“She has no idea, aside from the fact that it was a mage and being arranged by his family. She was a summoned child, and that meant she wasn’t properly treated like part of the family.”
Nessa blinked. “Summoned?”
“Yup. Orgy, ritual. The whole thing. Anyway, we got her, changed her name, wiped it out of common usage, and she became Bethany. Then, her family found her, and she had to run.”
“Why?”
“They attacked the shelter. By the time we got there, she was gone.”
“How did you know she was alive?”
“She joined a girl band and started performing. Her face was different, but the voice was the same. She travelled, and we lost sight of her.” Atolica rubbed her forehead. “I knew she was out there, and I wish she had been able to get more education, but she’s a wonderful person and is an excellent choice for host.”
“What is her actual name?”
“I don’t know. It’s gone from me. She had someone bespell her actual name, and that was that.”
“Wow. That is a strong spell, especially if she is performing.”
“Yup.”
“Who did it?”
Tolly smirked. “She is horrible with names.”
“Did she make a lot of money from performing?”
“She sent it all to the shelter. That is how we knew she was still alive.” Tolly paused. “Even when the funds slowed to a trickle, we knew she was alive.”
“Does she really have wild magic?”
“Oh. Yeah. She negotiates with it constantly.”
“So, it’s like a beast?”
“Sort of. More like an integrated possession. My harpy nature is blended through and through, but you flick from human to love-talker back and forth.”
“Oh, right. I am better at blending now, but it has taken practice.”
“She hasn’t had time to practice.”
“And she’s how old?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“So, just one year younger than you.”
“Yes. It is why we got along so well.”
“Well, Maven’s guys would be the ones to ask about it, but I am pretty sure that that would send echoes through things.” Nessa frowned.
Tolly paused. “What about Kelnen?”
“Are you willing to go through Krys?”
“Yes. Kel considers me a little cousin. It’s the wings.” Tolly smiled as she texted. “I will ask him today if he knows anything about summoning wild magic into a person, into a child.”
Nessa smiled. “Keep me posted. I really hate mysteries, Mom.”
