“Thanks,” I mumbled, trying to pinpoint any part of me that felt weak from using my powers. So far I felt fine.
“Ready to try something else?”
“No, but sure. Any ideas?”
“Whatever you want.”
My shoulders slouched. “I hate when you say that. The free range stresses me out.”
“It's fine, I trust you.”
I sighed, but focused on my powers again. I didn't need to, but closed my eyes while I thought about Blythe and how she chosemeto give a fragment of her soul to. Though I may have felt weak, the stones on my face were enough proof that I wasn't. I had a goddess within me.
My command played on repeat in my mind before I spoke it into existence. “Run a lap around the arena.”
My eyelids flipped open to watch Sebastian take off running. This command was difficult because I had to maintain my focus on it the entire time, and the arena was large.
His leg muscles rippled as he ran. His biceps tightened and released with the movements of his arms, and I bit my lip as I watched him. How did he make something so simple look so appealing?
He was almost finished with the lap, but my magic slipped as I became more focused on how his arms would feel holding me down against his mattress.
“Shit,” I muttered, flustered.
“It's okay.” His breathing was labored as he leisuredtowards me. “I could feel when the pull of your magic broke. But that was a good start. Try it again.”
I kept my eyes closed this time and was able to hold my control over him for the entire lap.
“Nice. Let's take a break for a minute. I need some water,” Sebastian said as he made for his bag.
I bent down to tighten my shoelaces, and when I stood up, my head started to spin. I braced my hands against my thighs, pushing myself upright as my vision blurred and my whole figure wobbled. I blinked through the dizziness and tried to find my center of gravity, praying Sebastian didn't notice.
“You good?” he called out to me.
Gods damnit.
How was he so observant?
“I'm fine!” I yelled back over my shoulder, the words slightly slurred.
Get it together, Maeve.
I tucked my hands into my pockets so he wouldn't notice them shake, then returned to my spot on the mat, keeping my mouth shut about what just happened.
“That went pretty well, so I'm thinking we should try something a little harder,” he said.
Great.
“Sounds good,” I lied. “What are you thinking?”
“How about trying to compel me to use my magic? I know you stopped Pia from using hers, but I would think controlling someone to use theirs would be more challenging.”
I didn't blink. He had to be joking. That was way too much for me after what just happened.
He stared back, waiting for my answer.
“Seriously?”
“Why not?”
