"Later." Grimalkin appeared from a shadow, bottlebrush tail waving in the wind. "Girl, your attempted kidnapping has set off a riot among the New Orleans fey," he announced, his golden eyes boring into her. "We should get moving before anything else happens. The Iron fey are coming for you, and I have no wish to do this entire little rescue again. Talk when we get to Leanansidhes. Let us go."

He trotted down the street with his tail held high, pausing once to peer at them from the edge of an alley, eyes glowing in the darkness, before slipping into the black.

She follows him wordlessly.

In three long strides Puck reached the mouth of the alley, then turned to grin at them, red hair gleaming under the street lamps.

"Well, lovebirds? You coming or not? I cant wait to see the look on Leas face when you both come strolling in." His eyes glinted, and his grin turned faintly savage. "You know, I heard she does horrid things to those who annoy her. Heres hoping she wont rip out your guts and use them for harp strings, prince." Snickering, he waggled his eyebrows at them and turned away, following Grimalkin into the shadows.

She watches Puck go, turning and shrugging back at Ash before following.

Ash crossed the street with her, coming to the mouth of the alley. "Goodfellow doesnt hate you," he murmured as the shadows loomed dark and menacing beyond the street lamps. "Hes angry, but I think its more at himself. After all, he had many years to make his move. Its no ones fault but his own that I beat him to it."

She nods, "I know..."

He caught her waist and drew her close, sliding one hand up her back while the other framed Claire's face. "I've already lost one girl to him," Ash murmured, tangling his fingers in her hair. Though his voice was light, an old pain flickered across his face and vanished. "I wont lose another." His forehead bumped softly against hers, his brilliant silver gaze searing into her. "I plan to keep you, from everyone, for as long as I'm alive. That includes Puck, the false king, and anyone else who would take you away." One corner of his mouth quirked. "I guess I shouldve warned you that I have a slight possessive streak."

She laughs. "Probably."

His eyes turned very soft, and he lowered his head, brushing his lips to hers

She gently pulls him closer, kissing him.