The moon lies.

I want to be angry, but I do not have the energy.

The moon has this miraculous ability to produce an abnormal amount of excitement in its victims, casting a veil of deceit. This excitement leads to bad judgment, red flags being overlooked, disguised by ecstasy, the thrill of the moment.

Did you know blood sparkles like diamonds in the moonlight?

Deep hues of black and stunning hints of scarlet have me in a trance. Only a full moon could produce such splendor.

I reflect as I take a laboring breath.

The color could be called betrayal.

I think most people would agree that when pining a color to the damning word, they would approve with my assessment. I look up, seeing the luminous orb in the night sky and realize that a full moon is not an invitation but a dire warning. I think I have heard that bad things happen on a full moon, to stay inside and lock your doors. Well, if it has the ability to transform a mere man into a ten-foot wolf, then that is something to be had. Maybe if I had remembered this earlier, I would have had my guard up.

I mentally laugh, tasting metallic as I cough.

My tickets to Paris now a soggy mess next to me, the dashed dreams of my life in luxury. This was the gig of a lifetime, a job we have worked up for, for the past three years. Being so careful, honing our skills to almost perfection. Lucus had promised me that this would be our last job, the payment being beyond our imaginations. Diamonds. Thousands of them.

Well, he was half right; this would be my last job, not his.

Vetrov Yankovich was my Russian prey tonight; the bisexual billionaire was perfect with his thirst for extravagance. His harem-like tastes and massive orgies made him an easy target, a clear mission. Vetrov and I shared the same feelings for wealth, the more beautiful things in life. We became fast friends in our circles, giving me an easy in.

What can I say, I have always had high tastes.

Since I was a little girl, my father had always spoiled me, gifting me with lavish gifts. The known drug lord had more money than he could spend. But when he died, I couldn't walk away from the life I knew so well and loved. I needed it, yearned for it. I wanted extravagance.

And, I did what I had to, to keep it.

I steal expensive things from billionaires. But I was fucking stupid tonight, for lack of better words. Lucus is probably on a one-way flight out of here, sipping champagne while getting a shoulder massage. I make a sound of disgust. To ease the guilt and tension, he must be feeling. It's not easy being a monster.

The poor thing.

I can still remember looking up into the glowing moon with a silly smile on my red lips, my glittering gown swaying with the slight breeze. The thrill and adrenaline were still coursing through my veins, powered by this energy that I had felt.

We did it, I had thought.

In my bag was over three hundred million dollars worth in precious diamonds. Lucus and I were flawless, getting by security like seasoned thieves. This heist was executed with precision and extreme talent that took years to master. Vetrov will probably not notice the fakes in his massive safe, or at least not for a while.

But I was not focused on the real threat.

The blaring threat that told me he loved me and that he would buy me the moon if he could. How fitting, the moon. Such a mysterious thing. I wonder how many red flags I missed this night, like when he was on his phone and quickly hung up when I glanced in his direction.

Or, when he told me that we should take separate flights to not draw unwanted attention to us. In hindsight, he had been distant lately. But, I had just thought it was the nerves, the impending obligation that we had to do this job without fault. I am so imprudent I can't even get mad at Lucus, I should have smelled the bullshit a mile away. Now my life in riches is but a vague memory, poor Camila.

Poor Camila.

"Camila," Lucas had said, coming up to me with a broad smile, dashing as always. "Do you have the bag?"

I grin back at him, the alleyway hiding us from curious eyes. "That depends."

His black suit matches the darkness around us. "On what?" he is still grinning. "You going to skip town without me?"

"Never," I say too fast. "But I want the biggest diamond ring to wear on my finger," I purr, my arms snaking around his neck.

"And you shall have it, mi reina."

My Queen.

He always called me his Queen, something that I found quite enduring, until now, that is. My vision blurs for a moment then rights itself.

Lucas had grabbed my face, and passionately kissed me, saying, "I will take the bag, Cariño."

I remember frowning. "I thought we decided I take it?"

"I don't want you to risk this, let me handle this."

I had smiled at him, thinking that this man does love me to protect me like this, and I hand over the bag, which was my death sentence.

The knife in my stomach happened so fast that I was in shock when he kissed me again, saying how sorry he was, impaling me harder. He slowly lowered me to the ground and kissed my head for the last time.

He told me that this hurts him more than it does me, and left without looking back.

More tears stream down my face as I feel my heart pounding against my chest, laboring. I let my head fall back and wait for the darkness to consume me. Maybe I will get to see my father again, and we can laugh together over our dumb life-choices...

Footsteps.

I hear them echoing.

Hope.

