Page 57 of The Cursed Fae

Archer made a face and feigned disapproval. “I'm recapping our last lesson. Have a little patience. Now, where was I? Oh, right. Tearing the fabric of space. That's a big deal. If you aren't careful, you can create a chasm that doesn't close, like the Bermuda Triangle.”

That got my attention.

“Seriously?”

He smirked. “No clue. But that type of void, one that swallows objects whole, sounds a lot like the work of a dimensional fae to me. I'm just saying, our type of magic is a lot more dangerous than others.”

There was plenty of space for both of us, though our legs brushed with every swing of the hammock. Was it wrong to be so close to a guy who wasn't Laz? How would I feel if I found out he'd cuddled with another girl in a swinging bed?

And yet, I didn't move.

“So teach me to use it responsibly,” I said.

Archer hesitated. “We'll get there. I promised I'd teach you all my wisdom, and I will. Tonight, let's dive into the theory.”

My nostrils flared in annoyance. “Fine. Lecture to me, oh-so-wise one.”

Archer explained the different portal types possible with our magic. A doorway portal was the easiest and required the least amount of power to create a direct route from one point in space to another. They were quick and simple but only transported a few individuals at a time and worked best over short distances.

Tunnels were more complicated, necessitating a much higher degree of control and energy. They were more stable and ideal for longer distances and transporting large groups. In war times, dimensional fae created tunnels as evacuation routes for villages under siege.

“Portals will be your first practical lesson. They should be cake after the pocket dimension,” Archer said.

“Can you show me?” I asked around a yawn.

I checked the time on my cellphone. It was only ten o'clock. Why was I so tired? I felt like I could've slept for a year. Lena had texted me back to say she was working until close. Good, at least that meant she'd be around people.

Archer's expression dimmed a little. “I don't know if you're ready for show-and-tell. Let's save that for next time. Besides, you look like you need some rest.”

I punched him in the arm. “I know I'm not looking so hot. You don't need to rub it in.”

“It’s impossible for you to not look good.” He massaged his bicep like my hit had actually hurt. “You get violent when you're tired.” Archer's expression softened. “If you’re not sleeping well, the kitchen can brew you a tea to help with that.”

“I'm aware. And honestly, I've been sleeping pretty well thanks to those teas. Though earlier...” I trailed off, too embarrassed to admit that Tina had heard me screaming in my sleep.

Archer nudged my shoulder. “Earlier, what? Come on. You can tell me. I'm certainly not one to judge.”

Heat tinged my cheeks. “Does the name Zosia mean anything to you?”

Archer's eyes went wide, though he didn't answer right away. When he finally did, I had no doubt he was lying. “Doesn't ring a bell.”

Tina was not there when I returned to our room. I was too tired to care and climbed into bed, falling asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. But a good night's rest wasn't in my cards.

The buzz of my cellphone beneath my pillow woke me with a start. My first thought was Lena, but it was Nana Essie's name that flashed across the screen. I looked at the clock: 2:35 a.m. Bolting upright, I spared a glance at Tina's empty bed and answered the call.

“Nana?” I asked, rubbing sleep from my eyes.

“Are you in your dorm room?” she demanded.

I stifled a yawn. “It's the middle of a Monday night. Where else would I be?”

“Attitude, Winter,” Nana warned.

“Sorry,” I mumbled. “Yes, I'm in my dorm room.” Slightly more alert, I heard noise on Nana's end of the call—background chatter. Was she watching television? “What's going on?”

“Nothing for you to worry about tonight. Stay in your dorm room until you hear from me again.” With that, she hung up on me.

Stunned, I stared down at the phone in my hand. Had my great-grandmother seriously called me in the middle of the night to make sure I was behaving? That was more Mom's style. My eyes strayed to Tina's perfectly made bed. Where was my roommate?

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