by Bonnie Lamer
“Both of you?” I nod my head. “You did this simply by thinking of where you would rather be.” I’m pretty sure she knows why I wanted us there, as well. My cheeks are even redder, now.
“I have never heard of a Fairy being able to teleport,” Kallen says. “I am assuming it is a rare personal ability.” Every Fairy has a special type of magic that is not common amongst all Fairies.
Isla is silent for a moment as she studies me. I try hard not to squirm in my seat. Finally, she says, “That is because it is not a Fairy trait. It is Angels who are able to move about that way.”
Kallen sits up and leans forward with his elbows on his knees. “So, her Angel magic is growing?”
“So it would seem,” Isla says. She’s still looking at me, even though she’s talking to Kallen. My hands want to move to my face to make sure there’s nothing on it. I keep them still with sheer force of will. Looking more closely, her eyes almost seem glazed over. What’s that all about?
“What does that mean?” I ask.
With a barely noticeable shake or her head, her eyes focus on me again. “I do not know.” Okay, for someone who is supposed to have all the answers, especially since she gets visions of the future, she sure says that an awful lot about me. Sometimes, I think she just doesn’t want to tell me. Like now.
Kallen frowns. “Have you had a vision? Is this a bad thing?” I was about to ask the same question. Except about the vision part. I don’t know how that works.
Again, it takes her a moment to answer. “Fallen Angels do not retain the ability to teleport. It is considered an unfair advantage over other magical and non-magical beings.”
I wrinkle my forehead as I think about what she said. “Do you mean I’m not supposed to be able to do this?”
“Whether you are supposed to be able to do it or not, is not for me to say. I am simply stating that it has never occurred in a situation such as this.”
Now, I really have frown lines on my forehead. “Such as this?”
Isla looks as if she is trying to find the right words. I haven’t known her long, but I’m pretty sure that’s a rarity for her. “You are not an Angel living amongst other Angels in their realm. You do not carry your wings with you at all times, which, I have been told is the Angels’ source of being able to teleport. Yet, you possess a skill that only one such as that should have. I am not sure that this is…” A pause. I don’t like it when she pauses. “I would suggest that this is a skill that you do not use unless you are in great need. You do not want to encourage any…” Another pause. Is she trying to give me a heart attack? “…unwanted attention.”
Kallen looks as worried as I feel. “What type of unwanted attention?”
She takes so long to answer, I am sure that she’s decided not to. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath in anticipation until my fingers start turning numb, a sure sign they’re not getting enough oxygen. Looking vaguely uncomfortable, Isla finally says, “Not all Angels who have fallen from their realm did so by choice. Some were stripped of their wings and forced out. Some learn from their mistakes and live out their time in the realm they are in, hoping that when the time comes, they will be allowed back into the Angel realm and their wings will be returned. Others show no remorse over their actions, and create havoc wherever they go. Their greatest wish being to return to the Angel realm to seek revenge.”
“Why are you telling us this, and what does that have to do with Xandra being able to teleport? Grandmother, you looked like you were having a vision.” Kallen has worry lines on his forehead and around his mouth. Lines of frustration are climbing on top of those.
Another toxic pause. “I believe I am scaring you. That is not my intent.”
Well, yeah, but that doesn’t mean she gets to stop now. “But, there’s something else I should know, right?”
Isla sighs. “Perhaps we should discuss this after your trip.”
“No way. I’m not going anywhere if something bad is going to happen.”
Her brows pinch together. “I did not say that anything bad is going to happen. I believe you read more into my words than was there.”
“Grandmother, this is ridiculous. What are you holding back? What have you seen?” I haven’t heard Kallen use such a sharp tone with Isla before.
And I don’t think she likes it. Her face has turned sour, as if she is choking on a backtalk fur ball. “If you would like information, I suggest you use a more respectful tone.”
I think he’s going to argue, but he doesn’t. In a much politer tone, spoken with insincere exaggeration of each word, Kallen says, “Will you please tell us what you are concerned about.”
She sighs. “I am concerned that Xandra’s ability is different than the other Angels.”
Good lord, would she just spit it out, already? “And?”
She sighs again. “Did an Angel come to discuss your use of teleportation in a realm other than the Angel realm?” I shake my head no and she continues. “Then, the future has already changed from what I saw.”
“How would they know?” I ask. I’m so confused.
“Angels can sense each other when they teleport.”
I think I know what she’s getting at. “And you think that they can’t detect me?” I’m still not sure why that’s important.
“Your blood is thinner, possibly not as easy to detect. Or it is the fact that your wings are in the Angel realm, not on your back, and it is wings that the other Angels can detect.”
“Why does that matter?”
She shrugs. “I am not sure how, but I would be cautious. Again, I suggest you use this new skill of yours only if necessary.”
She is one big buzz kill. Being able to teleport is amazing, and I want to do it as much as possible, now that I know I can. Then again, it could make me really lazy if I didn’t have to move at all to get from one place to another. “Okay.” No sense arguing with her about it if I’m not even going to be around her for a couple of weeks. I groan inwardly as I remember just how long I’ll be gone.
“Dagda is here,” Kallen says, rising from his chair. He must have sensed him.
“I would suggest that you keep this conversation between the three of us,” Isla says pointedly.
Implying that Dagda would try to use my new ability in some way to benefit him. This, I agree with. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea,” I say.
Isla rises from her chair and walks around the desk. “I am glad we are in agreement.” With a teasing glint in her eye, another rarity, she says, “But feel free to practice any of your other skills on him. I believe he is overdue for a good soaking in salt water.”
Kallen laughs and kisses her on the cheek. “I will encourage her in that way, myself.”
I smile at them both and shake my head. “Aren’t you two supposed to be the voice of reason when it comes to my insane magic?”
Isla smiles at me as she walks towards the door. A genuine smile. “Sometimes, insanity can be just as powerful a weapon as sanity. If used appropriately. And sparingly.”
I laugh. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
We follow her out the door and down the stairs. With more trepidation than I care to mention, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be to spend time with my scheming, egocentric, biological father. Actually, he’s more like a sperm donor. Eew, scratch that. It brings to mind too many visuals that I would rather not think about. I’ll stick with the biological father thing.
Chapter 3
Everyone has congregated in the usual spot – gathered around the kitchen island counter. The kitchen is large enough that eight can sit around it comfortably. Alita, who works for Dagda now, is sitting on one of the stools. I’m glad she’s coming. I don’t like to suffer alone. Kegan’s on the stool next to her, and that’s why he’s coming, as well. One more buffer between me and Dagda.
My Mom and Dad are floating behind Alita. They aren’t coming because the Giants are superstitious and they would freak out if they saw ghosts. I thought Dagda was
just making that up because he didn’t want them to go, but Isla backed him up on it. Something she wouldn’t do if he was lying. It was still difficult to get Mom and Dad to agree to stay here, though. Right now, they appear to be plotting the extremely painful death of the Fairy who is casually leaning against the counter trying to see what Tabitha is cooking.
Tabitha smacks Dagda’s hand with a spatula when he tries to steal a piece of bacon. “You may be King,” she says, “but that will not stop you from losing a hand if you touch this bacon again.” He laughs, but I’m pretty sure she means it. It was only recently that I found out that Dagda was raised, for the most part, by Tabitha. She’s not always happy with the way he turned out.
The tension in the air is as thick and sticky as honey. I’m worried it’s going to get in my hair and I’ll have to cut it out. Looking between Dagda and my parents, I rub my arms and say with a lame attempt at humor, “Brr, it’s pretty cold in here.”
“Xandra, you look well this morning,” Dagda says. “I am looking forward to this opportunity to get to know my daughter better.” He emphasizes the word daughter for my parents’ benefits. This is going to be a long trip.
“Not your daughter,” I say, as I sit down and pour myself a glass of fresh squeezed mango juice. Some of the tension leaves Dad’s eyes. Since I found out he’s my stepdad, I think he’s worried that I’m going to love him less or something. He has nothing to worry about. He’ll always be the one I call Dad.
Dagda just smiles. “Are you ready for our trip? I would like to leave as soon as possible.”
“Sure we can’t wait until tomorrow?” I ask, as Tabitha puts a steaming plate of pancakes in front of me. Back in my realm, either my Aunt Barb or I had to cook all the meals since my parents are ghosts. Breakfast usually consisted of toaster waffles or cereal. I love living here. I scoop up some blueberry jam and spread it over the pancakes. Dagda hasn’t answered my question yet, so I look up at him with raised brows.
He inclines his head and narrows his eyes in my direction. “I believed that to be a rhetorical question. My business in the south is pressing.”
“Fine,” I grumble around a mouthful of pancakes.
“I assume speaking with your mouth full is something you only do when around family?” I’m going to assume that was a rhetorical question, too.
“Xandra, you don’t have to go,” Mom says for the thousandth time.
“I know,” I say with an extra big mouthful of food just for Dagda’s benefit. Childish, yes. But, oh so satisfying when the skin around his eyes wrinkles in annoyance.
“It is good that she is going. Unfortunately, unrest among the giants is a great concern. Their race is prone to violence, resulting in a threat to their very existence,” Isla says. “The goal of this trip is to bring about a truce between the warring tribes.”
“So, once again, you’re sending Xandra into a dangerous situation?” Dad accuses more than asks. I’m kind of with him on this one. I thought this was just a peace summit or something.
“She will be perfectly safe with me,” Dagda assures him. I’m pretty sure there was an underlying implication in his words that Dad can’t keep me safe. Dad must really hate being the only non-magical person here.
“Right, he’s probably bringing me along for protection for him,” I mutter before putting another mouthful of pancakes between my lips.
