A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton Read Free Book Online

apologize, as that”—he glanced to the balcony—“was my idea.”
    I cleared my throat. “I didn’t realize you could, uh . . . do that.” Whatever that was.
    “Only the most well-trained or gifted in our family can. But even so, it’s a power that requires a period of magical inactivity—rest time, if you will—before it can be used again. Bastian is far behind on his training, but he has talent on his side. Please join us for dinner.”
    I sat down, grateful because my legs felt weak. After Michel and Sebastian took their seats, platters and drinks were brought out.
    “I have the finest chef in the Quarter. I hope you like Cajun food,” Michel said as he helped himself to the servings set in the middle of the table. “My chef’s cooking was something I thought of often during my imprisonment. Please, help yourself.”
    Starving, I took a bit of everything and started digging in. Michel talked as we ate, making sure to include me and Sebastian with questions about school and the state of things in the GD.
    “So, what was that in the yard, exactly?” I asked during a lull in the conversation. “The ball of light.”
    “I’m training with my father,” Sebastian answered, but the glance between them made me feel as though there was something they weren’t saying. “The light ball is basically energy pulled together from everything around us. Energy is there, but most people can’t feel it.”
    “Though some humans can,” Michel said between chewing. “Usually if they are sensitive or close to places with strong energy signatures, like ley lines.”
    “But all witches and warlocks can sense it and use it?”
    “Yes. Our unique genes—the thing that separates us from being one hundred percent human—is our ability to recognize and connect with Earth’s energy and to utilize it, to have a thought and then make it happen. That is what magic is all about. It has taken thousands of years of evolution, study, and training, and the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next, in order for us to master the energy and our gifts.”
    I nodded, stabbing a piece of roasted chicken.
    “How was your training with Bran?” Michel sat back and took his wineglass with him. “Better today?”
    “It was fine. I actually came by to ask you about the library. When will I be able to see it?”
    He regarded me thoughtfully, absently swirling the liquid in his glass. “There is time, you know. Athena will present herself, offer a trade. You for the child, I’m sure.”
    My grip on my fork went tight. I felt Sebastian stiffen beside me. There was no time. Every minute Violet and my father spent with Athena was a minute too long. How could he expect me to just wait?
    “Her indecision,” Michel continued, “regarding you . . . I believe she fully intended to kill you herself, which was why she had her second hunter bring you to her prison—revenge on you for killing the first one sent after you. But then when you displayed your power at the Arnaud ball, I suspect Athena began to rethink. She is wondering how best to use you, whether it’s better to keep you alive or to kill you. As a god-killer, you’d have many uses.”
    All of which I knew and Athena had pretty much said. She’d offered me a place with her, a position of power, and all I had to do was submit and become her weapon. Not going to happen, but either she still thought she could manipulate me into service or she planned to finally kill me.
    “Sebastian will show you the library in the morning.” Michel raised a questioning eyebrow at his son. “Yes?”
    Sebastian agreed.
    I took a long drink of cold water. “Thank you.” My voice was wrapped in relief when I said it. I’d half expected him to go back on his (and the Novem’s) promise.
    “You don’t have any idea where Athena would be keeping my father or Violet?” I asked him.
    Michel shook his head. “No. But I suspect she has created another prison near New 2 or she has