“You will let me stay, and you will let me train!”

Her entire body hummed with adrenaline. Her fire burned into them for a moment until, in the quiet that followed, she realized what she’d done.

She blinked, horrified.

This had been far worse than not talking at all. Regret surged as bile in her throat. Her lips parted as if to apologize but shut quickly before she spoke another word. She’d done enough damage. Her body remained rigid as the anger ebbed. Amaris wasn’t sure what had come over her. She felt foolish standing before them, hand still planted against the stone table. A spasm of embarrassment clenched in her stomach.

The events that followed were…bizarre.

A hushing wave pressed down on the reevers as their faces drifted from an amalgamation of confusion to something accepting and contemplative as the men murmured amongst themselves. They appeared to be quietly nodding to each other.

The fae, Samael, glittered with near-wicked amusement. He lifted his head from where it had been resting, bored on his chin, and steepled his fingers together in a triangle.

“My, isn’t that a talent.”

Shame pushed her back down in her seat. She wished she could melt into the rock below her like the legs of the table. Amaris refused to meet the eyes of the men. She ignored the reevers and their mutters, horrified at what they must be saying about her.

Samael ignored the others, looking directly to Amaris.

“It appears it won’t affect me, or Ash, for the most part.” He gestured to the coppery teenage boy. “But I do applaud you. It’s quite unlike any skill I’ve seen. Honestly, I’m relieved I’m spared from the onslaught of such a gift. Well done, Amaris.”

Amaris lifted her eyes. Despite her crushing humiliation, confusion tugged her back to Samael’s face. Her eyebrows pinched. “What?”

The men continued speaking to each other as if the conversation across the table weren’t happening at all. Their mouths moved in quiet exchange as they discussed the situation at hand.

Samael sat up straighter, realization dancing amongst the entertained expression on his face. He pressed his fingers into the table, maintaining interested eye contact for a moment. The fae then stood and addressed the others.

“Well.” He looked to the reevers. “Since it’s clear you’ve all decided she’s to stay and train, let’s call this meeting adjourned.” Samael made a sweeping gesture with his hands, and with no objection, the men began to push themselves away from the table. They rose from their seats and continued their chattering as they headed for the door. Samael continued, “Do carry on with your day. I need to have a word with our newest reever-in-training.”

The disorientation was jarring.