Ch.29 Olives

Chapter 29

Maya rubbed her forehead as she sat around the round table listening to Alec and Owen talk about potential plans. Her head was throbbing and she felt the soles of her feet heat up like hotplates.

"Why can't we just send in a unit?" She asked, looking up at Owen and Alec.

"Maya," Mavi sighed from the other side of the table. "It's not that simple. There's high tension in that area. We can't jump in without any type of plan."

"She's right," Owen backed his wife. "If we go in and things get out of hand, it'll be a sign of us declaring war."

"I thought we were already at war with the pixies," Maya looked around the table.

"Not officially," Maksim said. "The two sides have been at a standoff. Tiptoeing around each other."

"No one wants a war," Ale said.

A hush fell around the table. Maya felt her heart crumble and twist with anxiety and frustration. Why was Heyder so stupid?

"Maya," Xavier spoke up from where he sat beside Mavi. "What do you think?"

"I...." Maya was at a loss for words. She looked at Mavi and took a deep breath. "It's Piggy's decision. I don't wear the crown."

"But you will wear your mother's crown one day," Xavier pointed out. "You will be in Mavi's position too. What do you propose we do?"

Maya's eyes flickered to her father. Exton gave her an encouraging nod. Everyone around the table waited for her to answer.

"I...... think....the smart choice is to not interfere," Maya said slowly.

"Why not?" Xavier asked calmly as he observed Maya with keen eyes.

"There is nothing linking Heyder's actions back to us," Maya let out a breath she had been holding. "With tension being so high with the pixies, it's the smart thing to do to not act right now."

"Yes," Xavier agreed.

"But what would you do?" Exton asked before Xavier could. "Yes, Heyder's actions are not connected to us. However, Heyder is......"

"And Ali is with him too," Mavi said. "You know Margo will have Caspian send in his own men if we don't do anything."

"Maybe that's the better option," Alec said. "We're still in the clear if Caspian sends his men."

"That will create unnecessary problems between the pixies and merfolks," Maya shook her head as she chewed on her bottom lip. "There's enough drama already. This needs to be contained between us and the pixies."

"Which means....." Xavier waiter, never taking his eyes off of Maya.

"We have to go get Heyder," Maya sighed as she dropped her head onto the table.

Xavier let a small smile slip, "It may not be the smart choice, but it's the best choice for everyone."

"The pixies will never let anyone from our side anywhere near their palace," Maksim pointed out. "Forget about taking a whole unit."

"Well, obviously they won't let us in if we go in with our battle gear on," Maya looked at her cousin.

"She's right," Exton backed his daughter. "They are highly suspicious and paranoid. They will have their guards up."

"So what do we do?" Maksim asked.

"Peace treaty," Owen said.

"If only," Alec rolled his eyes. "That would solve all of our problems."

"We tried to sign a peace treaty with them," Mavi reminded him. "They burned our invite and sent us the ashes."

"We don't actually have to sign a treaty," Owen said. "We just need to make them believe that's what we want long enough to access the palace."

"We will have to make it seem very real," Exton said. "Even if they get a hint of our deception, they will decapitate anyone we send in."

"And they won't let just anyone in either," Maksim said. "For it to look real, they need to think we are actually serious. Especially if we want them to invite us all the way into the palace."

"Who do we send to make it look real?" Alec looked around.

"It will have to be someone high ranked," Exton said. He looked at his father, who sat back watching and listening closely to the discussion going on.

"I'll go," Owen said after a pause. "I'm the Beta. It's the closest they will get to the Queen. If that's not good enough for them, then I don't know."

"You can't go alone," Mavi frowned.

"You will need someone," Exton said. "One has to distract them and the other has to go get Heyder and Ali."

"I'll go," Maya suddenly spoke up.

"No, Maya," Maksim stopped her. "I'll go. The Beta and the Heir. They can't turn that down."

"No, listen to me," Maya commanded everyone's attention. "You're all right. The pixies will only take us seriously if we send in someone high ranked. What if it was Owen and.....Piggy?"

"Absolutely not," Exton shook his head. "Mavi is not going."

"Of course she's not going," Maya said. "But what if we can make the pixies think Mavi was there?"

"Maya...." Mavi tried to speak, but Maya stopped her.

"Here me out," she begged for a minute. "There is an alteration spell in the Fey book. What if I can make myself look like Mavi and go with Owen?"

Exton and Xavier looked at each other with their matching poker face. Alec and Owen held their breath with stress. Maksim nodded his head in agreement.

"It's crazy, but it makes sense," he said. He turned to his mother and then to his father. "Think about it. If she can change her appearance, she can easily move around the palace."

"I go in with Owen as Piggy. I ask to use the bathroom and then I slip out and go find the idiots," Maya explained.

