Once Upon Academy Winter Ball: Once Upon Academy Anthology, #2

By Breezy Jones, Cara North, Elle Klass and 2 more

Welcome to Once Upon Academy where fairytales are real and princesses really do get their happily-ever-after's.

 

Winter break is here, and to celebrate, Once Upon Academy is putting on the party of the year: the annual Winter Ball. Join the descendants of classic fairytale characters through five stories of magic, love, and happy endings in a magical winter wonderland. Follow your favorite heroes and heroines as they navigate the prestigious halls of Once Upon Academy, get boujee at the most magical night of the school year, and look for their kiss under the mistletoe.

 

It's a night you don't want to miss!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Breezy Jones
• Release date: Jan 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201938802

Book preview

Once Upon Academy Anthology

Volume 2

Copyright © 2022

Breezy Jones, Elle Klass, Marie Long,

Cara North, Valerie Puri

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover and Interior Design by Red Beard Author Services

ISBN: 9798201938802

First Edition: January, 2022

Contents

Dedication

Mice and Magic

Breezy Jones

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Secrets of the Ring

Elle Klass

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Perle of Love

Marie Long

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Fear No Raven

Cara North

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Shadowed Hearts

Valerie Puri

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Dedications and Acknowledgements

About the Authors

Dedication

This anthology is dedicated to a confidant, a font of inspiration, and the best of friends: Elizabeth Hyatt.

Her presence is on every page, and in every word of this world that meant so much to her.

She will always be whispering in our ears new and crazy ideas, and will forever be a part of this anthology.

You will be forever missed, and forever loved.

Mice and Magic

Breezy Jones

Chapter One

Four expertly designed enchanted gowns floated in front of me as if there were invisible people wearing them—which there wasn’t, of course. Magic is truly an amazing thing. I pointed a finger at the blue, floor-length gown made of a light, flowy fabric and pulled my other hand to my hip as the dress spun slowly in a circle, the little jewels at the waist glittering in the thin rays of sunlight filtering into my dorm room.

I chewed my bottom lip then turned to the pink dress next to it. The form fitting piece, tapering out at just above the knee in the traditional mermaid style, shimmered in a flow of silks and tulle. Slowly, it began to spin so I could inspect it at every angle. It’s corset bodice was encrusted with diamonds of different sizes—It was breathtaking. Uck, I groaned. But so is the blue one.

The door creaked open, and I glanced over my shoulder. I just can’t decide, I said, turning away from the dresses to look at Raven, my best friend and roommate. She stepped into the room, her pink hair tied up in a messy bun, wearing ripped jeans and a pink tee. Shutting the door behind her, she turned back to me and my hovering dresses, her green eyes lighting up. Pink or blue? I asked.

Her eyebrow raised at my comment. Why is it always pink or blue? she asked sarcastically, then giggled. Pink, always pink…, she said, taking a step past me. When did we get a balcony? she asked, circling a finger in the direction of the two newly acquired French doors.

I shrugged, still eyeing my choices in front of me. I’ve been working on room enchantments.

Uh-huh.

Lucifer, Raven’s tabby-colored, Maine Coon cat chose this moment to stretch from his perch on the windowsill. My vote is for the white one, the cat purred, hopping down and maneuvering to a thin, white gown of flowy fabric that, at the moment, was swaying from side to side as if to show off the tiny details woven into its light sequin design. Lucifer’s tail swished back and forth as he ran his fur along the soft fabric and purred, giving me a pointed look full of arrogance.

You just like it because it sparkles, I said flatly. "It is pretty, though, I added, giving an approving nod at the dress before turning back to the intelligent feline. My approval seemed to make him happy as he pounced toward me and trailed between my ankles, demanding attention. I smiled down at him and crouched to scratch between his ears. Two Mice Tailoring did too good of a job on all of these, I said with a sigh as I stood, and then proceeded to fall onto my bed in a huff. They’re all too pretty. I just can’t decide."

