Bas's lips curved into a small smile. "I'm glad you had a positive reaction. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to speak with you privately for a moment."
Chad glanced at Brianna, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Of course," he said, following Bas to a quiet corner of the room.
Once they were alone, Bas turned to face him, her expression serious. "Chad, I understand your abilities have been developing rapidly. Brianna told me about the incident with your voice."
Chad felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. "Yes, that's right. I didn't mean to freeze Brianna like that. It just... happened."
Bas nodded, her expression unreadable. "Spontaneous manifestations of power are not uncommon as abilities develop. However, the rate at which your powers are growing is... unusual. I'd like to run some tests, if you're willing."
Chad hesitated, unsure of what these "tests" might entail. "What kind of tests?"
"Nothing invasive," Bas assured him. "Mostly exercises to gauge the extent and control of your abilities. It's for your own safety, as well as ours. Unchecked power can be dangerous, Chad."
Chad nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Alright. When do you want to do these tests?"
"We can start tomorrow," Bas said.
Brianna had catapultedherself into the future by opening the portal in her suite. She had to concentrate on a specific time in the future, within the two-to-three-year window, and wherever Chad might be, but without his being able to catch her in the act. She thought about the funeral… possibly Professor Emerson’s funeral, and transported herself into the back of the church. Luckily, she had been wearing black for the Imbolc ritual anyway, so she didn’t even have to change her clothes.
Brianna materialized in the back of a dimly lit church, the air heavy with the scent of incense and flowers. She blinked, adjusting to her surroundings, and scanned the rows of pews filled with mourners. Her heart clenched as she spotted Chad sitting near the front, his shoulders slumped, and his head bowed.
She crept closer, careful to stay out of sight, and positioned herself behind a large floral arrangement. From here, she could observe Chad without being noticed.
The service was somber and touching, with several speakers sharing memories of Professor Emerson. Brianna watched Chad closely, noting how he seemed older somehow. It was not just his appearance, but also the way he carried himself. There was a gravitas to him that hadn't been there before.
But perhaps the weirdest thing was seeing herself, right next to Chad, holding his hand, even when the service concluded, and people began to file out of the church. Brianna shrank back, waiting and hoping no one would notice her, or if they did, they would think that perhaps Chad’s girlfriend had an identical twin.
As the mourners filed out of the church, Brianna carefully made her way closer to where Chad and her future self stood, trying to overhear their conversation without being noticed.
"Are you sure you're up for this?" Future Brianna asked Chad softly, squeezing his hand.
Chad nodded, his expression resolute despite the evident grief. "I have to be. Emerson knew this day was coming. He prepared me as best he could. Now it's up to me to carry on his work."
"The Aether Pirates won't wait long," Future Brianna warned. "With Emerson gone, they'll see this as their chance to strike."
Chad's jaw tightened. "Let them try. I'm ready for them."
Brianna felt mixed emotions at the cold determination in Chad's voice. This was a very different Chad from the one she knew. He was harder and more resolute. She wondered what had happened over the past three years to change him so dramatically.
As Chad and Future Brianna moved towards the exit, Present Brianna carefully followed at a distance, slipping out of thechurch behind them. Outside, she watched as they got into a sleek black convertible, Chad taking the driver's seat.
Making a split-second decision, Brianna muttered a quick cloaking spell and hurried to the car, managing to vault into the backseat just as Chad started the engine. It was risky, but she needed to learn more about what was going on.
As they drove through the city, Brianna listened intently to their conversation.
"The library’s defenses are holding for now," Future Brianna was saying, "but the Aether Pirates are getting more aggressive. That last attack nearly breached the wards."
Chad nodded grimly. "We'll need to reinforce them. I've been working on some new protective incantations that might help."
"And what about the anomalies?" Future Brianna asked, her voice laced with concern. "They're getting worse, aren't they?"
Chad's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Yes. The temporal disturbances are increasing in frequency and intensity. It's like the fabric of reality itself is starting to unravel."
Brianna felt her heart sink at these words. The situation seemed far more dire than she had imagined.
"Do you need a break? I’m sure Bas and the L.A.W. witches can hold them at bay while you rest a bit. You won’t do anyone any good if you burn out.”
Chad shook his head, his expression resolute. "No time for rest. The Aether Pirates won't wait, and neither will these anomalies. I have to keep pushing forward."