Dagda’s eyes narrow in my direction again. “Do you say everything out loud that passes through your mind?”
I shrug and nod. “Pretty much. You should probably get used to it if you plan to be around me.”
“Is she right?” Mom asks. I’m surprised she’s talking to him. Well, like Dad, accusing him more than talking to him, really.
Dagda pulls himself away from the counter. “I have no intention of putting my daughter in danger.”
Okay, I need to break this up before magic starts flying, since everyone else just seems to be enjoying the show. “Mom, it’s okay. He had the trip planned before he even knew we were going to stay in this realm.”
Dagda leans back against the counter again. “You must remember, Xandra is a princess and she needs to start acting like one.” No way. He wants me to assume princess duties? I snort at the thought. Which earns me another snarky look from him.
“Xandra’s not a princess,” Zach says, bouncing into the kitchen, heading straight for Tabitha. She lets him steal a piece of bacon. “She’s just plain old Xandra.”
My little brother, always ready with the compliments. “Thanks, buddy,” I say, mussing his sandy brown hair as he takes a seat. “Way to make me feel special.” His looks strongly resemble Dad’s. And Mom’s, who is blonde and blue eyed. With my black hair and green eyes, Zac and I look nothing alike. Now, I know why. I got Dagda’s Fairy genes. All the Fae have black hair and green eyes.
“Xandra will not be assuming any duties in this realm,” Mom says.
Kallen comes to my rescue before I have to peel ghost off from Dagda’s throat. “Uncle, there are a couple of bags that will need to be loaded into the carriage. Perhaps you can show me the best place for them.” Yes, it’s obvious he’s just trying to get Dagda out of the kitchen, because there’s no way Kallen would need help with this, but Dagda’s smart enough to know when to quit. Sometimes. Well, this time. He nods and he and Kallen go out the back door. I hate it when Kallen calls him uncle, though. It makes me feel like I’m dating my cousin. Which I’m not. There’s no blood relation between us. His mother’s sister is married to Dagda, so they are only related by marriage. Hmm, I wonder if the whole dating cousins thing is as taboo here as it is back home?
“You need not worry, Julienne,” Tabitha says to Mom, emphasizing her words with her spatula, sending little bits of pancake to the floor. “That daughter of yours does not take any of that man’s guff. She has tossed him on his butt several times now. I am certain she will not hesitate to do it again.” She gives me a look that assures me there will be consequences if I make a liar out of her. She doesn’t have to worry.
“That’s so cool,” Zac says as he puts syrup on his pancakes. “Can I watch next time?”
I can’t help but laugh. “You can have front row seats.” Turning to Mom, I say, “Don’t worry, I have this, okay? You trust me, right?” I put extra emphasis on that last sentence.
Several different emotions wash over her translucent face. In the end, reverse guilt wins the day. If she argues about me going, she’s saying she doesn’t trust me, and we’ve recently had a turning point in our relationship about that. I may only be seventeen, but I’ve had to grow up awfully fast since learning I’m a Witch Fairy. Mom’s agreed to treat me like an adult considering all I’ve been through, and I’ve agreed to slow things down with Kallen. She can’t go back on what she agreed to if she doesn’t want me to go back on what I did. “Hurry back,” is all she says.
I smile. This is one of the million times since she’s become a ghost that I wish I could hug her. I know it cost her a lot to say that instead of what she really wanted to say. “I will.”
After one last bite, I stand up from the table. “Thanks for breakfast,” I say as I give Tabitha a quick hug. Mussing Zac’s hair again, I say, “Keep everyone safe while I’m gone, okay?”
A grin spreads over his face. “Last night, Isla said she’d help teach me to use my magic.”
I raise my eyebrows in Mom’s direction and a small smile touches her lips. “I have agreed to keep his magic unbound. I now believe it is better to learn magic at an early age.” Usually, a Witch’s magic is bound until the age of seventeen. Zac’s magic was recently unbound by evil Shadows who had taken over his body.
I look over at Isla and she’s smiling at Zac. I think she’s actually looking forward to teaching him. I’m always surprised when I see the softer side of her. “That’s great,” I say. But, I’m kind of glad that I’m leaving town for a couple of weeks, now. The first little while of him using magic is going to be pretty dangerous. Good thing both Isla
and Kallen can do reversal magic in case he accidentally does something really destructive.
Mom and Dad float over to me. Dad puts his arms around me the best he can, making my body temperature drop. I try not to shiver. “Be careful,” he says. “And don’t hesitate to use your magic on anyone you need to.” He packed a lot into the word anyone and I get it. Use my magic as much as possible on Dagda. Make it painful if I can.
“I second that,” Mom says, leaning in and giving me a cool kiss on the cheek.
“Bye, Xandra,” Zac says, waving his fork at me. He’s not big on mushy goodbyes.
“Xandra,” Isla says, drawing my attention to her. “Do be careful, and please remember what we discussed.” Mom gives her a funny look, but I just nod my head.