"It's not a solid plan," Xavier said. "We don't know how long the alteration spell will hold."

"What if you get stuck as Mavi forever?" Alec looked at Maya with concern.

"It's too risky," Exton said.

"But..."

"No, Maya," Mavi sighed. "It's a good plan in theory. But it won't be in practice. Not to mention the news of our deception will spread like wildfire if it gets out. No one will ever believe any palace official after."

"So what do we do?" Maya asked. "How do you plan on getting him out?"

"I think it's a great idea."

All eyes in the room suddenly turned to the door. Clare stood leaned against the frame with her arms folded over her chest and her ankles crossed. A light red mist suddenly started to rise from the center of the table. They all turned to look at it with concern before being taken over by an uncontrollable urge to jump into action.

"We don't have much time," Clare said. "Maya needs to get to Heyder. Her plan is the only way."

Mavi turned to Maya, "If that's the only way. Then okay."

"I love it when we all agree on things," Clare smiled. She pushed off the door frame and walked out shutting the door behind her. Along with her, the red mist started to evaporate into the air. A long silent minutes passed in the room before Xavier cleared his throat.

"Mavi it's your call," he said. "Maya's plan isn't fool proof, but it's the best we got."

Mavi looked to Owen and then to Exton. She took in a deep breath before nodding her head.

"Alright," she said. "You may proceed."

Maya felt a sense of relief wash over her. Beside her, Maksim patted her shoulder. Everyone around the table got up and began to move around. Owen told Maya to go get her spell ready and for Mavi to give some of her clothes to the girl. He coordinated with Alec for an extraction team and asked Exton to inform Caspian.

"Good work, Maya," Mavi said as she patted her niece's shoulder. "You were very calm and level headed."

"Thank you," Maya gave her a side hug as they walked out of the conference room. "Hey, by the way, was Clare here just now?"

Mavi looked over her shoulder as she climbed the stairs, "No...it was a closed door meeting, babe. Clare is too young and she's not a titleholder."

"I thought I heard her," May frowned. "She was saying something."

"In the meeting?" Mavi asked in confusion.

"I don't know," Maya shrugged. "I don't know why the thought that I was talking to Clare was running through my mind."

"Maybe she tried to mind-link you," Mavi said as they both reached the top floor.

"Yeah, maybe," Maya shook her head. "Let's go get this spell done."

The two women rounded the corner and ran into a small figure. Clare turned around with one of Cleo's bunnies in her hand and looked up with a smile.

"Okay, maybe not all of Cleo's pets are gross," she laughed. "This one is pretty sweet."

"Did you ask Cleo before taking him out?" Mavi frowned. "You know how she gets about anyone touching her animals."

"She's with Piper," Clare shrugged. "She won't even notice."

"Baby," Mavi sighed as she kissed Clare's forehead. "Please put it back."

"Clare Bear," Maya spoke up. "Were you trying to link me during the meeting?"

"No," Clare said as she brought the bunny to her nose. "Why?"

"I thought I heard you," Maya said as she reached out and ran a finger over the soft white fur of the animals.

"Oh," Clare frowned. She looked up at her cousin and tilted her head slightly to one side. "What did I say?"

"I don't remember," Maya laughed. "I just thought I heard you say something."

"Why are you so obsessed with me?" Clare teased. "I'm all over your mind."

"You're my one and only true love," Maya said dramatically. "Marry me!"

"We have work to do, Maya," Mavi said from where she had moved down the hall. "Let's go."

"The queen calls," Clare smiled.

Maya quickly sprinted down after her aunt as Clare remained where she was. She stroked the bunnies soft fur before letting out a long sigh. She looked down at the silent creature and frowned.

"Now, why are you so anxious, little one?" she asked holding up the bunny to look into its eyes.

__________________________________

"Holy shit," Owen said as he watched Maya come down the stairs. She wore one of Mavi's sweaters along with some dark jeans and black boots. A navy cloak was tied around her shoulder with the hood drawn over her head. Her once blue eyes were now storm gray and her hair coiled like Mavi's brown locks. She looked like an exact replica of her aunt.

The more Owen or anyone at the bottom of the stairs stared at Maya, the more the urge to look away and distract their eyes grew. Exton and Owen blinked several times to focus themselves, but it was useless.

"It's the spell," Gemma explained. "It distracts your eyes to keep them from breaking through the spell and seeing her real face."

"Thank god," Maksim laughed. "Can you imagine going on a date and looking like a photoshopped version of yourself? The ultimate catfish."

"Step with your right leg first," Owen said to Maya as she approached them. "Mavi always steps with her right leg first."

"Oh which pixies will know that?" Maya groaned. "And this sweater is itchy and tight."

