She stayed silent, making sure not to love or make a single noise.

(Not to love xD)

"Well." The Iron faerys voice, thick with mockery, cut through the room. "Isnt anyone going to invite me in? Give me a pamphlet? Tell me your services? For such a high-ranking business, the customer service leaves much to be desired."

For a moment, nobody moved. Then one of the satyrs edged forward, shaking but furious at the same time. "We dont serve your kind here."

"Really?" The faery put a hand to his chest, feigning astonishment. "Well, I must say, Im rather embarrassed. Then again, I could probably kill you all without even thinking about it, so I suppose a little prejudice is acceptable."

Leanansidhe stepped forward, her hair coiling behind her like snakes. "What do you want, abomination?"

"Leanansidhe." The Iron faery smiled. "You are Leanansidhe, arent you? Weve heard of you, you and your little network of spies. Word is, you know the location of Oberons daughter, the Summer princess."

"I know a lot, darling." Leanansidhe sounded utterly bored and disinterested. "Its my business to be informed, for my own amusement and safety. I dont make a habit of involving myself. Nor do I make a habit of conversing with iron abominations. So, if were quite done here, I think you should leave."

"Oh, Ill be gone soon enough." The Iron faery didnt seem the least bit perturbed. "But, my boss has a message for you, and an offer. Give us the location of Oberons daughter, and all your crimes will be abolished when we take the Nevernever. You can go home. Dont you want to go home, Leanansidhe?" He raised his voice, addressing the rest of the assembled fey. "And that goes for every half-breed and exile, pure-blooded or not. Help us find the Summer princess, and your place in the Nevernever will be assured. The Iron King welcomes all who want to serve him."

He paused after this announcement, waiting for someone to step forward. No one moved. Probably because Leanansidhe, standing in the middle of the room, was throwing off some seriously scary vibes, flickering the lamps with her power. Which was a good thing, because everyone was looking at her and not Claire.

The Iron faery waited a moment longer, and when no one volunteered to make the Queen of the Exiles mad, he stepped back with a smile. "Well. If anyone changes his mind, just call us. Were everywhere. And we will come for you, in the end."

He spun on a heel and left, footsteps clicking over the tile. Everyone watched him go. Leanansidhe glowered at the door until the last traces of iron faded away, then spun on Claire.

"Partys over, darling. Lets go. Ben, youre a doll and your assistance today is much appreciated, but we really must dash."

"Of course, girl." Ben waved to them as they hurried out. "You bring that cutie back to see me soon, okay? And good luck infiltrating the megacorporation!"

(Goodness sakes sorry for it being so long)

(Lmao it's fine)

She immediately jumps up, staying close to her. "Ugh I hate all the trouble I cause all of you. I'm so sorry for all this." She mutters, seeming quite furious.

"It's fine, darling."

When they returned to the mansion, Leanansidhe found Puck and Ironhorse discussing strategy with Kimi and Nelson, who had returned from their mission. All four were huddled around the library table, heads bent close together, muttering in low voices. When Leanansidhe came in, showing Claire off, followed by several redcaps carrying the bags, they straightened quickly, and their eyes went wide. Even Ironhorses glowing eyes got big and round when they swept through the door.

"Wow, Claire!" Kimi bounced in place, clapping her hands. "You look awesome! I love what you did with your hair."

"PRINCESS." Ironhorse looked her up and down, nodding in approval. "TRULY, YOU ARE A VISION."

Puck was staring at her in a daze. "Um..." he stammered. "You look...nice," he muttered at last.

She couldn't help but smile, "Thank you."

"Children." Leanansidhe clapped her hands, bringing our attention back to her. "If we are going to retrieve the scepter, we need to move quickly. You, streetrats." She snapped her fingers at Kimi and Nelson. "Did you get what I sent you for, darlings?"

Kimi nodded at Nelson, who dug in his pocket and held up a plastic ID card. The face of a bespectacled blond woman glared out from the right corner, lips pursed as if trying to kill the camera with a look. Nelson tossed the card to Leanansidhe, who studied it disdainfully.

"Rosalyn Smith. A bit old, but shell have to do. Well, then." She turned to the rest of them. "Tomorrow is a big day, darlings. Dont stay up too late. Ill meet you in the foyer tomorrow morning. Claire, dove, you really need to figure out that code before tomorrow. Operation Scepter begins at dawn. Ta!" She gestured dramatically and vanished in a swirl of glitter.

She whispers to Puck, "I'm never gonna figure out that code."

"Just try," he murmured. "And if not for any other reason, for me."

She sighs, nodding. "Alright."

He smirked. Just a little. "Good."