Chapter 37
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Selene
The gym was a Christmas dream. While this morning, the cafeteria was decked out in Christmas decorations, the gym was decorated similar to the Winter Ball, except it looked like Santa’s elves had visited.
I didn’t think I could eat any more after brunch earlier in the morning, but the food smelled delicious and I had worked up an appetite after a short but brisk run with Ender.
“Why did we stop here?” Viv asked, staring at the dessert table, where we stood with our friends. “We have thirty minutes until they said dinner would be ready. The chocolate fudge brownies are taunting me.”
“Fifty dollars that Viv goes straight for the dessert table before getting food,” Sydney said.
“That would be a losing bet.” April pointed at Viv, who was still eyeing the dessert table.
“No takers?” Sydney glanced at everyone else but April.
“I don’t think you have any takers,” David said when no one answered and Sydney sighed.
“April, you did a good job with the decorations.” I glanced at the tall pine tree. Poinsettias were perfectly placed along its branches.
“Thank you!” She smiled.
“Come on.” Sydney waved. “Let’s go grab seats.”
“Hey, Sal,” David said. “Can we talk outside?”
“Yeah. Sure.” I spared a glance at Ender.
“I’ll grab us some drinks and meet you at the table.” Ender nodded and strode toward the drink table.
I followed David outside, the cold air stinging my face. It would be good for us to talk after what happened this morning, but it didn’t mean I wanted to, especially outside in the cold.
“I’m sorry for pulling you out here. I didn’t want to speak about this in front of everyone, but I didn’t know if we’d get the chance to talk later.” David led me around the side of the gym. “Remember when we talked about why I’m here?”
“Yes.” I recalled that the council had sent him here to help teach him how to control his magic.
“I still haven’t been able keep my gloves off. That might be because I’m afraid to remove them, but when I touched you earlier, it was like I knew my magic wouldn’t hurt you. Even through the gloves.”
That was not what I’d felt; at least, that was not how I interpreted what wanting to take his magic felt like. I thought he was going to ask me ether questions and then I would apologize for earlier.
“Trainer Murphy is great, but I never had that feeling with her. I get nervous and lose control. I think if a friend were to help me, I would be calmer.” He swallowed. “You’re probably the only one here who could handle my magic.”
Understanding hit. He was asking for help.
“What do you need me to do?”
“Can we meet before classes start up again?” he asked.
“How about we try now?” I could tell this was bothering him and we still had some time before dinner. I knew the feeling of needing an outlet before it emotionally dragged you down.
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Take off your glove. Let’s see what you can do.”
He sighed and grabbed his right glove, holding it there.
“They’re enchanted.” He eyed his glove but didn’t make the move to tug it off.
“I’ll be fine,” I promised.
He removed his glove and sandwiched it between his opposite arm and side. His jaw set as he held out his hand, focusing on his magic. Less than a second later, fire lit.
“I can create it and manipulate it with ease.” Light from the fire flickered in his eyes. “It’s when my emotions are elevated that it explodes.”
“That’s very common.” I stared at the small flame in his palm. He had control of its size. “Is it phantom fire?”
“No. I’m inept in phantom fire.” He shook his head. “Trainer Murphy has tried a few times, but we’ve been focusing on de-escalation techniques.”
“Let’s start there.” Phantom fire didn’t harm others. It was what created mage lights. Spells could be added so the flames would last but also not burn down their surroundings.
I moved my hand to hover over the warmth created by the small fire, but it immediately disappeared as David pulled his hand back.
“This is what you wanted. I can’t help you if you don’t let me.” I glared at him. “Now do it again.” He swallowed and reached his hand out once more, lighting the flame again. “Good.”
I lowered my hand closer, the flame almost licking at my palm, and David paled. He was truly afraid of his fire, even with such a tiny flame.
“Close your eyes,” I instructed. Once they were closed, I continued. “Now, focus on something that makes you happy. Once you have it, hold on to it and do not let it go. Take that happiness and protect it. Protect it from your fire. Will it to not harm it.” I gave him a moment. “Is it safe?”
He nodded.
“Good. Now create a safe cast over that happiness and keep it there.” A part of my heart squeezed. I was teaching him the same way my mom had taught me. “Keep your light on and don’t drop the magic, but steadily project that safety cast.”
I gave him a moment longer. “Open your eyes.”
He did, lines edging the corner of his eyes as he looked at me and then glanced down. He gasped but didn’t tug his hand away from mine. I rested it on top of his palm. Fire breezed around my hand, no more than a mere warmth smothering it.
“You did it,” I said.
“I did.” He grinned, this time fully. The darkness surrounding his irises didn’t vanish, but they lightened. It was small feat with a small flame, but a huge step. “Are you able to help me once or twice weekly?”
I nodded, agreeing to help him control his fire magic.
“Thank you.” He sighed.
“Now let’s head back inside where it’s warm.”