Twilight Siege

33

That is how Morgan is opening the portals. As you have learned, there are two types of power, light and dark, and they cannot coexist in most circumstances. However, after many years of trial and error, I found a way to imbue your amulet with the essence of both a Light Fae and a Shadow Fae such that they are woven together and yet separate.”

“Which is why my powers are different from other Fae.” “Yes. Morgan possesses light magic and is using a dark magic amulet along with black magic spells to combine the powers, but at a high cost. Together the powers enable her to enter the Twilight Realm, which she uses to circumvent Guin’s wards. In theory, your combined powers should enable you to open a portal to the Realm, but first you must learn to wield those powers. Once you are able to access the Twilight Realm, you will be ready to do what will need to be done.” “You’re talking in riddles again—what is it that needs to be done?” “As hard as it is to believe, I’m not all-knowing. You, my dear, are the first Twilight Fae and your powers are as much a mystery to me as they are to you. Learn your powers, then we will talk again.” He started to turn away but I reached out and took hold of his arm. “Wait! No one knows how to teach me since my powers aren’t the same as theirs. How am I supposed to learn without a teacher?” “Lochlan will help you with that.” “One more thing!” I called out as he again started to turn away. “What did you give Ashley?” She would have questions once she was able to wrap her mind around what had happened, and I wanted to get as many answers for her as I could. “In order to gather the essence of a light and a dark Fae, I had to learn how to extract and store Fae essence, or magical energy. Seeing as the experiment was not something I cared to broadcast, I practiced on myself.” His eyes were soft and the edges of his mouth tipped down just slightly. “What I gave her was a dose my magic, a pure source of my power— Ashley is now, in a way, my daughter.” “So she’s not like me?” “No, her magic is all light based. You are one of a kind.” I wasn’t sure if Merlin giving Ashley some of his essence was more gross or amazing, but since she was alive, I wouldn’t balk. “Thank you, for saving her.” Regardless of the means, he had brought back my Ashley and I would be forever grateful. He tipped his head toward me and gave a small smile before disappearing from sight. I only worked a half day with the intent of spending my afternoon with Ashley. She had managed to convince her parents that there had been a horrible misunderstanding at the hospital. She made up an elaborate story about falling down some stairs and explained that while she was not in any danger, she would like some time to rest. They made plans for lunch the next day and gave Ashley the afternoon to herself. I had wanted to make sure after all that had gone on that she was adjusting well so I arranged to spend the afternoon with her. “Your visit go ok with your parents?” I asked her when I got home. “I understand why they were worried, but there’s no way I could stand hanging out with them all day, especially with my mom hovering over me.” “You do what you need to do, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. A lot happened this week and I’m sure you’ll need time to adjust. I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you needed to talk to a counselor—not that you could tell them everything, but you could talk about the abduction and attacks.” “Have you gone to a counselor?” she challenged. “No, but we weren’t talking about me.” “Well, we are now. It seems to me you’ve had just as much crap to deal with, if not more, than me.” “I haven’t needed a counselor, so no, I haven’t talked to one.” “I don’t need a counselor either—don’t handle me with kid gloves. Where is this even coming from?” “I don’t know, I guess I just feel like it’s all my fault and I want to make sure I didn’t completely f**k up your life.” “I’ve told you that I’m okay, you’re going to have to find a way to believe that.” “Okay, you’re right. You said you’re in this for the long haul, does that mean you’ve moving here?” “It would be hard to help you and learn about my magic from an ocean away. My life is here now, whether you like it or not.” “Aside from having to worry about you, I’m thrilled to have you stay.” “Good, so tell me where things are with Ronan.” “They’ve got Ronan in the basement and have been interrogating him. Lochlan stopped by the museum this morning and said they haven’t used the sword on him so I’m supposed to come over this evening to be there when he talks.” “You have training tonight, too?” “We hadn’t really said if we were going to train as well. I can text and see what the plan is.” “Okay, see what’s happening because I wouldn’t mind going on over there. They're Fae, I’m Fae, seems only logical to get to know them.” I pulled out my phone and texted Lochlan. “He’s not great about texting. Let me get changed and if he still hasn’t responded we can go on over.” “Sounds good. I’m ready whenever you are.” As expected, Lochlan hadn’t texted by the time I had put on my workout gear so we loaded up in the car, which Ashley was in love with, and headed to the club. Inside the main club we found Michael sitting at a table, much the same as I’d seen him before—with a cigarette in hand and papers splayed out before him. “You’re early.” “Thanks, Captain Obvious,” I shot back at him with more attitude than I’d intended. On the ride over I had mentally braced myself for the ordeal with Ronan and was more on edge than I’d realized. Michael’s eyes narrowed at me and I imagined he was weighing the possible consequences of strangling me. I rolled my eyes and turned back toward the elevator to go down to the gym but Ashley didn’t follow. “I think I’ll just stay here while you look for him,” she said as she took a seat across from Michael, who scrutinized her with narrowed brows. “Careful sitting with that one, his surliness might be contagious.” “I’ll take my chances.” Her words were sultry and as soon as they left her lips Michael’s head slowly swiveled her direction. “I’m not even going to touch that—Michael, where is Lochlan?” His eyes cut back to me. “You check the gym?"