I try to get some sleep, I really do, but I’m wired. Not to mention it feels strange lying in a comfy bed. I can’t even remember the last time I slept in a bed, let alone one that feels as though it was created out of clouds.

After tossing and turning for what feels like hours, I give up and climb out of bed. As I pass by a mirror, I notice a streak of glitter across my cheek. Fey magic, but what kind? I’m not sure.

Just what is that faerie up to?

I wipe the glitter off with my sleeve then wander around the room. To my surprise, the dressers and the closet are filled with clothes exactly my size and match my grungy style, except for a few fancy dresses I’ll never wear.

After searching almost every nook and cranny and not finding anything interesting, I leave the room to see if I can get anything to eat because I’m starving. Plus, the view on the hologram is psyching me out for what lies ahead.

But when I reach the end of the hallway and hear voices, I come to a screeching halt.

“She’s asleep, then?” Asher asks from the living room.

“She should be,” East replies. “I left her in the room and put a little bit of sleeping glitter on her pillow.”

So that’s what the glitter was? But then why didn’t it make me feel tired?

I press my back against the wall to eavesdrop, curious as to why they want me asleep.

“Good. She’s going to need a lot of rest,” Asher replies in a quiet tone.

“You sound like you feel a bit guilty, Ash,” Arrow says. “Do you feel bad for her?”

“Perhaps a little bit.” Asher’s answer is shocking.

“You have a soft spot for her already,” East teases. “In all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you warm up to anyone so quickly, let alone a human.”

“There’s something different about her,” Asher mumbles. “I noticed it the moment I opened the door and saw her.”

“You think she’s not human?” Arrow wonders. “Because, my sensors say she is.”

“I’m not sure if that’s it,” Asher says. “She’s definitely different from other humans.”

“She’s very pretty,” East states. “Perhaps she’s one of those artificially-created humans.”

What? Someone is creating humans?

“She’s gorgeous,” Asher agrees. “But I think she’s real. Just has above average in looks.”

Huh?

East snorts a laugh. “I knew you liked her the moment you told her she wasn’t top-shelf quality. You’re so fucked up sometimes.”

“I panicked,” Asher bites out. “She took me off guard, and I don’t like surprises.”

“I know you don’t,” East muses. “Except for maybe this one, right? That’s why you kissed her for no reason at all?”

I shake my head. So he lied about the kiss being part of the bargain.

Asher doesn’t answer him, instead saying, “I feel like I know her from somewhere.”

“Really?” Arrow wonders. “From where?”

“I’m not sure … But those eyes of hers … and her name … I swear I’ve met her before. Maybe even talked to her once.” Asher gives a brief pause. “I just can’t place from where.”

The air gets ripped from my chest. Afraid I’ll start gasping, I tiptoe back to my room and lock the door. Then I slide to the floor and hug my knees to my chest.

I’ve only notably crossed paths with two genies before, besides Asher. Once when my parents were taken away from me, and the other incident was when I thought I was seeking revenge for my parents’ death, only to be wrong and get blasted by jinn magic. If Asher is right—if we’ve met before—then it was during one of those two times. Only, he doesn’t resemble either of those genies, so perhaps he’s thinking I’m someone else.

What if he’s right, though? What if he is connected to one of those genies? What if he’s changed his looks since then? Paranormals can use magic to alter their appearances, like the fey and their glamour.

I swallow the lump wedged in my throat. I have no idea what’s going on, but I need to get to the bottom of it. And if it turns out he had anything to do with my parents’ disappearances, I’ll make him pay somehow.