"I did offer you that dress," Mavi shook her head.

"I'm not fighting Pixies in a dress," Maya said as she pulled at the sweater to make it lose.

"You will be fighting no one," Exton said to her. He shielded his eyes with his hand over them. "I'm sorry, the spell is making me feel trippy."

"It's like being high," Maksim laughed as he stared directly at Maya. His goofy grin was contagious and Maya couldn't help but join in on the fun.

"Maya," Xavier said to her as he approached them from down the hall. "Focus, my love."

"Sorry," Maya cleared her throat and shook her hair. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror and felt a sense of uneasiness. Other than the hair and the eyes....there really wasn't too much of a difference between her and Mavi.

"Hood up," Owen said as he spun the gold ring around his finger. Gemma helped Maya put up her hood before pulling her into a tight hug.

"Be careful," she whispered into her ear. "If things get bad, open a portal or link me and I will get you out of there."

"I'll be okay, mama," Maya kissed her mother's cheek. She gave her one last hug before moving onto her father. "Make sure she doesn't worry too much."

"I'll try," Exton said as he hugged Maya with his eyes shut. "Give them hell, Princess."

"Want me to bring you back a trophy?" Maya laughed quietly.

"Just show them Dorins raise fighters," Exton patted her shoulder.

"Will do, Captain." Maya kissed his cheek. She let go and looked at the rest of her family. "Alright.....be back in a few."

Mavi gave her a nod along with Xavier. Owen held out his hand and urged Maya to follow him. Maya took in a long deep breath before she took Owen's hand and followed him to the other side.

They stepped through the portal and appeared on a barren meadow. The tall grass was brown and dead with the soil frozen. Little puddles of water had frozen and the ice was beginning to crack. Maya looked around from behind her hood.

"We're behind the queen's guards," Owen informed her. "We walk a few yards ahead to the border."

Maya nodded. She began to follow Owen down the small path as a cool wind picked up. The woods were silent and dead all around them. The late afternoon light was beginning to make its way down the sky.

"Owen...." Maya called to him after a few minutes of walking.

"Yes?" Owen looked over his shoulder to where Maya had paused.

"Thank you," she said.

"For what?"

"For this," Maya waved her hand. "I know you don't like Heyder.....and you have every reason not to....."

"No need to thank me," Owen said with a small smile. "It's part of the job."

Maya nodded, "But you are very professional. You know, keeping your personal life and work life separate."

"I try my best," Owen laughed. "But it's hard."

"I'll say," Maya snorted. "You're married to the job.....literally."

"Yes," Owen nodded. "Literally."

"I suppose you should thank me too."

Owen looked over his shoulder, "I don't mean to be rude, your grace......but what for?"

"For Heyder," Maya said as she kept her eyes on the uneven ground.

"I still don't follow."

"You owe me a thank you for being mated to Heyder," Maya said looking up. "Can you imagine how awkward it would be if he was Clare's mate or worse.....Cleo's mate?"

"Ah Maya," Owen gagged. "That's disgusting. Please."

Maya laughed, "You're welcome."

A short while after, the pair reached the border. The Queen's guard had set up posts and the hole placed looked like a military base. They all bowed their heads as Owen approached them. To minimize confusion, Maya was told to keep her head covered. The large hood shielded her face, giving everyone only a glimpse of her or Mavi's small chin.

"What now?" Maya asked as Owen led her into a tenth.

"I sent words to the pixies," Owen said. "Now we wait for them to invite us."

"Did you tell them the queen was here?"

"That's the only bait we have."

Maya took a deep breath. She knew her mind and body would feel the aftershock off all the adrenaline pumping through her the day after. But in that moment, she gripped her speeding heart and leaned her shoulders back. She was ready for this. Her father had made sure of it.

"Maya," Owen said quietly. "You'll be fine. I won't let anything happen to you."

"Don't worry," Maya gave a nervous laugh. "I won't let anything happen to you either."

"Good to know," Owen laughed.

"How long do we wait?" Maya asked, jumping up from the chair she had been sitting on.

"Until they answer."

"How long will that take?"

"I don't know, Maya."

"Maybe we should go out there."

"No," Owen shook his head. "We stick to the plan."

"There won't be a plan if they don't let us in," Maya paced the floor. "How did Heyder and Ali even get in?"

"You can ask once we get them out," Owen leaned against one of the folded tables.

"You know we're taking a break," Maya chewed on her bottom lip. "Heyder and I. We're on a break."

"I did not know that," Owen said calmly.

"Be so thankful he's not Clare's mate," Maya rubbed her forehead. "He's a pain in the ass."

"I do know that," Owen smiled. "Very persistent."

"And arrogant. And stubborn, selfish, introverted."

