She looks towards Ash curiously, wondering if she did something wrong.

"Iron fey. They stole the Scepter of Seasons," Ash explained. "The Scepter of the Seasons?" Puck looked at Claire aghast. "Oh, man. So thats where the war rumors are coming from. Winter really is going to attack Summer." He glared at Ash. "So, were at war. Perfect. Shall we save time and kill each other now, or did you want to wait until later?"

"Dont start, Goodfellow." Ash matched Pucks glare. "I didnt want this. And I have no time for a fight." He sighed, deliberately avoiding Claire's gaze. "In fact, now that youre here, you can do us both a favor. I want you to take Claire back to the Summer Court."

She crosses her arms, shaking her head. "I refuse. You are not moving me from this spot until you say I can stay with you. I didnt come all this way for nothing, Ash. Don't start now, I don't wanna hear it." She snaps, glaring at him.

"That's it?" Puck asked, ignoring Claire. Ash still wasnt looking and her, and Puck rattled on without noticing. "Take her back to Court? Thats easy. I was going to do that anyway, whether you liked it or not. Comes with the whole rescue thing, you know--"

Ash cut him off, talking to Claire. "I'm aware of that." Ash finally met Claire's eyes, and his gaze was cold. "But this is Winter's problem. Retrieving the scepter is my responsibility. I want you to return to your own court, Claire. You'll be safer there. You can't help me this time. Go home."

"And if I don't?" She snapped, glaring at him.

Ash didn't reply. Puck glanced from Claire to Ash and back again, looking confused. "Erm, so you're saying you dont want to go back home?" he asked her.

"Not until I know he is safe." She mutters, glaring at Ash. "We've come all this way, why make me turn back now?!"

Puck shrugged. "Wow, so that totally makes the whole rescue plan a wash. You wanna throw me a bone here, Princess? I feel somewhat out of the loop." Ash still didn't speak

"Forget it! I'm not dealing with you and your constantly changing emotions! I'm tired of being so frightened that something is going to ruin this! Just tell me something! Anything, Ash!" She cries, seeming defeated.

"All the more reason that you should return to Summer." Ash pushed himself off the pillar, wincing. Behind him, the column was smeared with red. He almost said that his emotions didn't change, that he was just trying to protect her, that he didn't want her to get hurt. He couldn't let that happen again.