Raven smiled sympathetically in my direction. They are the best… she said, then putting a finger to her lip thoughtfully, she walked over to the floating dresses still swaying and twirling. Hmm, she hummed, looking over them each carefully. Yeah, pink definitely, her voice sing-songed as she lazily ran her fingers down the gown where it danced enthusiastically, seemingly excited at her approval. You just can’t go wrong with pink.

I rolled my eyes. Always pink, I said.

Raven glared at me with her fierce green eyes, but her lips twitched into a smile, betraying the hardness of her stare. Well, if you’re not going to wear the pink one, I will, she said.

I waved my hand, It’s yours. A second later, the gown transformed into a smaller version of the same dress, now sized to fit the more petite height of my best friend.

God, I love magic! Raven squealed, pulling the gown into her arms and hugging it tight to her chest where it deflated into a limp, no longer floating gown.

Well, at least one of us has a dress, I said, pulling myself from the soft comforter into a sitting position. I grabbed a pillow and pulled it to my lap as I pouted. Laying the dress gently on her bed, Raven turned back towards the balcony. Room enchantments, huh? she asked, and I nodded. Raven pulled open the French doors with a long inhale as the cool autumn air wafted inside. The wind rustled the pink whisps of hair poking out from her bun.

Lucifer sashayed his way towards the open doors. You both have more to worry about than dresses anyway, the cat scolded, stopping to lick a paw. Like exams.

Oh, hush, Luci, Raven said. Let us— Her words were cut off with a scream that had me jumping from my spot on the bed and rushing to the open doors. I reached the threshold in an instant, but the balcony was empty. Where the hell was Raven? I started to take a step forward but stopped hesitant. Did she fall through it somehow? A second later a large, black bird landed on the balcony railing.

An ‘O’ formed on my lips as I backpedaled, the raven taking flight from the railing and swooping over my shoulder into the room. By the time I turned around, the black bird had transformed into a human—Raven. A very naked and huffing Raven, who was yanking clothes from her dresser as she grunted in frustration. I think your enchantments need a bit of work, Cindy, she ground the words out as she pulled a t-shirt over her head.

My shoulders sagged. No dress for the Winter Ball, my enchantments were a fail, and finals were right around the corner. I groaned out loud and headed towards the door. I need food.

Chapter Two

The ornate, gold-trimmed door opened. Taking the hand of the handsomely dressed chauffeur, I stepped out of the horse-drawn carriage and into the moonlit night. Cool air rustled the thin fabric of my backless, sequined dress. My wand safely strapped to my thigh beneath the gown, I was ready to take on the night. I tossed my blonde hair over my shoulder, letting the curls cascade down my bare back. Glad I had gone with the white gown, I smiled to myself. Every fiber of my being whispered that tonight, I was Cinderella. Okay, well, not really Cinderella, obviously. I’m the Fairy Godmother’s daughter. Not a princess. But this dress made me feel like real princess.

Tonight, I wasn’t going to let that little detail bother me.

You found a dress! Raven said as she stepped out of her own carriage, just behind mine. Wrapping her arm around her incredibly hot date Feng’s arm, the two of them hustled my way. I spun, giving her the full, glittering display—matching shoes and clutch included. You look hot! she said. I’m glad you went with the white one, it’s so you.

I giggled and posed one more time for her. Thank you, I said, picking up my skirt as the three of us headed towards the ballroom entrance. The pink is stunning on you, I said, and she flipped her pink hair in true Raven fashion, the form-fitting piece hitting every curve of her tiny, curvy frame perfectly. The diamond-corset top sparkled and shimmered with her movement, making her look anything but the Dark Fairy’s daughter.

Did you fix the balcony? Raven asked, eyeing me from my right.

My nose scrunched at the mention of my magical mishap from earlier. I nodded, Yeah, I stopped by Mrs. Britney’s office. I huffed, deflating. She fixed it. I left out the lecture my professor gave me for risking my roommate’s life.

Thank God! I really love balconies. It would totally suck not to be able to, you know, like stand on it.

I laughed nervously with an inncent shrug of my shoulders.

As we stepped through the large, glass doors my breath caught—the floor itself seemed to be covered in snow. I took another awe-struck step further into the winter-themed room, inhaling the scent of fresh snow and wondering how I wasn’t cold in my strappy gown. Magic, I reminded myself.

