Page 74 of The Starlight Savior
He let go of her, hands on her shoulder, holding her out at arms length. “Get some sleep, witchling. Time to prepare for the next full moon.”
Saige smiled sleepily, turning to her door and letting herself drift to her bed. When she laid down, her body was as light as a feather. Was it the alcohol, magic, or simply the hope and joy that flooded from the mere experience of connection? Whatever it was, it felt better than anything Saige had experienced before. She didn’t want it to end.
Chapter 30
The deities above greeted Saige as she walked through the stained glass doors of the training hall. Tobin stood in the middle, a small smile plastered on his face. The cracks in the sky blue marble floor had finally been sealed. Surrounding Tobin, five large silver basins sat on platforms. The metal was engraved with spiraled symbols, a glowing stone set in the middle. Each of them were a different crystal: emerald, sapphire, red jasper, amethyst, and moonstone.
“Good morning,” Tobin said, “I believe we’re ready to move on to the next part of your training, yes?”
Saige’s gaze traveled around the room. “What is all of this?”
Tobin held out a hand, motioning for her to step forward. Craning her head, Saige peered into each of the bowls.
The scent of dank earth filled the air as she looked into the first one. Plants protruded from muddy dirt, some bursting with green leaves and purple flowers. Others were dead and withered.
Saige’s reflection peered back at her in the second basin, glittering on still water.
Walking to the third, she felt warmth lick at her skin as blue and orange flames lapped over the silver edge.
The next one carried heavy mist, rising and falling into the air, purple lightning crackling.
And the last—
Saige stumbled back, clutching at her chest. “Are those bones?”
“Indeed. Now that you have some control of your magic, as well as knowledge on what it feels like to seize it, we must amplify your affinity. Especially if you’ll be using it against the mist soon.”
Her gaze traveled across the five basins, brows furrowing as she landed on the fourth one. “Would it not be storm? Because of my father?”
“Magic isn’t always generational,” Tobin continued, seeing the disappointment flicker across her face. “It has a mind of its own, a preference. Although bloodlines often have similar affinities, there are sometimes exceptions. I imagine since your mother was mortal, there could be other abilities you may possess, passed down from deities or bloodlines that you may not even know about.”
“Like compulsion?”
Tobin’s graying brows raised. “You learn fast.”
“I’ve experienced it first hand.”
“Have you now?”
Saige hesitated, the dream of her father lodging in her throat. But then she remembered the king. The way his words had seeped into her muscles, urging her to remain in the dining hall.
“King Vospella used compulsion. Although I didn’t understand it at first. And”—she licked her lips—“my father.”
A ghost of a smile played on Tobin’s lips. “Yes, your father was a talented warlock. But he also had values. He wouldn’t use it unless he absolutely had to.”
So she’d heard.
“So what would my ability be?” Saige asked quickly.
“That is for us to find out. Come.”
Before going near the basins, Tobin guided her through one of their usual meditations. It was becoming easier for Saige to imagine her mind and the walls built around it. Her power was summoned quicker than it had in the meadow or the servant’s kitchen. A soft tingle would form in her belly, spreading throughout her chest and down her arms. The light in her palms glowed so bright that she was able to see it through her eyelids.
“Beautiful,” purred a voice from across the room.
Saige opened her eyes to find Conor standing in the doorway. As the sun lowered past the courtyard, rays of colorful light illuminated around his head. She clenched her fists, letting her breath extinguish the light. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve asked him to join today,” Tobin said. “Not only do I need a demonstrator, but I’ve heard that he is someone you trust.”
