12. Evelyn
12
Evelyn
T he next few days passed in a blur of practice and frustration.
Rafe, as always, was patient. Yet my struggle to control my wings and fire powers left me feeling increasingly impatient.
We sat cross-legged on the floor of Alister’s gym.
Yes, a gym!
We’d moved from the living room to accommodate the need for more space. It was equipped with everything imaginable, including a large area that resembled a dance studio.
Somehow, I didn’t think Alister was the type to do those viral supernatural dance challenges, but I still knew so little about him.
Positioned opposite Rafe, I struggled to ignore my twitching wings and focus on his instructions. His white t-shirt was loose but I could see the outline of his sculpted torso. When I realized I was staring, I quickly averted my gaze, hoping he hadn’t noticed.
“Breathe, Evelyn,” he said soothingly. “Close your eyes. Your new powers are like tree branches—distinct yet part of your core.”
I inhaled deeply, letting his words sink in. Closing my eyes, the scent of him—a mix of sweet apple pie and something uniquely Rafe—filled my senses, making me remember our kiss. I pushed away the memory, forcing myself to stay focused.
Slowly, I reached out with my mind, trying to feel the different threads of the new magic within me. My core magic hummed happily, but I didn’t want to disturb it. I knew I still couldn’t use this part of me or I would risk depleting my life force. I delved further into the hidden branches that were always present but previously unknown to me. It was like grasping at smoke, but with each attempt, I grew a little more confident.
“Don’t force it,” Rafe continued. “Don’t tense against it. Breathe into it. They are an extension of who you are.”
I exhaled slowly, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders. The branches of magic became clearer—a flicker of fire, a whisper of wind, the solidity of earth, and the crackling of something ominous, reminding me of the clawed monster I almost turned into when the venom freed my powers.
We were definitely not touching that one ever again!
Each one pulsed with its unique rhythm, waiting for me to understand and control them.
As the days went on, I grew better at reaching for those branches, allowing them to merge fully with my being. I could feel the magic settling within me, becoming a part of who I was rather than something foreign and wild.
“You’re getting better,” Rafe said one afternoon as we finished another session. “By Yuletide, you’ll be able to keep your wings from sprouting or igniting.”
I nodded with a proud smile. “I couldn’t have done it without you. You’re an amazing teacher.”
Rafe smiled tenderly and tapped my head.
A wave of heat rushed to my head and made my cheeks burn.
Teaching Lucien was another saga entirely—his attitude made him a challenging student, with zero patience for the slow process of learning to block intrusions.
“Focus, Lucien,” I said for what felt like the hundredth time that day. “You need to clear your mind.”
“I am,” he retorted sharply. “This is absurd.”
I bit back a smile, secretly enjoying seeing him struggle with something for once. It was retribution for all the times he’d told me to “try harder” when I couldn’t suppress my wings.
“Perhaps you should call me professor during our sessions?”
His glare intensified. “Not happening. Besides, you’ll be calling me professor during the extra credit classes and next term,” he said.
I frowned. “Next term? Why?”
“You’ve been accepted into advanced potions,” he smirked triumphantly.
I groaned. “What? That’s impossible!”
“You got straight A’s in basic, and your final project impressed the board.”
A frustrated groan escaped me. “That’s because your brother is a great partner, not because I have talent! I’m not calling you professor,” I huffed.
“You’ll have to.” He grinned.
“Well, considering you’ve seen me naked about a hundred times and practically the inside of my vagina, I think we can compromise, no?”
“For fuck’s sake, Evelyn, don’t remind me,” he groaned.
Yeah, it was fun…not.