“He was convinced it was because you liked bad boys,” Peter said. He tipped back his glass and sucked down more of his mojito.
Mariana laughed. “Your father was a Death Bringer, but he was by no means a bad boy.” She gazed with affection at her son. “A lot like you, in fact.”
“In what way?” I asked, curious as to which attributes Peter had inherited from his father, aside from his Staff of Death.
“Peter tends to think of himself as worse than he really is,” Mariana said. “He thinks a career as a smuggler means he’s entitled to the bad boy badge of honor.”
“You know about his chosen vocation?” I asked.
“I know,” she said. “I don’t approve, of course.”
“You approve enough to accept watermelon mojitos and other Terrene gifts I smuggle in,” Peter said.
Mariana offered a sheepish look. “I suppose that’s true, but I’d be perfectly happy if you switched to something more law abiding, like Dani here. A career as a Sentry of the South. Won’t that be exciting?”
I finally began to relax. Talking about my role as a future agent was something I could handle. “I’ve been preparing for it my entire life.”
“It’s a shame you’ll be based in the Southern Quadrant,” Mariana said. “Peter wouldn’t want to uproot himself.”
“Says who?” Peter asked quickly.
“It’s a couple of years away,” I interjected. “It’s not something I’m focused on right now.”
“That’s smart,” Mariana said. “Build your independence. Women need to do more of that.”
“If you hadn’t been independent, I don’t know what would’ve happened to us after you and dad split up,” Peter said.
“It was a difficult time,” Mariana said with a sigh. “But we got through it. And I have a wonderful support system.”
“You didn’t meet anyone else?” I asked.
Mariana inclined her head. “That I loved as much as Javar? No, certainly not.”
That seemed a shame. Mariana still looked so young to me. And druids lived long lives.
“My dad never met anyone either,” Peter said. “I got the sense that he had women around, you know, but not in the same way he’d been involved with my mom.”
Mariana’s expression grew dreamy. “I was too young for him, really. I didn’t have the maturity necessary to be with a Death Bringer.”
I smirked at Peter. “I suddenly understand you better.”
“You had to grow up too fast, I imagine,” Mariana said.
“I guess that’s true,” I replied. In some ways, I’d been sheltered, growing up as an only child on my family’s estate, but I’d also been forced to see a version of the world that many kids didn’t get exposed to until they’d made it to adulthood.
Peter squeezed my thigh. “She’s amazing.”
“Not lately,” I said. “I feel like I’m on the verge of a stern lecture from the chancellor.” I recounted my recent experiences at the academy, including Cerys’s rune reading.
“I know someone who predicts the future,” Peter said. “If we need a second opinion, I’ll call her right now.”
I smiled. “Only one? I figured you must know at least twenty oracle types.”
“True,” Peter said. “When you’re in my line of business, you tend to meet all sorts of paranormals.”
“When you’re in the smuggling business, you’re always on the verge of trouble,” Mariana said. “Please, Dani. Convince him to find another line of work.”
I glanced at Peter. “That’s up to your son, Mariana. I wouldn’t want him telling me what to do, so I won’t do that to him.”
“You’re already doing better than I was,” Mariana said. “I spent too long trying to convince Javar to leave his staff behind and start a new life with me. It was foolish. I’d met him as a Death Bringer. That was his identity, and yet I tried to change him.”
“I don’t want to change a thing about Dani. She’s perfect.” Peter pushed back his chair. “I’m getting snacks. You both look hungry.”
Mariana laughed. “I think you mean you’re hungry.” He disappeared inside and Mariana lowered her voice. “You’ll try to convince him, won’t you?”
“If you’re worried about trouble, then he’s far better off doing what he’s doing than following in my footsteps,” I said. “AMF agents may work on the right side of the law, but it’s fraught with constant dangers. More than half our time at the academy is spent learning how to attack and defend against attacks.”
Mariana pursed her lips. “I just worry about him. I know he doesn’t act like it much, but he’s a sensitive soul. He’d no sooner step on an ant. That staff is a burden to him.”
“I know. That’s one of the reasons I…” I couldn’t bring myself to say more. Admitting feelings was admitting a weakness. I couldn’t afford any weaknesses.
“I think you’re more sensitive than you let on, too,” Mariana said.
“Maybe.” I watched Peter through the sliding glass door as he tried to carry one too many plates. He narrowly missed dropping one, giving me a goofy grin in the process. “The truth is, I think he’s pretty perfect, too.”
Chapter Three
“Miss Dani, the chancellor would like to speak with you in her office.” Hazel’s gaze wandered around the room. She seemed to be interested in looking at everything and anything that wasn’t me.
“Is there a problem, Hazel?” I asked. The last time I was summoned to the chancellor’s office, it was because my aunt needed help hunting down a missing family heirloom that turned out to be a deadly sword. I had a feeling this visit would be different.
Hazel wrung her hands, a clear signal that there was, indeed, a problem. “I’ll bring the sweets,” she said vaguely. She disappeared down the hall and I closed the door to address my roommates.
“Sweets,” Mia repeated. “That can’t be good.”
I was inclined to agree. Hazel trotted out the sweets when she wanted to assuage us. “What do you think the chancellor wants?” I asked.
Bryn barely glanced up from her grimoire. “Maybe she wants to award you a gold star for plucky persistence.”
“No,” I said. Lately, no one seemed keen to reward me for my behavior. “I bet this is Professor Fraser’s doing.”
“Well,” Cerys began carefully, “you were a little over the top.”
I whirled around to face the petite blonde. “Over the top? In Mixology?”
My three roommates wore matching guilty expressions.
They were talking about it earlier, Clementine informed me from her place on my pillow. I believe the buzzwords were ‘concerned’ and ‘monitor the situation.’
I yanked my cloak off the hanger and shrugged it over my shoulders. “I’ll see you traitors later.”
“Dani….” Mia called, but I slammed the door between us before she could finish.
I took the long way to the chancellor’s office to give myself an opportunity to cool down. The last thing I wanted to do was mouth off to the chancellor. Aside from the fact that I liked and respected her, she was a powerful witch in her own right and I had no desire to be on her bad side.
Chancellor Tilkin stood in front of one of the large bookcases when I arrived, wearing a stylish lavender dress that complemented her white-blond hair. The chancellor couldn’t look frumpy if she tried. Her attention was riveted to the top shelf. Although she didn’t turn around when I entered, she acknowledged my presence.
“I find books to be soothing for the soul,” she announced. “There are certain books I find myself returning to again and again, almost like comfort food.”
“Bryn prefers actual comfort food,” I said.
The chancellor laughed lightly. “Her eating habits have quickly become legendary,” she said. “It’s hard to know where she puts it.”
“All that power burns it off,” I said.
She finally turned to look at me. “That must explain why you’re also so slender.” She selected a book from the
shelf and brought it back to her desk. “I don’t get as much free time to read as I used to, but I do make an effort.”
“My reading options are limited to lessons these days,” I said, although, to be fair, I’d never been much of a leisure reader. My family was too focused on developing my magical skills to bother with pleasure reading.
“Anytime you’d like an out-of-body experience without astral projection, feel free to come here and choose a book,” she said. “I have a strong preference for epic fantasy.”
“I’ve had enough of swords lately,” I joked.
She regarded me over the top of the book she held. “I can certainly understand that. I think you might enjoy some of Terrene’s fairy tales. They’re a fascinating read. You can tell that our kind has slipped in and out the human world over the centuries. All sorts of references to familiar species. You should ask Miss Morrow about these stories.”
“I’m sure she’ll be delighted to tell me.” Bryn loved sharing parts of her culture with us, though she tended to focus more on popular culture in television and movies. “I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that you didn’t ask me here to discuss Terrene fairy tales.”
“I wish it were so.” The chancellor tapped her elegant fingers on the back of the book. “The Board of Regents has asked me to refer you to Alana for counseling.”
“What? Why?” My hands gripped the sides of the chair. I’d expected a slight reprimand but counseling?
“I think we both know why, child.”
My head was spinning. “Because I wanted to consecrate the sword?” I clamped my hand over my mouth. Of course it wasn’t about the sword. Only Peter and I had been there and he’d talked me out of it.
Unfortunately, my outburst had gotten the chancellor’s attention. “Slatra? You’d intended to consecrate the sword blessed by Odin?” She shook her head in shock. “Danielle, what would possess you to do such a thing? That sword had the power to kill anyone with the slightest touch of the blade.”
“I know,” I said. “I thought if I consecrated it—made it my own—then I could prevent anyone from ever using it again.”
“Perhaps, but the better option was to destroy it.”
“I destroyed it in the end,” I said, but only because Peter had made me see reason.
“I’m glad to hear it,” she said. She set down the book and gave me her full attention. “I must admit that I’m concerned that you would even hesitate.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. “My intentions were good.”
“And I take it that Mr. Zilla had a different opinion on the subject?”
I lowered my gaze. “Peter understands the responsibility that comes with that particular power.” His staff was also able to kill anyone with a single touch. No violence necessary.
Chancellor Tilkin exhaled. “I must confess, I was uncertain about the board’s request, but now I see that it is the right course of action.”
“What kind of counseling do they think I need?” I asked.
“Several of your professors have expressed concern that you’re in danger of traveling down the wrong path,” she said. “The board would like Alana to act as your spiritual and emotional guide.”
“I don’t need a guide,” I said. “Everyone is overreacting. If my grandmother weren’t so famous, no one would be bothering me about this.”
“The reality is that your grandmother’s fate is well documented,” the chancellor said. “The matter was brought before the Board of Regents and they decided to act. They’ve requested that the counseling sessions begin as soon as possible.”
I folded my arms. “And what if I refuse?”
The chancellor leaned back in her chair and regarded me. “And why would you choose such a foolish response?”
“Because it isn’t fair,” I said. “They’re making assumptions based on my grandmother’s actions from years ago, not mine.”
“No, my child,” the chancellor said. “That’s where you’re wrong. Yes, your family history plays a part in the decision, but if you hadn’t been displaying worrisome behavior, then we would not be engaging in this conversation right now.”