"I don't think being an introvert is a character flaw," Owen said.

"It's not!" Maya continued to pace back and forth. "But he makes it annoying. It makes it so hard to get to know him."

"Good thing that you're an extravert then," Owen smiled. "You can break his hard shell."

"You're an introvert," Maya looked up. "How does Mavi deal with you?"

"You'll have to ask her."

"She loves you," Maya stopped to look at the man. "She loves you so much. You can see it in her eyes."

"I couldn't tell," Owen teased.

"You remember my friend from high school?"

"Not really," Owen said. "Did they come over for that Christmas once?"

"Yes," Maya nodded. "They all had such huge crushes on you."

"I'm sorry."

"It was more annoying than anything," Maya shrugged.

Owen opened his mouth to say something just as a guard entered the tent. He bowed his head to Maya first thinking she was Mavi and then to Owen.

"The pixies are at the gate, your majesty," he said.

"Perfect," Owen took a deep breath. He held his hand out for Maya and smiled, "Shall we, my Queen?"

Maya followed his lead and inhaled deeply. She placed her hand in Owen's and walked out of the tent. All the guards stared through their lashes as they stood with their heads lowered. Nothing could be heard other than the light sheet of snow crunching under their feet as Owen and Maya walked up to the iron barb wire fences.

On the other side, three pixies, who looked to be about 13 years olds stood with their heads held high. They were dressed in silver armor that shimmered in the last few rays of the sun. the girl that stood in the middle flashed Owen a smile that did not reach her lavender eyes.

"What an absolute honor to be in the presence of the Queen," the girl said with a mocking smirk.

Owen gave Maya's hand a squeeze. With a deep breath, Maya lowered her hood. The two other pixies standing behind the girl gasped. For a few seconds, Maya feared the spell had worn off. But as Owen firmly stood his ground, Maya knew it wasn't the case.

"You see here," he said. "Now let's talk."

"Of course," the girl said. She snapped her fingers and the two boys behind her opened their side of the gates. Owen turned to the guards on his side and gave them a nod. Maya dug her nails into her palm as the doors on both sides opened.

"Welcome, your highness," The pixie girl said. "I am Elvie. King Arion's commander."

"Hello, Elvie," Maya said in Mavi's voice. "I hope we can come to some understanding today."

Elvie's eyes slightly narrowed. She looked Maya in the eyes and the corner of her mouth twitch. The cool hair blew around her white hair and the silver armor she wore rustled as she moved.

"Let's all discuss over tea," Elvie smiled and held out her hand.

"Lead the way," Maya gave a nod.

Remember, do not eat or drink anything, Owen reminded her through their link as they followed Elvie and the two other pixies into the grand palace.

"As you can see we have reconstructed since your last visit," the pixie said over her shoulder. "The smell of smoke wasn't the easiest to get out."

Maya remained silent. She knew Elvie was referring to the time Mavi buried half the palace to the ground. It was all before she was born, but as a history major she knew all about it.

"Getting bloodstains and poison out of my husband's shirt wasn't the easiest either," Maya snickered.

Elvie smiled. Owen squeezed Maya's hand as he shook his head.

You know Mavi would have said the same thing, Maya said through her link. I am playing the part.

Lay low, Owen kept his face forward. Let me do the talking.

Maya closed her mouth as the pixies led them into a large sitting hall. The mirror ceilings and the gold framed walls all shimmered and sparkled with luxury and wealth. Owen led Maya to the sofas in the middle of the room and helped her sit down.

"What kind of treaty are we talking about?" Elvie asked as she took a seat. The two other pixies went around her and stood behind her seat.

"We want to open our borders," Owen said. "Establish trade, offer aid, help with reconstruction."

"What's the catch?" Elvie raised a brow.

"You surrender and pledge your loyalty to Ma-.....me," Maya said.

"Ma-me?" Elvie tilted her head.

"To Queen Mavi," Owen jumped in.

"What about King Arion?"

"What about him?" Maya asked.

"We want him back."

"Not an option."

"It has to be if you want this treaty to happen," Elvie looked directly into Maya's eyes for a few seconds before blinking and looking away. She let out a long breath and held out her hand. Maya watched the boy behind her pass the pixie a stack of papers.

"I knew this would happen," Elvie said. "So we came up with a few demands of our own."

Owen cleared his throat as he pulled out a similar folder from his jacket, "Good thing we think alike. Here are our terms."

Maya watched them exchange the papers. Owen looked at her from the corner of his eyes as he flipped through the first few pages.

Maya, he opened his link. Now is your chance.

"Is there a restroom I can use," Maya sat up and looked at Elvie.

"Of course," Elvie nodded. "Felix, can you please escort the Queen to the ladies room."