It was rumored that the castle ballroom was the famed Amber Room from the Catherine Palace in Earth Realm. It was said to have been disassembled and stolen during the second world war. Or supposedly, brought here for safekeeping. But this looked nothing like the images I’d seen of the golden ballroom.

My gaze drew upward to the two balconies circling the room and the crystal chandeliers hanging above the second level and higher. My lips parted slightly in awe. I had grown up in the world of magic, but it never ceased to amaze me. It was as if the chandeliers were suspended in air at different levels throughout the room. Yet above them was a moonlit, cloudless night sky, with gentle flakes of snow floating down that never quite reached me.

Raven and Feng—beside me—echoed my sentiments with ’Oo’s’ and ’Ah’s’ of their own as they parted from me, making their way further into the winter wonderland.

Silvery white tables with elaborate centerpieces were spread around the room. I wove around them, spinning as I took in the beauty all around me. Ice sculptures were enchanted to dance fluidly around the dance floor as if they were real couples, behind. At the very back of the room, was a large stage where three girls were performing. Their voices seemed to call me to the dance floor, and were it not for the captivating sights around me, I would have given in.

An enchanting ballroom for one hell of a party. My insides were somersaulting already. As I moved further into the room, scanning the already packed area for some sort of bar, a drink magically appeared in my hand. Hell, yeah, I said to myself and took a sip—champagne. I jacked a brow, alcohol at a school function. You’re probably limited to one I realized. The decorating committee went all out for this Winter Ball.

While I walked, I scanned the room again, noticing all the amazing dresses. Across the room, I spotted Perle, a girl I’d seen around the school, looking flawless in a yellow gown that gave her brown skin and hair a beautiful glow. On the other side, just at the edge of the dance floor, a group of guys stood talking to one another. I briefly wondered if any of them would make a good snuggle buddy for the night. Shimmying the bodice of my gown, I adjusted the girls. I didn’t have the perfect curves Raven did to keep my dress in place. Happy with my fit, I pressed a finger to my cheek, scoping out the possibilities of what was shaping up to be a fantastic night.

See anything you like? a voice asked close to my ear, making me jump. I couldn’t help the shiver that ran through me at his sexy tone, or the fact that his proximity had my skin tingling.

I covered up my shock with a demure smile and turned toward him. I’m only browsing, I said, keeping my voice light and airy as I looked him up and down. For now.

A pair of gleaming eyes stared back at me. They were deep-blue and like the ocean, bottomless. The majority of his face was covered with a black mask, but I could tell he was hot as hell. Was this supposed to be a masquerade? Did I miss the memo?

My eyes traveled the length of his rock-hard body, and I bit my lower lip. He wore a designer black tux and judging from the fit I’d put money that he had abs worth licking. I counted myself a good judge of these things. My stomach clenched with the want to find out for sure.

At my comment, his lip twitched and curved upward. Want a dance partner?

Our eyes met and held as I tried to get a feel for him, but my fae senses picked up nothing. This guy was a total mystery, which had my interest piqued even more. My mind was screaming for me to run like hell, as already, his closeness had my head light and my body squirming for his touch.

Shit. I’m in trouble.

I shifted away a bit, hoping to clear the fog that had settled over my brain. His gaze sharpened, and I knew he noticed. I pursed my lips, eyeing him coyly before finally giving him a subtle nod and taking his outstretched hand.

His smile widened as he directed us towards the dance floor, just as the band started playing the first few notes of a slow ballad. We circled one another, and I bit my lower lip. The air between us felt alive as if it held an electrical charge sparking between us. Taking my waist, he pulled me to his chest, and I sucked in a breath from the blazing trail leading up my spine from the touch.

I brought my eyes to meet his as we swayed to the languid tempo. The blue depths darkened with a desire that matched my own. I’d felt attraction before obviously, but this was stronger, deeper somehow. My body sang from his touch, playing a melody that I had never heard before. I focused on my steps as he pulled me into a spin. Get your shit together girl.

