illegal. But what The Underwood wanted—if it was in Navin’s power to get it for her—The Underwood would get. And if that meant he had to work with Xan as his wingman (no pun intended), then he figured it was a small price to pay.
Maybe Grayson would actually learn something from him. He tapped Xan on the shoulder.
“What?”
“How’s it going?”
“It would go much better if you’d quit tapping me on the shoulder and asking stupid questions,” Xan said. “I’m trying to concentrate.”
Navin ignored him. “Thanks for helping me.”
“I’m not helping you, I’m helping Donna.”
“But I know, deep down, your love for me is deep and pure.”
Xan snorted. “Whatever, man.” The door sprung open. “Come on. And seriously, can you shut up until we’ve grabbed the statue? Maybe just … you know … shut up in general.”
Navin placed his hand on his chest, taking a step back. “I’m offended. You think I don’t know when to be quiet?”
Xan stared at him. “No. I don’t.”
“Let’s go kidnap ourselves a demon,” Navin said, rubbing his hands together.
His companion shook his head, a look of disgust on his face.
Navin smiled and walked through the door. He loved winding Xan up.
Donna’s eyes felt heavy.
She didn’t know why she’d come here, and right now she couldn’t quite find it in herself to care. It was all so pretty. Maybe she should stay here.
Wherever “here” was.
She half expected to see a field of poppies, but then she remembered that she was going to Faerie, not Oz. She tried to fight the soporific effect of the thick air, but there was nothing she could do as her head fell back against the ground. The grass smelled sweet and fresh, and was so soft that she couldn’t help but lay her cheek against it and take a deep breath of the fresh earth below. No sign of frost, which was strange. Ironbridge Common had been cold, just a few moments ago …
Sleep claimed her.
The last thing Donna remembered was cool hands touching her hair, and unfamiliar voices laughing as soft music chimed.
When she opened her eyes again, it took Donna a few moments to remember where she was. Her eyes felt crusted together with sleep and the base of her skull pounded a steady, sickening beat.
She sat up, aware of the warm earth beneath her and the overwhelming perfume of spring flowers.
“You’re awake,” a female voice said. “Good.”
Donna looked around, confused to see that she was no longer alone. A young woman was watching her—slender and pretty, with hair so red it was practically crimson. She was wearing a simple tunic the color of moss, and leggings that shone with a cool silvery light. Her golden feet were bare, the toes unnaturally long as they dug into the earth where she sat cross-legged across from Donna.
“Where did you come from?” Donna asked. Her voice came out husky.
The girl’s lips quirked. “I have been watching you sleep, Iron Witch.”
Donna’s head whipped up at the casual use of that name. “Don’t call me that.”
The faery raised her eyebrows. “Then what should I call you?”
“Donna.”
“Ah, you give your name too easily, alchemist. At least it is just one name. Don’t most humans have two?”
Something tightened in Donna’s chest. Had she made a mistake? But she’d only given her first name. She licked her lips, wondering what to say next. She didn’t know enough about faeries. Her fey knowledge extended to the wood elves—and to Xan.
The fey girl laughed, the sound running up and down Donna’s spine like someone was tickling her. “Don’t look so scared, Donna no-last-name.”
Donna pulled her knees up against her chest, wrapping her arms around them and trying to wake up. She still felt groggy. “What should I call you?”
“I am Etain.” The faery ducked her head, for a moment looking shy and not at all like a threat.
But Donna knew enough to know not to trust appearances when it came to the fey. Especially not here, in the heart of their home. She took a deep breath, trying to quell a sudden stab of adrenaline as she realized that she’d done it. She’d made it into Faerie—successfully used her powers to open a doorway between realms and walk through to the other side safely. Well, with more than a little help from Cathal. She wondered if he would get into trouble for what he’d done.
“My queen will see you now, Iron … Donna.”
“Okay,” Donna replied. “Take me to your leader.” She wished Nav was here, so that he