I open my heavy lids, a flash of adrenaline courses through me. "E...lllllppp." I try to wheeze out. I'm not sure how much blood I have lost, but I know I have but minutes left.

I try and focus my vision as I see a tall, burry figure stop in front of me.

I look up at him, wondering why he is not calling for help at the shocking sight of me. "Mister," I moan. "Help. 9-911!"

He kneels right in front of me, his features coming into focus. He is very handsome, I realize, but not recognizable.

The man tilts his head at me with a bright smile. "Camila, is that you? Almost didn't recognize you with the wig."

I frown at him.

He knows me?

And, why is he talking to me like I am not dying?!

The man shakes his head and holds up his hand. "You don't have to answer that. I see that you have gotten yourself in a little bit of a pickle."

A pickle?!

This guy nuts?! I am about to die! "Help," I wheeze. "I'm am s-stabbed."

Why is he happy? Smiling?!

The man frowns suddenly and steps back as if not to dirty his shoes with my pooling blood. "Sorry, these are my favorite shoes," he says, apologetically making my mouth drop open. He studies at me with his hands in his suit pockets, making me think he might have been at the same party as me. Maybe he knows what we did, a detective, perhaps. "I know that you are confused, and honestly, this has not been your night. Am I right?"

I can't say anything.

He looks around then back at me. "Well, Camila, your luck is about to change. I have an offer for you, and the fact that you're dying might alter our mission, and we can't have that. When Fate picks us a girl, we take that very seriously." He gives me a pointed look. "The Universe depends on you...maybe. You have like a one and five chance, actually. But, still."

What!?

I must be hallucinating.

I am waiting for him to say, "AND WELCOME TO HELL!" As fire explodes behind him and he turns into something horrific.

"I'm dying, call 911!" I plead, seeing my vision spot with black dots.

I really don't want to die. I want revenge.

And this man is a lunatic!

He shakes his head. "No point. You have lost too much blood for that, I'm afraid. By the time you would arrive at the hospital, your body would be a cold corpse." He tilts his head. "So you must listen carefully. I have a job for you, and if you sign this contract," he is now holding a glittering piece of paper, making me think I may have died already. "I will save your life."

"Am I dead?" I whisper.

"Well, not yet," he continues, "I'm trying to prevent that if you have not noticed."

My hands and feet feel numb as I stare at him. "You can save m-me?"

He smiles and studies me. "Of course I can. I just need you to sign your name, my dear. Fairy Godmother Inc. would like to employ you. We are the keepers of balance, sustaining the universe by true love's kiss."

I stare at him.

He is serious.

Did he say Fairy Godmother Inc?

I am good at reading people, er-until tonight, that is. Maybe he is a doctor? A billionaire with a chopper on one of the Skyscrapers nearby. Flight for life. "I-I'll sign."

I know this is ridiculous, but beggars can't be choosers.

This is my only hope.

He holds the glowing letter right in front of me and it looks real. Like, real, real. I know I am dying, but something tells me that I'm really seeing this. My eyes trace over my full name that is written on the first line.

No one knows my real name.

No one.

I look up at the man, my breathing labored, my lungs stinging. "Who are you?" I whisper in awe.

He grabs a pin from out of his perfect suit and holds it out to me. "This is your lucky day, Camila."

I reach to grab the pin, but my arm will not move.

The man leans closer and grabs my limp arm, lifting it. It's strange, but I can smell the spice of his cologne. "Do I have your permission to help you sign?"

"Yes," I rasp.

He places the pin in my limp fingers and guides it to the glowing letter, making me sign my name on the dotted line at the bottom. It's messy, blood dripping on the magical contract, but it's done. I look up at him, waiting for him to call for help.

To do anything.

He stands up quickly and touches his ear as if he is wired, confusing me. "Randy, I need extraction now. This is a code triple X- Medical staff on stand-by." He looks at me. "Camila. I want to formally welcome you to, Fairy Godmother Inc."

I think I am frowning.

Maybe he is a nutbag.

"Welcome, Camila."

I was about to sputter curse words at him then something strange happens to my person. My whole body feels prickly and fuzzy, and before I can panic...

Everything goes completely BLACK with the last image of that strange man winking at me.

"Camila?" the sound echoes beautifully in my mind. I can hear the voice, and it sounds like an angel.

I have died.

I realize.

"Earth to Camila!"

That's odd.

Why would God be using that harsh tone?

Am I in trouble!?

Panic hits me.

"I do not mean to be insensitive, but we do have to keep a schedule. Can you hear me, child!?"

Child?

That's... not God.

More of a bossy female.

