Chapter 9 #3
“Hm…” she pondered, nodding as she processed it all. “Have you ever killed one before?”
“Yes,” I answered too quickly, the memories flooding back unbidden. “Most of the others who snuck into the castle. The Tenebrae are sending in their weakest scouts. Probably because they know they will most likely be caught. They’re easy to kill without their big, bad weapon.”
Jane’s curiosity piqued, her gaze now intense as she asked, “What is their weapon? The one they drain planets with. How does it work?”
“We don’t know, unfortunately,” I admitted, exasperation creeping into my voice.
“It’s something those bastards have created with technology we simply don’t possess.
They carry it on their largest battleship and attack anything and anyone who dares approach.
We’ve been trying to send scouts on covert missions to catch a glimpse of it for ages, but they’ve all been shot down before they can get remotely close.
” I rubbed my forehead as an intense headache began to form.
“Truthfully, that’s all I’m allowed to know.
I’m not privy to any more details than that. It’s ‘classified.’”
My eyes rolled furiously at the ridiculousness of it all.
“Why aren’t you allowed to know ‘classified’ information? You’re the prince, aren’t you?” Jane replied, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“You’d think so, right?” I said, forcing a disingenuous chuckle that didn’t quite sound right. “But my father doesn’t like me very much.”
The corner of her mouth quirked up for the first time since I’d seen her that morning. “Well, he’s a prick,” she stated matter-of-factly.
An unintentional laugh escaped me as I ran my hand through my unkempt hair.
“I don’t think he likes me much either,” she joked. “We could form a club.”
For the first time, I found myself genuinely smiling at her. No jesting, no teasing, just a moment of real happiness enveloping me.
“Perfect,” I said.
A smile broke through her depressive exterior, and I felt a strange pang in my chest.
I stood up from the chaise and approached the door. “I’ll give you a minute, but get dressed. We have work to do.”
“Glade?” her tone shifted as if something important was about to emerge. “When you stopped the Tenebranian from…hurting me…I saw a bright flash. Was that your Source Light?”
I hesitated, considering her words. Earthlings couldn’t access Amantius’ Light, so I wondered if this was the first time she had witnessed it harnessed. Luckily, I hadn’t harmed her—only blasted the Tenebrae—but if I’d been just a few inches to the right, things could have been a lot worse.
Think with your brains, Glade. Think.
I clasped my hands together in front of me and stated proudly, “Yes. That was my Light.”
“You can harness Source Light?” she asked, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. How little she truly knew.
I chuckled, allowing a smirk to tug at the corner of my mouth. “Yes. Yes, I can.”
“What does it manifest as?” She leaned forward, curiosity beaming from her now dry hazel eyes.
“Source Light manifests differently for everyone. Most people can harness at least lesser amounts of it, but some individuals can wield the Light in much more…significant ways.”
“Like healing!” she exclaimed, infectiously cheerful.
“Yes, like healing.” Her reaction reminded me of a pure and innocent child discovering the wonders of the universe.
“My Source Light manifests as raw energy and is quite powerful.” One of the most powerful in the realm, I thought, but I kept that to myself.
“I can use it as a weapon, as long as it’s with good intention and will, of course.
I harness my power with the intention of protecting others and keeping Ornath safe. ”
Amazement filled her eyes, and I continued, “Depending on the individual, when you absorb Source Light into your body, you can hold a certain amount for a specific time. I can harbour quite a bit for a great deal of time. I don’t recharge very often. Just once in a while. I probably should more.”
Jane appeared fascinated, soaking in the information I shared. Inspired, I decided to give her a demonstration. Lifting my right hand, palm facing the sky, I summoned my Light.
The miniature orb of golden yellow danced merrily in my grip, bobbing unhurriedly but never leaving my palm.
Jane nearly tripped over the mat as she rushed to meet me at the doorway. Once she was just inches away, she leaned in close, her gaze fixated on the ball of Light. The glow reflected off the auburn tones in her hair, illuminating her like a star.
“Teach me,” she demanded as she moved even closer.
I flinched at her boldness. “What?”
“Teach me,” she repeated, determination radiating from her.
“I don’t think that is a good idea,” I said firmly, although I knew my own words to be false.
Her face was within inches of my own as she insisted, “To hell with combat training. Practicing combat stances will take me nowhere and you know it. If I must go against those…things…I need to be properly prepared. I need to be able to defend myself.”
The logic was sound. If it were up to me, we would have begun training her from day one. But it wasn’t up to me because I was unworthy of making such decisions.
“Please, Glade. Please. It’s my only chance. I swear I’ll keep putting in good words about you to the king,” she desperately pleaded, peering into my eyes with the utmost sincerity.
You have always been an impulsive fool!
My father’s voice rang in my head, and the sting of his words cut like a knife.
Fuck it.