The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (67 page)

She laughed. “Of course I am. You turned yourself into a nuclear bomb and then went postal when they arrested Mathias. You’re the mother fucking guns of the Navarone girl.”

I snorted before I finally began to laugh. “I was just a little high strung from the spell I did. I don’t why everyone is making such a fuss. I will admit I got a little upset when they wrongly incarcerated Mathias but give me a break.”

Polly had smiled before she sighed. “I suppose you want me to go with you to the hearing?”

“Yes. I would appreciate your support.”

“Well, I’m just letting you know I am not joining you in a padded cell. You’re on your own sister.”

“Thanks sweetie.” I said. “I always know I can count on you to have my back.”

Polly made me a little breakfast which I obligingly choked down. My stomach was so tied up in knots. I had no idea what was going to happen. What if they kept Mathias locked up?

We made our way over to the hearing in my golf cart. Polly wisely suggested I chill out using any magic for a while. When we pulled up Cuddy and Jeremiah walked over and greeted us.

“How are you doing?” Jeremiah asked concerned

“I’m fine.” I answered. I wasn’t going to start talking and getting myself worked up into a frenzy.

“Willa, what the hell is going on with you?” Cuddy asked

“I’m good Uncle C.” I replied. “I just had a little freak out. It must have been some remnants of the spell I cast.”

“To think Mathias is the Rau,” he remarked. “I just can’t wrap my head around the fact he is a traitor.”

“He’s not a traitor.” I said loudly. I felt Polly grab my hand and give it a squeeze. I took a calming breath before adding. “This has all been a giant misunderstanding.”

“I hope so.” Cuddy said. “I like Mathias.”

We made our way down to the offices and were ushered into a large conference room. It seemed like almost every Guardian was present. My grandmother sat behind a small table on the dais, and the rest of the family was seated in the front row. I started to make my way down the center aisle but was immediately waylaid by Robert.

“Willa, how are you feeling?” he asked formally

“I’m fine.” I answered

He leaned in and whispered. “Mathias has requested you not be present.”

“Mathias can kiss my ass.” I replied. Robert rolled his eyes and let out a big sigh.

“Fine but you are to sit in the back with Veronica and do not interfere with the proceedings.”

“Why is everyone treating me like I’m a loose cannon?” I wondered aloud. “I do know how to act appropriately in public.”

Robert just stared at me until finally I turned around and made my way over to where Veronica and Polly were sitting. I sat down in a huff and tried to ignore the fact that every single person in the room had seen me. I was shocked when all the Guardians turned to me one by one and stood up. Even Veronica stood and when she started clapping the rest of the room joined in her applause.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I didn’t want to any accolades for my actions. I did what I had to do. I might not understand all the ins and outs of exactly what I had been able to conjure but I was very much aware of the fact that what I was able to accomplish was a pretty big deal.

I glanced up at the stage and saw my grandmother had also risen, but she was not clapping. She was watching me with a careful expression. I wasn’t certain if it was because of my power that she had witnessed or my utter freak out over Mathias. Either way, she was wary of me yet again.

When the room finally quieted down the side door opened.  Mathias walked in surrounded by Guardians. My grandmother nodded to Christopher, and he led Mathias to a chair near where she sat.

I froze at the sight of him. Even though, he looked like he normally did, stoic and in control, I could tell he was uncomfortable.

Are you all right?
I asked

Mathias’s head shot up, and his eyes locked onto mine.

I’m fine. You shouldn’t be here. You should be home resting

Like that was going to happen,
I replied

Willa, please do not make a scene. I’m begging you to let me handle this

I can’t promise that but I will try

Mathias shook his head and returned his attention to my grandmother who was watching him curiously. She finally began to speak after a moment.

“Mathias we are not here today to convict you. All I am asking for is the truth.”

“I will answer whatever questions you have honestly and to the best of my ability.” he said

Over the next twenty minutes, Mathias told his story on how he was turned. He showed no emotion when he spoke of his father and brother. I could see the whole room was enraptured when he finished explaining on how he became a vampire.

“You had every intention of turning into the Rau?” my grandmother asked

“When I saw what they did to my sister, I welcomed their desire to turn me into one of them,” he answered

“You state that at the last moment, something happened. A light from another source was poured into your soul?”

“I can’t explain it.” he said. “I felt the darkness of the Rau come over me and I embraced it. Then small patches of light, stars I guess started to appear and entered my heart. I tried to fight it. I didn’t want to hang onto to the light.”

“So you admit that you wanted to be turned Rau?” she asked

“Yes.” he answered honestly

Murmurs from the crowd filled the room. I can see that everyone was staring at Mathias. They were stunned by his admission.

“How did you end up in Fairlia?” She continued

“I woke up in a small cave. There was an older man sitting next to me, and when I smelled him, I tried to bite him. He used magic on me, and I was thrown against the wall. He then gave me several cups of blood and explained who I was now.”

“And what did he say?” Winifred prompted

“He said I was neither light nor dark but somewhere in between.” Mathias said. “I asked him why I wasn’t turned into a monster I so desperately wanted to become and he said I was exactly who I was fated to be. Mostly he spoke in riddles. To this day I’m not sure what he meant. The only thing I wanted to do was leave. My mission was to find my father and brother so I could kill them.”

