like pouting. Talking would insinuate that it was productive. This was not.
Finally, a dark blue truck pulled up and I bounced slightly seeing Kirin come out of the car, his eyes sparking on mine. Behind him, Merrick’s bike pulled up and he offered me a smile making me wonder if the two of them had left school together. Maybe their friendship wasn’t hopeless? Honestly, right now I would much rather spend time with them than Mr. Confrontational 1 & 2. I suppose I couldn’t blame Bard and Koa… but still.
“Alright,” I looked at the six of them and led them through the backyard, “I have no idea what we are looking for but I would stay close because the maze sometimes makes people get lost.” I was hoping they wouldn’t question why I was talking about the maze as a separate being.
As we stepped through the rose arch, the men went quiet, and I didn’t blame them. I inhaled the cool spring air and the wind picked up, making the bushes sway as something jumped across the ground, making my skin break out in a shiver. I turned the first few corners and when we finally reached the center, I found nothing changed.
“Should we search the perimeters and see if there is anything along the edges?” Bard asked.
I nodded and everyone began to circle and explore the center of the maze, my eyes jumping from each corner. The sky jumped and cracked with thunder and I narrowed my eyes noticing that it looked like it was about to pour again. Damn. I was so over this stormy weather. Then again, it was a bit unsurprising considering the time of year. My hands were a bit cold from being outside but I had too much pride to ask one of them to warm up my hands for me.
“I don’t get it,” I sighed, “where the hell would she have put it?”
I looked over the fae statue and I tilted my head thoughtfully. Moving over to the stand, I began to press on the ground around the structure. The earth was soft and healthy, perfect for growing the roses that climbed up the statue. Frowning, I noticed a dip in the earth right behind the statue. Standing up, I stepped towards it and tilted my head looking at the soft earth.
"Hey, guys!” I called as they looked over. “Come look at this.”
I pressed my foot to the soft earth and a scream came from my throat because the earth broke open. I tried to grip for anything as I began to literally fall down a rabbit hole. Or something like it. I cried out as I toppled onto a mound of dirt coughing and brushing the mud that was now covering me. Well shit.
“Ophelia?!” Kirin called and I could see him about ten feet up.
“I’m fine,” I stood up, “Do not jump down here.” Because I could see that thought on several of their minds.
“We can get you out, beautiful,” Merrick offered.
“Don’t call her that!” Bard growled. “We really won’t have any issue getting out, beautiful.” I huffed and looked around, my eyebrows raising. Why? Because there was a door with my name on it in gold against green wood.
“Hey guys,” I called out in a semi-distracted voice, “there is a door with my name on it down here.”
“Sounds like a bad idea,” Koa offered. “What? It is. Who goes into a door underground?!” That was clearly in response to the looks he must’ve been getting. He honestly had a really valid point though, it was a bit odd, to say the least.
“What do you think, Rain? Oliver?” I called out.
Before he could respond, Kirin was jumping down and I backed up, squeaking as the panther offered me a wink. He pulled me towards him and Rain’s eyes met mine.
“We are coming down. Kirin, can you move her back?”
I watched as each of my three fae landed easily, their wings curling back against them as I tried to not touch them because that was so clearly inappropriate. I wanted to though. I think it was the bright colors and contrast, I may not wear bright stark colors but I had always appreciated them on others.
Immediately, Bard tugged me from Kirin’s arms and I melted against his familiar chest. Surprisingly Kirin didn’t comment on it but probably because Merrick was landing easily and with agility, his smile as always antagonistic. I found it attractive.
Then, Rain was landing and my eyes widened. God, his