Taming The Fae - An Exsilium Short Story by Karen Swart Read Free Book Online Page A

arm.
    Vulcan’s words had Raven smiling at everyone
in the room. Nanini jabbed her on the shoulder and broke out
giggling. Females, I would never be able to understand them .
My eyes traveled around the room and I watched as Chax whispered to
Kasadya, her face etched with concern, but also something else.
    Suddenly the whole house shook with a force
that felt and sounded like an explosion. I jumped up and try to
stable myself. My eyes darted around, seeking out the danger. Could
they have breached Exsilium? Fear spread over my heart and I found
myself next to Nanini. I would protect her at all costs, even with
my own life. Chax frowned and looked around the room, his facing
changing instantly.
    “Abby!” he yelled, storming out of the room.
Kasadya and the rest of us followed closely behind, wondering what
might have caused the explosion. I watched as Chax marched to a
door in the hallway and pulled it open. Smoke billowed out into the
hall.
    What on earth?
    Ben and Abby suddenly came crashing out of
the door, running right into Chax, slamming him against the wall.
As Abby knocked Chax to the floor, Kasadya grabbed Ben and steadied
him. He was covered in black ash. Abby appeared to be covered in
the stuff herself.
    “Abby, what in heaven’s name have you done
now!?” Chax bellowed.
    She cringed and rolled off him.
    “Um.... we tried something, and it kind of
didn’t work,” she explained, grabbing the hand Lotan held out to
pull her up.
    “What did you try?” Chax asked, climbing to
his feet.
    Abby tried to dust off her clothes and looked
at everyone now standing around staring at her.
    “We tried to build a small bomb,” she
admitted, dejected.
    Kasadya burst out laughing, while Chax’s
expression revealed he was about to explode. He glared at her and
then back at Abby.
    “What?” Chax demanded, clearly upset with
her.
    “Before you cuss her out, I can explain,” Ben
said, moving between Abby and Chax.
    “We used some of the Fallen elements and
infused them with napalm. As you can see, it works. We just didn't
think to test it outside,” he admitted, looking at me for
support.
    Kasadya looked over at me, and I was unable
to hide the smile. Ben had always had this thing about science and
how to use it to destroy things. I might have had a huge hand in
that as well.
    “Why would you want to create a bomb?” Chax
asked, walking over to the door and looking down. His face fell
even more before he scowled.
    “To make sure we can take down as many as
possible when the time comes,” Ben answered.
    Chax stood there, his face showing that the
picture below was not pretty. He muttered something and turned
around to look at us.
    “Go get cleaned up,” he ordered, dismissing
the two of them.
    “That was awesome,” Raven said, trying to see
what the damage was downstairs.
    We all laughed at her outburst, Nanini’s
laughter lifting the moment even more. I looked at her dazzling
face, begging to be wrapped in my hand. I grabbed the back of my
jeans and placed my hand between it and my back. I have to control
that urge. Nanini would most certainly leave me with one hand
missing.
    “Vulcan,” Chax said, his gaze shifting to
address him. “We must find her a Custos.”
    “I will take her,” Caim said, placing a hand
on Raven’s shoulder.
    I watched as the female hellhound joined
Caim. Her pride of him could be seen by all.
    “Done,” Vulcan said as he flashed Chax a
smile. Chax, as always, remained neutral.
    “Fine then, I think we all should get some
rest. Tomorrow the hunt continues,” Chax said as he placed his hand
on Kasadya’s arm. I dug my hand deeper into my jeans. The urge to
do the same with Nanini was almost undeniable. Nanini, however,
made sure that the moment was short-lived. She grabbed Raven’s hand
and stormed past me, her shoulder punching me in the stomach. I
stepped away and watched her stroll off with Raven, her smile
radiant and full of life.
    Defeated once more, I decided that