Chapter 5

I sit between Nadia and Trey and look up at my mom, trying to figure out what we are doing here. I'm really nervous about being here. I still don't understand why they wanted us today. Was it some sort of mistake? But everyone looks like they were expecting us.

"Welcome enchantlings..." The Grand Elder Anastasia says. She is Phoebe and Knox's grandmother. She is also a phoenix, and the oldest on the council. "I know you are confused about what is going on and why we have requested your presence."

There are nodding heads and questioning looks, but none of us was brave enough to actually ask... Not that we are scared of any one here. They are all really nice and many are our mothers... My mom, Hestia, is right next to Anastasia and Thalia (Nadia's mom), sending me a reassuring smile my way.

"You see, something has been changing our magic. It is growing dark, and it feels like we are being drained of it. We need all your help. Calliope, my dear young witch, we will be watching you closely. We need to see if you can find anything that would disturb our magic the way it has," smiles Georgia, Chloe's mom.

"We would also ask all of you to be aware of anything strange that you notice at school. If you feel something is off and it happens to cause you unease, please report it to us immediately," Kathrine, Selene's mom, admonishes us.

"We all want you to be cautious and safe. We are here for you, and if something makes you scared, even if you don't know why, don't feel like you have to hide it from us. We are all trying to protect you, but we can't if we don't know where to look," my mom looks at me with a strained smile.

"And with that, my dears, you can leave. The adults still have things to discuss," Thalia smiles at all of us.

Well, that was fast. But then again, I'm glad we didn't have to stay too long. I know these meetings can last hours, and I don't want to spend all night long in a stuffy room discussing things I wouldn't really understand anyway. Well, from what Mom tells me, they discuss the state of magic and the magical training of all the enchantlings, like me. I know I'll be joining the council once I graduate high school, but really, it sounds kinda boring.

We all smile at the elder women before making our way out the door and closing it behind us, and move down the hallway to the living room. The council room is in Anastasia's home. I don't know if it's just for convenience or not, but at least it is within walking distance from all our homes.

However, before I reach the outside, Trey pulls me aside. We watch as the rest of the girls leave the house. Nadia is the last to leave, giving her brother a funny look before she closes the door. I'm not sure what that look was, but I'll have to ask her later.

"Are you okay?" he whispers, capturing me against the wall with his body. He's never done this before, and it's got my heart pounding in my chest with our closeness. If I was looking at the two of us from the outside, I could easily mistake us as a couple having an intimate moment together. The look on his face is sweet and concerned, just like it always has been. I guess even big brothers get those looks... Except Jaxx has never looked at me like this once.

As much as I'm enjoying our closeness, we probably shouldn't linger here. I don't want to get caught and have to explain... what? Why he has me pressed up against the wall and is showing concern? Is that what this is? We certainly are not making out!

"Yeah, I think so. I'm just confused... Why do they need me?" I ask, once my mind has figured out how to function once again. I need to answer his question or I don't know if he will ever let me go. I'm still not sure how I feel about this. What exactly are they asking me to do? And why single me out?

"You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, Callie. If you need me, I will be right beside you," he smiles down at me, lifting a hand to my cheek to softly caress my face. The touch sends a magical tingle through my body. I don't know if it's because he is a fairy, or if it's just because he is Trey, either way, it's totally messing with me right now, and I wish I could have more of it.

He has no idea what that statement does to me. He will be with me... But not the way I want him to be. He will be here as my guard and my brother's best friend... And my friend. But that is all he will ever feel for me. I could never be more in his eyes.

Trey has never had a girlfriend, or even dated. He's never shown any interest in any girl... Maybe he's into guys? Not that I'd blame him. He's too beautiful to be alone.

If I could have my one wish, it would be that he saw me as something more than just his best friend's little sister... Of course I could always make a love potion to do that... but I never would. Because I want it to be his true feelings, not ones I compelled from him... But I will just have to go through my life with this secret in my heart.