True to his word, Hex thumped on Rose's bedroom door at dawn. She hadn't slept, but lay in the dark, wishing she had never left the safety of her quaint cottage.

"Get up!" Hex pounded on her door—a key turned in the lock.

Rose bolted from her bed to the corner of the room. What did the sorcerer want?

Hex opened the door and stood on the threshold. His black clothes were immaculate and his black boots were polished. He frowned at her dishevelled appearance and sighed.

"Today I have a lot to do. Come with me and I'll show you around." He gestured for her to follow him. "Hurry."

With no choice, Rose did as he instructed.

Hex walked at a brisk pace. As he passed candles, they lit, illuminating the long passageway. At the first door, he stopped. "This is my study. You may clean this room twice a week." He opened the door, allowing her to look inside.

Hex's study was littered with paper and rolled-up parchment. A large peacock feather quill and ink well sat on his mahogany desk beside an ink blotter.

"Move on," he ordered and closed the door. "We have much to see."

Rose soon lost count of the rooms, her despair increasing at the amount of work. Surely, he didn't expect her to do this alone?

At the end of a long hall, Hex pulled a gold key from his pocket. And Rose watched as he unlocked the heavy wooden door.

"This room is my alchemy room. The magic can be dangerous; you must only enter with me." Hex pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Rose followed Hex into the musty room. From the hall, the room appeared modest. But like everything in the fairy realm, it wasn't as it seemed. Thousands of spells, potions, and lotions stood in rows on dusty shelves. Each one was stored in green glass bottles and labelled with silver writing. Cobwebs fluttered in a phantom draught, making Rose's skin prickle.

"You made these?" she asked, wandering along the shelves and reading the labels.

Hex walked one step behind her. Rose sensed his eyes on her, watching her every move.

"Of course. As I told you, I am a powerful sorcerer."

"Some say the most powerful sorcerer," she muttered.

"Sarcasm," Hex said with a smirk. "Be careful, pet."

Rose stopped abruptly. "Or what? You stole me for a reason. You wish me to hiccup diamonds and make you rich."

"Richer," Hex said with a hint of indignation. "Your point is?"

"If you hurt me, threaten me or mistreat me... I won't help you." Rose turned to face him and instantly regretted being so bold.

The sorcerer scowled at her. Dark shadows swirled around him. And silver sparks flickered between his fingertips.

"Care to say that again?" he hissed, his temper getting the better of him.

Rose stepped back. Maybe she shouldn't have pushed him, but it was too late now.

"I... I won't help you. You're horrid and cruel."

"Well, at least you now know my true nature." Hex pushed back the sleeves of his black shirt.

Rose took another step back. The look in the sorcerer's eyes was murderous. Above their heads, tiny bolts of lightning flashed. The door to the alchemy room was open. If she distracted him, she could escape.

She grabbed hold of the shelf to her left. The glass bottles clinked and wobbled.

Hex's eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"You're not me!" Rose shoved the shelf with every ounce of strength she possessed. With a crack, the shelf toppled, the bottles smashing into a million shards, the spells spilling and mixing. A noxious cloud of magic swirled upwards.

Rose clamped her hands over her mouth and nose and ran. She made it a few feet down the hall before she heard footsteps behind her. The front door was within touching distance. She reached for the handle. Her fingers brushed the cool metal when a powerful arm wrapped around her waist and yanked her away from the door, slamming her against the wall.

"Reckless fool!" Hex yelled. "I should murder you for what you've done."

Rose winced as he squeezed her harder.

"I told you, I will never allow you to leave."

Rose's knees weakened. It was only the sorcerer's tight grip keeping her upright. She stared up at him. "Who are you?"

The anger in his eyes seemed to fade as he said, "My name is Hex."

Rose raised her chin. Her gaze met his. "Hex..."

"Yes, Rose," he whispered into her ear.

"I..."

Hex waited.

"I hate you!" A sudden spark of magic turned her emotions into diamonds. The precious stones tumbled to the ground as her tears rolled down her cheeks.

Hex released his grip. Rose's knees finally buckled, and she slid down the wall.

"Thank you, pet," Hex said, picking up the largest diamond.

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