Chapter 8 - likes you

With a heavy sigh, Molly fell back into her chair. "Fine," she said, sounding resigned. "I'll help you, but only so I can get Sera back." Finally, Seraphina felt like she was making progress.

"Good," Seraphina replied.

"But you're going to need to start at the beginning so I can get my bearings," Molly said. She sat up straighter, pulling her legs under her as if settling in for a while. "Give me all the deets."

Seraphina tilted her head in confusion. "Deets?"

"The details. Don't leave anything out," Molly clarified, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and giving Seraphina her full attention.

"I see . . ." Seraphina sat across from her in the chair, while Farlow rested at her feet. Though Molly wanted every detail, Seraphina decided to give her only what was essential—just enough to understand the situation and, hopefully, elicit sympathy

"Where I come from, I am a great and powerful leader," Seraphina began. "As you can imagine, that comes with great responsibility—and incredible risk. All I've ever wanted was for my land to prosper. I've fought and sacrificed for it, but cruel kings and queens turned against me . . ."

As Seraphina recounted the story, she kept a close eye on Molly, gauging her reaction. She described the beauty of her homeland, the threats it faced, and the betrayals she endured. When she saw Molly's expression soften, she continued, "And then they sent someone to kill me."

Molly's mouth fell open, her eyes wide with shock. "How awful."

"The last thing I remember," Seraphina said gravely, "is a knife entering my chest . . . and then I woke up here."

"My god . . . I'm so sorry," Molly murmured, shaking her head. "It sounds like your life was filled with strife . . . and you had enemies . . . but enemies don't always kill. How did it come to such a violent fight at the end?"

Seraphina wasn't sure if Molly's curiosity stemmed from concern or suspicion. "I was the leader, the one with all the power. Isn't that what everyone wants, after all?"

"Not everyone," Molly replied, huffing.

"Well, it was in my world. My enemies were jealous and insolent. They couldn't stand to see me rule over the land, a position I'd earned. So, they sent an assassin to kill me. Should I not have fought back?"

Molly turned to the window, her expression troubled. "I can't say I know how things work in your world, but that does sound terrible." She turned back to Seraphina, meeting her gaze. "I am sorry that happened to you."

Seraphina noted the sincerity in Molly's tone but also detected something deeper in her expression. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I do not need your pity, Molly. I just need your help."

Farlow's voice echoed in Seraphina's mind: "I do believe it is compassion for you that Molly is expressing. She feels for you and the pain you have gone through. This is a good sign, Seraphina."

"Sera . . ." Molly began, then corrected herself. "I mean, Seraphina, it's not pity. I'm just saying what you went through sucks. Anyone would agree."

"Of course," Seraphina said with a shrug.

Molly leaned forward, clasping her hands in her lap. "Okay, so where do we start? You said you don't know how this happened—waking up in someone else's body, in their life?"

"I don't," Seraphina admitted. "But I have a theory. Your friend, that Jon person . . ." She couldn't keep the disdain out of her voice. "He has the same face as the man who murdered me in my own world."

Molly gasped. "What the f—How can that be?" She let out a nervous chuckle. "What am I saying? Here you are doing the very same thing. So, Jon, he's like you?"

Seraphina nodded. "Except he doesn't seem to remember anything like I do. Unless he's pretending."

"I wouldn't put it past that snake," Farlow added in her mind, and Seraphina nodded slightly in agreement.

Molly frowned. "If he doesn't remember anything, then why does he seem normal?"

"That's the thing," Seraphina said. "I don't know. But I believe he's the reason I'm here. And if I'm right, he may be the key to getting me back home."

Molly nodded slowly. "So . . . we need to figure out why."

"Exactly. Is there somewhere we can keep him—force him to help us?"

Molly's eyes widened in shock. "Um, no. I'm not signing up for anything like that."

"Why not?" Seraphina asked matter-of-factly.

"Because you can't just go around kidnapping people. That's not legal."

Farlow's voice was sarcastic in her mind: "Never stopped you before, my lady."

Ignoring Farlow, Seraphina focused on Molly. She needed her cooperation. "So, what do you propose?"

"If you want to get closer to him, you have to get to know him. And maybe not punch him in the face?" Molly suggested.

"But it was so satisfying," Seraphina muttered.

Molly didn't find that amusing. "Just be around him and talk to him like a normal person. Hang out where he hangs out. That's probably the easiest way."

Seraphina paced behind the chair, considering Molly's suggestions. Jonathan's earlier comment came to mind. "Jonathan did say he found my countenance pleasing."

"Excuse me . . . your what?" Molly asked, raising an eyebrow.

"He said I was pretty. He thinks that's why I punched him, because he was staring at me."

Understanding dawned on Molly's face. "Oh . . . he likes you—likes you." A wide grin spread across her face. "That's great news. It means we aren't starting from scratch."

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean he likes me—likes me?"

"It means Jon has a crush on you, girl!" Molly said, her delight evident.

"Why is it a good thing if Jonathan wants to crush me?" Seraphina asked, genuinely confused. "After he stabbed me, you think I will let him get close enough to crush me?"

Farlow barked aloud, but in Seraphina's mind, he roared, "Don't worry, my lady. I will not let him near you. I will rip out his throat."

Molly burst out laughing. "No, no, a crush is a good thing. It's a figure of speech. It means he wants to . . . court you?"

Molly leaned back and crossed her arms behind her head. "Now all we need to do is get you two together so the sparks can fly."

Seraphina frowned, not understanding. "Sparks from magic?"

"No," Molly explained. "It means if he likes you, being around you will probably make him like you even more."

Seraphina didn't care about Jonathan's feelings. Her only goal was to get close to him so she could find her way back home. If his supposed crush could be exploited, she had no qualms about breaking his heart along the way.

Remembering Jonathan's earlier comment, she said, "He mentioned something about a tenants' meeting."

"Oh, yeah, that could work," Molly said.

"He asked if I'd be attending. It's at his bookstore."

"That's perfect!" Molly said excitedly. "We were going to that anyway. I can't afford another rent hike. So, this is perfect."

"Yes, perfect," Seraphina agreed, her mind already formulating a plan. If he wanted her, she would use that to her advantage. And then, she would find her way home—at any cost.