I stopped in my tracks. “I don’t want my power,” I said softly, hoping that continuing the conversation could aid in calming the tightness that prevented my lungs from expanding properly.
Sebastian stopped as well and turned towards me. “Why not?” he asked, confusion painted on his face with his furrowed brows.
I tried to find the right words to describe my feelings, but so many thoughts were screaming in the back of my head that it was difficult to even speak. “I just don't.” I intertwined my fingers behind my back, looking down at the stones beneath my feet.
Sebastian’s boots scuffed against the rock as he stepped towards me. “Tell me.”
I kicked a pebble off the cliffside to my left and watched itplummet to the sand below. “I compelled Pia’s mind, and I didn’t even know I was doing it.”
“That was the first time you manifested your power. It won't always be like that.”
“I could hurt someone.” A tear that had threatened to break free, succeeded. I wiped it away quickly with the back of my hand, hoping that he didn't notice, but he did.
“Hey, hey.” Sebastian put his hands on my shoulders. His touch was gentle on my skin, the contact bringing me a sensation of comfort.
“You won’t hurt anyone unless you want to.” He smirked.
A tight laugh released from my chest.
I was beginning to consider thatmaybePia was right about Sebastian. Just a few days ago, I would have screamed at him for laying a finger on me—but today, I daydreamed about his arms.
“Okay?” he asked, squeezing my shoulder gently.
I nodded in acceptance of his words, then his arms fell to his sides and we continued up the pathway.
Professor Stoll was just making his exit when Sebastian and I arrived, leaving the two of us alone with King Hawthorne. His hands were folded on the top of his desk while he studied the map under his fists, completely ignoring my presence in the chair across from him.
Sebastian stood, arms crossed in his usual pose against the door.Should one of us say something? I mouthed to him, but he bowed his head, shaking it subtly.
As if the king could read our minds, he looked up from the map, planting his gaze on the wound on my face. “I heard you had it out with Mr. Sinclair during combat training the other day?”
My face contorted in confusion. This was certainly not what I thought he'd be wanting to discuss with me. “Uhm…yes, sir, that is correct.”
King Hawthorne let out a deep sigh, then pushed off fromhis desk and took a step towards Sebastian. “I was under the impression that you were supposed to be protecting her.”
Sebastian straightened his torso. “Yes, Father, and I am doing as you instructed,” he responded coldly.
“If you are doing as you say, then why does Caelestis’ greatest treasure have a gaping wound on her face?” he snarled at his son, a vein popping out on his neck.
Gapingwas a stretch to say the least. “It's really not that bad,” I chimed in, but the glance I got from Sebastian was enough of a warning for me to shut my mouth.
Sebastian did not so much as flinch. “Sinclair’s actions were unwarranted, and the situation has been handled.”
My jaw tightened. So Sebastianwasthe reason why Sawyer had a black eye.
“Was there a reason that Mr. Sinclair felt the need to brutalize Miss Willawood?”
I gulped.Yes. I had been an ass to his best friend.
“I do not believe so. He picked a random first year and it just so happened to be Maeve.”
That’s a lie.
King Hawthorne glared at his son. “That should have never happened,” he spat. “Do I need to bring the duke into this?”
“No,” Sebastian hissed back.
“I expect you have learned from this and will do better?”