I bit my lip in an effort not to let my irritation show. “Okay, I’ll see the healer, but I’d like it noted that I can manage my magic without help.”
“Consider it done.”
The door swung open and Hazel appeared with a tray. “Sorry to interrupt, but I thought I heard a call for sweets.”
“Is that so, Hazel?” The chancellor seemed amused. “Set the tray here, please.” She tapped the end of her desk. “Are there any other items we should cover before Miss Degraff takes her leave?”
Hazel looked thoughtful. “You mentioned her grandmother, the counseling, and the Board of Regents, so that about covers it, Chancellor.”
“Thank you, Hazel,” the chancellor said. “I can always count on you.”
Hazel’s cheeks grew flushed as she realized that she’d been outsmarted. “Bring some of those sweets back to your roommates,” she said. “You’ll all be needing extra fuel for the field trip tomorrow.”
“About that,” the chancellor said to me. “You’ve only been granted permission to go if you arrange your appointment with Alana first. You don’t have to attend the session beforehand, but you must have made the appointment.”
Inwardly, I groaned. The Board of Regents meant business. “I will, Chancellor.” Fine, if they wanted me to see the healer, then I’d be the most amazing client Alana ever had the pleasure of counseling. I’d finish my required sessions in record time.
Hazel motioned to the tray. “Sweets make everything better, miss.”
If only that were true. I scooped up the tray and smiled. “You’re the best, Hazel.”
Hazel gave a slight bow. “No, miss. I believe that title is exclusively reserved for you.”
The field trip destination turned out to be less exciting than I’d anticipated. Clinic field trips often involved participating in an active AMF assignment, but today’s trip was to the most boring place imaginable—a museum. We stood on the entrance steps while the chaperones finished counting heads.
“It’s not even in an interesting place,” I moaned. Pixie Pines was basically in the middle of nowhere.
“That’s why they put the museum there,” Gray said. “To try and make the town more interesting.”
“There was some political maneuvering back in the day,” Warden Armitage added. “I think the mayor of Pixie Pines at the time was related to someone on the museum’s planning board.”
“At least I get to join you,” Bryn said. “Although I have my own personal escort.” She gave Armitage a mock smile. “I feel so special.”
“Well, we all know how volatile you are,” I said. “You could go full dark at any second.”
Bryn laughed. “Or kiss my boyfriend in front of everyone. The Board of Regents probably can’t decide which is a bigger breach of decorum.”
“Apparently, striving to be the best is a big enough problem to require counseling,” I said.
Gray shot me a sympathetic look. “Counseling can’t hurt, right? Tick off their boxes and maybe you’ll even get something out of it.”
“And Alana is great to spend time with,” Cerys said. “It won’t feel like a chore at all.”
“Cerys would know,” Mia said. “She’s been seeing Alana for a while now.”
“She’s helped me tremendously,” Cerys said. “You can’t choose a better counselor, in my opinion.”
The museum doors opened and Gray waved everyone forward.
“Why is this an information trip only?” I asked. “It seems like we should be more active when we have the chance to leave the academy grounds.”
“Education takes many forms,” Gray replied. “Supplementing your lessons and training with more academic offerings is important. You’ve got to feed the mind as much as the magic.”
The group made its way through the lobby to the first exhibit on the right�
��The Magic of Masks. We threaded our way past the display cases filled with masks used for magical purposes over the centuries.
“How does it work at the Sentinel without magic?” I asked. Gray had attended the elite academy where vampires train to become AMF agents.
“We dealt in magic, too,” Gray said. “Mostly how to defend against it or use our opponent’s magic against them. You can’t send a vampire with no understanding of magic into the field. Even with fangs and preternatural abilities, they’d die within a week.”
“Did you take educational field trips like this one?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” Gray said. “Vampires recognize the importance of history in our line of work. Understanding artifacts, events, and cultures. That kind of comprehensive knowledge can’t be underestimated.”
Bryn rubbed his arm. “Intelligence is so sexy, especially when it’s wrapped in this package.”
Warden Armitage appeared behind us. “Do I need to separate you two?”
Bryn’s hand snapped back to her side. “Sorry, Warden Armitage. I promise to behave.”
Gray suppressed a smile. “Think about the rogue giants that wanted to overthrow the government. Or that sword you chased around the world recently, Dani.”
“Slatra,” I said.
“Yes, that,” Gray continued. “Historical knowledge was crucial in understanding what was underway and the reasons why helped you determine the culprits.”
Gray made a good point. I surveyed this section of the museum, digesting the scene. The masks were pretty fascinating. There were animal masks that allowed the wearer to turn into the animal itself. According to some of the notes, they enabled early magic users to fight shifters on an equal playing field.
We moved to the next exhibit, where I read the dozens of stories connected to the statues and artifacts in the room. Before I knew it, I was enjoying myself and learning at the same time. It was actually a nice respite from using magic.
“I’d like to visit the gemstone exhibit,” Cerys said.
“Naturally,” Bryn said.
“I can feel the rocks calling me,” Cerys said.
“I can feel the ones calling me that would make an excellent necklace,” I said.
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