I open my eyes, and sparkles of light seep through, resembling the diamonds that I once had in my possession.

Can we still want revenge even after death? Will I be eternally tormented with Lucus's betrayal?! Walking the city's alleyways, howling with the wind on the eve of my brutal death?! Naive teenagers will dress up as me for Halloween, draped in the stolen jewels with a knife sticking out of their stomachs? Fake blood everywhere. It would catch on like fire, the new fascination of my death. Then Hollywood would catch wind of the shocking legend and want to monopolize on the gold mine. My sad life suddenly becomes a blockbuster hit, gaining me the ultimate fame I always wanted!!

What irony.

"Any slower, and she'd be dead."

I blink, seeing faces looking down at me.

What. The. Hell.

Am I in Hell?

My brain is misfiring.

"Ahh, there she is. You see? She is not braindead like you'd thought." Came the voice of that MAN.

The man from the alleyway.

That means I am not...dead, I think.

I look at a lovely woman with silver hair, scowling at me. "You sure? She looks a little slow. I'd run the brian scans again."

"Excuse me?" I get out as my voice breaks. "I am not dead, right?"

Where the hell am I?

The man from the alley helps me sit up, and I look around. My head is dizzy. I'm in some sterile hospital, everything almost blinding white with virtual technology. I hear a beautiful electronic woman's voice talk in the background. I glance at the man and notice his bright blue eyes as they regard me, studying me. "Where am I?" I whisper, my heart thudding.

I'm breathing.

I am I alive, then?

"Great question," he says and removes something from his shoulder, then glances back at me. "You were just in surgery, and it went very well." He winks at me. "We cut it close."

I immediately grab my stomach, where the knife was sticking out.

No pain.

"You were a doctor?"

He laughs and nods to the woman standing next to him. "I think we are ready for briefing, her scans are clear. I will meet you and the girls in five."

The woman sighs and glances at me with a sly smile and turns to leave with three men in black following her. "We are a day late, and I hate being late," she says over her shoulder.

"She does hate being late," he says with a wink.

FBI?

Am I being detained!?

"Call me, Pierce."

"Pierce," I repeat, taking a big breath, calming my pulse. "Why am I not dead? Are you with the FBI?"

"FGI—not FBI. We have the best medical staff in the universe," he says and walks up to me. "I am going to be blunt because I think you can handle it. You are not currently on the planet Earth anymore. This place is, in other words, not Kansas anymore. You are now in the fifth dimension and employed by, Fairy Godmother Inc. For the next three months, that is. Think of this as extreme speed dating."

"Fairy Godmother..." I trial off. "I remember you saying that."

"Impressive, seeing how you lost fifty percent of your blood by the time I got to you." he gives me a pointed look. "This is real Camila. This is an opportunity that will never come again in your lifetime."

I look around.

My mind is rejecting this but...

But I'm alive, and this man is right, I was minutes from dying. No flight for life could have saved me that fast, for I am not a moron. A wound like that was a kill shot, and Lucus knew it. He would not have given me the chance to live if someone found me.

Unless a real-life miracle happened.

"I can see you are working this around in your head, and I can already tell that you will be more open to this than most of my Darlings. You are a dreamer, and I like that about you. Always dreaming for bigger and better things beyond your means." He puts a cigar in his mouth and lights it, puffing it as he stares at me.

I swallow, looking around with newfound awe. "Is this real? Are you sure that I have not died?"

He laughs, smoke escaping his mouth. "Quite the opposite, my dear. This is where your life begins."

My eyes widen. "Why am I here? What do you need of me?" I look around the sterile room. "And what did I sign?"

"Do you like games?"

I stare at him warily. "Of course, life is a game."

A game that I played poorly.

He smiles at me, and the smile, I know, hides a secret meaning. "Well, this is the ultimate game. You will be competing against five other women in this 'life' competition. You all will be an FGI agent," he continues at my intrigued expression. "Think back to your childhood. The Fairy Godmother as you know from growing up, has been about love, one's dreams coming true, correct?"

"Well, yes," I say, "It's make-believe."

"Or is it?"

I stare at him. "Are you saying that she is real?"

"I am," he takes a pull from his cigar. "Not quite in a sense you know from childhood, but a miracle worker, yes."

I laugh. "You have got to be kidding me. The bitchy woman that was in here earlier?"

He gives me a dry look. "That bitchy woman has the power to make your dreams come true. I would show a little respect."

I close my eyes.

This is crazy.

"The ultimate prize is true love."

I open my eyes to stare at him. "True love!?"

Like the one with Lucus?

I want to vomit.

