strange effect on me, one that couldn’t be normal. Every single one of them was either irritating, annoying, or kind of weird, but they were all really getting under my skin. I mean, I was practically a trembling mess when Rourke had barely touched me. Not to mention the way that Finn had made me want to punch and kiss him at the same time. And Liam, with his deliciously fiery eyes.
No, I wasn’t having these thoughts. Not about these fae. It was just some kind of magical allure they carried around with them. That was the only logical explanation. They had magic, and they were using it on me. And I hated every single second of it.
Rourke had begun speaking again while I’d been distracted by my ridiculous reaction to his touch, and I only tuned back into his words in time to add another terror to the increasingly-growing list of things to worry about in Otherworld.
“Those storm clouds were never there before, particularly not during the Summer,” he said with a deep frown. “But they’ve been increasing these years past. Sometimes, the storms are quite violent. We don’t know what’s causing them, but I believe it has something to do with what we did all those years ago. We killed the Queen and tore the Courts apart. Otherworld was stable, and now it no longer is.”
My eyes caught on his sharp profile, outlined by the light of the moon. “Finn told me it was traitorous to question the new ruling situation.”
“Yes, he would say that.” Rourke sighed. “And truth be told, it is best you don’t question it, Norah. If Viola got wind of a new changeling being rebellious, she could make life incredibly difficult for you.”
Great. Another thing to worry about.
I raised my eyebrows. “Who’s that?”
But his answer was cut short when a boom shook through the night. We both turned toward the sound, only to get blinded by lightning that split the sky. As I frowned at the rolling clouds, something dark blurred in the corner of my vision. Something from within the forest. I lifted my binoculars to my eyes. There, just between the trees, a small creature charged across the forest floor, its clawed hands kicking up bright green leaves. Its slick emerald skin rippled beneath the light of the pale moon, and its veiny, pointed ears flopped against its wrinkled face.
“I see something in the forest,” I said, though the little creature didn’t look all that dangerous. Just...kind of weird. “It’s probably nothing though. You said to look out for furry things, and that’s not furry.”
Rourke held out a hand, palm up. “Let me see.”
After he held the binoculars to his eyes, he let out a low whistle. “That’s not nothing, Norah. It’s a pooka, and it’s been a long time since one has come anywhere near the Academy.”
Shivers coursed down my spine. “That doesn’t sound good.” I paused. “So, what the hell is a pooka?”
“Pookas thrive on mischief and trickery. Sometimes, they’ll transform into horses and carry riders to the nearest stream where they’ll drown and then devour them.”
I blinked and tried to still the frantic beat of my heart. “Right. So, definitely a danger.”
He gave a nod and set the binoculars on the stone ledge. “Interested in some one-on-one training? I can give you a demonstration on how to take care of a pooka.”
My mouth suddenly went very, very dry. “I thought we were supposed to sound the alarm when we spotted something dangerous out there.”
“You are. But I’m here, and I’m perfectly capable of taking out a pooka. It would be a good experience for you.” A beat passed as his lips curled into a devious smile. “Or are you too afraid to face the beast?”
“I’m not too afraid.” The words popped out of my mouth before I could stop them. Truthfully, I was a little afraid, but I wasn’t about to say no and stay here in my safe little tower out of harm’s way. I wanted to learn how to fight, and here was my chance. It had just come far sooner than I’d expected.
I was all too aware of what had happened when I’d tried to shoot an arrow at a fake target. I didn’t want to know what would happen when I tried to take on a real creature, one that sounded pretty freaking terrifying. At least Rourke would be there. Not that I really trusted him.
“Then, shall I show you how it’s done? It might