Page 59 of A Touch of Iron
“Hey!” I interrupted. “That’s not fair!”
“Isn’t it?” Jon questioned. “We’re all putting our lives on the line. We can’t afford to have our chances demolished because ofhim.” He jabbed his finger at Alec. “This is a life-or-death situation. Either you’re in or you’re out.”
“What if he doesn’t choose me? What then?” I challenged.
Jon shrugged. “There are plenty of rebels in the area who can take care of him if Alec balks.”
“Excuse me?” I scoffed. “Now it’s my turn to say,do you really think I’ll let you hurt him?”
“You’re strong, Lady Violet, but you can’t take us all on,” Jon announced confidently.
“Wanna bet?” I growled and leaned forward. I’d always liked Jon, but I didn’t like being threatened whatsoever.
Alec placed his arm in front of me, stopping me from going any further. “Like I said, I won’t hurt my brother. He’s innocent.”
Jon and Alec were locked in a battle of wills from which neither would back down. I sensed the surrounding fae closing in on us as we argued and noticed others edging closer and closer. If we didn’t come to an agreement soon, they would attack.
“Wait!” I called out. “What ifIattack him?”
“What?” Alec exclaimed. “Are you serious? I know you’re angry at Ansel right now, but—”
“Using my earth elemental powers,” I cut him off.
Alec frowned. “You don’t know how to use them yet. How can you be so sure they’ll work?”
“I used it that night my mother was captured. I don’t know how I did it, but I did. Which means deep down, I have the capability,” I said. “If I attack Ansel with my earth elemental powers, he won’t be hurt. If anything, it’ll be a diversion to give the rebels time to do their thing.”
Jon pondered my offer a moment before speaking. “And you think you can learn to use it by tomorrow?”
I nodded adamantly. “Yes. I can.”
“Vi …” Alec tried, but I stopped him.
“I can,” I reassured him. “This is our best bet … for everyone.” I turned my attention back to Jon. “So no one I care about gets hurt.”
Jon waved the others away and I watched as the nearby rebels dispersed. “If you can guarantee that you’ll be able to wield your earth element, then we shouldn’t have a problem.”
* * *
After hatchingout the rest of tomorrow’s plan, Alec and I left the pub, leaving Jon to tie up the loose ends. On the walk back to the castle, Alec couldn’t contain his irritation.
“This is absurd, Vi! There’s no way you can learn that elemental power so quickly! I know you want to save my brother, but I’m almost positive Jon is cooking something up in case you fail.”
“I won’t fail,” I promised. “If there’s one thing Calypso taught me, is that I have the aptitude to be the strongest fae in this realm. I just have to focus. The power is within me, I simply need to bring it out.”
Alec stopped in his tracks and ran a hand through his hair. “That’s easier said than done, Vi.”
“I can do it, Alec. Have a little faith.” I stood on my tippy toes and gave him a conciliatory peck on the cheek.
“Fine,” he grumbled. “What are you going to do first?”
“What do you think?” I smirked. “I’m going to train.”
* * *
“Again!”Alec yelled.
We stood in the middle of the castle’s courtyard. Night had fallen and Alec lit the area with his fire. Flames danced across his face as he urged me to continue.
