Iron Fey 1.5
Julie Kawaga
Meghan has to leave her family after reuniting her half brother with her mother and step father. This story starts after Ash arrives to take her to Tir Na Nog. At first, Ash and Meghan are happy to be together, but the feeling is short lived as they start their journey. Grim decides he is going to join them, as they have proved to provide entertainment for him in the past. Meghan insists on checking up on Puck before they go to the unseelie court. Ash has provided two unseelie horses to help their travel, but they are spooked and Meghan looses hers quickly. They are being followed and ride double on one horse to try to keep ahead of whatever is chasing them. Ash takes them to the elder gate, which leads them to New Orleans. The fey there tell the couple that Puck is in dire condition, but may recover eventually. When they attempt to go back through the elder gate, the old fey that is part of the tree refuses to let them through because there is something waiting for them on the other side, the Hunter.
Ash takes Meghan to another trod that is in a bar filled with unseelie fey. After getting past the guard at the door, they make it through the trod. They continue their journey, but Grim points out that Meghan needs to rest. Ash knows of a place they can stop, but has difficulty getting Meghan there as the cold gets her and threatens to cover her in ice. Ash saves her by kissing her. They stop at Laiden's place where Meghan learns of a fey that washes her baby in human children's blood to keep it healthy. Meghan wakes briefly in the night to see Ash and Grim talking. The next morning, Ash gives her a coat and a cold attitude.
As they continue to Tir Na Nog, the Hunter catches up with them. They find shelter in a cave, but it is short lived. While Ash is failing in his attempt to fend off the Hunter, Meghan tries to save Ash. The Hunter is confused because he came to save Meghan from her capturer. Meghan explains the situation of the contract and the Hunter leaves. Meghan drags Ash back to the cave so that he can heal before they continue to the unseelie court.
Ash has been giving Meghan the cold shoulder and she can't figure out why. She pries until he explains to her what is going on. He will not always be able to protect her in the unseelie court. She will need to learn to ignore her emotions to survive or the fey will tear her apart using her weaknesses.
After getting some sleep, Meghan wakes up to find Ash guarded. Soon after, the knights arrive to escort them the rest of the way. Meghan realizes just how cold Ash is and finally meets Queen Mab.
The Iron Fey Series:
The Iron King
1.5 Winter's Passage
The Iron Daughter
The Iron Queen
3.5 Summer's Crossing
The Iron Knight