The bottoms of six glass pop bottles were wedged into the earth wall to let the sun in, but the ceiling was actually the stump. The long, curving room was moist, and the soothing sound of water dripping came from somewhere. Moss grew on the floor with tiny white flowers growing from it. Even the benches under the windows were covered in green, making soft hummocks. A small table made from a big button and plastic-coated paper clips stood before an empty fireplace that looked like the bottom of a throat-lozenge box. The chairs were of wire and cushions, and I recognized them as looking almost exactly like the tables and chairs from the island resort at Mackinac Island. The top of a saltshaker was in a corner half full of dirt, and infant seedlings grew close to the windows. Manicured grass rose tall at the back to hide the wall.

No wonder Jenks is here, I thought as I pulled on his arm to get him up. Matalina’s grace was everywhere.

Jenks finally focused on me as I got him upright, his wings bent behind him as he sat on the floor. Not a glimmer of glitter was on him anywhere, and he was still stained from the battle. “The Turn take it, Rache,” he said, pushing my hands off him as he sat propped against a hummock. His wing was caught under him, and he shifted a tall vial of honey to his other hand to reach back to free it with a tug. “Can’t you just let me die in peace? Matalina died in peace.”

Pierce sighed. “He’s corned!” the witch said, and I looked at him, annoyed.

“Of course he’s drunk,” I said sharply, trying to get the vial of honey away from Jenks. “He just lost his wife.” Oh God. Matalina was really gone, and my heart ached for Jenks.

Jenks wouldn’t let go of the vial, and I gave up. With a huff, he tilted it up, and a slow avalanche of honey fell into him. “I’d have to be drunk to imagine you’re in my s-stump,” he stammered after swallowing. “Wearing Jih’s dress. And a little furry man with you.” Squinting, he looked closer. “Pierce! Son of Tink. What are you doing in my nightmare?”

Wings humming, Jenks started to collapse.

“Look out, Rachel!” Pierce exclaimed, lunging forward to catch him about an instant too late. With a whoosh of air, he landed on me, pinning me to the floor.

“Holy crap, Jenks,” I said as I wiggled out from between the two men and tripped on Jih’s dress as I found my feet. “You’re heavy.”

“Watch the wings!” Jenks slurred. “Fairy farts, I don’t feel so good.”