Free All's Fairy in Love and War (Avalon: Web of Magic #8) by Rachel Roberts Page A

partiers rocking out on the dance floor. The place was jammed!
    On a stage of carved stone inlaid with gleaming onyx, a costumed DJ was rocking the crowd into a dancing frenzy.
    A fierce looking lizard creature raised his head from a mug of steaming liquid and sniffed. Tapping his buddies, he nodded toward Kara.
    “Goldie, see if you can spot mystery guy,” Kara said, searching high and low among the costumed throngs.
    The d-fly took off just as dozens of small winged fairies glided over Kara, dusting her with twinkles of lights. Goldie twirled in the air, spinning and tumbling happily.
    “GaK!”
    A large, clawed hand grabbed the d-fly in a huge scaly fist. Goldie burst into sparkles and vanished.
    “What do you think you’re doing!” Kara’s temper flared red hot, her jewel pulsing dangerously inside her dress.
    “I caught a fairy dragon,” the massive lizard chuckled, revealing a long set of sharp teeth. He opened his empty fist and scowled.
    “That’s my fairy dragon!”
    “Fe, fi, fo, fum. I smell magic, gonna get me some.” The giant creature advanced menacingly, making Kara cringe. Its thick neck and torso were covered in black leather studded with chrome buckles and spikes.
    “I smell something worse.” Another lizard monster loomed over her, blocking any escape. “A human with magic!”
    A golden bubble popped behind Kara. Goldie walked up her shoulder, straightened her tux and stuck out her tongue.
    “Who invited you here?” the first creature sneered, fanged smile shining wickedly.
    “I did.” The Forest Prince materialized from the crowd, smiling. His silver sword glittered dangerously in its sheath.
    The creatures snarled, but stepped back.
    The masked boy bowed. “My lady, would you do me the honor of a dance?”
    “Totally,” Kara breathed, grabbing his outstretched hand.
    He led her onto the crowded dance floor, where disguised creatures of all shapes and sizes whirled, spinning and dancing among the flashing lights.
    “Friends of yours?” Kara asked.
    “Bulwoggles,” the Forest Prince said, moving to the thudding beat.
    “Those are some charming fairies.” Kara swirled, checking out the crowd.
    “They’re not fairy. They’re creatures that feed on darker magic, like werebeasts or demons.”
    “What do they want?” Kara asked.
    “What do you think?” He nodded at the silver necklace around Kara’s neck. “Ever since the web went wild, more and more creatures have come here searching for magic. They’re the bad guys, not me.”
    “Everyone seems to think you steal magic, too.” Kara glared.
    “A lot of stuff gets blamed on me. That’s okay, as long as I can help those who need magic most.”
    “So, sometimes bad is good, huh,” Kara commented.
    Goldie was frolicking in milky moonbeams, somersaulting with a small flying bear-like creature wearing a tutu and a pirate hat.
    “Goldie’s made a new friend,” Kara said, watching the pair chattering up a storm.
    “That’s Spinnel, an evolved form of fairy dragon,” the boy explained.
    Kara regarded the strange assortment of creatures. It felt like they were all eyeing her, checking her out. It gave her the creeps. “Your note said I could help Lyra,” she said anxiously. “Where is she?”
    “Castle Garthwyn,” he said, spinning away. “But I really brought you here to convince you to go after the fire stallion.”
    “Ride it yourself,” Kara said, annoyed. Had he lured her here just for her magic? No way was Kara Davies putting up with that!
    “This is a rough crowd, don’t go wander—Princess?” The Forest Prince stopped in mid turn, looking around. “Wait.” He ran to her side, grabbing hold of her arm. “It’s the only way to help Lyra.”
    Kara stopped short, cheeks flushed with anger, acutely aware of his fingers on her arm.
    “She’s at the goblin castle being treated by Tangoo,” he said quickly, removing his hand. “But I don’t trust him.”
    “Why should I trust you ?” Kara asked