Chapter 29 Samian #2
Sybil laughed, and my head snapped toward her, tears filling my eyes when she tipped her head back to admire the view around us.
Everything around me faded away; every sound, every person dimmed into the background.
There was only her. I could feel her, see her, her entire body glowing with the power of her magic—more breathtaking than anything I had ever known. She was my light—my everything.
Sybil’s magic faded, the sounds and the others coming back into view as I blinked back the burn in my eyes.
Ivara said something, her words not reaching my ears, though a shit-eating grin splayed across Sybil’s face.
Viv was giving Sybil a stern look, one that a mother would wear while scolding their child, but I could see how she held back her own smile, how her eyes were bright with awe.
“That was a little more than one,” Viv laughed, fighting a losing battle to keep up her feigned disapproval.
“I tried, but it all rushed out before I could stop it,” Sybil cringed.
“Maybe we can work on her control in a different way,” I said to Viv. “We could have her shape her magic into something and keep it while she trains. It will help her learn to use a little bit at a time and keep her magic steady.”
Viv brought a finger to her chin, considering my suggestion. “Alright, let's do that. What do you propose?”
My mind immediately went back to the day we practiced turning her magic into a dagger, the same day she destroyed parts of the library, along with my favorite teacup.
It was also the day she started losing herself to the fear of her magic and what she could do.
Clenching my jaw, I studied Sybil, unsure of how she would react to my suggestion now, especially after the last time she used her magic to create something dangerous.
Arbus had died by her hand, by the weapon Ambrose forced her to make.
Swallowing, I refused to break my gaze away from her. “Make a sword. We’ll start your other training early. We will combine the two training sessions so you can learn how to control the intensity of your magic and how much you let out.”
“I like that idea,” Ivara murmured. “With what lies ahead in the future, this is something that you will need to learn quickly. I would even suggest you do this when you’re at the palace as well.”
“I second that,” Viv said, nodding along with Ivara. “Okay, first things first, use your magic to create a sword.”
Sybil’s smile had waned, and my heart twisted at the sight.
I could feel her dread from the memories drifting down the bond.
I curled my hands into fists on my thighs to stop myself from touching her, from telling her she didn’t have to continue.
But for her sake, for the sake of everyone here, I refrained.
As much as I wanted to protect her, I knew she had to get past her traumas; she had to confront her demons.
Sybil let out a quiet okay and stood on shaky legs.
Wringing out her hands, she brought them in front of her, focusing on her palms. Her brows furrowed, and the light of her magic glowed once more, molding into sharpened edges.
Her light abruptly speared out, its sharpened edges ramming against the tree behind her.
Hissing, Sybil cursed and rolled her shoulders, focusing back on the palms of her hands.
Sweat beaded along her brow, her concentration unwavering until her magic formed, molding into the shape of an elven sword.
The golden sword shone bright in Sybil’s hand, her fingers carefully wrapping around the hilt. Looking up, panic flashed in her eyes as she met three surprised stares. The blade was curved along the edges, while light whirled along the middle.
“Has she ever seen an elven blade?” Viv asked, though to whom, I wasn’t sure.
“Not from me,” I confessed slowly, surprise still taking hold of me.
“I saw something similar in different movies in Mide,” Sybil pouted, staring down at the sword. “Did I do it wrong?”
“No,” Viv quickly breathed out. “It’s a beautiful blade.
I was just surprised that you knew what an elven blade looked like.
From what I’ve heard of Mide, I didn’t know they made swords like that.
” Viv walked up to Sybil, her hand running across the middle of the blade.
“It’s an excellent sword. You did amazing.
Now, let's put it to good use!” Viv patted her shoulder as she walked past Sybil, heading toward Kieran and the others.
Ivara followed, leaving me alone with Sybil.
Sybil’s throat bobbed, her grip tightening on the hilt of the sword. I walked up to her, pinching her chin between my fingers, forcing her to look up at me. “You don’t have to be afraid of your magic around us. You won’t hurt us.”
“Not on purpose, anyway.” Sybil let out a weak laugh, her face twisting into a grimace. Her head moved to look down at the sword again, but I refused to let her move.
“No.”
“No?” Sybil stared up at me, confusion and sadness filling her eyes, making my heart twist further.
“No, as in you won’t hurt us at all—end of story.
We know how to protect ourselves, especially around uncontrolled magic.
We know the signs, and we know how and when to stop it from striking us.
You will not harm me or anyone here. I know you’re remembering your time with Arbus and the training with Arianna and Ezra, but don’t let those times get in the way of your learning to use this gift.
I told you this when you first came to Nemos, and I meant it then just as much as I mean it now.
Your magic is beautiful; it’s warm and completely and wonderfully you. You have nothing to fear.”
Sybil shuddered, her eyes glistening. “Okay,” she sighed. “Okay, let’s do this. You better keep your word, though,” she smiled weakly. “Don’t let me hurt anyone.”
I nodded, pressing my lips to hers in a light kiss. Letting her go, I grabbed her free hand, leading her back to the others.
The rest of the night pretty much went as I expected it to—chaotic and eventful.
Every time Kieran touched Sybil, her magic sword either flickered or combusted, throwing everyone on their asses.
Exhaustion lined every feature of her face by the time Ezra called it quits, pointing out the many tree limbs that were now broken and barely hanging on or had fallen to the forest floor.
Ivara only laughed, Daelan and Orin snorting as Ezra snarled in their direction.
But for Kieran, there was a wild look in his eye, a mix of excitement, thrill, and determination, knowing he was about to brave a storm over our plans for the execution.
Kieran led Sybil to a rock, gently guiding her fatigued body down to the hard surface.
“You did a good job tonight,” he told her softly.
His eyes glanced toward mine momentarily before returning to Sybil’s.
My jaw clenched, readying for Sybil’s ire that was sure to come with Kieran’s following words.
“I promised that after your training, I would tell you the plan for the execution and your role in it. After discussing with the others, when you go into the arena, you will leave the door open for me and a few others to enter.”
Sybil blinked at Kieran, waiting for him to continue with the plan, but when she realized Kieran was done speaking, her eyes narrowed. “That’s it? That’s all I’m getting? All I’m allowed to do?”
Kieran straightened to his full height, his mouth dipping, his face morphing into the hardened leader of the rebellion.
“Whether you like it or not, Ambrose is connected to you. If he thinks that you’re involved, he will force you to tell him what you know.
” Sybil opened her mouth to argue, but Kieran lifted his hand, stopping her from speaking.
“He will torture you and then command it of you. I know that you were able to break his command once, but Samian said that it took you a few hours. Not only that, but you were in a safe place that allowed you to concentrate on breaking that command. Ambrose won’t give you that option next time.
He will have you bleed out before you even have the chance to try.
This is the only way I know how to keep you involved and safe, as well as keeping my soldiers protected. ”
Sybil’s body shook, her neck and cheeks reddening with anger as she glared up at him. Shoving herself up from the rock, she stood toe to toe with Kieran. “Fine.”