Page 156 of Mistaken Magic

"Ok," she agreed. "Butdon't you thinkTorianHuntcan take care of himself?Heisn't short on magic, you know."

"It'smore that she's a girl, and she was already shoving at him, and he wasn't backing down, but that was it.Imean, what happened when she started hitting?SoIkinda pulled the oldest trick in the book.See,Harperdoesn't like how the court talks to me, and she wants - wanted - to get back withTorian.SoIstepped into him like we were a couple.Hekissed me, and then she shoved me, so he got mad and stormed at her.I'mnot really sure what happened after that, but she threw something at me.Like,Brackenhas been teaching me how to interrupt magic, butthere was no moment of focus or planning.Shejust threw out her hand."Idemonstrated the gesture.

"Whatis that?"Ms.Rhodesasked, pointing at my hand.

Shemeant the ring.Liftingmy hand with the back to her,Ilet her see. "It'ssomethingJackfound in the atrium."

"MayI?" she asked.

Inodded and stretched my arm out toward her. "Itdoesn't come off.I'vetried, andToriansaid it's an enchantment, but he didn't know for what."

Shegrabbed my fingers and leaned in, but the moment she traced the pattern in the ring,Jackbegan to caw at her, leaning in like he was ready to attack.Immediately,Ms.Rhodeslifted her hands and leaned back, making it clear to the bird that she'd stopped.

"Jack," he grumbled. "Rain.Morrigan."

"Evidentlyso," she agreed. "Ijust want to know how."

"Iwant to knowwhat,"Itold her. "Ididn't mean to attack anyone with anything,Ms.Rhodes.Ihonestly thoughtIwas helping."

Shepatted the air. "Let'sstart with the ring.Itis an enchantment, and the reasonToriancouldn't identify it is because it's not one of ours."Shetipped her head atJack. "It'shis.Themarks on it are crows, which is proof so far asIcare.That,Rain, isWildmagic on your finger, and it will not come off.It'sthe bond between the two of you, and it's how you controlled theWildmagic tonight."

"Theblack stuff?"Iasked, just to make sureIwas truly keeping up.

Shenodded. "Joanhad the same thing.Herring was a little different, which is whyIwanted to look,Jack."Shepaused to glance at my bird. "Butit's close enough.Itmarks you as theMorrigan."

"What'sa morrigan?"Iasked.

"TheMorrigan," she corrected. "It'salways a human who enters the fae world.I'mnot sure how you came into the power, unless it's because the gates are locked."

Caw!

Ms.Rhodeschuckled. "WhichJackseems to think is the case,I'mguessing.Rain, you are human.Completelyhuman, but that doesn't mean you aren't special.Jacksees something in you, and the wildlings have their own rules.Justlike the crowns ofSummerandWinterfocus the magic of the seasons, that ring focuses theWildmagic.Accordingto what littleIknow, theMorriganhas no magic of their own, but their power lies in the magic they take in.Youare immune to fae magic in many ways.Insteadof being hurt by it, you are fueled.Theagreement you have with the wildlings allows you to convert our power to theirs and wield it however you desire."

"SoI'mmagic?"Iasked, hopingKeirwas right.

"Youare so magical, you can't even imagine," she agreed. "TheMorriganis a warrior who fights for balance.She- or he - is a protector of sorts.Youcan carry iron, are immune to our spells, and fae society considers you to be an equal to the monarchs of the seasons."

"Shit,"Ibreathed.

Herstoic face cracked. "Ithink that about sums it up, yes."

"Buthow amIgoing to learn all of this ifI'mexpelled?"Iasked.

"Iwill not let her be dismissed without a formal hearing,"Liamsaid.

"Dismissed?"Ms.Rhodesgasped. "No!Oh, not at all.Rain, you stopped what could've been carnage out there.Torian,Aspen,Hawke, andWilderkilled no one.Theyblocked, subdued, and dispelled the magic thrown at them."Thenshe sighed. "Notthat they're completely innocent, but considering the circumstances,I'mcalling it a win."

"Arethey being expelled?"Iasked.

"No," she assured me. "FromwhatIwas told, the jesters attacked them.Yes,Ido know the cute little names you all use among yourselves.Torian, however, will be punished for his attack onNevaeh, but it was not a dangerous one.Heshowed great restraint, merely defending himself in an over-exuberant manner."

"Whenhe pulled the white from her,"Irealized.

Thedean's eyes narrowed as she looked at me. "Exactly.Also,Brackenhas made it clear to me that he wants to train you as a sentinel.HesaidKeirhas agreed to teach you.So, while the court does their own penance for this,Iexpect you to spend that time training in the gym."

"SoI'mstaying atSilverOaks?"Iasked, just becauseIneeded her to say it very, very clearly.

"RainleFae, this is the only place thatcantrain you.Yes, you are staying atSilverOaks."

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