Talon comes up behind Becks. “And I want to take a look at how far you’ve gotten. If you have any other types of magic, I might be able to help bring it out. I have experience in most of the different specialties from when I was bonded with Shadow Striker.”
Becks told me all about that, how Talon was its wielder before Locklyn technically won Chaos. And then how all of Talon’s borrowed magic slowly started to transfer to her. It almost killed him, but they were able to sever their tie and the destroyed dagger before that happened.
I nod. It couldn’t hurt.
Talon looks thoughtful. “It would help if we knew what type of creature you were though. You really have no idea?”
Suddenly, the pancakes feel heavy in my gut. I don’t dare peek at my mom. She and my dad are the only ones who know the truth besides myself.
I shake my head.
“Hmm. Pity,” Talon says. “If we knew your creature species, that would help us narrow down which magic you might have access to.”
“Yep, it’s a mystery,” I say, my stomach souring further.
“Well . . .” my mom cuts in with a short laugh that’s clearly forced. Hopefully no one notices but me. “I wouldn’t mind watching this as well. The only times I’ve seen Haven use her magic, something usually blows up.”
I duck my head, my cheeks heating. What Talon and Becks must think of me, being an adult and knowing so little about my magic and how to control it.
“She’s learned a lot in a short period of time,” Becks says. “She’s been picking things up surprisingly fast. I’ve been really impressed.”
When I lift my gaze, it connects with him and a warm feeling settles over me. I hope he can read the “thank you” in my eyes.
When he smiles softly, I know he understands.
“What are you impressed about?” comes a voice from the direction of the front door. When I look over, Locklyn and my dad are there, shrugging out of snow-dusted outer layers.
When Becks explains, Locklyn’s eyes light up. “I want to come too!”
My dad agrees, and I flick a panicked look at Becks.
Now I’m going to be a spectacle. What if I forget everything I’ve learned?
“Why doesn’t everyone give Haven and me a half-hour start. Let’s get her magic warmed up a bit first.”
My relief is instant. He knows exactly what I need.
I stare at him in appreciation, pretty sure my eyes are giving off full heart-eyes energy.
Could he be more perfect?
Fifteen minutes later, Becks and I are trekking through the snow to one of our usual training spots. We picked a closer one today so that it won’t exhaust my dad when they come out to meet us. Talon knows the location. Becks showed it to him this morning when they did their perimeter check.
We’re only just out of sight of the cabin when Becks’ hand brushes against my glove. I glance down, butterflies fluttering, when he takes it in his.
“Is this okay?” he asks, almost shyly.
“Yes, it’s fine,” I say, working hard not to grin like an idiot.
I only wish I hadn’t worn gloves so that I could feel the press of his palm against mine, but even through the bulky fabric, his heat reaches me.
We walk in silence for a few minutes, the crunch of snow beneath our boots and the steady thrum of my heartbeat in my ears the only sounds. A gentle snowfall drifts around us, wrapping the world in quiet. When I glance up, I catch Becks watching me.
“What?” I ask with a smile.
“You have snowflakes on your eyelashes.”
“So do you.”