He shrugs. "True love's kiss keeps the Universe in line, changing the hearts of the powerful. It keeps evil at bay and makes room for compassion, a flooding of empathy like a chain reaction."

"Ture love's kiss keeps the universe in line? How? There are more worlds out there?" I snort.

"Thousands."

My heart starts to drum again.

I can tell he is being serious, blowing my mind.

I swallow. "So what? We all compete for the same man? A competition? Is this the Bachelor?"

"In a sense, yes."

"I don't want a man," I blurt. "Not sure if you know how I almost died or not," I bite out. "Men are not high on my list right now."

Pierce shrugs. "I thought as much. A lot of women come in here thinking just that, but let me tell you, I have yet to see one that did not change their mind."

"I am not everyone."

"But I know your weakness," he says. "I do my homework."

I narrow my eyes.

"Wealth. Fame. You want riches without having to steal, or to pretend to be someone you're not," he murmurs, seeing too much of me.

My accent always gets thick when I am annoyed. "Maybe, but how does that involve a man?" I get out, feeling my anger rise.

"Well, you have a chance to make a prince fall in love with you, which would involve you becoming a Queen or something like that. I'm sure you can see what I'm getting at."

"A prince?" I trail off, my mind wandering.

He'd have to be rich, very rich to be a prince.

The cunning feline in me has just opened her eye.

"Oh yes, a prince is the main target, a very wealthy prince."

I don't care about the man.

But I do care about diamonds, gold, and a lavish lifestyle.

The con-artist in me can't resist.

"I'm in."

Pierce winks. "I thought so. Here's the kicker. You must win to get it."

"Then, I will win."

Piece of cake.

This time I will not be blinded by love.

**

I sit in a giant room with four other women. The women seem shocked, but we all drank this sparkly pink drink, and we all feel better. Relaxed—not on the verge of a mental breakdown. If they were going to poison me, they would not have wasted their time in saving my life. Apparently, there was one that left. I can feel my adrenaline coursing through my body as I try to imagine what this game will consist of.

I laugh, covering my mouth.

My father is turning over in his grave, like, right now.

Any doubt that lingers in my mind is now gone. I'm shown some of the most advanced technology that is way beyond anything I have ever seen. I just sit here in silent awe, trying not to freak out and get the boot for still being crazy.

A surge of exhilaration courses through me.

The impossible is the impossible.

"Ladies," Pierce says as the virtual screen behind him shows a world of blue, clouds moving around it. "You will all get better details later. This is just a brief overview of the destination and male target."

Male target, I almost laugh.

Barf.

Let talk about better things like, gold, perhaps.

I glance at the woman with her silver hair that is piled high on top of her head like a bun. She wears a glittering black dress and red pumps, matching her lipstick.

She is stunning.

Elegant in that French way.

She touches her chest and puts on her cat-eye glasses. "Pierce, you have to make this quick."

He nods and looks at us all. "I have spoken with each and every one of you already. As you probably have determined, this is very real." He pauses, "This is exciting!" He points at the world behind him. "This is the Planet of Valturn. Now, this world is very fantastical, so pay attention. Sometimes we have worlds that mirror Earth very closely, and others are more alien to you. This is a dangerous planet full of magical energy."

The fairy godmother speaks up. "We have been here before with a successful mission in the past, and we can do it again. This is a water planet," she looks up at us, "the landmass on this planet is the size of the united states. Everything else is water."

My eyes widen.

A water planet?

I am not sure how I feel about this.

She continues. "There are two primary races, amongst others. The Valkyries Godisians/humans and the Water Nymphs. The water Nymphs look human, mind you, but they can breathe in the water."

"Mermaids?" an Asian woman asks who sits in the front row. Her long black hair is silky and she has a pretty face. Very pretty, I muse. They said names earlier, but I was too shocked to remember any of them. I think her name was Sun Hai or something.

"Sun, no tails or gills. They can process oxygen through their skin, which changes color."

"Weird," I hear someone say.

Sun is frowning. "So, they live in the water then? How do they talk?"

Pierce chuckles. "They do not live in open water. Pay attention; they have a city under the water that is water-free. They prefer to breathe air, and their underground palace is stunning, full of wealth and riches. They have land allies who visit all the time. I have seen the main throne room, and the windows are ten stories high, letting you see into the deep blue ocean."

"I need to vacation there," the Fairy Godmother murmurs as she stares at her paper. "Quite stunning."

That actually sounds amazing. I need to pinch myself.

I hear a lot of oohs and awes.

I'm getting excited, and I can picture all the jewels and silks now. Queen Camila, everyone bow before her greatness. I hide my smile.

