We decided that I will begin in the main square because that's where most people will be.
I get dressed, smiling a little in the direction of the various packages that have been left on my table by Jak from last night, and I hope that I'll be able to come back for them.
I go down to the main room and find my three fae males waiting for me. They look grim.
‘Have you already met with Vie?’ I ask.
Jak nods. ‘Aye. We’re as ready as we can be. The Library’s guards will be in strategic locations around the city. But, in truth, I’m not sure how much help they’ll be. Fiana’s agents must have some way of using the wards to their advantage.’
He winces.
‘We’ll have to let some humans be taken so they aren’t aware that we knew they were coming. You understand that, don’t you Bryn?’
I swallow hard, hating the idea of more humans being stolen. They all seem so happy here, so at ease.
‘Will we be able to save them?’ I ask.
‘We’ll do everything we can,’ he promises.
I give him a dubious look, but am beginning to understand why Locke was how he was in the Dark Realms. Not everyone can be saved and hard choices need to be made for the greater good. We have to make sure Fiana is stopped, and however her agents are getting to the Light is shut down.
'I want you to try it before we go out there, Bryn,' Locke says, taking my arm in a gentle grasp.
I blink at him in confusion.
‘Try to take my magick. You may need such a gift today.’
I look up at him, frowning deeply.
'I don't want to hurt you,' I say.
'I want…no, Ineedyou to practice on me,' he replies. ‘Please.’
I let out a sigh and close my eyes, knowing he’s right.
‘All right,’ I acquiesce quietly. ‘But just for a moment.’
I try to think about what I did in the cave, but it won’t come. I find I can't summon it no matter how hard I try. After a few minutes, I shake my head, annoyed with myself.
'I can't do it. It just won’t… I'll try again another time,' I mutter, though I’m secretly glad that it isn’t working.
'Here.' Morgan comes forward and draws up my dress.
'What are you doing?' I ask. 'I don't think we have time for?—'
He gives me a quick grin and brings out an odd, belted contraption which he secures to my thigh, attaching two small knives in little sheaths to it. 'In case you have need of them, but we will be close.’
'I'll need to put a tracking conjure on you, Bryn,' Locke says, glancing at Jak and then away. 'I understand if you don't want me to. If you don't trust?—'
Jak snorts. ‘I’d have thought you’d have had one on her already.’
‘I… I’ve only been using temporary ones,’ he mutters, not looking at me. ‘They wear off quickly, which is why we had to search for her when she went missing.’
He appears contrite. ‘I’m sorry, but?—’
'I don’t mind. Do it,' I interrupt, deciding that I’m not bothered that Locke has been keeping such a close eye. 'I'd rather you be able to find me than be lost in the Dark Realms, a pet slave to some horrible fae bitch.'
He nods, looking relieved that I’m not upset.
