Chapter Thirteen
Victor and Leo sit in the back of the town car on their way to meet Karl for Victor’s first lesson. Victor finishes the last chapter of the book. He sighs heavily, sets the book down, and rubs his eyes. “I don’t know if I can read anymore.”
“I’m surprised you did any reading,” Leo comments jokingly.
“That’s because you asked me to,” Victor politely snaps back.
Leo snickers, “Well, I’m glad. Most new witches or warlocks I’ve mentored in the past tend to skip most of the reading. After about five lessons, they realize they should have read what I gave them.”
Victor rubs the back of his neck. “So, I saw three boxes in your room. I take it they are filled with books?”
“That’s right,” Leo answers. “I hope you enjoy reading.”
Victor lets out a disgruntled groan, “Why is there so much reading?”
Leo looks over to Victor and pats his leg. “Don’t worry too much about it. I’m just having you read the important parts of the book. But make sure you find time to read what I give you.”
Victor looks down at the book and slumps over in his seat. “I hope I don’t need to read anymore tonight. My eyes are so tired.”
“I think you should be good for tonight’s lesson,” Leo mentions as he takes the book away from Victor. “But I hope you enjoy reading. Because as soon as we get through those boxes, more will come.”
Victor gives Leo a tired yet annoyed look. “How much reading is there for a warlock?”
Leo shrugs his shoulders. “Well, you’re an empath. Therefore, you can expect a lot of reading in your future. But something tells me you might pick up things quickly. At least, that’s what I was told about your mother and grandmother. Magic was practically natural to them.”
“Why does being an empath have anything to do with it?” Victor asks.
“It has everything to do with it,” Leo responds. “People of magic cannot become empaths, seers, or telepaths.”
“There are telepaths?” Victor asks with astonishment.
“There are, but they are rare. Empaths and seers are just as rare. You see, unlike specialties that are taught, abilities are natural. Unless you were born with an ability, it cannot be taught or reproduced,” Leo explains.
“You’re saying I was born an empath?” Victor asks.
Leo nods. “That’s correct. Remember at the restaurant? You saw the auras around you. Only empaths can see auras. Those who claim to see auras are merely projecting their own personal feelings onto that person. But empaths can see a person’s true aura. That’s why they are the best lie detectors.”
Victor scratches his chin as he wonders, “Wouldn’t telepaths be lie detectors too? Can’t they read minds?”
Leo shakes his head and explains, “Although it’s true that telepaths can read minds, some people of magic train themselves to trick telepaths with their thoughts. You can learn how to trick a telepath, but it’s more difficult to deceive an empath. Your aura never lies, no matter how much you try.”
“Can someone be empathic and telepathic, or have all three?” Victor inquires.
“I’ve heard it’s possible, but extremely rare. I haven’t met anyone with two or all three abilities,” Leo responds.
“Does Madame Jeanette have an ability?” Victor asks. “I have a feeling she does.”
“She’s a seer. And she’s the only seer I know. I thought I mentioned that to you.”
“You probably did, but I forgot. Have you known anyone who tried to learn an ability?” Victor wonders.
Leo ponders Victor’s inquiry. “I don’t know anyone who has tried. But I have heard of the outcome of those who did. Some have tried making spells, but because it’s all mental abilities, they went insane. We’re talking chained up and placed underground for everyone’s protection.”
“Should I be worried about going insane?” Victor worries.
“Nah, those born with an ability live a normal life,” Leo reassures. “But some do go a little mad initially because no one is around to teach them.”
“I don’t know anyone who is an empath. Should I be worried?” Victor asks.
Leo lets out a light snicker through his teeth. “You’ll be fine. You’re the third empath I know. Well, now know. There is nothing to worry about.”
Victor still feels uncertain but changes the topic to help distract his mind. “Tell me about these ‘Specialties’ I’m about to learn.”
Leo shifts in his seat to get a better look at Victor. “There are three levels of specialties: Basic, Medium, and Heavy.”
“Now, I hope you’re paying attention,” Leo suggests, watching Victor’s confused expression.
“Every person of magic has one, two, or sometimes all four Basic specialties. These specialties are Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. You can learn all four, but the more you learn, the harder it is to control each of them if you don’t continue your studies and practice a lot.
Like, a lot. It’s easy to create a fire tornado using Fire and Air, but lose control of it, and suddenly you’re on the evening news. ”
“Did that actually happen?” Victor inquires.