"Now, the land valkyries also have stunning cites. The vast tropical islands are a sight to see, make no mistake." Pierce glances at The fairy Godmother. "Let's talk about the mission real quick before we split up and bring out the Bowl of Destiny."

"Ladies, Poseidian Iphanthei is the king of the water realm who is married to the very powerful Kalypso Syrinx. Now, this is Poseidian's second marriage, his first wife being killed by valkyries causing bad blood." She pauses like she is reading, frowning. "Thetis Iphanthei is our man, everyone. He is the son of Poseidon and his first wife. Thetis is turning very dark due to jealousy and rage."

Pierce chimes in, "Ladies, we need you to work your magic on Thetis. He is the air to the throne, but there is family drama that you will get briefed on later. Mostly caused by Thetis's stepbrother Raine Syrinx, who is also the king's adviser."

I am on the edge of my seat listening.

Thetis?

"Bowl of destiny!" Pierce claps as everyone forms a line.

I frown.

The what?

"Pssst. Come on. You missed a lot of information. We went over this yesterday, waiting for you," A petit blond says who looks like Kristen Bell. "Get in line. This is when we find out what our positions will be."

"What? Positions?" I ask and stand behind her, arms crossed over my white medical robe. I look at every girl and note that I am by far the curviest. I really hope this prince likes that, or I am screwed. I have a J-lo butt and breasts that sag just a bit do to their size. I smile. But my caramel skin looks gorgeous draped in diamonds though, no will argue with that assessment.

My body was meant for rap videos on million-dollar yachts. Not no water nymph—mermaids...whatever they are, fish bodies.

"It's all chance. Whatever position fate picks for you, that's what you will be for the next three months," she whispers.

"Oh shit," I murmur. "So, we can't just pick to be a princess?"

She laughs. "No."

Dread washes over me.

I don't want to be a low-life.

I can't get a prince being a slave or something.

I bite my lip as the first girl puts her hands in the bowl. Her name is Crystal and she looks very nervous, her skin pale. She has the girl next door look, brown hair, and a cute face.

The screen reads: Zebia Empire royal family—Valkyrie.

Pierce nods. "They are the clan that Killed Poseiden's wife. But don't get discouraged, they are working on peace treaties."

Crystal nods.

That sounds like a shitty position to be in.

Next Is a girl named Joniqua Hodge and sounds Jamaican, a curvier girl like me. She places her hands in the bowl.

We all wait.

The screen reads: Poseiden's Empire: Light activator.

She looks happy, and Pierce gives her a little clap.

Next is Sun Hai. and she seems like the most confident, a hard competitor, I can tell.

The screen reads: Poseiden's Empire- Royal family.

The Fairy Godmother nods her head. "Sun, that is a prize position."

I can tell the rest of the girls are not happy about that. The look on Sun's face says it all, the arrogant bitch.

I don't know how I feel about this bowl of Destiny yet.

Amanda in front of me turns and gives me a weak smile before leaving to place her hands in the bowl. I feel nervous for her, my stomach twisting.

The screen reads: Gaya Empire: The Light Air Force.

I let out a sigh of relief.

Pierce claps his hands. "A very exciting position, the Gaya Empire is the nymph's biggest allies. They have each others backs."

I swallow as I step up to the bowl and see the eerie metallic water. I say a silent prayer, please do not make me a slave.

Please. Please.

"Camila."

"Right," I say and place my hands in the substance. It feels cold and weird, making my arms tingle.

My heart is pounding.

Please...

The screen reads: Gaya Empire: Royal family. Betrothed to Prince Brayja.

I can't believe what I am reading, relief washing over me.

I am to marry a prince?! Excitement explodes through me at the thought. I will have to ask if we can stay in the position we are in. Who cares are this Thetis guy.

Pierce looks thoughtful. "Interesting. Brayja is very close to the nymph family. Like I said earlier, the Gaya Empire being their close allies. I believe Brayja is Raine's most loyal friend, and most hated by Thetis."

So what.

I am to be married to a prince!

Bring on the next stage baby!

We are lead to our briefing rooms where we will be paired up with an FGI agent?

I thought we were the agents?

And, I usually work alone on jobs.

I am not sure if I like the idea of working with someone. That last person I worked with tried to kill me. I sniff as I lean back in my chair, eyeing the empty room. This place is surreal, my mind still having trouble that this is all real. I sit in the metal chair, drumming my fingers on the white marble desk in deep thought. Am I to be married to a prince on a different planet? This is so extreme. I close my eyes, imagining what it would be like to have royal blood. I have always faked my positions to steal costly things in my life.