Felix, the boy with the red hair nodded. He walked around the sofa and bowed his head slightly.

"I'll be right back, darling," Maya said as she leaned over and kissed Owen's cheek.

"Alright, princess," Owen gave a nod.

Maya stood up and smiled at the pixie. She quietly followed him out of the room after stealing a few quick glances at Elvie. Felix led Maya down the hall towards the back of the palace. She counted every turn in her head and touched as many things as possible to leave a trail of her scent. When they finally arrived at the bathroom, Maya took a deep breath and turned to Felix.

"You're not really 13, are you?" she asked.

"No. Why?" Felix looked at her in confusion.

"Because it would be really weird for me to pull a 13 year old into the bathroom with me."

"What?" Felix barely had time to respond as Maya grabbed his face and twisted his neck slightly. Not enough to kill him, but just enough to knock him out for a few hours. She looked down both ends of the hall before dragging the boy's limp body into the bathroom. Sitting him down on the toilet, she stepped in front of the mirror and held out her hand.

Quickly, with Elvie's face in her mind, Maya recited the alteration spell. She passed her hand over her face and instantly Mavi's brown hair disappeared into Elvie's white locks. The black sweater Maya wore hung loosely around the little girl's tiny body. She grabbed her jeans and pulled them up to keep them from sliding down her waist.

With one last check on Felix, Maya stepped out of the bathrooms and locked the door with a spell. She closed her eyes and flipped through her memory of the blueprints of the palace. Once she knew exactly where she was on the map, she was on the move.

Owen, I'm almost to the cellar, Maya linked.

We're all good here, Owen replied. Be careful. Keep your link open.

Got it.

Maya sprinted down the hall. She rounded the corners and took the stairs down two at a time. Only time she slowed was when she spotted a few pixies working in the rooms she passed or in the garden.

"Commander," someone greeted her with a bow.

"Good day," Maya said quickly before hurrying down the hall.

She reached the stairs to the cellar and slowed down. Taking a deep breath, she fixed Elvie's hair and cleared her throat. The guards on post bowed their heads as soon as they spotted her approaching them. She gave them a nod and pointed to the doors. One of the guards reached out and opened the double doors.Maya didn't know if she should thank them. Did Elvie thank them?

"Commander," the guards sitting on the other side of the door stood up. "We weren't expecting you?"

"Do I need to make an appointment?" Maya raised a brow.

"Most certainly not," one of the guards said. None of them could stare at Maya's face for too long. They stood with their hands folded behind their backs and their heads lowered. It was so odd to see little children dressed in silver armor and battle gear.

"Where are the two prisoners from last night?" Maya asked.

"This way, commander," the guard who had greeted Maya first spoke up. Maya began to follow him as the others fell behind her.

"No, no," Maya held up her hand. "No need for a party."

They all backed off. With a sigh of relief, Maya followed the pixie. They passed many empty cells and some with the queen's guards. Maya's heart cringed at the sight of them. She knew it was an ongoing struggle to negotiate with Elvie for their release. But she couldn't help but feel protective.

The pixie walked Maya all the way to the back of the cellar. As they neared the biggest cell with a glowing shield of light around it, Mays's ears picked up a voice singing.

"I love it when you call me señorita," Ali sang very off key. "I wish I could pretend I didn't need ya"

Oh good god, Maya groaned in her head. Owen, I found them.

"They have been pretty quiet," the pixie beside Maya said as they looked into the cell.

Ali sat on the floor leaned up against the wall singing as Heyder lounged on the cot hanging from the wall. One of his long legs dangled off the side as he used his arm under his head to support himself. His gorgeous black hair was messy and his ever present black t-shirt was wrinkled.

"Thank you," Maya turned out the pixie before she twisted his neck just like she had done with Felix.

"Holy shit!" Ali jumped to his feet. "Plot twist."

"You idiots!" Maya turned to look at them. "What were you thinking?"

Ali stared in confusion as Heyder got off the cot. He walked over to the front of the cell and squinted his brown eyes. Maya groaned as she waved her hand over her face and the alteration spell vanished. The sweater instantly became tighter.

"Shit!" Heyder paled.

"Yeah, shit!" Maya said. "What were you thinking?"

"What were you thinking?" Heyder asked. "Why are you here?"

"Excuse me?" Maya took a step forward. "Why am I here? To get your ass out of this cell! I can not believe you got captured. You are so stupid."

"Maya..." Ali trie dot speak.

"Shut up and tell me how to take down this shield," Maya looked up and down to see if maybe there was a hex bag or something they used to put the protective shield up.

Just then, the glowing screen in front of her shimmer and Heyder and Ali casually walked through.

"What the fuck?" Maya asked in shock.

"Did you really think pixie magic captured me?" Heyder shook his head.

