Most fae began using their gifts earlier in life, but Ophelia had cast a charm over Claire to stall her elemental progression. It’d been one of the many atrocities the female fae had inflicted on others before her death. And had also been the reason the Council chose to let Claire remain in the mortal realm. She couldn’t defend herself here, and there were many who wanted her dead.
Case in point, the furious Spirit Fae to my left—Mortus. I could feel the malevolent intents pouring off his aura. If allowed, he’d kill the Halfling himself.
Claire would need a protector, or several, to survive here. And unfortunately, if her powers manifested as they should, she’d be too dangerous for the mortal world as well. Leaving her rather… stuck.
“The Academy.” Vape scratched his jaw, considering. “That would provide her with the ability to learn more about her gifts. She’s enrolled in human university now, yes?”
“Yes,” Elana confirmed. “But what sector would she attend? Spirit was disbanded after…”
“Her mother destroyed everyone?” Mortus offered. “You can’t admit it out loud, but you’ll allow her abomination to attend the Academy? To play with the impressionable minds of our realm?” He stood. “This is ridiculous and you know it. I can’t be a part of this conversation.”
“Then leave,” my brother said, his voice hard. Despite Mortus being the elder of our kind, my brother’s royal blood superseded the elder male’s authority. “My brother and I will represent our kind in your stead.”
“You’d like that,” Mortus said, his beady black eyes landing on me. “Your Highness.” He bowed mockingly. “Enjoy playing with fate. Don’t be surprised when she bites back.” He stalked out of the room, leaving me sighing in his wake.
That bastard saw me as a constant threat to his position. As he probably should since he clearly couldn’t behave as an adult of three hundred years. I wasn’t even a tenth of his age, and I behaved more appropriately.
“What do you think, Exos?” Elana asked. “Should she attend the Academy?”
“It would provide her with the tools she needs to hone her elemental gifts,” I said slowly. “But Mortus brought up a reasonable point. Who will help her learn about the most important ability of all—Spirit?”
She nodded. “I have an idea for that.” A mischievous twinkle entered the elder fae’s gaze, one that warned me I was not going to enjoy her suggestion in the slightest. “I’d like you to train her. In fact, I also think you should be the one to retrieve her.”
“Why?” I blurted out, unable to hold the word back.
Elana’s lips curled. “Because you’re the most powerful Spirit Fae I’ve ever met. And if anyone can protect her, it’s you.”
“She’s right,” my brother agreed, glancing up at me with his piercing blue eyes—the same shade as my own. “You’re the strongest amongst us. If anyone can control her, and train her, it’s you.” He lifted his hand to rest over mine on the back of his chair. “She needs you, Exos.”
“It’s a good pairing,” Vape added. “Protection coupled with teaching. Assuming you’re up for the challenge?” He raised a white eyebrow, his bottomless gaze boring into mine. The old elemental knew I couldn’t turn down a summons, especially when he endorsed it.
I sighed. “Fine. I’ll fetch her from the Human Realm. We’ll discuss the mentorship when I return.”
“Excellent.” Elana held out her hands. “Then I believe we’re adjourned for now?”
“When this all goes to hell, remember that I voted against everything,” Zephys said, walking away from the table. “And if she dies, I didn’t do it.”
My brother squeezed my hand before releasing it. “You’re going to need all the luck you can get, Exos. Try not to die on me.”
I smirked. “Anyone who tries deserves their fate. Right, Cyrus?”
He returned my grin. “Right.” We bumped fists as he stood. “Happy vibes.”
“Happy vibes,” I returned.
I’d need them, especially for the road ahead. Because there were very few places worse than hell, and the Human Realm was one of them.
Yeah, lucky me.
Claire
“Truth or dare?”
I nearly spit out my drink—some sort of fruity concoction my bestie had given me. Like strawberries or something. Really sweet. Totally not the point. “We’re not playing this game, Rick.”
“Oh, Claire Bear, we are so playing this game.” Amie’s lips pulled into a wide grin. “And the birthday girl goes first.”
I tried to roll my eyes, but the room was already spinning. I wasn’t drunk exactly. Just very tipsy. Or I thought that might be my current state. Honestly, I just felt really, really good. Like untouchable. Powerful. Happy. But this fruity drink in my hand was so blah. I needed something with more punch, like a shot or something. Maybe—