“How did you end up as a Guardian then?” she asked

“He brought me to the castle and told me that I needed to become a Guardian. That it was of the utmost importance that I arrive on the Isle of Skye and protect its residents. I still resisted. I had no desire to protect anyone. All I wanted was to avenge my sister and then figure out a way for me to die.”

“He convinced me otherwise though and that is how I came to be.” he finished

“Did you ever experience any bloodlust towards the clan?” Winifred asked

“No.” Mathias said.

“Did you ever feed or try to feed off a Gypsy or Fae?”

LIE,
I screamed in his head

“I have never felt the need to feed off of an unwilling person nor have I ever wanted too.”

My shoulders sagged in relief. Trust Mathias to twist the truth. I didn’t have to prompt him. He was in complete control.

“Have you ever acted inappropriately towards any member of the clan of Skye?”

What? I asked to myself. Where the hell was she going with this?

Mathias smiled. “I’m confident that every single person in this room, both Guardian and Gypsy, can attest to the fact I have never been gracious or appropriate.”

The Guardians all chuckled but my grandmother still was looking at Mathias intently

“Have you ever been romantically involved with a member of the clan? Conducted a relationship that is strictly forbidden?”

Oh my God, I thought, so that’s where she was going. She knew that something was going on between Mathias and me. She may not know the full scope of our relationship, but she was suspicious. Even Mathias looked startled by the question. I was just about to jump in when Robert spoke up.

“Your Majesty, Mathias is not on trial for his personal life. He is here because we are trying to figure out what kind of vampire he is. I think that he has answered the questions honestly, and I also want it on the record that I do not believe Mathias is a threat. He is dedicated and fair. I recommend that he assume his duties at once.”

I’ve never wanted to throw my arms around another person and kiss them than I did right now.

My Uncle Cuddy stood up. “Hell, I could care less if Mathias screwed half of the island. The fact is he’s a damn good Guardian. There’s no one else who I feel safer watching my back.”

My grandmother looked contemplative for a few minutes. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop as we all waited for her verdict.

“I believe Mathias’s story but I still think that there are a few more issues to address before I release him. I would like my son Oliver to run some blood tests, as well as observe Mathias’s control in regards to bloodlust.”

“For the time being he will remain held until these tests are complete,” she finished

The room erupted in protest. I jumped to my feet and walked purposely to the front. I could see Mathias warning me with his eyes, but I ignored him.

“This is bullshit.” I said. “Mathias should be released at once. We still are under attack and are at war. We may have thwarted Sabine, but the Fae Lord, who threatens us, is still out there. He’s not going to stop. We need Mathias. We need his help to lead the Guardians for whatever may come.”

“I have already expressed my judgment.” Winifred answered. “We will talk more in private, Willa.”

“Thanks but I’ll take a rain check.” I spat before turning to leave. I teleported down to the cells and waited for the Guardians to take Mathias back down.

When they came through the steel door, I crossed my arms and met their surprised expressions with defiance. If they even tried to kick me out, there would be hell to pay.

Robert came closer and said softly. “Just remember everything is being monitored, including discussions.”

I nodded my head, grateful for his warning. When Mathias was locked behind the second steel door, and the final Guardian left I rushed over to the bars.

“How are you?” I asked

“I’m fine Willa.”

I knew this bound to come out someday,
he continued

What are we going to do?

We? 
He asked.
We are not going to do anything. You need to continue researching who this Fae lord is, as well, as try to reveal the contents of the paintings

“Can I bring you anything?” I asked politely

I know I need to do all those things, but I don’t know how to deal with you being locked up in here. Before you try to tell me any different, just imagine if the situation was reversed

“Robert, Cormac and Veronica all have brought me books to read so I am all set.” he answered

This will all be over soon and quite frankly, I have imagined you locked up in a cell many times. It’s actually a lovely fantasy of mine

Very funny,
I replied snarky. I knew I should leave, but I couldn’t seem to make my feet move. It just didn’t feel right to leave him all alone.

“Are you sure you don’t need anything?”

You naked beneath me would be a start but no I’m fine

“Like I said, I am being well cared for here. Please do not concern yourself with my wellbeing Princess.”

Like that’s really going to fool anyone

Mathias’s eyes narrowed. “I would caution you to try and cooperate with the investigation. There is still a significant threat concerning the Fae Lord. I would advise you to continue working with Milton and Jeremiah. I am sure that you will figure things out, and I would appreciate it if you would keep me informed.”

That’s better. Can I talk to you any time or do you want me to leave you alone?

To be honest it’s almost like a little vacation in here so let’s keep conversations to a minimum

Mathias grinned when he saw that I was about ready to start yelling at him.

Why on earth would I want you to leave me alone? You’re the very reason for my existence

Did you have to say that now?
I felt tears pooling in my eyes and willed them away

“Goodbye Willa.” Mathias said

“Good bye Mathias.” I said before adding in my head

If you don’t get out of here soon, I’m breaking you out. Thought you should know that

I teleported out of the Guardian offices and into the castle as quick as I could, I was just about to walk up the stairs when I heard his voice.

The bane of my existence I meant, of course

You always have to win Wolfie

His chuckle and words warmed my soul. I felt stronger and more confident. There was still so many things to do, so many things we needed to uncover before we could go on with our lives.

I prayed that we didn’t run out of time.