“Wouldn’t a fae be capable of pulling something like that off?” I asked.
“Fae magiccancompel people, but it’s very hard to do, and the magic requires a lot of effort. It’s usually only something sorceresses can pull off, not shifters. Valen’s good in battle, but his magic wasn’t that powerful. I don’t think he was strong enough to compel me on his own, especially not since I’m a demigod,” Kallie said.
“You think he had help?”
“He must’ve. Either he had someone cast a compelling spell on me, or he had some sort of object that did it for him. I’m thinking it must’ve been the second option, because if he kept the item in his possession, he could’ve used it during other murders to keep his victims from fighting back or escaping,” Kallie said.
“If it was an item, I bet a vampire created it. They’re basically masters of compulsion magic. Valen either convinced one to give the item, or stole it,” I said.
“Or he’s working for a powerful vampire, one who’s willing to give Valen materials as long as he kills people this bigwig wants out of the picture,” Kallie noted darkly. “Gods, I hope the Union catches this bastard soon. I’d give anything to go through his tools of terror and see what he’s got.”
“They’re too busy looking for us.” I scowled.
“Yeah, and I can’t exactly leave here to search for him while we’re still looking for the keys. I know those have to come first, but I still wish that sick bastard was behind bars.”
“He will be, Kallie. He can’t run forever.”
“I know.” She sat up and braided her hair back. “If only I could be out there right now, hunting him down.”
“I know you feel responsible for what he did, but you’re not to blame for his crimes,” I insisted.
“He started killing people because I rejected him,” Kallie said. “If I had just said yes?—”
“If you had agreed to be with him, you would’ve been miserable, and he would’ve made your life a living hell. Not to mention it probably wouldn’t have stopped him from killing, anyway. He would’ve done it regardless, because he’s wired that way to get a thrill out of hurting others,” I pointed out. “You could’ve donenothing, Kallie. Let’s get the keys first, then we’ll kill him, and you can put it behind you.”
“Right.” Kallie gave a slow, thoughtful nod. “Put it behind me.”
We munched on a charcuterie board for lunch, then sunbathed until Elrye told us it was time for my next appointment. I decided I was already bored of my outfit from that morning and decided to choose another one, although Elrye told me to be dressed for some exercise.
I chose thecutesttwo-piece tracksuit, and was feeling absolutely extravagant as Elrye led us to another area of the palace— a massive room that was open to the sky and the size of a football field. The walls were made of stone, and the floor underneath us was some sort of bouncy, cushiony material that would be supportive if someone fell.
“This is the palace’s training arena,” Elrye informed us. “It is where you’ll be practicing your abilities. You don’t have to worry about holding your powers back, as it has been magically reinforced for demigods.”
Kallie looked around. “We could practically blow this place up with our magic and it would still be standing. We don’t have to worry about experimenting with spells that are too powerful.”
“Precisely,” Elrye said, and she inclined her head. “I will leave you to it. Your companions and the Demigod Guardians will arrive shortly.”
Charlie was already there, leaning against a wall and waiting for the rest of us. He’d slipped out of his suit and changed into a t-shirt and workout pants.
His expression was pretty flat— which I never knew whether to take as a good sign or a bad one. I felt his bitter emotions flood our bond, though, and they were pretty wounded. Something had happened.
“Hey, babe,” I said lightly, trying to cheer him up. “How’d this morning go?”
Charlie frowned. “I met up with my dad. And hiswife.”
Oof.I didn’t know Cameron had remarried. No wonder the conversation hadn’t gone well. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, as long as he stays away from me.”
Not well at all.“Do you want to talk about it?”
“What’s to talk about? He’s moved on. Why bother being upset about something that happened years ago, anyway?”
He shut off his half of our bond, so I couldn’t feel his emotions anymore.
Charlie was obviously hurt, and I wouldn’t make him talk if he didn’t want to. I knew he’d come to me eventually, so I steered the conversation in another direction. “Did you see your grandfather?”
Charlie brightened considerably. “Yeah. It was great. He taught me how to portal through mirrors.”