"You.....you don't need rescuing?" Maya took a step back.

"Maya, no!" Heyder groaned. "Getting captured was the plan."

"What?"

"We needed to get into the palace to trace the olive branch. We've been sitting here trying to sense it," Ali said.

"You have got to be kidding me," Maya was dumbfounded.

"You came to save me?" Heyder tilted his head to the side as he smiled.

"Yes, you idiot!" Maya punched his arm. "I thought the pixies were going to rost you for dinner!"

"We just might," a voice spoke from the entrance of the hall.

Maya jumped in surprise as she whirled around. Heyder immediately stepped in front of her as Ali shielded her back. Maya looked over the jinn's shoulder at the pixie who had spoken. She recognized him as the one she greeted earlier in the halls.

"Elvie doesn't say good day, does she?" Maya asked.

"No, I do not," Elvie spoke up from behind the boy.

"Shit, shit," Maya felt her knees grow weak.

Owen! Where are you! Maya linked him.

"Looking for your husband?" Elvie smiled. She looked over her shoulder as two pixies walked Owen into the cellar at knife point. Their silver blades shimmered in the light provided by the shield on the cell.

"He's here too?" Heyder looked at Maya.

"Shut up!" Maya snapped. "This is all your fault."

"I told him it was a dumb idea," Ali said from behind Maya.

"Seize them," Elvie commanded.

"Not today," Heyder said as a group of twenty fully grown pixies pushed into the cellar.

Owen jumped into action as he grabbed the pixie's arm holding a knife to his throat and snapped it in half. His own skin started to burn from the silver armor the pixie wore.

"Owen!" Maya jumped forward. Heyder grabbed her arm and tried to keep her behind him.

Maya shoved him off, "They're all wearing silver, Heyder!"

As if snapping into action by her words or simply because now she was in harm's way, Heyder released a blast of lightning from his fingertips. It struck the two pixies in Maya's way as she ran to Owen.

"Are you okay?" Maya asked as she pulled at Owen's hand to get a look at his burn.

"Yeah, not too bad," Owen said as he straightened up and pushed Mya behind himself.

"Oh for god's sake!" Maya yelled.

Elvie leaped forward toward Owen. She pulled out giant swords and swung for his head. From behind the Beta, Maya hit the pixie with a blast to the chest. Elvie went flying into the air as the rest of her group descended upon Heyder and Ali.

Owen jumped in to help the jinns as he carefully avoided the silver bodies flying around the room. Maya watched him grab the wooden hilt of a knife and slice open the throat of a pixie. She was about to summon a portal when she suddenly heard growls from behind her.

The imprisoned queen's guards had shifted in their cells. They leaped at the silver bars bearing their sharp teeth. Maya moved to the closest cell and blasted off the heavy lock. The wolf ran out and joined their Beta. One by one, Maya ran around the cellar in the chaos breaking all the wolves out. Pretty soon, the pixies were outnumbered.

Owen kicked Elvie and one of her soldiers to their knees as Heyder pulled out an iron dagger and pressed it to the little girl's throat. Maya looked around at the mess of bodies on the floor. Wolves moved around restlessly guarding the cellar doors as Heyder looked from Maya to Owen.

"You need to leave, Radacovick," he said. "And take her with you. You can't open portals from inside the palace. Take the back entrance and wait until you reach the creek. Their territory ends there. Cross the creek and portal home."

"What about you?" Maya asked, with her eyes wide.

"Maya, I didn't come all this way to leave empty handed," Heyder laughed. "I'm getting that olive branch."

"Then I'm coming with you,"

"No," Heyder shook his head. "They know we're here now. I'm sure she has already called in backup."

"Backup is already here," Elvie smiled.

"Maya," Owen looked at Maya from where he stood.

"I'm not leaving," Maya said. "Take the guards and get them out."

"Maya, you can-" Heyder stated but Maya's angry glare cut him off.

"Don't you ever dare tell me what to do," she napped. Heyder shut his mouth as he watched her walk up to Elvie and hit the pixie over the head. "There. That will give her a concussion."

"Wha-" Owen looked down with concern.

"Clare taught me that," Maya said quickly before hitting Elvie's head once more.

"All this has been very exciting," Ali spoke up. "But we're just sitting ducks here standing around. I'm sure there's another whole army coming our way. What do you say we get the hell out of here?"

Maya looked at Heyder, "Did you locate the branch yet?"

"Third floor," Heyder tucked the iron dagger into his back pocket.

"Owen," Maya looked at the Beta. "I'll see you back home."

"Are you sure?" Owen frowned. "I promised Exton I would look after you."

"She's with me, Radacovick," Heyder walked up to stand behind Maya. she felt her back heat up as he lightly touched her lower back.

