It was well after the hobgoblins left—Geiger, Claudia, and the other attorney too—along with Dean White, leaving Mel, Julian, Lucca, Darby, Zack, Ray, and I, when we finally wrapped up. Obviously, we’d glossed over a lot, and he would have a ton of questions, most we probably wouldn’t answer, but some we would just so he could get a better picture.
I wasn’t the only one yawning, all the pints of ice cream we’d eaten settling in.
Neldor sat with it several moments as he polished off another one, saying a few times that he was rather impressed with the range and flavors that were now available. Then he set it aside, and the spoon, giving me a hard look. “Your magic training has been abysmal. Clearly, becoming sexually involved with your teacher was a poor choice on your part.”
I didn’t even realize I’d made the decision to throw the knife until it had already left my hand.
He smirked as he easily caught it in front of his chest between two fingers. “Though your weapons training is top-notch, so well done in having a Rothchild train you.”
“I’ve crammed all I’ve learned into a year,” I bit out. “I know more runes than all the undergrads at Artemis and wiped the floor with them at the Power Playoffs.”
“Yes, you should be praised by their low standards and laziness,” he drawled. “It is not up to our standards. And I mean the theories. You don’t even understand the basics of crystals. You don’t understand the principals or—”
“You so weren’t worth the damage I did to myself to wake you up,” I whispered before I could stop myself. “I wish I never had, or I’d found another fairy.”
His eyes went wide and the others went pale, expressions filled with horror, either that I said it, or they could tell I meant it.
I took advantage of their shock and stood. “I’m going to soak because I hurt, and head to bed. I’m just so done with today. Goodnight.” I didn’t even bother with my mess, leaving it for the morning, or someone would probably clean up after me, but I wasn’t in the headspace to care right then.
When I got upstairs, I filled up the tub with my favorite stuff and turned on the water super hot, probably more than I should, but I really did hurt, and I wanted it right then. I had just slid in when there was a soft knock. I wanted to be left alone, but I knew it was Darby and he would worry.
“I’m okay,” I called out.
He poked his head in. “You’re not, but I wanted to check if you wanted company or some space.”
“Space please.”
“You want me to sleep in my room?”
“No, but I’m going to be awhile, if that’s okay?”
“Whatever you need, agra. Mel agreed to let Craftsman stay since he’s powerful and she doesn’t trust Neldor. They’re locking up all the crystals you have all over the house, and more, which he’s throwing a fit about saying—”
“Darby, I can’t,” I rasped. “Whatever they decide is fine, but I can’t.”
“Right, sorry,” he sighed. “Whatever you need, okay?”
I nodded, willing myself not to cry. I can’t have what I need. I need none of this to have happened and find out my worse than my worst nightmare about my family was the truth.
“I love you, agra. We’re going to be okay.”
“I know.”
He was kind and didn’t bust me on the lie. I didn’t know that and I didn’t remotely believe it. He left me be though, and I tried to at least enjoy my bath, my head just a jumble of everything.
Darby was asleep when I got out. I was too restless to even try to get in bed. Instead, I dressed in some sweats and a thick sweater, wanting some air after I used a rune to dry my hair. The house was quiet, even the dogs had settled in the garage on their nice beds since it was getting too cold to stay outside.
But I wanted that cold to chill. Odd, since I’d wanted a hot bath, but I was all over the place, so it made sense what I wanted was too.
And of course he had to come find me out there and not let me have any peace.
“You’ve been through a lot,” Neldor offered. “I’m not blind to that and your circumstances. I dislike your choices, but I can see how hard your life has been.” He huffed after a few minutes of my not replying. “Are you incapable of having a discussion like an adult?”
I bit back a sigh, done with staring up at the moon and stars, and slowly lowering my head and turning it to look at him. “Did I miss the fucking apology there for being such a first-rate asshole to me to bother talking to you? Until there is, I have nothing to say to you, nor will I waste more time as I don’t give a flying fuck what you think about my life or if you ‘dislike my choices.’ I hate you, so that’s where we are.”
His eyes filled with thick anger and this time, I didn’t care, too upset and distraught he was what I’d gotten after all I’d done to find another fairy. He moved closer and lowered his voice.
“I’m trying to be patient with you and say I can forgive some of
