I let me hand drop and looked over at Tavlor. “Oh really?” I said, furrowing my brow. One hand rested on my hip while the other gestured almost manically because I couldn’t seem to get a handle on myself. I was so angry with Matlock. “So, you are this monster that everyone thinks you are?”
I knew the challenging words were un-necessary, but he had to stop submitting to all this crap. He had to stand up for himself. He had to do something or people were always going to treat him this way.
He didn’t answer. However, the heat in his eyes flared, the way his teeth clenched so tightly his jaw popped. After a moment, his shoulders rolled back. He relaxed. Instead of responding to me, he turned his attention back to Matlock.
“Sir, can I accompany you to your business?” he asked. “Or would you like me to get Ava home?”
Matlock’s eyes narrowed. “Ah, see that Ava gets back to her accommodations, and I’ll see you tomorrow at the Council meeting.”
“Yes sir.” Tavlor gave a stoic nod, ever the proper soldier.
He held out his hand and indicated I should walk in front of him.
“Fine,” I snapped and marched forward, hauling open the door and wishing I was allowed to use my magic to hurt people. It wasn’t as though I actually wanted to inflict harm. It was just that I wanted someone to understand that Tavlor wasn’t a monster and he shouldn’t be treated this way. But no one seemed to care enough to listen. Not even Tavlor himself.
Both of these men could use a good slap.
“I’ll see you tomorrow Ava, at the trials,” Matlock said. He gave me one long look, as though warning me to keep my temper in check. I was sure no one dared talk to him the way I had. I wasn’t sure what that meant to Tavlor, but he was clever. I wouldn’t be surprised if he could figure out Matlock was my father from this one simple exchange.
I glanced back at him. “I didn’t know that you’d be there.”
“Why yes. The Council look at the results of the tests and conclude as to what the next course of action is for the participant. More study, or a profession.”
I nodded. “Okay. Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
I walked through the door and held up my hand as Tavlor attempted to follow me. “I’m fine. Please don’t bother escorting me. I’d like to be alone.”
I didn’t give him a chance to ask more questions. Instead, I hurried down the hallways and back outside.
Tomorrow I’d stand in front of some very powerful witches and warlocks, and perhaps the half Fae man that I was beginning to fall in lust with.
Chapter 15.
The second I was alone, on the street outside the school, I clutched the locket. I never thought I would ask for Mother’s assistance but I needed
her more than ever.
“Mother, you’ve gotta help me get through this,” I said under my breath.
You can do this, Ava. I blinked in surprise. I thought for sure she was going to be on my case about how I’d messed up. Instead she sounded almost... encouraging. You’ve wanted this you whole life... to be part of your father’s world. Now go and grab it with both hands.
Despite the fact that I wasn’t used to the layout of this place, I managed to find my way to the Black Cat Café with relative ease. I hurried to the stairs and into the little apartment Mallory kept above her café.
She wasn’t there, probably working downstairs, and I headed into my room, collapsing on the bed. My mother’s encouraging voice rang in my ear as I drifted off to sleep.
I WOKE A FEW HOURS later with my head in my hands. If it was possible for a brain to throb, that was exactly what mine was doing.
There was a gentle knock on my door, breaking me from my thoughts.
“Ava?” Mallory’s voice came through my door while I sat on my bed, trying to breathe through my nerves. “It’s time to go.”
What the hell was I going to say when they asked me how strong I was? Was it one of those tests where all I needed to do was answer verbally? Or would I be required to prove my answer to them?
Surely, I could hide it. I could lie. I could downplay my talent. How hard could it be faking weakness?
I knew women did it all the time. Why else would there be terms like shrinking violet and wall flower.
I stood up and cleared my throat. It didn’t matter. I had a trial I had to attend. I suppose I would figure it out once I was there. “Coming,” I called, running my fingers through my hair, trying to comb out the knots. There was no running from this, even though part of me wanted to.