Page 116 of The Last Storm
As we sat down for lunch, we talked through everything that had occurred in Nautia again.
“Ewan was your father’s closest friend. I knew he would pledge himself to you if he ever got the chance to meet you,” Alden said, taking a bite of his sandwich.
“We didn’t get to speak much, but we did talk a little,” I replied, reliving our toast to my parents. “He seems genuine.”
“He is. He’s a good friend to have at your side and an even better warrior to have at your back. Honest and loyal. I’ll have to find him when we return. It has been so long since I’ve seen him.”
“I haven’t seen him since we arrived either. I think I’ll join you if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.”
“Speaking of finding people, did you see Rogue this morning? I haven’t seen him since we arrived yesterday.”
He glanced sidelong at me, stifling a smile. “No, I haven’t, but that is normal with everything going on. I’m sure he’s working with Doran and the commanders. Well, maybe not Doran so much, considering.”
“Ah, he told me he was going to speak with him and tell him about Delphia.”
“He did. He came to see me afterward with a nice bruise setting in,” Alden said with a laugh and peeked at me. “I’ve heard you two are… together. Is that true?”
My cheeks flushed furiously and I averted my gaze.
“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Ara. We all expected it at some point if I’m being honest.” He shrugged his shoulders, taking another bite. “But since you clearly don’t want to talk about that, we can get back to speaking of your power.”
He had explained everything he’d found in the book in explicit detail—the ability to manipulate and absorb the energy around me. And it was terrifying to hear. Not because I was learning of what I could possibly do, but because I already knew I could. I could feel the ability hovering just under my skin.
When Rogue broke the curse, I felt something, a tingling, a current, moving throughout the realm. I knew it was there, I knew it was calling to me, but I couldn’t quite grasp it. Not in its entirety.
But now, I was acutely aware of the energy surrounding me in every waking moment. Even here, it was everywhere. In every breath of wind, every blade of grass, every heartbeat. I could feel the storm miles off the coast and the lightning racing through the clouds.
And I knew I could take it if I truly wanted. Hearing Alden say it only confirmed it. Made it real. Andthatwas terrifying.
“What would happen if I absorbed someone’s energy?” I asked, bracing myself for what I knew he would say.
“You would pull the life force from their body. Their heart would stop beating the moment the energy left.”
My heart sank into my stomach.
“But that’s why we will train and practice. You won’t do that. Not unless you intend to. Once you master your magic, it will become second nature, I promise.”
I nodded—for his reassurance or my own, I didn’t know. But I couldnotkill someone due to my own lack of self-control.I would not,I assured myself, but my stomach still rolled with dread.
Alden stood and held a hand out to me, yanking me to my feet.
“Let’s get back to it, then.”
Once we stepped back into Vaelor’s circle, his power washed over me. His memory was here. The magic he had cultivated here left its mark in the soil and I could feel it mingling with mine.
“Alright, let’s try moving the leaf again, just one more time.”
I had spent the entire morning trying to get this one damn leaf to hover. Just an inch.
The closest I got was wiggling it—but even then, Alden had rushed over to clap me on the back. It was more irritating than anything, like a tease, but the frustration from this morning had dwindled out over lunch.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and planted my feet. I had attempted to control it in the way Alden explained, but that clearly wasn’t working.
It never had and I suddenly felt foolish for thinking it would this time.
My magic isn’t another muscle or limb. I’m not going to be able to pick the leaf up like I would with a hand.
