Elson's bedroom door slammed open when he entered. He headed straight for his wardrobe, which he opened just as aggressively, and pulled out his royal purple cape. Next, he found a slip of paper and some ink and scribbled a quick note to his parents. Then, he headed back to the throne room now he was sure they had left to grab the royal staff.

You were in trouble. He was sure of it. You were strong, but he had seen even the mightiest guards submit to the simplest of spells.

He was going over to Ramshackle whether his Father, Crowley, or anyone else liked it or not.

A pair of blue eyes watched the Prince leave the castle and ride off before following behind.

Elson did not know this person, but one of his guards had.

Unfortunately, he had not lived to tell the tale.

***

"Just a bit further."

"How many stairs does this place have?" You complained, following Crowley as he led you up to the top floor.

"Nearly there!"

You arrived in a long hallway. Crowley ignored the first few doors and walked down to the end, where he took a key out of his coat and inserted it into the door's lock. It swung open.

"Please, come in!"

You stepped inside behind him, not bothering to shut the door. "Woah. Are these...?"

"Yes." Crowley nodded. "Mirrors."

Cautiously, you looked around the mirror chamber. The mirrors were tall and large, with ornate frames that were each unique. If you stood in the centre, you would be surrounded by nothing but mirrors. However, what attracted your eye the most was the glass. It resembled liquid silver, which swirled unhurriedly in its frame. When you looked into it, your gaze was not met with your reflection but with the elusive movement of ethereal metallic currents.

"These don't look like any mirrors I've ever seen."

"These mirrors won't reflect your image; instead, they serve as portals to alternate worlds."

You take a step backwards. "What?"

"These portals will lead to the realm of my... coveted trinkets."

You look back at the pools of silver. "You never mentioned any world hopping."

"Tell me Ms. Y/n, do you know the Classic Tales? Heracles, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves...?"

"Who doesn't? They're kinda the foundation of the entire Kingdom."

Crowley nods. "That's right! But they are more than just stories."

You look at him innocently. "Sure they're not. I'll have you know that I'm a regular traveller to Neverland on my off days. Captain Hook taught me how to steal himself."

"Will you just listen?" Crowley scowled and placed his hands on his hips. "Our Kingdom is founded on the creation of these stories. And you see, the items I desire are within them."

Silence settled over the both of you as he waited to see how you would react.

"You're telling me..." you looked at the mirror behind you as if afraid something would jump out of it. "These mirrors lead to the lands of the Classic Tales?"

"Yes," Crowley smiles. "I'm so glad we're on the same page."

"We are so not on the same page. Why do you want me to steal this stuff anyway? Do it yourself!"

Crowley sighed. "I would. Unfortunately, this would take away from the time I would need to sort out the paperwork that keeps you alive, delegates your reentering into society, the reports about you to the King, and-"

You huff. "Alright fine I'll do it. Just let me make sure I've got this straight."

"Continue."

"I steal your stuff from... wherever. In return, you grant me freedom."

"Precisely." Crowley held out his hand. "Do we have a deal?"

You stared at his hand. This was dangerous, but you didn't have any other choice. And also... he was relying on you just as much as you were relying on him. If he sold you out, you could just take him down with . However, betraying him would also be shooting yourself in the foot. He was shady. So were you. But you were relying on each other. For the first time in a long while, you felt like you were making a deal with an equal.

You took his hand and shook it.

"I'm deciding to trust you."

"Likewise." He stared at you, completely serious.

"One more thing. You said the mirror will you take me there. How am I getting back?"

"You'll need your necklace," Crowley said, releasing your hand. "Individual stones lack value, yet together they form a cohesive chandelier. If a piece is lost, it can be retrieved and returned. That's the essence of Chandelstones: they reclaim their place but are irreplaceable."

"Do you always take the scenic route when giving instructions?"

"Do you always insert your solo in the middle of another's symphony?" Crowley huffs. "After recovering the item, lift the crystal toward the light and enter the refraction; it will seamlessly return you to your previous location."

"Got it. Anything else I need to know?"

"Would you just listen?" Crowley huffed. "Youth these days... When departing, ensure the refraction is in sunlight; otherwise, it won't be effective."

You nod. "Got it. So... where to first?"

So caught up were the both of you in your dealings that you failed to notice the pair of blue eyes who had snuck in through the open door.

Elson: Never under any circumstances should anyone ever trust Crowley.

Y/n: YOLO