Bryn went straight into Sven’s arms when they were alone. She needed to feel his strength and comfort. “I caused you so much trouble. I hate you fighting with Lars.”
She felt his chuckle in his chest. “He and I have been fighting since we were kids. We’re more like brothers than anything. Sad part about it is that Magnus was one of us until he wasn’t. It’s like once he aged up, he forgot about our friendship.”
“Why? How does that happen?”
“Family obligations,” he answered. “We both had paths that we had to follow and they led us in different directions.”
She kissed his shoulder. “Come on. We better go see what Hilda wants.”
Hilda sat on the sofa when they reached her apartment. She listened to everything that had happened before she let out a long breath. “I’ve been doing some research of my own.” She fixed Bryn with a serious gaze that made her nervous.
“And?” For some reason, Bryn was suddenly afraid of the answers she might hear.
“You were close to your grandmother, who was one of the last to survive her clan,” she explained. “As you can imagine, the answer lies with your mother. She was most likely dragon born, which she passed on to you.”
The words landed like a hammer blow even though it wasn’t really a surprise. Bryn’s breath hitched. Dragon born. Her mother. “My mother hated me. That makes no sense if I got her gift and Randi didn’t. Mom didn’t even want me around my grandma.”
“Wouldn’t it make sense if your mother resented that which you’re calling a gift? It could be one of two things. She resented the heritage and the need for secrecy and took it out on you because it was passed down to you and not your sister. Or. Your grandmother never told her and your mother never figured it out. But she may have sensed something in you that she didn’t understand but made her very wary of you.” Hilda touched Bryn’s arm. “She may not even know why she hated you as you say she did.”
“Would that even be possible?”
Sven touched her knee. “You didn’t even know, even at your age. If you hadn’t helped me at the airport, you’d be an au pair right now and still not know.”
“Then how have I created this whole fiasco with Alitta and this Magnus guy? If I didn’t know, how do they?”
“They didn’t at first,” Hilda answered. “You met Alitta here when she was still supposed to mate with Sven and she had no clue. But when she touched you, she felt that locked away power.”
“How do you know she touched me?”
“I know everything, my dear, and it doesn’t matter how. Focus.” Hilda did not soften. “Magnus’ ancestors sought your clan’s power. Your grandmother locked her gifts away and sealed them deep. By staying hidden, your family was safe. Until now.” She pointed at Bryn. “And I sincerely suspect that you’re the first person to detect the hidden powers.”
“So my mother hated me my entire life for reasons she doesn’t even know.” Even though it explained a lot, Bryn stillhated the new knowledge. The truth was both a gift and a burden. Her grandmother had sacrificed everything to keep her hidden. And now she was being hunted anyway.
“I doubt your mother hated you, sweetheart. She just didn’t understand what she felt around you and she revolted against it.” She finally softened. “I’m sure your mother loves you.”
“What about Randi? How do I know if she has the same…DNA?” Bryn didn’t even know if that’s what it was called.
“Only time will tell. Your mother may have been easier on her, but remember. You raised your sister the most and protected her from your parents. It’s also possible that her hidden traits weren’t strong enough for your mother to sense.”
“I can’t…” Bryn’s voice cracked. Hilda was right about everything. She swallowed and tried again. “I can’t be hidden anymore. If Magnus wants my power, then I’ll master it. Not for him, but against him.”
Sven’s eyes burned into hers. “Bryn, you can’t fight Magnus.”
“And I refuse to hide our children from themselves. I won’t let them live as I have.” She met his gaze and found strength in it. “Plus, Erik is still out there. Your brother. If there’s a chance to save him, I’ll take it. I’ll use whatever I have. Whatever I am.”
Sven reached for her hand, his fingers warm and rough against hers. “Then I’ll stand with you. No matter what you find.”
Hilda watched them. “We still don’t know what your brother’s role is in all of this, but I have my suspicions.”
“What are those, Grandma?” Sven frowned. “How is Erik involved?”
“He disappeared for two years. I know he travelled around. I also know he wasn’t involved in anything nefarious.”She smoothed her blouse. “I believe he was looking for Bryn. Or at least her clan.”
“What?” Sven stared at her like she had grown two heads. “How would Erik even know about Bryn?”
“He probably didn’t know about her specifically, but I believe that he found something that led him to believe there was someone out there that could end the threat of the Skelvarns.”
“I sat next to him on the plane,” Bryn told her. “He never said a word to me.”