When we met again, his hand on my back brought me closer, leaving no space between us. Air became suddenly hard to breath as every inhale was suffused with his exotic and intoxicating scent—something new and masculine to explore. He turned, his body in tune with the slow music. Yet there was a sort of harshness to him, like he was someone who shouldn’t be underestimated. I don’t quite care at the moment.

He guided me across the dance floor as if we were in a dream. His eyes never left mine as they seemed to be pulling me in deeper. My heart beat with every footstep. Every movement, every angle was effortless almost as if we were literally floating.

He went right, I went right. We became one with the song, with the dance and each other. As the final notes played he dipped me low. My heart stopped, my lips parted and a second later he pulled be back up. Our bodies meshed together, our faces inches apart, I could feel his warm breath on my face and I wanted to close what little distance was there. My chest rose and fell with need coursing through my veins so intense I thought I might burst. I pulled away, bringing a hand to my forehead to steady my thoughts.

Is everything okay? he asked, taking a small step toward me.

I shook my head and gave him a smile. Yeah, sorry, I think I just need to cool off, I said waving my hand to fan my face, hoping it hadn’t already given me away.

Cold washed over me with the lack of his touch and I started off towards the tables again. What was he doing to me? Normally I soaked up those butterfly jitters that had you begging to be touched, but this was a fire that I was starting to worry would engulf me if I kept playing with it. Fire like this led to feelings, and I didn’t do feelings.

It’s cool, we can go find a corner, chat… get to know each other, the mysterious stranger said, tucking his hands into his pockets with a shrug.

I eyed him up and down, and part of me screamed to say ‘yes,’ but I needed to get my head clear, and get this dude on the same page. I’m more of a ‘no strings’ type of girl, I said pointedly.

His answering smirk took my breath away. Maybe I’ll change your mind, he said, his gaze raking over me in a not subtle-at-all kind of way, I do love a challenge.

His words gut-punched my mood, most men jump at ‘no strings’ attachment and the fact that he hadn’t, made him even hotter and a hundred times scarier.

He strode off before I could argue. Or agree. Or jump his bones. I mean, Wow!

A champane flute of water appeared in my hand as if the ballroom knew I needed something to cool me down. It wasn’t wrong. The music shifted into something upbeat, and I barely noticed as I was still watching his amazing ass walk away. A few people exited the dance floor. Most of them went around me except for one. He was heading straight for me, and I vaguely recognized him from a few weeks ago.

Oh no!

Chapter Three

I frantically glanced around for a quick exit, but Jason was closing in fast. I’d met the poor guy at a frat party. I was way past drunk and he was cute, but that’s about all he had going for him. He was fun for the night, at least.

Jason, hey-y-y, I said hesitantly while taking a tentative step back, hoping for an easy out to reveal itself. My right hand brushed against the small bulge of my wand tucked tightly to my thigh as the thought crossed my mind to magic myself away. I decided against it knowing it wouldn’t only put off the inevitable.

You wanna dance? the blonde frat boy asked. His brown eyes were hopeful, and I cringed inside. This was the downside to ‘no feels.’ Others seemed to catch them, and then you’re breaking hearts. I downed the last of my water from the champagne flute and side-stepped to place it on a nearby table, but before I even set it down the glass vanished. Well, that makes that easy, huh?

Turning back to Jason, I sucked in what courage I could muster. One dance and I’ll let him down gently, I decided.

I started to nod when my arm was snagged. Sorry… gotta steal her, Raven interrupted, squeezing my arm a little too tightly and pulling me away. I gave Jason a remorseful shrug as I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, letting my bestie drag me off.

Moments later, she was pulling me up a stairway to the second level and out a doorway onto a massive balcony. An Ooo escaped from me as I tried to take in the winter wonderland that had spilled outside: snow glistened from the stone railings and topped the Christmas trees scattered around.

Raven finally stopped as she dragged us behind a set of large pillars. Feng is gone, she said, her eyes wide and face pale.

Gone? What do you mean gone?

Like one minute, we were dancing, and the next, poof! she huffed, grabbing both my arms and shaking me a little in her panic. Gone!

