They sipped tea, and Grace and Glenda caught up a little. Finally, Glenda put down her cup and turned to Daniel and his ladies, all together on the other couch, holding hands.

“First, congratulations on forming your circle. I was worried there for a while. You were so close. I couldn't see what was stopping it, but then I watched Daniel free that curse from Amber. Amber, my dear, I had no idea you carried that. I would have removed it all those years ago. The curse was a subtle little thing but ultimately a powerful one. It built strength over the years. Slowly growing.”

Amber looked down at her feet.

“How do you feel now?" she asked her.

Amber looked up. “Better. I feel like I've stepped outside for the first time. I was so used to feeling angry. Upset at everything. Now those feelings are gone, and I feel... I feel a little lost, to be honest." She looked at her circle and Daniel. "But with the circle and Daniel, I'm not having any difficulty adjusting. But I remember how I was, you know. I keep moving to that again, but it fades so quickly. Like a lost memory."

Glenda looked a little guilty. "Well," she started and looked at Roger, who nodded at her. "I, ah, erased your memories of that day.

Most of them. The horrors of it, for sure. I thought it was a kindness at the time. Perhaps I also stopped you from recognising the effects the curse laid on you. And healing properly. I apologise, Amber."

Amber looked shaken and Daniel squeezed her hand and sent a feeling of love down the bond. Amber gasped and looked at Daniel.

“But you, Daniel," interrupted Glenda, looking him square in the eye.

"You saw it right away, didn't you? Having magic sight is not known amongst humans. It's unheard of. Impossible, really. Or to most fae, too, to be honest. Only the fae queens can boast that particular talent. And a few magical creatures. But you are most definitely human, Daniel. Like your parents. Human as human can be. Except now you carry great power. Isn't that strange?"

Daniel frowned. "I know nothing of all that. I can do what I can do.

I can't explain it."

"Neither can I. With your permission, I would like to look more into that. I think it is important to understand. If only for you to be able to control it better. And understand the limitations. You all need to be at the top of your game. And soon. You'll only be here at the Academy for less than a year. After that, you will be on your own. You need to be ready for that. Everyone will be out to get you."

Glenda looked around the room and saw nodding heads.

“Wonderful. You understand. Are there any questions?"

Daniel cleared his throat, and he looked at Roger before speaking to Glenda. "Your husband, is he bound?"

A sad expression crossed Glenda's face. "No, dear. I could never do that to him. I love him too much. And he isn't a spell caster, anyway. But I could have bound him. Witches can bind any man. But they only crave spell casters."

“You've never had a circle?" asked Daniel, uncertain if he was being impolite.

Glenda laughed. "No. Witches Like me don't require circles.”

“Like you? What do you mean? What kind of witch are you?"

Glenda looked at Roger.

“Go ahead, love. Tell him. Tell them all. They have a right to know before you train them."

Glenda sighed. “I would have your oaths first. I would bind you to secrecy."

Daniel shuddered. Binding Oaths were old school magic that anyone could do. If you broke the oath, you would pay the consequences.