Page 144 of Journey to the Elderoak
“He’s horrible. But I must say, watching you go toe to toe with Jareth was incredible.”
Smiling at him she said, “It was kind of fun.”
He grabbed her, put her in a headlock and ruffled her hair.
“Hey!”
“I’m glad you’re here.” He let go as they entered the dining hall.
A week later,Ava was standing in the training ring, hand trembling as she willed a flower to form in her hand.Come on!
“You’re trying too hard,” Raine said.
“First I’m not trying hard enough and now I’m trying too hard?” She let out a noise of frustration. “This is impossible. Why did it come so easily that one night?”
“Because Cas was hurt. But you weren’t in control,” he answered.
She placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t know how to do this.”
“You overthink things. It’s what you did with the obstacle course. You need to relax and let it flow through you.” Raine paused, eyes brightening. “I have an idea. But you’re not going to like it.”
“What…”
“I’ll be right back. Stay there and keep trying until I return,” he said and left.
She closed her eyes and tried imagining the light again. No luck. Frustrated with her lack of abilities, she opened her eyes and glanced at Luna, asleep under a nearby tree with Aro.
“Lucky cat. You don’t have to worry about magical training. You just get to nap all day in the sun,” she muttered.
I heard that,Luna said, cracking open an eye.
Ava gave her companion an amused look as Raine returned, Casimir in tow.
“What’s your idea?” she asked.
Casimir smiled at her and stood before Raine in the ring. Raine flicked his wrist and vines burst from the ground, faster than Ava could follow. The bright green tendrils snaked up Casimir’s legs and tightened.
“What are you doing?” she said.
Raine didn’t respond as he kept twisting the vines around Casimir, ensnaring his body and reaching to his neck. Casimir tried to move but couldn’t; trapped by his friend.
Ava couldn’t control the panic she felt and yelled, “Stop!”
Small thorns burst from the vines, piercing Casimir’s skin. The moment she noticed blood dripping down his leg, something hot surged within her. “You’re hurting him,” she snarled.
Raine released the bindings, and the two warriors faced her.
“Ava, look,” said Raine.
Fury at seeing Casimir injured coursed through her, but she looked at her feet. Small roots had grown and were making their way toward Raine.
“I wasn’t going to hurt him,” he said.
Casimir shrugged. “I’m fine.”
“What are you feeling right now?” asked Raine.
“Like I want to punch you in the face.”