"I know," Owen snorted. "That's why I worry."

"I'll be fine," Maya assured him. "We need this olive branch."

Hesitation flickered all over Owen's face. He looked at the wolves who had just gotten released and then back at Maya.

"They need medical attention," Maya said following his eyes. "Take them home. Take them to their families."

"I hear them coming!" Ali bounced on his feet like a boxer.

"Fine," Owen caved. "Keep your link open. And Heyder.....I swear to god if anything happens to her, I will personally kill you."

"I would expect nothing less," Heyder said as he hooked his arm around Maya's waist and pulled her back. "Let's go, birdie."

"Get to the creek!" Maya said over her shoulder and Heyder hurried her to the back door of the cellar.

Owen gave her a nod before shifting into his gray wolf. All the other wolves snapped into attention as they ran out as a pack. Maya sent out a silent prayer for them as she rushed up the stone stairwell. With Heyder in front of her and Ali behind her, she placed both hands along the walls and moved her feet as fast as she could.

Suddenly, as Maya's hands moved over the stones, a sharp pain shot through her arm.

"Ouch!" Maya shrieked in irritation as she pulled her hand back. She was about to examine her hand and see what she had touched when she felt a very familiar warmth in the pit of her stomach.

"Oh no," Maya placed her hand over her belly. "I'm fine! You stay put."

Heyder turned to stare at her as she spoke to her belly. Ali looked over Maya's shoulder with his eyes wide open.

"Am I going to be an uncle?" He asked looking down at Maya's belly.

"I'm talking to the fey," Maya said. "It tries to come out whenever it thinks I'm in danger."

"That's.....neat," Ali took a step back.

"Let's keep moving," Heyder grabbed the hand Maya had pricked. He pulled it to his lips and pressed a kiss as they hurried out into the halls of Arion's palace.

"We have to get to those stairs," Heyder pointed from where they hid in the shadows.

"Oh yes, take the most obvious ones," Maya frowned.

"Then how do you get to the third floor?" Heyder looked over his shoulder at the girl.

"The servant stairs, you moron," Maya said. "You've been staring at those blueprints for days!"

"That slipped my mind," Heyder smiled.

"No, you just like being dramatic and chaotic," Ali said. "You wanna take the front stairs to be reckless."

"I haven't had a good fight in a few years," Heyder grinned.

"Oh my god," Maya looked at him. "I am going to die with you psychopaths."

"No, birdie," Heyder reached out. "Never."

"Shut up and just follow me," Maya snapped.

Ali held up his hands as he quietly followed Maya. Heyder couldn't help the laugh as he followed behind. They marched up to the third floor through the servant staircase as the rest of the palace searched for them. Maya led the boys through the halls as they stayed close to the walls. Their senses were all on high alert.

"Where is the branch?" Maya whispered over her shoulder. Heyder pushed past Ali to appear beside his girl. He pointed to a door at the end of the hall.

"In there," he said.

"Why is there no guard?" Maya asked suspiciously.

"They are a little occupied, darling," Heyder smiled. He held up a finger to his lips. "Listen."

Maya frowned not understanding what he was talking about. It took a few seconds for the sounds of explosions to reach her ears.

"What is that?" Maya asked looking up at Heyder.

"Distraction."

"We don't have much time," Ali said looking over his shoulder.

Before Maya could blink, Heyder grabbed her hand and ran out into the hall. Maya stumbled along as Ali kept watch from the back. They arrived at the door and Heyder dropped Maya's hand. He turned the pure gold doorknobs and pushed the doors open.

"Holy shit," Maya gasped.

"Oh mother Mary," Ali's eyes widened.

From floor to ceiling the large hall was filled with piles of gold. In one corner was a pyramid made of solid gold bricks and in the other tables upon tables of trays full of gold coins. It was like walking into the cave of wonders.

"Forget an olive branch, let's take all this!" Ali laughed.

"Where do we even find the damn thing?" Maya's eyes were starting to hurt from all the sparkles.

"Oh," Heyder suddenly stopped in his tracks causing Maya to bump into him. "That was easy."

Maya looked around him to where he was staring. At the back of the room in a glass cage was a set of armor made, of course, of pure gold. It had diamonds and rubies in the breast piec and gold chain mesh. Beside it was a bow and a set of arrows. But Maya and Heyder had their eyes set on something else.

It was the small box beside the armor that had caught their attention. On a bed of red velvet, the two feet long olive branch laid under the display light. It had three golden olives dangling from it as the gold leaves laid still.

"Bingo!" Maya rushed forward. "How do we get it out? It must be alarmed. We need to cut of the wires and disa-"

Heyder picked up a gold brick and smashed in the glass. Maya looked up at him in shock as he grinned. He reached into the box and pulled the branch out.

