A hole appeared in the great patch of dirt in front of Vur. The sound of trees and rocks being shuffled around rang out of the hole. There was a gasp for breath, but that sound quickly disappeared. A mont later, the hole closed again, and a brown boulder erged from the patch. Diamant shook his head, which was also his body. I searched and searched, but there werent any crabcakes.
Oh, Vur said.
I told you so, the Recordkeeper said. She was still sitting on the earthen spider with her body bound by black tentacles, a possible sign of the caster of said tentacles still being alive. Stella misled you into thinking there were crabcakes.
Deedee, no, Stella said. Vur was referring to the people. Dig out the people, not the crabcakes.
Diamant blinked his diamond eyes. He glanced at Vur. Was that what you ant?
No, I ant the crabcakes, Vur said.
Diamant turned towards Stella. See?
Stella rolled her eyes. Well, Im telling you now to dig those people out.
You shouldve told that earlier too, Diamant muttered. The hole opened in the patch of dirt again. Four figures were promptly launched out as if they had been thrown by a giant hand. They landed with a loud thump in front of Vur and Stella.
Vur stared at the groaning figures for a brief mont. Then, he ignored them and walked to the Recordkeeper. He ripped apart the tentacles holding her down, causing the groaning figure with blue hair to groan even louder. Stella swooped down and hovered over the four figures. Hello again.
Helden coughed out a mouthful of dirt and wiped at his eyes. He raised his head and glared at Stella. Were you the one that cursed us?
? Stella asked and blinked while opening her mouth, covering her chest with her hand in mock surprise. No, why would I do that? Are you accusing just because Im a fairy? You automatically assu Im the cause of your curse because fairies like cursing people, huh?
Helden narrowed his eyes. I know it was you.
Stella snorted. She turned her head and cupped her hands over her mouth. Vur! I need you over here. You didnt beat this one hard enough.
Heldens expression changed as Vur glanced in his direction. Before the blond man could say anything, his body was smashed into the ground, an invisible pressure crushing him against the earth. Despite using all his strength, he couldnt push himself up. How was that even possible? He had killed an orc lord and gained its passive strengthening ability, yet he couldnt move an inch even though his opponent wasnt even touching him. Veins bulged on Heldens neck, and he barely managed to open his mouth. Youre really a dragon? he asked, squeaking out the words one by one.
I think you beat him too hard now, Stella said. Either that, or hes a bit slow in the head.
Vur frowned. I beat him too little before, and I beat him too hard now. How do I beat him just enough?
You want to make sure his mind is clear, so he doesnt ask any stupid questions, Stella said. At the sa ti, you want to make sure hes completely powerless to do anything. The fairy queen nodded. But rember, safety first! Its always safer to beat soone too much than too little, so dont hold back.
Vur scratched his head. Who knew there would be so many details to pay attention to while beating soone?
***
Mommy, whats wrong with Alfonse?
Leila glanced down at Gloria and smiled. She patted her daughters head. Alfonse is a behemoth bear, she said. When its winter, they hibernate. It isnt winter now, but since its so cold at your grandmothers place, his body thinks its ti to go to sleep.
You sure the bear didnt just kick the bucket? Grimmy asked. I wouldnt be surprised if it died of a heart attack.
Leila slapped her mates snout. Dont pay attention to him, honey, Leila said and used her wing to block Grimmy from Glorias view. Alfonse is just sleeping.
Glorias brow furrowed, and she glanced at the behemoth bear lying in the middle of the cavern. It was resting in a patch of moonlight, and it didnt seem to be breathing. If hes sleeping, why cant I wake him up?
Let see, Leila said and got up. She walked over to the behemoth bear and poked it a few tis while lifting its paws. She frowned. Her eyes shine with a silver light, and she pressed her paw against the bears chest. Its previously still heart let out a thump. He was poisoned, but hes all better now.
Poisoned? Gloria asked, her eyes wide. How could he be poisoned? I only fed him moonlight. Her eyes widened even further. Is moonlight poisonous!? Am I poisoned too!?
Moonlight isnt poisonous, Leila said. After a brief pause, she added, At least, it isnt poisonous to us. There are so creatures that react poorly with moonlight like werewolves and certain types of fish, but moonlight wont ever harm you.
Gloria took in a deep breath. Then, what happened to Alfonse?
Leila turned her head to the side. Ramon, get over here.
Yes, Mama, a tired-sounding voice said from a nearby tunnel. Monts later, Ramons head poked into the cave. What do youI an, is there sothing you need?
Leila sighed and pointed at the large bear. Did you poison Alfonse?
Why would I poison the stupid bear? Ramon asked. He shrank back under his moms gaze. I an, no, I didnt poison him. I dont even like going near him. He slls funny.
Are you sure?
Ramon nodded. Im not lying. Why do you never believe ?
If you want to be believed more often, you should lie less, Grimmy said from his spot in the corner of the cave. How about this? If you can prove your innocence, then Ill take you away from here, and well go to your other grandparents place instead.
You said it, Ramon said, his head perking up. If I find the poisoner, then were leaving! His head retreated into the cave, and he dashed away before his dad could change his mind.
Grimmy raised an eyebrow at Leilas accusing expression. What? he asked. Im getting bored here too.
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