I’m riding a high for the rest of the day that rolls over into the next. Not only was I able to easily reach my magic, demonstrating everything I’ve learned with Becks—without blowing anything up or setting the forest on fire—but with Talon’s help I was also able to tap into some other magic I never had before. I open a bud on an oak tree, revealing I have an affinity for earth magic, and also am able to create a weak gust of wind.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say that Talon is a better teacher than Becks, but his insight is different, which is what helps me unlock these other aspects of my magic.
I’m a little worried Becks will be upset that I was able to do so much with Talon’s help, but after I make the bud open, there’s nothing but pride in his gaze.
Training the next day goes equally as well. My parents and Locklyn don’t tag along this time, which takes some of the pressure off, and I learn even more. I’m starting to feel like I’m making headway, which bolsters my confidence.
Things are finally looking up.
My magic is developing. Most of the time, when I try to sneak a glance at Becks, I find him gazing back at me, making me think he’s feeling what’s between us as strongly as I am. Even the weather is finally cooperating. It’s warmed up a touch, chasing away the frigid early freeze that’s been upon us since we got to the cabin, and even melting some of the snow.
The sun is out, the air is fresh, and life couldn’t be better.
That is, if an evil demon wasn’t hunting me, intent on sucking me dry so it can take over the world.
Besides that, everything is peachy, which is why when Talon pulls us all together later that evening to talk about our situation, it doesn’t faze me.
My eyes widen when Talon pushes on the wall across from my room and a door pops open.
The door is camouflaged. “Wait, are you telling me this room has been here the whole time?”
Talon looks amused as I enter with everyone else.
It feels a little like stepping into a command center. In the windowless room are computers and monitors, two desks, along with a table for all of us to sit around. Talon gestures that we should take a seat at the table.
“What is this place?” I ask when we’re seated.
“Surveillance room,” Talon answers. He flicks some switches and the monitors come to life, showing video of the area around the cabin.
I’m not sure whether to be impressed or think Talon’s a little paranoid. I glance at Becks, and he just smirks and says, “Secret society, remember?”
Right. Talon was raised in the Arcane Society. Trained to prepare for anything and everything. I’m not complaining, his preparations probably saved my life. I’m just surprised by how deep that instinct runs.
“Why are we meeting like this?” my mom asks.
“We need to decide on next steps,” Talon says. “This cabin is safe for now, but it’s only a temporary solution. We all can’t live here forever. Sooner or later, that demon will find us, and I’d rather have a plan before then.”
“Agreed,” Becks says next to me, and Locklyn nods from her place next to Talon.
“So, what are we going to do?” I ask, and the room falls silent.
“The problem we have right now is limited information,” Talon finally says. “There’s only so much we know about this demon. We know it wants Haven and what its ultimate plan is. We know that it’s using humans as vessels, but not much more than that.” He pauses, and I get a feeling I’m not going to like what he’s going to say next. “I think in order to come out of this alive, we’re going to have to go on the offensive. But until we know some of the demon’s weaknesses, that would be suicide.”
“I agree about the suicide part,” I say, while my parents exchange a concerned look.
Becks leans forward. “We need more information. How do you propose we get it?”
“It’s a risk, but the Order?—”
“No!” my dad erupts as soon as the word is out of Talon’s mouth. “Absolutely not. I will not work with that organization.” He looks close to jumping out of his chair, and I worry about him because he’s still recovering.
Locklyn, who’s sitting closer to him than me, reaches over and pats him on the arm and then takes his hand. “Don’t worry, Dad. We’re not going to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
“We’ll figure something else out. Right, Talon?” she asks, looking at her husband.
Talon nods, understanding in his eyes. “Yes, of course. It was just an idea. We’ll figure out how to find the information another way.”
My dad visibly relaxes, leaning back in his seat with a relieved sigh as he smiles at Locklyn.
