Prisoner of Darkness (Whims of Fae Book 2)(14)

“So eager,” Kaelem said. “You’ll need to learn the Unseelie Court runs on a different schedule than the nine-to-five mortal world, but, since I was already so rudely awakened, we can start now.”

“You can get dressed first.” Somehow, Scarlett had managed to clear her head, but his seductive gift was much stronger without clothes, and she didn’t want to risk what might happen if her mental shields fell.

“And what would be the fun in that?” Kaelem chuckled, running a finger through the long side of his hair. “I’m going to shower first. You’re more than welcome to join.”

“No thanks.”

“Your loss.” He smirked and walked away.

Scarlett couldn’t help but glance one more time before he disappeared through the bathroom door.



Scarlett waited for Kaelem in the dining room. A brownie offered her a cup of coffee, which she hesitantly accepted. Unlike the day before, this brownie met her eyes with what she thought was a smile. As she took the mug from she said, “Thank you.”

The brownie nodded and replied, “You’re welcome, miss.” Then it turned and left the room.

When Kaelem joined her an hour later, he insisted they eat breakfast before her training began. Scarlett’s stomach grumbled on cue so, reluctantly, she agreed. Three brownies served them food, all avoiding Kaelem’s gaze but curiously glancing at Scarlett. After they both ate strawberry crepes, Kaelem told Scarlett to follow him.

Finally. Maybe if Scarlett focused hard enough, she could go home in a few days. In the meantime, she didn’t want Ashleigh to worry. She reminded herself to ask Kaelem about a charger.

“A charger wouldn’t do you much good,” Kaelem said. “There’s no cell service here.”

He was in her mind again. Great.

“If you don’t want me in your head, learn to kick me out.”

I thought I was here for you to teach me, Scarlett thought.

“I’ll teach you about your fae gifts. It’s up to you to learn to keep me out of your head. I find it fascinating to know your every thought, especially when they’re about the roundness of my perfect…”

Scarlett interrupted. “Fine.”

She felt for the shield she’d put up to keep the dirty thoughts from forcing their way into her mind. It was still there. Why was he still able to read her mind?

“My mind reading and ganacanagh gifts are separate.”

Fabulous.

“Now, now, darling,” Kaelem said. “Chin up. Your ability to put up even one mental wall already is remarkable.”

Scarlett wanted to believe that was true. But her body felt so foreign to her these days, the word remarkable was the last one she’d use to describe it.

They entered a large sitting room with an entire wall of sliding doors that opened to a rectangular pool. The room was lit, but outside, darkness still enveloped the sky. Scarlett didn’t remember seeing this room yesterday.

“This is where we’re training?” Scarlett knew he was in her head and she didn’t have to actually speak aloud, but she was determined to pretend her mind was hers only.

“Yep.”

“I already know how to swim.”

“We aren’t going swimming. Yet.” Kaelem sat on a lime green sectional.

“I know how to sit, too.” Scarlett sighed. It wasn’t like she had a choice. She plopped down next to him. “What exactly are you going to teach me?”

“So, you chose the mysterious Summer Prince. Can’t say I’m too surprised. Raith is the sexier brother.”

It was none of Kaelem’s business who Scarlett chose or didn’t choose. She didn’t have time to waste. Why was he stalling?

“How was he in bed?” Kaelem crossed his right ankle over his left knee and leaned back in the couch.

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve caught a few flickers of the two of you…together. I’m just curious how Raith is in the sack.”

“None of your fucking business.”

This was stupid. Why had she thought Kaelem would actually help her? Giving her the pill had been some demented game to him, and, while she was thankful it helped her save Raith, who got them out of Faerie, she would just have to learn how to control her power by herself.

One by one, the pool lights exploded in the pool, sending cracking noises echoing through the room. The glass chandelier in the middle of the room shattered, its pieces sprinkling to the ground like snow.

“The first step is to learn to contain your magic when you’re mad,” Kaelem said.

She’d done that?

“I didn’t mean to…” She wasn’t sure what to say. She was still annoyed at his invasiveness, but she’d just destroyed all the lights around her. Scarlett considered apologizing, but bit her tongue. He’d pissed her off on purpose. Ass.

“Your power is driven by emotion—both the emotion of others and your own. You shouldn’t use your own emotion to refuel yourself unless you’re desperate. It’s dangerous and unpredictable.” He gestured to the broken chandelier.

What if she’d been with Ashleigh? What if she hurt her own sister? She could never forgive herself. That’s why she’d agreed to his little game in the first place. Scarlett inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself.