“It’s not your fault really. You live your life tuned into your surroundings. Witches are grounded in nature and those around them. You’re a strong, genuine woman who knows herself and trusts her instincts. Subterfuge has never been a part of who you needed to be. One-hundred percent Louella Esçhete as it were. You don’t mute your shine for anyone. The good, the bad, the flaws and quirks. This way of life is a huge part of why you are so very dazzling to look at. We’re drawn to your zest for life and sincerity. But we need you to learn how to emulate us. That means stepping into the land of the non-living. We weigh and measure everything we do by possible consequences. Our race is calculating, and hard-wired to ensure our survival. We play the long game because eternity is both the goal and a yawning blackness if mishandled. So, you have to cast aside your concept or human mortality. Move past your preconceived expiration date, because as it stands, you’re going to surpass it.”
His words are a pile driver to my consciousness. I’m bonded to Cristobal. There’s no telling what my aging process is going to look like. Struck dumb, I can only attempt to process the reality I’d yet to get around to thinking about.
“I don’t think she’s had time to think about all of this yet,” Percival says.
“It’s past time she started. In order to be the lady of the court and our queen, you have to become one of us. Get in touch with the new side of yourself. The court is also yours to command, call and depend on. Lean on us. Use our connection to your advantage. The power we have is in our loyalty and numbers.”
“This connection is meant to be used between us all.”
I flinch. The sound of his voice in my head is foreign.
“Keeping this form of conversation solely to speak to Cristobal does nothing to improve the way the court functions. You have to stop holding back.”
I want to bite his head off. I don’t because his logic is sound.
“You want to ease up there, brother?” Luz asks, jumping to my defense with a deep scowl.
Touched, I place my hand over hers. “No, le chat, he’s right. We’re running out of time, and I need to let go of everything holding me back … no, holding us back. I want to be an asset to the co
urt, not a hindrance. People are watching our every move and waiting for failure. That can never happen.”
“That’s what I want to hear.” Marcellus tips his head and I can’t help but enjoy his approval. It’s hard earned and rare. We didn’t see eye to eye in the past, and since joining the ranks, he’s been the one pushing me the hardest. I know he has the court’s best interest at heart, and regardless of if I like him or not, I respect him for that.
“It’s not she who’s upped the timetables. It appears our unique situation is garnering more interest than we anticipated.” Cristobal’s voice is unmistakable. It’s rare that he communicates with all of us this way. He does his best to respect privacy, but I imagine I’m the only one who feels uncomfortable with this type of communication. There are some things only time can shift into an everyday occurrence. “It’s okay to explain things to them, love,” Cristobal whispers in my head.
“The Queen of the Unseelie Court came to visit at my family’s shop.” I relay the story to them.
“That’s disturbing,” Percival says after I’m finished.
“Understatement, brother,” Renee remarks, walking into the kitchen to join us at the massive wooden table. The furniture is formal, but our gatherings rarely are.
“There are few beings who play the games as well or better than vampires, but Fae are even older and shrewder than we are. If she truly needs your help, we’ll be fine. If this is all concocted as a means to test you, the court needs to be airtight and solid, along with the witches you choose to bring,” Marcellus states with a frown.
“I know,” I say.
Marcellus shakes his head. “You’re far too young to remember what the Fae did to humans when they were able to move about unchecked. The things done in sport could make one of your serial killers look like a saint. In their realm, we’ll be bound by their rules. Percival, get together with Miles, and pull every book we have about the night court and Sebile herself.” Marcellus narrows his color-changing eyes. “You and I have work to do. Your face is a mirror. It can’t remain that way. Your mental shields are strong. But they need to be stronger.” He turns his head. “Luz. Go tell Ruby and Ada we’re leaving.” Marcellus stands.
“W-where are we going?” I inquire softly.
“Onto the streets where we all learned. Cristobal taught us, but the bond you share is powerful. It regulates without either of you having to think. This is why he’s left your training to us. He won’t always be there, and he needs to know you’ll maintain your skills.”
“We also need to bond,” Ruby interjects, appearing beside me with Ada.
“Ruby and Ada have two of the most resistant minds I’ve seen. No one is getting into their noggins unless they want them to. They can teach you things even I can’t.”
“Coming from you, that’s high praise,” I say.
“Oh, we’ve had centuries to wear him down and make him see the truth of things,” Ruby says.
Ada snickers. “He’s practically civilized now, but it wasn’t always so.”
The words shock me.
Marcellus sniffs. “We all had our growing pains. It takes time and hard work to operate a unit when we’re all quite different. What you have to learn in less than a year took us a hell of a lot longer to get right. I don’t dislike you, Lou. I’m looking out for the family, which includes you. You have to be better. Because, in everyone else’s mind, you’re the weakest link.”
“What do I need to do?” I ask, sufficiently shaken.
“Today we hunt, and you’ll be prey. Don’t let us confuse or overwhelm you.”