and down. “You look…”
“Please don’t say ridiculous. It’s been a while since I’ve worn these.”
“I was going to say intimidating. And the kind of handsome that gives me blush-worthy thoughts.”
He smirked. “Well, then. Good to know. I can put these back on anytime you like. But right now, we need to get down to the pavilion to meet Amelia. She should be here any minute.”
“Okay. Stairs?”
“Yep.” With her at his side, he started down toward the garden. “You know…we should get you some battle leathers made.”
She snorted. “I don’t think they’d be ready in time for what’s about to happen.”
“I mean for future purposes.”
She cut her eyes at him. “You think there’s going to be more fighting in my future?”
“I meant for…recreational reasons.”
She squinted at him. He winked back. Her eyes rounded. “Oh. Robin.”
“What?” He laughed softly as they reached the patio. “I am a man, you know. With needs. Simple needs. I believe Vesta mentioned that. And you’re supposed to be taking advantage of that, so you really ought to get on it.”
She snorted again. “You’re terrible.” She shook her head. “I’m glad you can laugh at a time like this. Actually, I’m glad you can make me laugh.”
They walked into the pavilion, and Amelia came toward them from the other side. They met at the fountain, which seemed fitting. “Good evening. Tell me what’s going on.”
“First,” Theo said, “I want to give you this.” She reached back, unclasped the necklace, and held it out to Amelia.
“Theo,” Robin started.
She glanced at him and shook her head.
The witch took the necklace. “You’re sure? You know the starstone will be gone forever.”
Theo nodded. “It’s okay. Assuming the compensation is about what Robin told me he’s getting for the mines. I’ll need that to provide a way for my father and myself in our new life here.”
“It will be the same compensation,” Amelia answered. She tucked the necklace into the pocket of her caftan. “Now, tell me what’s happened.”
Theo gave her the short version. “So you can see, I need to get my father out of there immediately. And I need to be able to take care of him here.”
Amelia nodded. “Indeed.”
Robin straightened. “It’s not safe for her to go back to Limbo alone, but I’m not sure I can get through the portal with Vesta’s boundaries in place. What do you think?”
Amelia walked to the edge of the fountain and stared into it. After a moment, she looked at Theo. “If you open the portal, will it be open on the other side? Will it be obvious that someone’s activated it?”
Theo bit her lip for a second. “My best guess is no, it won’t be, because Vesta wouldn’t want anyone else aware of what she was doing.”
Amelia pointed at the water. “Open it.”
Theo spoke the words she’d heard Vesta use. “Peri peri nixie ta.” The water glowed blue. “It’s open.”
Amelia stepped closer. “Robin, put your arm in as far as it’ll go. Tell me what you feel.”
He stripped off his leather jacket, going down to just his vest, then knelt at the edge and put his hand in. “Water mostly.” He leaned in, sinking his arm past the elbow. “No, wait.” He smiled. “Air. I feel air.”
Amelia’s smug expression was completely understandable. “I’d say she didn’t bother including the portal when she set your boundaries.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
Wild energy coursed through Theo as she and Robin stood before Amelia to accept a quick spell of protection and obscurity. The last part wouldn’t make them invisible, just less likely to be noticed.
Theo was happy for any extra help they could get. Returning to Limbo held all kinds of dangers, mostly from Vesta, but if Robin was recognized…that was going to open up a whole new crock of eels. “Wait.”
Amelia’s hands were out in front of her, and she looked like she’d been about to cast the spell. “What is it?”
“Can you do something about Robin’s looks?”
He frowned at her. “I thought you liked the way I—”
“I think you’re very handsome, but this isn’t about that. This is about someone recognizing you. If that happens, the Overwatch is going to be on us like spots on a griddle bug.”
He grimaced. “Good point.” He looked at Amelia. “What do you think?”
“There is something I can do, but it might not feel so good while I’m doing it.”
He shrugged. “Get it over with, then.”
She came closer and put her hands on his face, then she closed her eyes and whispered a string of words Theo didn’t understand.