Page 62 of Twisted Fate

“I’m not sure what you’re hoping to hear. I don’t want to disappoint you.”

My stomach drops. “Tell me, Tristan. Please.”

He nods. “Your father’s fae ancestor had her daughter’s magic deactivated, which is why it didn’t continue down the bloodline.”

I frown, confusion coursing through me. “You said I’d been touched by fae magic, but it was dormant.”

“You’re right. Because the fae whose magic was repressed was female, it only affects females in the Marshall bloodline, and you’re the first since that fae.”

I scratch the back of my neck. “So I’m fae, but not?”

He shakes his head. “You are one hundred percent human, Aurora.”

“Because some old witch or something took my family’s magic?”

His brows draw closer. “That’s right.”

I wet my lips. “Okay. Are any of them...?”

“There’s no one left in your bloodline. They were lost when our world was destroyed.”

My chest aches. “You’re sure?”

“Yes. I would know if they were still alive, especially after meeting you and sensing their dormant magic.”

“Ifyoucould sense it, what was to stop any other fae from doing the same? Were they not concerned about that when they screwed with magic?”

He shakes his head. “I wish I had more answers for you.”

The darkness under his eyes and his tired expression makes me think he’d been hoping for more, too. If I have no fae ancestors left, there’s little chance at getting the dark fae to accept me—for my lineage to protect me from those who are against my knowledge of the fae, and the freedom Tristan granted me even though he couldn’t wipe my memories.

I bite the inside of my cheek. “At least now I know.” I meet his gaze. “Thank you for looking into it for me.”

The weather shifts as the daylight hours become shorter, and midterms pass in a whirlwind of studying and hand cramps from writing so much. I’m so sick of lectures and note-taking that my Friday afternoon at the office with Skylar is a reprieve from the chaos. We’ve been working nonstop for hours and have made progress on the charity gala.

Skylar goes to have the financial guy approve some things, leaving me to put the finishing touches on the menu to fax to the caterer.

I glance up from my laptop when Max pops his head into the office.

“Come on, blondie.”

“Come on where?”

“It’s almost ten o’clock.” He takes a step forward and leans in the doorway. “You were done for the day hours ago.”

“Okay . . .”

“We’re going out. Grab your shit, and let’s go.”

“You want me to go out with you?” I arch a brow. “Did Skylar spike your coffee?”

He offers a little fake laugh and shoots me a pointed look. “No, but she told me to invite you, so I am. Plus, it’ll make Oliver feel more comfortable.”

I bark out a laugh. “Wait. You mean my Oliver?”

He rolls his eyes. “Uh, sure.”

“Did Skylar invite him? She better not be screwing with him to get to me.”

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