give me a minute alone withhim?”

“Yes,” hesaid.

He motioned for Ava and Ranger and they walked away to give her privacy. Ethan wished he could do something to comfort her. All he could do was honor herrequest.

And hope in time, she wouldn’t shut him out, because everyone needed someone at times likethis.