Well, this will be the first time I will not fake who I am.

I muse on that.

I guess I am still faking, but this is different. Right? Who cares, though. I was invited to Harry and Megan's wedding, and I watched with silent envy, wishing that were me up there. Now, it will be me that everyone will envy. For once in my life, my cards are aces.

Nothin can beat an ace.

The door suddenly opens and in walks Pierce and a little weird looking...little person. It's like 4 feet tall with large eyes.

What is that??

"Camila, sorry for the wait." He smiles at me and nods to his left. "This is your FGI personal agent."

"Heya, toots."

My eyes widen as I take him in. He looks like 1980s Jigalow, complete with gold chains and an oversized beige suit for his chubby body. His sandy blond hair is long and pulled back into a pony, and his large purple eyes are heavy-lidded.

He takes a pull of...weed?! I can smell it. The smoke trails from his lips, and he coughs a couple of times. "Shiiiit."

"This is Steve," Pierce says and gives Steve a stern look.

Steve holds up his hand, eyes watering from the hit. "How many times do I have to tell everyone. It's Steven."

Pierce rolls his eyes slightly. "His kind are amazing shapeshifters, and he will be your guide throughout this new world. Steven, are you briefed for the mission?"

I stand up. "Excuse me. I am not having a pot-head as a partner."

Steve looks at me, eyes bloodshot. "The babe has a bite. I like it. OUUUCH." He shakes his hand like I actually bit him, putting his finger in his mouth.

This can't be my partner.

Pierce checks his watch and glances at me with a sigh. "You want him smoking weed; otherwise, he is not brilliant in the least. A few years back he won a mission by a long shot, surprising us all."

"Hell yeeeaaah we did," Steve laughs, and it sounds like Seth Rogan. He fist pumps the air then starts to hip thrust.

I want to slap my forehead.

It's whatever. I am still to be wed to a rich prince. It does not matter who I am paired up with, honestly. "Fine, what now?"

Pierce grins at me and tilts his head. "Most find this part the fun part. You may change three things about yourself to give you an advantage. I will be back shortly to prepare you for extraction, think really hard for your wishes for you will be stuck with them."

My eyes widen. "I can change anything?"

Wild.

"Yes, but I would focus on abilities. This world is very alien to you, dangerous." Pierce points at Steve. "Guide her. I will be back."

Pierce leaves, and I glance at Steve.

He stares at me.

Awkward silence.

He looks down with a frown and I grab this lint I saw on my sleeve.

After a couple painful minutes, I break the ice. "So we are stuck together," I mutter, crossing my arms.

He takes another pull, eyes squinting. "You know, Pierce is right. I am a weed genius, fifth generation."

"What does that even mean? Your family members are potheads?"

"We are mysticals."

"Uh-huh."

"So mystical."

"I think it's just called, being a pothead," I deadpan and walk over to the large book on the table. "So, do we all have to go after the main target? This Thetis man?"

Steve frowns. "That's the game, toots."

I expel a breath. "I am to be married to a prince though, I have already won by default."

Steve's eyes look blank, then he laughs, coughing a bit, almost falling backward in his chair. "So you are playing to be a Sweet Pea?"

"Sweet Pea?"

"As long as the main objective is met, you maybe choose to stay in your position. I would prefer a Darling win, but a Sweet Pea has a pretty great payout," he sits up and looks around. "I have to pay some knockers back home if you know what I mean. I barely escaped them to make it here on time."

I muse on that. "Do you think the other girls can handle the main mission on their own?"

Steve makes a face. "FGI women are significantly hotter than any other woman. So, chances are always in our favor. I am down with cheating the system. I could use an easy win."

I might like Stoner Steve.

"Alright, then. New objective," I say.

Steve nods. "New objective."

"Will Pierce be on to us?"

Steve laughs. "Dude, Pierce knows shit before you even think it. That man is a ninja. He is a king. We are all kings."

I bite my lip and rub the bridge of my nose. "Will he be okay with this?"

"Don't know. I guess if you fall in love with the guy," Steve leans back in his seat again, his gold chains catching the light.

"I have to fall in love?"

Shit.

I can fake it.

It's what I do.

"That might help. But, there are some things you might want to know about your position first." He takes a candy bar from out of his large dress coat.

I sit down in front of him. "Well, tell me. Is he ugly? Fat? Mean? This Brayja?"

Steve takes another hit and grabs the book to open it. "Activating mystical talents," he whispers to himself.

I raise a brow.

What a strange little man.

"Okay, this dude Brayja is a prince but he is engaged to three different women," Steve looks up at me. "You have some competition."

