“Hmmm,” Ignatius says, frowning. “I am sure you’ve heard that time isn’t linear, and The Plain doesn’t flow in a single direction, yes?”
Grayson nods.
“The dreams aren’t always historical—that’s true.”
“Hmmm,” the Magister says again. “That’s a Time Affinity, or at least a strong Talent. More advanced than my tests allowed for today, but still a manifestation of Time, in my humble opinion.”
The Magister meets Nimue’s eyes over the table, both with a frown replacing their previously excited expressions.
Finn wants to ask why when the Magister claps his hands again.
“Let’s schedule another meeting when Luminary Travers, our Teleportation specialist, can join us. I will make a few discrete inquiries about your dreams as well. My dear friend and Luminary, Tempest, can be trusted to—well, you leave it with me. Don’t you agree, Nimue?”
“I do. I have also heard from my German contact regarding Traveling, and they are very interested in a video conference as well. Erleuchtete Selinde is eager to meet a fellow Traveler.” She smiles reassuringly.
“I am thrilled to have met you, Grayson. My goodness, I only wish your training could continue here. In all my years, I’ve never tested a student who resulted in four Affinities and several other Talents. It bears the question as to why, of course. Is it your soulmate? Is it because you are Were? Perhaps it contributed to manifesting your magic later in life. Why, why, why.”
Red-faced and self-conscious is a lovely look on Grayson, and he’s holding out a hand to Finn and Leo behind his back, silently seeking comfort. Leo and Finn step over the purple line in an instant, so Leo can offer moral support with a hand on Grayson’s lower back.
“I don’t know if that’s possible,” Grayson says.
“My pack is only here temporarily, and we have a few things we are working through…can I speak with them and let you know?”
Ignatius frowns in confusion.
“Oh, well…certainly. But please understand, Grayson, we only wish to help you control your burgeoning powers. As I understand it, you have only had access for less than six months? You have a fully formed soul and probably complete access to the entire spectrum of The Plain. You must learn how to control your magic.”
That’s the crux of it.
Magic is a big part of their lives now, and given its implications for Grayson’s and Nix’s health, Finn has to agree it is a priority. That Grayson wanted to talk about it as a family—when he clearly wanted to study here—makes Finn happy.
But train, he must—he can’t be running around Clearwater or Nashville without some rein on his powers.
Nimue takes Grayson’s hand in hers.
“We can discuss it after you’ve spoken to your mates, of course. Did you have any questions for us?”
“Oh yes, let’s sit, and I will order refreshments. Please, sit while I call the kitchens.” Ignatius picks up his ancient office phone and orders tea.
Once it’s been delivered, they resume their previous positions around the coffee and pastries while Grayson asks questions about magical history and some of the other Affinities he has been tested for—even though they hadn’t noticed.
“Excellent question, my boy. As I mentioned, there are twelve. Aldis hasn’t paid you any mind, which rules out the Zoëlexis, or Animal Affinity.”
And Grayson certainly hasn’t had Tsuki or the cats following him around like the Pied Piper of Nashville—although Rowan has, once or twice.
“Also, my clouds haven’t let loose their small rain shower, so that precludes Water Affinity or a Weather Talent,” Ignatius mutters and folds an entire shortbread cookie into his mouth, crumbs landing in his beard.
“The last two Affinities on the list are Illusion—”
“Like the security guard, Hank?” Grayson asks.
“Yes, Hank! He’s the master of large-scale manifestations that can be palpable. Thrilling. Good soul is our Hank.”
“And the last?” It’s Finn’s turn to ask.
“Ah,” Ignatius sighs. “Mental Manipulation.”
“That sounds bad,” Leo mutters and eats another cookie.
