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“Let us just say that my brother has an interest in the coming events and has dispatched me to oversee them personally.” Lord Whispier’s gaze still rested on me. “I believe an introduction is in order.”

I could sense his mind working, which was a strange sensation. It was as though I could reach out and brush his mind with my own. I involuntarily took a step back.

“He won’t harm you,” Lord Piro assured me, touching my elbow. He meant the gesture to be reassuring. I knew it on a visceral level as my head filled with a rush of sensations: the cool brushing of leaves against skin, coarse tree bark beneath my fingers, and the peaceful calm of the sun-dappled grass between my bare toes. His magic, an earthy sensation that settled in my bones, invaded my body in a rush and for the barest of moments I knew his every intent. My mind filled with plans, schemes, and an iron resolve to rescue as many as he could. As many what?

The answer flickered just out of reach. If I reached for it, he would give it to me. A sense of power flooded through me. I could use his magic against him and make him tell me and any resistance on his part would be useless. Horror at what I could’ve done washed over me.

Flinching away, I stumbled a few steps before my legs collapsed and I landed in a heap of skirts on the floor at Wynt’s feet. I covered my burning face with my hands and drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly in an attempt to slow my racing heart.

“Now that was unexpected.” Lord Piro’s tone remained calm and unbothered, despite the surprise coming from him. Did he realize what I could’ve done?

“Indeed,” Wynt agreed. He squatted down next to me. “Are you well?”

“I am sorry. I need a moment.” My heart continued to pound painfully.

“Take all the time you need.” Wynt chuckled softly. “That was quite a powerful display.”

“Powerful?” Surprise overrode my embarrassment, and I stared up at the three of them. Lord Whispier hadn’t moved, but Lord Piro leaned against the wall looking shaken, and Wynt still crouched next to me, concern and intrigue warring across his features.

“Enough to burn through one of my wards,” Lord Whispier responded with sharp intent. “What are you?”

“Fae and elf, I have been told.”

“Half and half,” Piro added. “First generation.”

Whispier’s dark brows rose sharply. “An unlikely combination.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Fae nature is to lie and deceive, and elven nature is to be brutally truthful,” Wynt explained, offering his hand. “Do you feel well enough to rise? I hate to see you sprawled on the floor when a chair would be much more comfortable.”

I nodded and then hesitated.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “It might happen again. I can’t always control it.”

“I am prepared,” the healer assured me. “The healing wards guard against such things.”

When I grasped his hand, nothing happened. Letting out a gust of relief, I stood. The teasing sensation of a spell flowed over my skin, seeking out injuries to heal. I didn’t fight its presence.

However, despite his wards, I could still feel Wynt’s curiosity threaded through that spell as it passed over me and then dissipated like a mist.

The shadow elf’s curiosity, on the other hand, eschewed subtlety. It buffeted my senses, demanding answers. “What just happened?” He had crossed his impressively muscled arms over his chest and continued to regard me intently. “I know of no elven magic that could do what I just witnessed. You brought Piro to his knees with a mere touch.”

“I was overwhelmed,” Lord Piro protested. “She accessed my thoughts. My impression was that it was accidental.”

“Completely.” I rushed to explain. “I have never done that before. I am so sorry. I—”

“Enough.” Whispier leaned forward and peered at me with a narrowed emerald glare. “Can you lie?”

I nodded. “But I prefer honesty. Falsehood makes me uncomfortable.”

His gaze snapped to Piro. “Did she do anything to you?”

“Not I can tell.” Piro glared at Whispier. “Have a care. Throwing around accusations could cause some serious issues in the future.”

Whispier rolled his eyes before turning back to me. “You say you have never done something like this before?”

I shook my head.