Page 21 of Taken By the Fae

“At least in this area.”

“Right… How many knights are there?”

“Twelve in each court, spread out over the world.”

The world. Of course, the fae are everywhere. “How manyfaeare there?”

“I can’t give you an exact number, but around ten percent of the population.”

I nod robotically. “I tried searching for information. It was wildly unhelpful.”

She almost laughs. “Were you looking for something in particular?”

“Weaknesses,” I admit.

Allison pulls back a bit. “I shouldn’t share that information with you.” She pauses, tugging at the corner of the blanket across the end of her bed. “But I understand why you want to know so I’ll tell you. Iron is poisonous to us.”

“I knew that part.” My gaze automatically flits toward my desk drawer before moving back to Allison.

“If we don’t feed, our abilities can become practically useless. Shifting quickly becomes impossible, and manipulation is out of the question. It’s extremely dangerous to go without feeding because it’s the only way for us to glamour our appearances to blend in with the humans.”

“Do the courts have different abilities?”

She shakes her head. “Physically, we are the same. Our beliefs and way of living are what differentiate us.”

“Oh.” I’m not sure that's something I want to touch right now.

“Is there anything else you want to know?”

I press my lips together, considering it. I probably have a million questions that I’m too scared to get answers for, terrified I’ll be pushed further into the fae world. “My fae ancestors… Is there any chance you could find information on them?”

Her eyes widen slightly, then fill with compassion. “I’ll ask around.”

“I’d appreciate that. I don’t know what answers I’m looking for exactly, but whatever you can find out would be a start.”

She smiles. “Of course. Do you want to know more?”

I rake my fingers through my hair, exhaling a heavy breath that does nothing to ease the pressure living in my chest. “I probably should hear it, considering there doesn’t seem to be a way out of this world for me, but my head feels like it’s going to explode, so can we maybe put a pin in it for today?”

Allison nods before she stands, then sits next to me on my bed, wrapping her arm around my shoulders and hugging me against her side. “I know this is a lot. Why don’t we take a break from the fae stuff and do something normal? It’s Sunday night—let’s order takeout and watch a movie. Sound good?”

I force a smile, though I’m not sure I remember what normal feels like anymore.

* * *

Thursday is my internship interview, and I sleep through my alarm. Or it doesn’t go off, which means I forgot to set it last night. Doesn’t really matter—I’m late.

I throw myself out of bed and into the bathroom to put myself together as fast as I can. Once my hair looks decent, twisted into a quick French braid, I apply a few swipes of light makeup so I look alive. I get dressed in a formal black jumpsuit and shrug on a matching blazer. Grabbing my bag off the dresser, I shove my portfolio inside before I slide my feet into some heels and rush out the door.

I’ve never run across campus, but there’s a first for everything. My stomach is twisted with nerves and my palms are sweaty. I can’t remember ever being this anxious. If I’d had time for breakfast, I’m not sure I would’ve been able to stomach it.

I burst through the conference hall doors, speed-walk to the check-in desk, and hand over my student ID.

“You’re late,” the older gentleman behind the desk says, typing on his computer.

“I’m aware,” I say, still trying to catch my breath. “Sorry.”

He lifts his gaze and hands back my ID. “Your interview is in room 109.”

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