"You were saying, my love?" He asked.

"Okay, let's go!" Ali hurried them. "I wanna go see my girl."

"We're done, Ali," Heyder said looking over his shoulder. He shrunk the branch just as he had with the aphros and made it disappear between his palms. Maya watched him closely. Once he was done securing the branch, he held his hand out for Maya.

"Ready to go, my lo-"

Before Heyder could finish, an arrow flew through the air and plunged into his chest. Maya screamed as droplets of Heyder's blood splashed over her face.

"Fuckin' hell!" Heyder groaned as Elvie and her guards rushed into the room. He pulled Maya behind him as Ali shielded them with his magic.

"We need to get to the creek," He said looking at his friend. "And get that thing out of your chest. You're scaring your girl."

Maya looked over at Heyder. She stared in horror as he pulled the arrow out and tossed it aside.

"See, already healed," Heyder said.

"Heyder!" Ali said over his shoulder. "They's too many of them. You know I don't like large crowds."

"Block Maya," Heyder said as he spun one of his rings. Two glowing orbs appeared in his hands as he flung them towards Elvie. The pixie dodged but the blast caught someone behind her.

Heyder stepped around Ali's shield and smacked his hands together. All the gold from both sides of the room came flying in and crushed the pixies. They got tossed aside as Heyder released a steady stream of high pressure air at them. Their little wings snapped and bent as they smacked against the walls and tables.

Suddenly, from the corner of her eyes, Maya saw a back door open. She whirled around as she came face to face with a giant seven feet tall pixie swinging an iron sword. Maya screamed just as she felt the wave of heat rise in her.

Her hands automatically flew up as she blasted a hole through the pixie's chest. She had no time to react as she turned around and ran up to stand beside Heyder.

"Maya!" Heyder looked over at her. "What ar-"

Maya felt another wave come over her. She raised both hands this time and let the energy flow out of her. She felt her skin reach a boiling point as her eyes burned and the overpowering magic surging through the veins took over. She heard Heyder call out her name over the loud ringing in her ear. Maya tried to tell him to stay away when she felt him touch her arm.

Unable to control herself, Maya felt the waves of heat in her blast out like an explosion. She heard Elvie scream and the bones snap. Her nose picked up the scent of something burning and her mouth filled with the taste of blood.

And then suddenly, like a switch going off, everything was silent.

Maya didn't even realize when she had moved her hands over her ears. She opened her eyes and lowered her hands.

All around her, everything was on fire. Elvie and her men laid dead as the piles of gold started to melt like ice cream. Maya's hand trembled as she covered her mouth. Black smoke started to fill the room as her eyes stung.

"Maya!" Ali's weak voice suddenly caught her attention. "Maya!"

"Ali!" Maya turned. "Where are you?"

She searched the bodies on the floor until she found the jinn under a pile of pixies. She used her magic to push them off as she pulled Ali up.

"What the hell was that?" he asked as he coughed up blood. "I swear my insides are shaking."

"That was the fey magic," Maya felt a shiver run up her spine. "Where's Heyder?"

"I thought he was with you?"

Maya felt her heart drop. He was standing right beside her. Heyder had reached out to touch her when......

"Heyder!" Maya ran back to where she was standing just a few seconds ago. "Heyder!"

When no response came, Maya began to tremble. She moved around the piles of bodies and melted gold, desperately searching for the jinn.

"Maya!" Ali called to her from the other side of the hall. Maya ran over, staying clear of the raging fire. She spotted Ali hunched over a figure laying on the floor.

"No, no, no," Maya shook her head. "Heyder!"

"He's not healing," Ali said as he pressed his hand over the bleeding cuts all over Heyder's chest. "What the fuck? How did this happen?"

"He....he was standing too close to me," Maya stuttered.

Ali looked over his shoulder, "This was the Fey magic?"

Maya nodded.

"But it's no big deal right?" She looked at Ali. "He will heal. Jinns don't get hurt by magic. They are indestructible."

"He's not healing, Maya!" Ali said as he applied more pressure over Heyder's injuries.

"How is that possible?" Maya wanted to scream.

"We need to get him help," Ali said as he lifted Heyder's limp body. "We need to get to the creek.

"How far is the creek from here?"

"I don't know!"

"Will he make it?" Maya caught as the smoke filled her lungs.

"We have to hurry,"

Without wasting another second, Maya and Ali took the back door and rushed out. Any pixie they spotted on the way, Maya blasted them off. She feared they would never make it to the creek on time when suddenly a very familiar figure appeared in front of them in the woods.

"I told you dad I would look after you," Owen said as he opened the door to the jeep.

Took me six hours to write this chapter.....

What happened to Heyder? What was your favorite part?