Nadia continued, “Which, to be honest, will probably help the both of us. I only use it when absolutely necessary, and since it’s only my secondary power, it’s not strong enough to coerce you to tell the truth. Anything you say will be of your own free will, and at your own pace. Although I hope you won’t hold back too much. I’ll admit, I’m interested in chatting with someone from the future. Not that you can tell me everything, of course.”
The more Nadia talked, the less anxious Meadow became. She was almost…normal. It was as if she were chatting with her old mentor, Stacey.
Before sadness engulfed Meadow at memories of the only person she regretted leaving in the future, Helena walked over, garnering her attention. “We have a lot to discuss, of course. I think everything might go faster if you’ll take my hand straight away.”
She put out her hand, palm up, and waited.
Since Helena was a tracker, it meant as soon as Meadow touched her, she would know all of her powers and discover her distinct magical signature, which all fae witches—even part ones—had.
However, over breakfast Yesenia—her sister had come to visit—had told her to trust Khan, and if nothing else, Meadow trusted her sister. So she gingerly placed her hand in Helena’s.
A tingling warmth rushed up her arm and throughout her body before retreating. Once gone, Helena released her and quirked an eyebrow. “Do you wish to know your secondary power?”
“I have one?”
She nodded. “Yes. It’s the power of persuasion, and when you think about it, when combined with lust and desire, that makesyou fairly powerful. Although I trust you’re not going to use it for selfish purposes?”
“Never. I ran away rather than allow my father to force me to use it for dishonest purposes.”
“Good. Right, well, I’ll ring the bell for tea and we can sit and chat. There’s a lot to go over before we leave today.”
Meadow was growing used to how everyone was obsessed with drinking tea and eating cakes with visitors. Although if someone had a lot of friends, then they’d probably be jittery from all the caffeine and sugar by the end of the day.
As she imagined some fae witch or vampire pacing and rambling about anything and everything from drinking too much tea, while guests tried to sit and look straight-faced, she nearly burst out laughing.
If Helena noticed Meadow’s mirth, she didn’t say. Although Nadia walked closer and whispered, “My parents had to get used to it, too. They came here from Egypt, and tea is just a common drink there, drunk all day long, and the thought of it being special was strange to them. But I have to admit I enjoy the English-style pastries.”
“Egypt? Wow. That had to be a big change, weather-wise.”
She nearly asked if she’d seen the Pyramids of Giza or any of the other ancient Egyptian monuments, but then wondered if they were even visible in this time period. History had never been Meadow’s strongest subject, and she was too embarrassed to ask.
Maybe her sister could recommend some books to help her figure out what did or didn’t exist in 1890.
Nadia motioned for Meadow to sit, and then followed suit in a chair across from her before replying, “Things were difficult for them after yet another war with the Ottoman Empire, and so my parents took a chance on coming to the UK.” She shrugged. “And it worked out, for the most part. Especially once Dark LordKhan was finally able to establish peace here, as well as make a treaty with the Egyptian fae witches. So now my parents can sometimes visit their friends and family, which they couldn’t do for many years.”
“Dark Lord Khan really established peace with the Egyptian fae witches?”
“Oh, yes. Not to mention the vampires and shifters in the UK, too. He rarely speaks and seems aloof, but he knows how to persuade others to cooperate.”
“So he has the power of persuasion too? I thought he was the Wielder of Nightmares?”
Helena had returned and sat down before jumping in. “He is, and that’s the only power he confirms with the public. But it’s one of the most powerful types of magic, as you can imagine, and is all he needs. He never threatens, but rumors are enough for others to be wary around him.”
Meadow glanced between the two females, wondering if she should keep asking questions.
However, a maid came in with the tea tray, and Meadow held her tongue.
Once everyone had some tea and cookies, Helena looked at her and said, “Ask us whatever you wish, Meadow. We may not be able to answer everything, but we’ll explain whatever isn’t confidential.”
After nibbling on a cookie, she replied, “We don’t have lords back in my time, so I have no idea what to expect. If I misbehave or make a mistake, does that mean he’ll unleash his powers on me?”
Helena shook her head. “Of course not. Nadia will not only help you with your magic but also with adjusting to this time period’s rules, laws, and expectations. Dark Lord Khan has high standards, but is fair. If someone steps out of line, then there are various reprimands and punishments, depending on the offense.From what I’ve learned from Yesenia and River, it’s similar to the American Fae Witch Council you have back home, albeit a little harsher. Khan hopes to eventually tear down the wall separating the paranormals living in the East End from the rest of London, but knows he can’t do it until he roots out rogue magic users and law-breakers.”
In other words, fae witches who’d use their magic for money or power or retribution, much like her father had wanted to force his children to do.
Knowing Khan didn’t tolerate that kind of stuff both made her a little more at ease, but also nervous. “What if I make a mistake before I’m fully trained? Or, what if I can’t be fully trained?”
Nadia put her empty teacup down and patted Meadow’s hand. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. All I know is that you had a sort-of mentor, but no formal training. Is that correct?”
