20. Information Delivery Service #3
Because Evergale wasn't using magic to keep Rishika safe, and Aaryn was talking herself into that very answer.
Aaryn's willingness to just accept all this information and move on to the next question was impressive. It surprised Thea, but maybe it shouldn't have.
Again, Thea's eyes were drawn to the scar on Starspark's throat, the way Aaryn leaned back into him, only for him to be there, instinctively.
They were part of each other. Thea stared at Aaryn again and imagined if she was forced to watch someone hurt her.
Her heart fell into her stomach at just the thought, fists clenched to an ache.
Thea would be out for blood.
Maybe Aaryn was too, in her own way.
"Magic is… everywhere. We call it the Hoard, and it's like the air we breathe.
Anyone can access it, if they are taught to—if such a thing wasn't forbidden.
This is the magic Evergale supposedly takes for the seal.
Since it is intangible, it is slightly weaker, and requires greater quantities of it to do what they want it to. "
Vaelen's gaze drifted to Starspark. "The Awakened have a tangible connection to the Hoard.
Through their dragons. This connection to the Hoard means magic comes easier, stronger to you.
And Evergale preys on that, twisting the rune to take it from you.
What they're using this magic for… is still unanswered.
There could be a deeper, more malicious answer. Or it could be simply… greed."
Aaryn's brows furrowed, as if she couldn't fathom it. "That's it? That's the big answer? They're selfish?"
Vaelen's smile made Thea think of those nights when she was young and sick and Vaelen watched over her. "Your bewilderment is how I know you belong here, Aaryn. You're a good person, one who Evergale has been taking advantage of for a long time."
"How do I stop it, then?" She held out her hand. "How do I undo this?"
Vaelen cupped both her hands around Aaryn's—her left with a mottled burn she wore proudly.
"You have to physically disrupt the rune.
A blade, or a burn. It is not easy, and it will hurt.
I want you to think about this before you decide to do so.
Please. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the circle.
Spend time with Thea and the other Awakened. "
"But I…" Aaryn trailed off, turning to look at Starspark, and then the dragons behind them, flying with their trained Awakened into the sky.
"I know. But you still have Starspark, and waiting doesn't weaken or hurt the connection you could have one day. Remember, you've been here for less than a day."
Aaryn blinked, and Thea too startled at that realization. It felt like days already. Like Aaryn had always belonged here, maybe.
"Settle in. Explore a little. And most of all, rest. Gather your thoughts. And come to me when you've made a decision."
"Has… has Carissa done this?" Aaryn asked, voice small.
"Not yet. She and Rolim are still on honeymoon," Vaelen said, shaking her head, braids swaying. "I hope they're staying out of trouble, but I think we all know they're not."
Amusement curled through Thea. She'd known Rolim for a long time, knew what a little shit he was, especially in druid scale instead of Evergale's metal armor.
She'd thought whatever fling he'd had at the time—sorry, Carissa—had made him tighten up.
Or maybe they'd just both been undercover and he'd had to act the part.
"Rolim left his rowdy tavern days behind, didn't he? " she asked.
"Carissa brings it back out of him," Vaelen countered, and offered them a wicked grin. "It's why I like her so much. Keeps him on his toes," she said, wagging a finger. "She'll begin her training when they return."
"Training?" Aaryn asked.
Vaelen nodded. "Yes, of course. Awakening your magic is one thing. Riding your dragon is another. And completely separate, but related nonetheless, is training your body properly for all of it."
"Like combat? I know some of the basics," Aaryn said, and Thea resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Of course.
"Oh, really? They're training Tethered in the art of combat now, are they?" Vaelen drawled.
Thea braced herself.
"The prince taught me," Aaryn said, though she sounded less proud about it in front of Vaelen.
Vaelen, who rarely faltered, paused. "Prince Jarrick?" she asked.
"Yes."
"That's… interesting." She seemed to sink into thought for a moment before shaking it away, and Thea paid attention, locking away the reaction to study later. "Alright, then. I'll leave it up to Thea to assess your progress. She's one of our most talented, you know."
Vaelen's sidelong glance dared her to argue, and Thea swallowed her retort, tamping down the warmth in her at the thought of going toe to toe with Aaryn. "…Sure," Thea agreed.
"So…" Thea began. "What do you want to see first?" Thea's entire home spread out before them and she didn't even know where to start.
"You're the one who lives here," Aaryn reminded her.
"I know that!" Thea hissed, and began walking. She felt Vaelen's amused stare, and chose to ignore it. "I didn't know if you wanted to start somewhere specific."
A dark blue dragon weaved his way through the maze, his Awakened cackling in delight on his back as they swooped over a bridge of branches in the Playground.
"We could stay here," Aaryn sighed wistfully. Starspark nudged her as if in agreement.
"The prince couldn't train you like this, could he?" Thea muttered, and caught an amused glance from Vaelen.