Page 24 of Lucent Academy 2: Trinity Awakens
"Why would you want to do that? I mean, summon your mate to heal me, even if I was hurt, which I'm not. You're right, I don't really know what happened out there today, but what's it toyou? Why would you want to help me, anyway?" I was honestly baffled by her offer.
"You're the Trinity. The only one worthy of being any sort of rival. It seems I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy pitting my skills against yours to see who will be the better one in the end."
I gave a loud snort. It sounded rude, but I just couldn't help myself. "Oh, really? You've seen what it's been like for me since I almost killed everyone. I'm hardly your opponent, Cleopatra."
She sighed, and I realized she was exasperated with me. "Yes, well... I suppose there's that. If it wasn't for that damn prophecy, I could have written you off as nothing more than another student, but there's the fact that you're supposed to be powerful beyond anything the world has ever seen. I think your very first demonstration gave us all a little glimpse of what you could be. Since then, you've been scared, and that's affected your magical abilities."
I rolled my eyes, remembering this was very similar to the speech the Principal had given me at the beginning of the term. If Cleopatra was going to mention anything about me being "called to greatness," I'd have to laugh.
"You don't agree?" She stood up and looked like she was leaving. "Then I shan't waste my time giving you another thought."
I felt myself flush in shame and didn't know why. Because I had disappointed another person?
At the door, Cleopatra looked back at me. "Most of magical ability is intent. Remember that. Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you'll be right. You didn't want this, I get that, but you'd better start realizing you're in this now. There's no turning back for any of us. Your stupid reluctance to use yourpowers just proves you're not worthy of them, but it's not like you or I had a say in the matter."
"You're probably right. It should have been you who was chosen as the Trinity. Why would you want me to compete against you? You're so much better than everyone else. You've already proven that. You've won. What more do you want?"
She gave a derisive little laugh, tinged with so much bitterness that it surprised me.
"I haven't won anything. I don't know what winning means to you, but to me it only means something if I've competed against the best. I suggest you rest now and get that loser mentality out of your head if you're going to mean something to yourself before this damn term comes to an end. I've changed my mind. I'm not summoning Asau. Not for the likes of you."
She opened the door and slammed it shut as she left, with so much force that it rattled in its frame.
Ethel appeared a few moments later, her hair twisted into crazy cowlicks. "Was that Princess Cleopatra I saw storming out of here, angry as a pack of hellhounds?"
I nodded dully, and Ethel clicked her tongue disapprovingly. She obviously didn't think someone like me should be arguing with royalty. I stifled a giggle, and she looked at me with one eyebrow raised. "I think it's time you slept. If you want to leave the hospital wing tomorrow morning, you'd better get your rest."
She switched the light off and closed the door behind her, leaving me in the dark with only my thoughts to keep me company.
Cleopatra had given me lots to think about. Still, I was feeling lousy and guilty.
I remembered my confrontation with the monster this afternoon. Illusion or not, I had performed the firebolt spell perfectly, without giving it a second thought. As if it were something that came naturally to me, like breathing. That's the way that Vaerath had described it.
Was it possible that Cleopatra was right? Had the only thing stopping me these past few days been my own fear and insecurities? My own feelings of being unworthy?
There was still a whole month and a half left before the term ended for the holidays. Soon, we'd all be heading home to spend time with our families. What would it be like to have to explain to my family that I hadn't even managed to progress one level? I knew the separation was difficult for my parents, for my brothers, and for my little sister. They were making this sacrifice because they didn't have a choice, but believing it served a purpose at least made the longing less painful. That's what they kept telling me in their letters: they looked forward to seeing me and realized I was where I was meant to be.
I didn't think my failing to perform spells would necessarily disappoint my family. What I did think was that I shouldn't be wasting this time away from them.
Determined to make the last demonstration of the term count, I was glad that Cleopatra had stopped by, if only to anger me enough to kick my ass into gear.
Chapter 14: The Seamstress and The Apology Frog
The morning after my accident, I left the healing ward feeling much better. My head wasn't feeling swimmy at all, and Ethel declared me cured.
"Heaven knows, I don't know what was wrong with you in the first place. It wasn't a bump on the head, that's for sure. Whatever it is that made you dizzy in the first place, you should avoid it from now on. And no more going for horse rides on your own, either."
I thanked Ethel for taking care of me, but was relieved to get away from under her scrutiny. I decided to write my visions of the Kigyo Hydrus off as momentary insanity. Most likely induced by fear.
Amber met me outside the ward. "Ready to go have breakfast?" She asked, looking me carefully up and down.
"Actually, I should probably go wash up first. I'm still wearing yesterday's clothes."
"Alright, I'll meet you in the dining hall."
Half an hour later, when I joined them at the breakfast table, Oliver gave me a hug. I laughed at his seriousness as we pulled away from each other. He looked really glum.
"Hey, it's not like I was gone for ages!"
