Page 41 of Destined to Fight

“Yes, I know they have. But I don’t think they’ve done any of this the justice it deserves. You see, my dear, in recorded Arcane history, there has never been a mage who was discovered in the human world. On top of that, you’re a timekeeper with an affinity to two elements.”

Kelly liked Siri, but this felt pointless. “I don’t understand the big deal. It’s the first time it’s happened—so what?”

Brodric arrived with their drinks, silently handing them over, then disappeared.

“See, that’s the problem, Kelly. In the human world, first times are no big deal. In the Arcane world, first times just don’t happen. We’ve been around for thousands of years, living under human noses. We have historians who have been with us from the beginning and have excellent skills in recording the exact events of history; some of the actual accounts would blow your mind. If the upper Council finds out about you, they will descend on you in a heartbeat. Then you have others who will find out about you and try to take control of you. Until you are bonded, you will be hunted by the best of the best in our world. Then, after you are bonded, every existing necromancer will be sent to defeat you, even if you do not wish to stir up any trouble. You could decide to be a fucking librarian, and they’d still send people out of fear.”

Siri paused, and Kelly stared at her, waiting for more, but she didn’t say anything else.

“What exactly is it you think I should do then? Are you telling me to walk away?”

Siri waved her hand again in dismissal. “No, my dear, not at all. I just want you to be aware of what you’re dealing with. You have an uphill battle to fight for the rest of your days. You are already being hunted, and that will continue, day in and day out. You cannot take your safety for granted, and when you are around anyone else, you put them in danger too.”

She paused, taking a sip of the blood Brodric had brought for her. Kelly’s stomach did a somersault at the sight. Siri continued, “I think you should do exactly what you’re doing now, with a few extra precautions. Keegan is a calculating man, and he can lead you in the right direction if you let him. Fabian is a skilled warrior and will protect you. You chose an interesting mentor, but I believe she will be a good fit in the end. Just remember to be more aware of your actions and the consequences they may bring. Expect an attack anywhere at any time, never make a decision without considering how vulnerable it may make you and those around you, and study as hard as you can. The sooner you are bonded, the better off you will be.”

“Right, so, no pressure then.”

Siri missed the sarcasm or didn’t acknowledge it. “There is all the pressure in the world. But I have every confidence in you.” She smiled genuinely at Kelly. “Oh, I almost forgot, take care in dealing with the Council. I’m sure Keegan has not mentioned it, but his father held his position on the Council and was killed recently. Keegan took the position out of duty and I think, in part, to find out what happened to his father. I have never trusted the individual members completely, although the organization as a whole is trustworthy. Do not tell anyone in the Council anything about yourself.”

“No worries there. I can’t say I was fond of any of them. Fabian was the only one who was actually nice to me.”

“Politics at its finest.” Siri stood then, facing Kelly. “I am always available if you need anything; my number has been programmed into your phone. Just be careful, please. I cannot bear to lose my son.”

With that, Siri turned and walked away.

14

Kelly stayed in the pool room for some time after Siri left, sipping on her water and thinking about their conversation.

Fabian had been up-front about the dangers she now faced, but not that up-front.

Kade seemed to brush it off.

Running from Dallas so quickly, the wards on the castle, the rush to choose a mentor, and Ginna’s insistence that she accept Fabian’s offer of Guardianship… all of it made more sense now.

Just as she made the decision to find Kade to talk to him about Christmas, Ginna walked into the room.

“There you are, Rookie. Let’s get started, come with me.”

Caught off guard, Kelly stuttered, “I, uh, I was…”

“You, uh, nothing. We’re starting now, and everything else can wait.”

Kelly had chosen Ginna because of her strong, snarky attitude. She hadn’t really thought that through.

Ginna led her to the library of the castle and pointed to a stack of books on a table. “History of mages and warlocks, vampires, witches, fae, shifters, demons, and gods. That should keep you busy for some time.”

“What do we start with?”

“We don’t start with anything. You start with whichever book you prefer. When you’ve read them all, we’ll review them. There will be a quiz.”

Kelly’s eyebrows made their way up her forehead. “All of them? Now?”

“Yep. You know nothing of the Arcane world, and you have some catching up to do. Four hours a day until you’re done with all of them. I think you’ll enjoy them—they’re quite riveting.”

Somehow, she doubted that. Not bothering to look at the title, Kelly grabbed the first book and began reading.

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