“Yes. Thankfully, it was contained before any real damage happened.”
“So, no Fire Tornadoes. Got it,” Victor notes to himself.
“Medium specialties are Light, Shadow, and Metal. It’s not common for someone to practice more than one, but it’s more common for someone who practices one Medium and one or all Basic.
For example, you can practice Air, Water, and Metal.
However, practicing with Air, Water, Metal, and Light is very difficult.
Medium specialties take up a lot of energy.
“Heavy Specialties are the most dangerous if not practiced properly. These are Tarot, Stellar, and Necromancy. Those who participate in Dark or Death Magic tend to abuse Tarot and Necromancy the most. Here’s the part I hope you are paying attention to.”
Victor holds up his hand as he comprehends what he was told. “Let me make sure I understand: Everyone who practices magic has at least one or more Basic. But it’s rare if they practice more than one Medium or Heavy,” Victor reiterates.
Leo nods in agreement. “Correct. The more specialties you practice, the more energy you use, which can become exhausting. However, for empaths like yourself and others with an ability, something about their ability allows them to excel in all specialties. We have yet to determine how this is possible since empaths are rare. It’s a reason why some fear empaths.
Some say it’s because empaths can absorb the energy of others, giving them an endless supply. ”
Victor sits back and tries to decipher what Leo has told him. “So, you’re telling me, I can be a powerful warlock?”
“That’s why Akisha fears you. And that’s why she worries that people like Magenta will try to convince you to join them and practice Dark Magic,” Leo replies.
“Is there any difference between Dark Magic and Death Magic?” Victor inquires.
“They are one and the same. It’s more of a generational thing. Younger people will say dark magic, but elders and superiors will say death magic. I think it’s mostly because the older generation saw death more.”
Victor looks out the window as they turn down a dark road. “I take it that I need to learn basic specialties before I practice the others.”
“You’re taking this very well for someone who just had their entire world turned upside-down,” Leo says, noticing how calm Victor is.
“I guess deep down, I’ve always known there was something different about me,” Victor tails off, gazing out the window.
Leo looks out the same window as Victor. “Looks like we’re here.”
The car pulls up to a warehouse. There isn’t much light around, which makes Victor a little nervous.
But as long as Leo’s with him, he feels safe.
Two muscular men in dark suits open the doors for Victor and Leo.
Victor fixes his blazer, walks around the car, and stands beside Leo.
The car drives off when a woman walks out of the warehouse.
The woman, dressed in a skintight black leather outfit and black high-heeled boots, greets them.
“Hello, Warlocks. Wizard Landring is waiting for you inside.” She turns to walk inside, and everyone follows.
She pushes a sliding door to the side with ease.
Inside, the center is well-lit, while all around, is dark.
Victor looks concerned as he looks around. “Is there a reason we need to be in an abandoned warehouse?” he asks Leo.
“Well, we can’t practice in the open where the mundane can see us,” Leo answers while walking further inside.
“Why didn’t we walk through a mirror to get here?” Victor ponders.
“Karl doesn’t like mirrors for some reason. Maybe it’s because he can’t stop looking at himself,” Leo jokes.
As they reach the center of the warehouse, they see a tall man standing rigidly in a military posture in the light.
He stands with his hands clasped behind his back, looking on with piercing blue eyes.
He’s wearing a dark green suit, a matching tie, and a light yellow shirt.
He keeps a neutral face as he watches Victor and Leo approach him.
The woman gestures to keep moving forward. “Empath Russo, please meet Wizard Karl Landring.”
Leo and Victor stop about six feet from Karl. “Wizard?” Leo asks. “Really, Karl? You’re introducing yourself as a Wizard now? And what’s with the fanfare?”
Victor looks confused as he sees Leo mocking Karl, but Karl doesn’t move. He starts to worry until he notices Karl’s orange and yellow aura.
Karl tries to keep his composure but loses it, revealing a cheerful expression towards Leo. “You son-of-bitch, I can’t keep my stoic demeanor around you. How the fuck are ya?” Karl pulls Leo in for a bear hug.
Leo pats Karl’s back as though he’s hugging too tightly. “I’m good. It’s been a hot minute since we last saw each other.”
Karl has a big grin as he looks at Victor. “The last time I saw this guy was when I made the mistake of marrying that whore of an ex-wife. That was what, almost eight years?” Karl releases Leo from his grip.