I pulled her hands free of my arms, taking a demonstrative deep breath. Okay, calm down, I said soothingly, and Raven took a step back, pinching her fingers together and moving them in front of her in a meditative fashion, as she took a few deep breaths.

Okay, she sighed. Let’s think about this.

I hugged my bare arms against the chill of the autumn wind. Feng doesn’t have transportation magic or nothin’ right?

No, he’s a shifter. Raven shook her head, then suddenly looked panicked. "Oh, God, you don’t think he’s finally gotten a clue and literally ghosted me, do you?"

Girl, no, I laughed. That boy is crazy for you, and not that stupid. So, a shifter? Right, right, Chinese dragon… Let’s go back to the dance floor and see if we can find any kind of clues.

Raven’s arms dropped as she pulled her gaze to my face. Yeah, okay, good idea, she said and headed off. I picked up my skirts and ran after her. By ‘ran’ I mean walked fast, seeing as how I was in a full-length gown and six-inch stilettos, hindering any kind of real running. Raven somehow seemed to manage, though.

Weaving between congregated groups of people, I caught up to Raven just at the edge of the dancefloor. As the stage lights flashed and shifted I could make out Raven’s form stretching to see around people. I couldn’t see how she’d really be able to spot anything in this crowd of bodies all pushed together, jumping and dancing to the fast beat of the music.

I recognized a couple dancing just a few feet away. Balen and Astrid. I thought, momentarily, to ask them if they saw anything but decided against it. I didn’t know them all that well, and from what I had heard, they went through a lot to be together. I didn’t want to add any drama to their night. They make the best couple, though, I thought to myself before drawing my attention back to the issue at hand.

I turned, instead, to Raven and pulled on her arm. We’re not gonna find anything here! I yelled. She squinted her eyes at me, shaking her head and pulling her hand to her ear. She couldn’t hear me. We’re not gonna find anything here! I yelled again. This time the music stopped just as I yelled the words, and several curious looks turned in our direction. I sighed, my shoulders sagging. Raven, there’s too many people, I said, pulling her closer to me again. She nodded, her face falling.

Hey, a velvety voice sounded behind me, my skin immediately tingling from his nearness, and I grunted under my breath at my body’s stupidity. There was no doubt who the voice belonged to, but I didn’t even know this dude.

Hey, you, I said, turning to Mystery Man from earlier.

He held his hand out to Raven, I’m Eton, he said. She smiled and blushed.

Raven.

Turning those ocean-blue eyes back on me, You ready for another dance? he asked just as the music turned slow.

I pinched my lips, my nose scrunching. I don’t remember agreeing to another dance, I said, turning my lips into what I hoped was a sexy smirk.

While you are totally her type, and she would probably love to dance, she can’t, Raven said, grabbing my arm and slowly tugging me away.

Find me later? I asked with a raised brow over my shoulder. He gave me a kind of sideways smirk as his eyes darkened with what looked like curiosity and gave a slow nod. My lips curved into a sultry smile, and I kept my eyes on him as Raven dragged me in the opposite direction. His arms crossed as he leaned back slightly, giving himself a casual, but way hot, stance. Goddess, why did Feng have to go and disappear now?

Chapter Four

I really hope we find Raven’s boyfriend, and soon because I am so not leaving this ball without finding a bedwarmer. My stomach clenched at the reminder that I’d totally just walked away from the hottest guy I’d seen here tonight. Well, more like was dragged, and still being dragged.

Raven finally slowed as we crossed through doors at the back of the ballroom and out into the gardens. Like the rest of the school I’d seen tonight, the winter wonderland was ever present here as well.

He was a hottie, Raven said as she stopped, glancing around.

I nodded, bending over to catch my breath. I know, right, I said in between sucks of air into my lungs. Why are we out here? I asked.

Raven turned to me, her eyes wide and full of worry. I dunno, maybe he came outside for some fresh air?

I tilted my head to the side, straightened, and looked around. It was hard to see much past the rows of frosted flowers in the darkness. Together, we took a few steps further into the maze of flowerbeds, hoping to see anything that might be Feng.

Over there! Raven squealed, hopping a little. I think I see him.

