Page 125 of Hidden Kingdoms

“The others,” Arden started slowly, “they had magik, too, didn't they?”

“N—” I began, before pulling back the lie I was about to speak and nodding my head instead.

“While there have been a few rare cases across the millennia where a human has exhibited signs of magik, a Fae child cannot be born to human parents, nor can they be born anywhere but here.” His eyes pierced into me as my mind raced to catch up.

“Do you understand what I’m telling you, Elodie?”

“Yes,” I breathed out shakily, because I finally did.

“YouareFae, which means your parents were Fae. Your Nanna—Fae. You are an Anomaly who was raised in the mortal realm, who still managed to retain control over her magik; regardless of how little you were able to access.”

“Why?” My words no more than a whisper.

Why did I know nothing about this?

Why had my only family lied to me my whole life?

Why did his words feel so right?

The sting of betrayal echoed the sting of tears that pricked my eyes, and I slumped back against the uncomfortable chair, forgetting again about my freshly closed wounds until the slice of pain reminded me.

“That is an answer I cannot give you, my dear. Though there are other answers we can attempt to discover together if it’s something you want.”

My mind swam with the reality that my life had been a lie. Whatever drink I had been given earlier must have begun wearing off, because my body felt weighed down with the exhaustion of the day. My bones a lead as heavy as the truth that had been uncovered.

And I knew it was the truth; I could feel it deep in those heavy bones. In the magik dancing through my blood and trickling from my fingertips.

“Return here tomorrow. Alouette will bring you, and we can see what can be done.” Arden’s dark eyes assessed me, but I couldn’t find it in me to meet his gaze.

“I think you would benefit from some time in the Fyria Caves before you get some rest. The sacred waters will help to speed up the healing of your physical injuries. In turn, that will help keep your mind clear, which is important if you are to start lessons.”

I perked up at his words. “You’re still going to teach me?”

“Of course I am, can’t have you running around with no control. What a hazard that would be to the rest of us.” He winked at me, and I couldn’t help the small laugh that came out until it pulled at the deep wounds still embedded under my skin.

Wincing at the twinge of pain that streaked down my spine, I could no longer hold back the question I had been determined to ignore.

“Why me? Why was I the one it attacked?”

Arden waited for a moment, wise eyes surveying me as I looked to him for answers.

“That, for now, is a question I do not have the answer to. It could be a random attack. It could be you were the most powerful, therefore the biggest threat.” I blinked back my surprise at that statement. “It could be something more sinister than that.”

Silence stretched between us for a heartbeat as I took in his words.

“Now, go and rest. The caves are the perfect place for it, water from the fountain of the Goddess Blessed is coaxed into it, and when used in such tiny amounts, it can be a wonderful healer, so no need to worry. It’s completely safe.”

A memory half formed in my mind from his words, but I was too tired to take much notice as I stood and followed Arden to the door. Another whisper of wings came from above, and as I looked up, another feather began to descend towards us. This one was white, and it floated slowly in front of me as I held my hand up to catch it.

“She likes you.” Arden smiled widely at me before opening the door and ushering me out.

“Who does?” I asked.

“I shall see you tomorrow, Elodie, daughter of the Fae.”

46

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

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