Macy POV
Only the stables of the tiny inn were burned in the fire. Something I find curious since the Gray Creatures seemed to be waiting for me. I know they set the fire, but how did they know I would be left alone.
I worry about where the dragons will stay, but they do not seem to mind the loss of a place to sleep. The warriors remove their leather saddles, and the dragons shake their long bodies, much like a snake slithering through the grass.
They nip at one another, making chirping noses as they dance into the sky. I smile at the sight of them. So happy and free. "Will they return?"
"Yes," Nyx sighs. "They are like domesticated cats. They love to explore and hunt in the wild but come home for a steady meal."
"Interesting," I mumble, not taking my eyes off the sky.
"How far is the Lycan City?" Edward grumbles.
"Not far. We will continue our journey in the morning," Nyx replies. "I need some sleep."
She passes me a skeleton key and points to a room before disappearing behind a door of her own. Edward snatches the key away from me, and Winston scoops me up. I rest my head on his shoulder while Edward fumbles with the lock.
Eventually, the door opens, and I yawn loudly. The way the door shuts tells me I won't be getting any sleep soon. Winston holds me close while taking a seat. I struggle to get out of his hold, but he isn't letting go.
"What did you stuff in your pocket?" Edward asks.
I roll my eyes. "I am sleepy. Can we do this tomorrow?"
"No," Edward snaps. "What is in your pocket?"
Placing my hand in my empty pocket, I turn it inside out to show him. "Nothing."
"Macy," Edward sighs in disappointment. "Secrets are not safe. Not here."
"I know that," I groan, but I still can't bring myself to show them the diadem. They will think the worst, and I don't think that is why I was given it. They trust me. Honestly, it does look cursed, but I am ninety percent sure it's fine.
While my focus is on Edward, Winston fishes his fingers into my pocket and pulls out the diadem, dangling it in front of my face.
"Are you fucking kidding me, Crazy?" Edward snatches it from Winston.
"Careful," I hiss. "It looks old."
"It looks cursed," Edward grunts.
"Ugh, I knew you would say that. That's why I didn't tell you."
Winston grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. His head shakes from side to side. There is disappointment brimming in his eyes, and I suck in a guilty chain of air.
"I think they want me to help them," I tell the truth.
"Who?" Edward snaps.
"Promise you won't get mad," I whisper.
"I am already mad," Edward growls.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I stick my tongue out at Edward. "Then I am not telling you anything."
"Who gave this to you?"
"I found it in the dirt," I reply. It is not a lie.
"Macy," Edward runs his fingers through his hair. "If you don't tell me, I will take this to Nyx."
I jump to my feet. "Are you blackmailing me?"
"A thousand percent," Edward says.
I spin and glare at Winston. "Are you going to let him do this?"
Winston refuses to look at me when he nods. Anger pulses through my body, and I speak before I think.
"This is bigger than us," I shout. "I think I can save them."
"Save who?" Edward demands to know.
"Everyone in the Imortal Realm," I say softly. "Can't you see? It is dying. Or at least I think it is. I can't be sure."
"I realm can't die," Edward snaps.
"Selene is holding them hostage. This place is like a prison. No one comes in or out unless she allows it." My voice is pleading.
"You aren't making any sense," Edward groans.
"My visions. Nyx's visions. They all pointed to war. I think it is me."
"What is you?" He shouts.
"I start the war between the realms. I set them free," I whisper.
"Macy," Edward steps toward me, and I step away.
"No," I shake my head. "The Fae, the lycan, and even the Gray Creatures need me."
Shaking the diadem in front of my face, Edward bares his teeth. "Is that what gave you this? One of those things?"
"They aren't things," I spit at him. "They used to be like me. Selene has already threatened to change me. Do you really think she will wait for our first child? She will turn me into a Gray Creature if she doesn't get what she wants."
Edward and Winston run their hands down their faces in an identical manner. Both heave a great sigh and shift their weight from foot to foot. Winston looks at Edward and nods.
"Macy. How are you going to convince a whole Realm to go to war against a Goddess? You have been here for like five seconds. No one will follow you," Edward finally groans.
"And the lycans have been living in this Realm without a moon for centuries. Don't pretend like that shift didn't hurt. Imagine their pain. They need us," I plead.
He holds the diadem up. "Do you know what this is?"
"It's a tiara of sorts," I say.
"Did they just crown you as their Queen?"
I laugh and then choke on my laughter. "Oh shit."
"Yeah, Macy. Oh shit."
I throw myself back onto the bed and think about the consequences of my actions. As far as I know, the Gray Creatures are an enemy to everyone in this realm. "We can't tell anyone I have this," I mutter before looking up. "You have to promise me."
"You have one week?" Edward grumbles. "Then I start spilling."
I scoff. "When you become a tattle tale?"
"When you started picking up cursed tiaras in the dirt."
"It is a diadem, by the way," I groan.
Winston digs his elbow into Edward's side and gestures to my wings. I furrow my brows while they stare silently between each other. "Does your mind link still work?"
"No," Edward shushes me.
"Then how do you know what he wants?" I ask.
"We are twins," he replies. "He doesn't need to talk."
"So what does he want to know?"
"If you figured out what to do with your wings during sex," he laughs.
"No," I say through gritted teeth.
"Pity," he laughs.
The twins stalk toward me with identical grins. "Boys, we have a long day ahead of us." But my words don't deter them. I laugh. I should have known better. Winston drops to his knees beside the bed and parts my legs. "Okay," I pretend to scold them. "When you are tired tomorrow, you only have yourselves to blame."