Chapter 73

“You look like you’re about to turn into an ice sculpture.”

The door creaked open an inch before I had time to reply, and he hunched down. “Hey. See. It’s me. You recognize my ugly mug, right, Honey-Bee?” A giggle drifted out from inside and Axel opened the door enough for us to get in. As soon as we were inside in the heat, he shrugged off his jacket and lifted the tiny black-haired fairy in his arms.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you now.” She threw her thin arms around his neck—so massive she could barely reach around—and gave me a quick once-over before she hid her face in his cheek. She whispered something in his ear, but I couldn’t make out the words.

“He’s a friend of mine. His name is Daniel. Daniel, this is Beatrice. She’s my best girl.” She twisted her head and looked at me. She was fair-skinned with black eyes, a little heart-shaped mouth the same color as her uncle’s, and a curious look on her face. She was adorable.