Chapter 57
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Selene
Steam wafted off the dark, rich delicious liquid as I poured myself a mug of French Press coffee.
Despite it being the beginning of June and the majority of the human and mage population had already switched to iced coffee, I wanted an old-fashioned steaming cup.
I set the carafe back down on the wooden cart in Dad’s office and glanced at the beautiful black walnut urn resting on the bookshelf next to it.
“Well, now I know I get my love of French Press coffee from both parents.” I held the mug in the air. “I love you, Mom. Thank you for keeping us safe.”
I took a slow, cautious sip, careful not to burn my tongue. I hadn’t been able to bring myself to drink coffee since Mom had died.
Between learning I had lost the majority of my magic—which was like missing a piece of myself—and the school healing and mourning from an eventful year, time had flown by.
It’s been nearly three months after briefly turning…
transitioning… whatever it had been called…
into a dark mage and Mom’s murderer was finally gone. I was taking my first sip.
Warmth built in my chest, and I set the mug down before I let the feeling lead me to the door. I swung it open and Ender stood on the other side, a smile on his lips.
“I had a feeling you were in here.” He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest.
I reached up, catching him off guard, and kissed him. He wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling me closer. After what felt like not enough time, I pulled away.
“I don’t think I’m ready for you to graduate and leave,” I said.
Exams ended last week and graduation was this Friday.
Ender planned to follow Priscilla’s path and become an agent for the council.
His ether magic had evolved significantly.
They were leaving for their home in Canada after graduation, but Dad didn’t need to stay on campus during the majority of the summer and was going to take me and Viv to visit.
Thank goodness. The thought of being apart from him physically hurt. Senior year was going to be rough.
“We still have most of the summer.” The pad of his thumb brushed my cheek, wiping away my worries. “Would you like to walk with me to breakfast?”
I nodded and went to follow him but paused, glancing back at my coffee.
“Can you actually give me a moment?” I asked and he followed where my gaze had been: my coffee and Mom’s urn.
“I’ll be in the hallway.” He planted a kiss on the top of my head and stepped into the hallway, the door closing behind him.
I went over and grabbed the mug, taking another sip.
My magic still hummed in my veins, just at a lower resonance.
A part of me felt lost without the rest of it, and the feeling that it was gone was inescapable.
Ender, my family, and friends helped fill that void.
Chaos stayed near my side and Aura was always around.
Sydney’s parents came themselves to pick her up after her last exam.
Having your daughter’s school attacked by dark mages and demon rats could apparently change the outlook a parent had on their rebellious—rather, misunderstood—daughter.
We planned to stay in touch all summer, and I will plead our case for us to be roommates next year.
I glanced back at Mom. My heart was finally the lightest it had been in a while.
“I don’t know what I’m doing.” I sighed. “But that’s okay.” I took one last sip of coffee and set the mug down. The handle suddenly became hot, and as I was about to let go, three vines grew from underneath the mug and sprouted daisies. I touched the soft white petals. They were real.
I glanced around. I was still alone. Level ones were incapable of creating any element.
I checked again. The daisies were real.