“It would be a horrible way for humans to find out that fairies exist,” I nodded.
“Oh, this has nothing to do with fairy reputation,” the councilman looked surprised. “Do you really think that your average human would view this and immediately thinkfairy?”
“They'd begin to believe in witches again,” Tiernan observed. “Because that is precisely what the shaman believes.”
“Sweet Danu,” I breathed. “All humans with any sort of psychic gift would be in danger.”
“Precisely,” Teagan nodded. “Our first instinct when met with aggression is to defend ourselves against it... or anything that resembles it.”
“There would be witch hunts again,” I whispered, remembering my history lessons about the days when extinguishers had to be extra careful to hide their abilities. The Human Council had grown considerably in those days because they kept taking in hunted humans who were born outside of the Great Five Families.
“It would be far worse this time, Ambassador,” Councilman Teagan resumed his seat. “With the type of weapons we have these days, witch hunting could turn into war. Civil war, where neighbors kill neighbors and brothers kill brothers. The military would have to be brought in and with only the higher officials knowing the truth about fairies, they would most likely attack talented humans.”
“The United States would turn into Nazi Germany,” I swallowed hard.
“And we, the persecuted Jews,” Teagan nodded as chills coasted over my arms. “We cannot let these people investigate this any further.”
“We can take care of the ghost hunters,” I gave Tiernan a weighted look and he nodded.
“A simple forgetting spell, Councilman,” Tiernan explained. “No one will be harmed. We can take care of the shaman too if necessary.”
“But he'll still be dealing with raven mocker attacks,” Teagan said. “Wouldn't he remember eventually?”
“The raven mockers are a different problem,” I sighed.
“One that will require more than a forgetting spell to solve,” Tiernan said grimly.
Chapter Seven
I sat on the porch between Cat and Tiernan, waiting for night to come. The rest of my Star's Guard was spread out along the wide veranda, some at the railing and some leaning against the house. Well, all but Torquil and Ian, who had been dispatched to find the crew ofParanormal Parametersand erase their memories.
Twilight came and I closed my eyes to the rush of power that it always brought me. Energy surged through my limbs, making me inhale sharply and jerk in response. I could feel it pressing up beneath my skin, a vibrant effervescence; champagne and electricity. My fingers tingled, eager to release the magic building inside me. I gave in to the desire and let just a few lavender sparks drift down to the wood planks beneath me.
“You can do better than that,” Tiernan teased.
“What do you want; fireworks?” I laughed.
“What are fireworks?” Ainsley asked and Tiernan gave me a smug grin.
“Oh fine,” I huffed and flung my hand out.
A swirl of sparkling light flew out from my fingers and coalesced in the air before the house. The energy gathered together and then burst apart in an explosion of lavender, iris, hyacinth, periwinkle, and orchid. A glittering, bursting bouquet of magic, bright against the sunset sky. The knights applauded the display.
“How would humans accomplish that?” Ainsley asked.
“With explosives,” Tiernan chuckled. “Humans like things that explode.”
“No kidding,” I muttered.
“Ambassador Seren,” Extinguisher Kate stepped out onto the porch. “The Head Councilman wants you to know that not only will the floodlights remain off but we'll be turning off the house lights soon too, so it will be completely dark for you.”
“Wonderful,” I nodded.
“We will be wearing night vision goggles,” she went on. “Would any of your knights or yourself, like to borrow a pair?”
“We'll be okay, thank you,” I smiled at her.
“Alright then,” she headed back into the house. “We were told to let you handle this but we're here if you need us, Extinguisher Seren. You're still one of us and we have your back.”