I turned in the direction she was pointing and could just make out the form of a person. If it weren’t for the white shirt, I don’t think we’d have been able to spot him at all in this darkness. Even with the moonlight, the campus was huge.

Personally, I couldn’t have said it was Feng or someone else from this distance, but I figured Raven knew him well enough by now she would know better than me. I smiled at her, my shoulders and back relaxing a little. Well, since your Prince Charming has been found and he seems to be okay— I started to say but was cut off.

He looks a mess, she said. I squinted my eyes, but he was still too far away. Then I remembered she had transfiguration magic—she probably gave herself eagle sight or some shit. I pushed out my hip and crossed my arms, settling myself in for the wait. It felt like forever before he finally made it across the gardens to us. The cool wind was sending goose prickles up and down my arms. I was a step away from shivering. If it were anyone else but Raven, I thought, tapping the toe of my shoe gently.

Where did you go! Raven squealed when Feng was close enough and took off the last few feet to meet him, finally jumping into his arms. I picked up my skirts and trailed after her. He spun her around before setting her back down on the snow-covered ground.

What the fuck happened? she asked, this time with a bit less excitement and more fierceness to her tone as she slapped him on the shoulder. I bit back a laugh at her behavior. Excitement to anger in two-point-three.

I dunno, he said with a shrug as he pulled a few twigs and leaves from his jet-black hair. One minute I was dancing with you, and the next, I’m held up ten feet off the ground in some tree.

Some tree? I asked, my eyebrows jacked.

He nodded. Yeah, out in the enchanted forest. Felt like forever to get back here.

Raven ran her fingers over his shoulders, down his chest as if looking for something broken. Why didn’t you shift? she asked as her hands dropped and she stood straight again.

Feng pulled his hands into his pockets and sighed, Because I’m massive as a dragon. I’d probably have caused more harm than good trying to get down.

Well, I guess that makes sense then, Raven said, then jumped into his arms again, knocking him back a little. I’m just so glad you’re okay, I was so worried.

Feng hummed, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her bright-pink hair. Me, too, he said. My heart sighed at the two of them. They made the best couple. Sorry Balen and Astrid.

Okay, well, I’m glad you two love birds are good, I said, shifting to my other foot and waving a hand, gesturing at the two of them. Feng set Raven down and they both turned toward me. But I’m gonna go find Mr. Mysterious now and…, I said, letting my words trail off as I shimmied my shoulders.

Don’t you want to know what happened? Raven said, before giggling and then nodded, ’K, girl, see you in the A.M.

Yep, I said, turning on a heel and waving my fingers at them as I headed back towards the school.

I wove through the garden rows. I was on a mission, already imagining Eton’s chiseled body pressed up against mine. My ears pricked, setting off my fae senses with what sounded like snickering from a familiar voice. I started toward the sound and paused. After all, I had a hot guy waiting for me in that ballroom.

Did you see her face? the voice asked. Melanie’s voice, the Headmistress’s daughter and mean-girl-number-one at this school. I frowned, inwardly groaning, knowing I would regret this.

She was soooo freaked, another voice sounded, and this time I knew for sure I was right. That was definitely Melanie’s bestie, Precille. Not much brains in that girl’s head but a whole lot of nastiness.

Pursing my lips, I made up my mind. Hotness could wait, Girl Code demanded it. Taking my steps as lightly as I could, I tiptoed closer to the voices. I came upon a large snow-capped tree and pressed myself up against it, praying I wouldn’t be heard.

Making Feng disappear was good, but not enough. Melanie paused. I could only imagine the evil plan forming in her mind. That dark-fairy bitch needs to pay... I had no doubt Melanie had one hell of a pissed-off face on right then. To be fair, Raven did turn Melanie’s fuck-buddy Stephan—Prince, and son of Briar Rose—into a donkey, but he totally deserved that shit. Honestly, Melanie should be grateful Raven showed her what a jackass Stephan was. …after what she did to me. I put a hand across my face to stop myself from laughing at the memory.

Yeah, like a lot, Precille said. I was proud of myself for remembering the blonde’s name at all. She