"What!?" I yell. "Are you serious!? You're just now telling me this?"

He laughs. "You should see how red your face gets." He is laughing harder.

I take a large breath and look the other way. "Are the other women pretty?"

"Have no clue." Steve flips through more pages as I glance back at him. "But he has one month of courting to decide which noble daughter will be worthy."

I close my eyes. "Shit."

"I GOT it!"

He yells making me jump. "I have just tapped into my mystic brains."

Steve's eyes are wide, bulging. He makes sounds with his mouth like he is gaining divine guidance.

I frown as I watch him hold up his finger to silence me when I start to talk.

I huff. "Please enlighten me on what your brains are telling you."

"Your extraction is perfect to get in with Brayja, over the other girls."

I stare at him to expound.

"Okay, your man Brayja is captured by the Kingdom of Qokar. They are like org type people, scary as hell." He looks back to the book, reading, pausing. "I was looking over the map late last night when I was in mystic mode. Brayja was with Raine of the Nymph realm and Eluno. Eluno is mentally challenged, only knowing battle. He is intellectually slow, but is a crazy warrior, Brayja's loyal bodyguard."

"I am confused, Brayja, Raine, and Eluno are all captives?"

"Yeah, they fell into a trap that I think Thetis set up, though I do not know for sure. This Thetis guy really hates his step-brother. Like, a lot. If they all just smoked, they might get alone," he snorts.

"That does not matter to me."

Steve takes another pull. "Well, it's Brayja's best friend, they are like brothers. Raine is the son of Kalypso, the dude is super powerful. Like, he blows Brayja off the scales."

I frown. "I don't care about that. What point are you making?"

That this Raine guy is not to be messed with?

"Just don't get on Raine's bad side, he could sway Brayja into not picking you," Steve said like I am an idiot, rolling his eyes. "You're a chick, you always know to get on good terms with the bestie."

"True."

Very true.

Maybe Steve is not as dumb as I thought.

"Kalypso knows her son is caught and is coming for them along with the Gaya Empire." Steve is still turning pages, "Just some more info, Kalypso wears the pants in the relationship with Poseiden, she is one bad bitch to cross. Very powerful, which is why Raine is dangerous to not have on your side."

I shiver, excitement and nerves coursing through me.

A real-life adventure.

"Got it."

"They are all held in dark prisons on the side of a cliff with Org guards patrolling everywhere. So I was thinking you could sneak in and bring Brayja cookies and shit to get a head start on him picking you."

"Cookies? He's not a pothead, Steven."

"Or just your company, but I bet he'd love cookies. They are tortured there, already been in captivity for a week." Steve exhales. "These org people are vicious."

"So why am I there?"

"You were on the Gaya ship that followed them. Your ship was sunk and you are a brilliant woman and put on a disguise as a slave to help Brayja escape." He looks at me like he is some wise monk, raising his chubby chin, eyes half shut.

I frown. "Right...that would make me look worthy in his eyes."

Steve starts laughing, face turning red. "You'd have it in the bag, man."

I smile. "Money in the bag. How do I break in?"

He gives me another heavy-lidded expression. "This will be very tricky. You have to break into Eluno's cell first and wait an hour until the guard leaves to make it to Brayja's."

My mouth falls open. "I have to stay with Eluno for an hour? The slow guy?"

"It's the only way you don't get caught and use a life-line. You only get three Life-lines before you are ejected from the game, by the way." Steve looks like he is ready for a nap, eyes barely open.

"Stay awake. Is Eluno dangerous?"

"Very." He pauses, "Like an animal. But, he is tied up with a mouthpiece on. You will be safe, just don't get close to him. From my calculations, you would have a week's worth of time before they are busted out. Us agents get top secret information when we are briefed."

"That's like seven hours with Eluno."

"Maybe bring him cookies." Steve looks at his large gold watch. "Dammmmnn. We have to pick you three traits, hurry before the king comes back. We will go into more details once we are there."

A flash of nerves washes over me. "So, any pointers on what to change?"

Steve sits in the metal chair still and leans back on it, two feet leaving the ground. I raise a brow. He looks like Zach Galifianakis, and Seth Rogan had a baby. "You're super fly."

"I'm Fly?"

His eyes widen slightly. "Big ol' booty." Steve winks at me. "Nice rack too. Your face is golden."

"Should I be offended?"

"Yes—er no." He looks a little confused. "But you're packin' a lot of curves, so you might need to be in superb shape."

I almost laugh; this Steve is something else. "I am in shape. Just because I have curves does not mean I can't run."

I just need a legit sports bra.

He takes a pull of his joint. "Doubt it."

