A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 100- Dealing with liars is like playing poker—watch their tells and keep your cards close to your chest.

I stare at Ashton, a little dumbstruck. What do I want? If there was something he could give me to fix everything and make me feel better I would tell him. But what I want is unreasonable and impossible. I want to be able to see him whenever I want without either of us having to make any sacrifices, obviously that's not possible. Thinking about this is making my headache worse. I cough a little, trying to keep it in so that Ashton won't realise just how crappy I'm actually feeling. I sigh before answering him.

"There's nothing that I want you to give me. I just want us to still be able to talk and hang out occasionally." I finally respond. Ashton's brow is furrowed as if he isn't quite sure if he believes what I'm saying. He straightens up and takes my hand.

"I am here now. What do you wish to talk about?" He asks. I'm pretty sure he missed the point of that statement. I don't particularly have anything I want to say so much as I just want to be able to enjoy normal days with him. Still, I figure we should talk about something. I cast around my tired brain for a subject.

"Dad mentioned that you haven't taken the assassins we caught home yet. Why is that? Are you planning to take them now?" I ask. Ashton nods slightly.

"Yes. I did originally send some fae guards to collect them but they were unsuccessful. Apparently your George insisted that they could not be released into an unknown person's custody and without proof that they were who they said they were he would not allow them to be taken. He suggested that either myself or Fin come to collect them personally. That is the other reason I am here." He explains. It makes sense, but I can't help the bitter thought from passing through my head that I KNEW he wasn't really just here to see me. Of course he has another reason for coming. Still, I force a smile.

"Yeah, I'm not surprised. George is a stickler for rules and paperwork. He is right though. It would be awful if some random fae came and collected them only for us to find out that it was someone working with them who was actually just setting them free. It would undo all our hard work." I point out. Ashton nods along easily.

"Yes, George is very clever. I also did not mind his request as it allowed me an excuse to come here and see you. I... I have missed you Katerina." He admits with a nervous smile. I instantly feel bad. I didn't mean to make him feel guilty or think that I'm angry with him. He hasn't done anything wrong, never promised me anything. He was only gone for a few days, that isn't actually all that long a time to go without seeing someone, even if they lived much closer than he does. Ugh, I need to pull myself together. That's the problem with feeling emotional, you can KNOW you're being emotional and unreasonable, but that doesn't stop those feelings from happening.

"Did you miss me?" Ashton asks smoothly, he slides along the couch slightly to sit closer to me. I'm not usually the type to get tongue tied, but I'm already a little slow because I don't feel well. Throw in the look on his face right now and I'm about as intelligent as a bar of soap, and probably just as likely to melt into nothing. Ashton leans in closer, I'm pretty sure he's about to kiss me. Should he be doing that when I'm so sick? Probably not, but I also can't bring myself to stop him or tell him not to. Can fae even catch human illnesses? Ashton's lips are just brushing mine when a huge crashing sound has us both leaping off the couch.

The living room window is completely destroyed and there is glass everywhere. Ashton tugs on my arm, pulling me so I'm standing just behind him as he searches frantically around the room. A bright light flashes from the window which is enough to half blind me and has Ashton groaning in pain and squinting. He's still all sensitive to light right now. There is a crunching sound as a figure climbs in through the window. I blink and stare in confusion for a moment. At first I think the person breaking in is that poisonous fae child Erren, he has the same blonde hair and yellow eyes. He apparently didn't bother with a glamour. But once the light dims, I can see there are differences. This fae is a little taller and a bit less lanky. He's filled out more and looks more like an adult than a young teen.

"Wh- Who are you?" I demand, my voice a little shaky. The fae laughs.

"You took my brother. You did not truly believe that a child came here alone did you? I-" He is cut off as Ashton takes advantage of his distraction and rushes at him, his markings glowing as he uses his magic to enhance his speed. The yellow eyed fae grins and dodges to the side, clearly prepared for this reaction. He doesn't pause or hesitate, he just runs straight for me.

I scream as the fae grabs my arm and yanks me tightly against his chest, wrapping his free arm around my waist. I can feel the prick of something sharp being held against my arm and Ashton freezes in place, staring in horror.

"You know what this is? I believe you have seen the effects of the poison my brother and I produce. Your human here has already received two doses. One more and she will die within minutes." I am a statue. I'm so still. The fae's voice is cruel and way too close to my ear. He's speaking loudly and my head is pounding. I can also feel his breath over my neck and it's making me want to shudder, but I don't because I'm scared that the slightest movement will cause the sharp point against my arm to stab me and I'll die. Ashton holds up his hands in a universal gesture for 'calm the heck down'.

"What do you want? There is no reason for you to harm her." Ashton tries to reason with him but the fae laughs again.

"No reason? I am not stupid. I know that she was involved in the plot to capture my brother. I also know that you appear to have developed an attachment to this human which is why I know that If I threaten to kill her, you will do as I say." The fae says darkly. The arm around my waist tightens uncomfortably around my middle.

"What do you want?" Ashton repeats.

"Your necklace. The charm you are using to limit my brother's power. Give it to me." He demands. Huh? Why does he want that? Doesn't he know that anyone can remove those necklaces other than the wearer? If that's what he came for, he's wasted his time. Ashton nods.

"Very well." He slowly removes the charm from around his neck, being careful not to make any sudden movements. He holds it out towards us.

"Take it." The fae directs me. With a shaking hand, I reach out and take the charm. It's heavier than I thought it would be.

"Turn and put it around my neck." He orders. I slowly turn in his loosened grip and pull the necklace over his head.

"It is not only my magic holding your brother prisoner. You cannot believe that you can simply walk in and take him." Ashton says quietly.

"That is true, but it is not your problem. In fact you will have bigger concerns to worry about." He breaks into a grin that looks extra disturbing up so close. Before I know what's happening, I feel a stabbing pain in my arm, then he shoves me, sending me toppling back towards Ashton. I hear the crunching of glass as the fae escapes out the window, I can also hear a rushing sound of my own blood pumping. I'm dizzy and there's a burning sensation starting in my shoulder and spreading into my chest. Ashton's arms are all that's holding me upright as my knees buckle beneath me. My eyes start to fall closed.

"Kat, KAT! Please do not go to sleep. Stay conscious!" Ashton pleads. Everything is foggy and I can't quite make sense of it. He looks concerned, I should probably be concerned too. I find the energy to manage one final sentence. "Warn... dad." My eyes fall shut and everything goes black.