Page 10 of Tricky Princess

“And say what?” Sam huffed a laugh while he rubbed his boyfriend’s back. “We were some surprise magic show who appeared at the wrong spot?”

“That’s not half bad.” Billy looked hopeful as she headed toward a nearby store.

“I don’t feel good.” Devon groaned before throwing up more of his breakfast.

“You’ll get used to it, Dev.” Sam continued to comfort him through his wave of nausea.

Ros knew Devon would feel better in time; your first time stepping through the folds of the world was always hard. Even for him, a jump across the water to another continent took a bit of his own powers. But he could feel his magic slowly regenerating, like a well being refilled. Creating portals, using his shadows, and a bit of flame didn’t cost him much of his power, if any. If he was using magic in a battle and got injured, then he would worry about losing his strength. It was the same for Garm, but the beast always seemed to hold on to a bit more power. It was annoying.

The crowd around them had thinned by the time Billy came out of the store.

“The council has been notified, and they will take care of any issues.”

“Imagine if mortals didn’t know we existed,” Sam said with a laugh.

“Yeah, the council would have something more to do than scold Ellea.” Billy glared off in the distance for a moment.

Devon clearly held the same contemptment. “It’s the same here,” he said. “This area is more interested in controlling who marries whom and what strong line of supernatural will continue. It’s gross.”

“Well, let’s leave before the council comes and scolds us,” Sam said. “What’s next?”

Billy pointed across the road to the sea. Beyond it was a small island, and built on top of it was a massive stone structure.

“It seems the road to Hel is now covered by a prison,” Billy said.

“Not a prison.” Devon came up behind them and wiped his mouth. “It’s a monastery. You know, for worship.”

“Worshiping what?” Sam asked.

“Some saint or savior. It’s called St. Patrick’s Purgatory.”

“Fitting name,” Garm remarked gruffly.

“How do we get across?” Ros asked.

“Ferry,” Billy and Devon said together. Then Billy added, “Probably not the same type of ferry I had to take back in the day.”

Devon smiled, probably thinking about all the history and magic in this place that Billy had been able to experience. “No, this one has cocktails and chips. Did yours?”

She laughed. “No, mine had a creepy old man in a smelly robe.”

5

Ellea

SECOND DAY IN HEL

Ellea cursed and twisted at the voice she didn’t recognize. Her magic zinged across her skin, and another obsidian dagger weighed heavy in her hand. She was surprised by how swiftly her magic took over. She tried to swipe to the left to create distance, but instantly bumped into one of the many bookcases.

“Shit,” she cursed before steadying her stance.

A warm laugh answered as the man who had scared her stepped back a few paces. He was massive, and as the light hit him, she was able to see him fully. His palms were facing toward her, hovering by his stomach and level with her gaze. She felt her eyes widen as they slowly raked up his chest, past the light brown scruff, and stopped at the deep green eyes that glinted in Hel’s rising sun.

“Woah,” she whispered.

“Hi.” He had a slight accent. “You’re as tiny as a bauchan.”

“Who the fuck are you? And what is a bauchan?”