I can feel my cheeks heat. "Fine. Steven, what else?"

"I would be an exceptional swimmer," he laughs. "A lot of water there, kinda a no brainer, toots"

"Don't call me that, it's weird." I think for a second, " Right, because I don't swim that well," I say more to myself. I am more of a doggie paddle kind of girl, and I think that will not fly in this world. "Does that mean I can hold my breath for a long time?"

Like James Bond.

"No, but being in shape will make your lungs perfect," he says, nodding like he is the Godfather, the all-knowing.

"Okay, what else? What does this man Brayja like in a woman?" I ask, looking down at myself. I have long black hair that I always keep plaited or braided, and my heart-shaped face is delicate and exotic. My eyes are slanted, and my lips are full. I have the face to entrance people, while my hands are quick to steal from people.

Cold truth.

Steve leans up. "You need a talent. You are super Fly. I don't think he will complain after FGI airbrushing. Airbrushing is a freebie, makes the dames super sexy."

"It's weird hearing you say sexy while looking half asleep," I say, hiding my grin. "What talent then?"

"I am not half-asleep, I am in mystic mode. Being a valkyrie, you may not possess Nymph abilities," he says and frowns in thought. "Let me look through the book. I thought I saw something when I was eating a pizza-pie."

"I want to be special, rare," I say, leaning closer. "What are nymphs weak too? Since they are our enemies."

Steve points at me. "I like the way you think. They fight with electric currents. Especially Kalypso and Raine. Poseiden and Thetis's blood-line is more physical strength, brute force. There are so many different bloodlines it's hard to pick one to oppose." He looks at me. "What are you good at naturally?

Very deep for a pothead.

"I am good at stealing," I say and shrug. "Pretending."

I look down, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

His eyes widen. "I got it."

"A manipulator," Pierce says from behind us.

We both jump and turn to see him leaning up against the door with an amused expression.

"Right on, my ninja," Steve says in awe like Pierce was his mystical, weed God.

"You two have hit it off just like I thought you would," Pierce has his hands inside his pockets like he's on the cover of Men's Warehouse, most interesting man addition. "A manipulator is a talent of an ancient Warlock bloodline. Rare. It allows you to temporarily steal abilities off the people around you. For a short time, like five minutes. If you get good, you could be very dangerous."

"Yes," I breathe. "That actually sounds like me."

Perfect.

"Into the pod you go," he says as he studies me in that weird way. Pierce is a very strange man. "You are the last to be extracted so we must hurry."

I'm so excited and terrified. I nod and walk towards the alien-looking pod and step inside, feeling a burst of cold air. It closes around me and I gasp, seeing pink writing on the screen.

"Alright, Camila. The first trait?" he says over the intercom.

"In shape."

"An FGI favorite."

"Then the ability to swim."

I hear him laugh. "That would be wise."

"And then the manipulator."

"Alright, this might...tickle."

I roll my eyes then instantly hiss and suck in a breath as I see a white flash all around me. I think I screamed, my body feel hot and foreign. "Holy shit!" I place my hands on my head. "Let me out!

After a few minutes, the door opens with a pressurized sound. I stumble out and Pierce grabs me, steadying me.

"Sorry about that, but you look amazing," Pierce says. "The dizziness will pass."

"Duuuuuuude," Steve says, covering his mouth.

My gaze finds the large mirrored wall and I scream. " La Concha de tu Madre!!!! I look like I am a Latin barbie doll." I touch my hot body. "Look at my skin."

Pierce nods. "We mean business here at FGI. We play big if you have not noticed."

"My eyes!"

They are violet and slightly swirling with colors.

"Yes, that is part of the Manipulator trait. Very rare, and stunning," Pierce agrees and looks me over. "I need to prepare you for extraction. Spin please."

Spin?

"Toots, like Cinderella."

Pierce rolls up his sleeves. "Now."

I spin and my whole body tingles, making me scream again. "What the hell!!?"

Pierce laughs. "Extraction in 5." he touches his earpiece.

"What?"

"Steve will brief you once you have landed on Org mountain."

"It's Steven."

"Steve," He looks at him, not really paying attention to what he said, " You will be her adviser, as you already know."

"You got it, my ninja."

I look in the mirror and see that I am in a brown dirty cloak hiding my body. How the hell did he do that?!

What kind of shit it this?!

"And 5..."

"Pierce," I plead.

"3."

I close my eyes and grit my teeth trying to control my erratic pulse. "Ahhh!! Ahhhhhhhh!!! Ahhhhh!!"

Pierce is frowning at me. "2, 1!"

Blast off.

Camila out.