Page 7 of Heart of the Villain

Marlena was too frazzled to speak, stuck inside her own head, where all she could hear was the screaming of her terror.

“Come,” Arlet wheezed, grabbing Marlena by the hand and dragging her out of the crowded room where they’d become the center of attention.

As they ran, Marlena began to sort through all the scenarios that could have happened…

Did Vega get hurt while practicing skills?

Was she in trouble?

Vega wasn’t only her sister—she was her best friend. Marlena would fight, kill, and maim for her. The wind soared through her fingers, the trees of the courtyard leaning from the burst of Marlena’s fear.

“Marlena, control yourself.” Her mother’s lessons were always there to remind Marlena when she wasn’t acting the way she was supposed to. She wasn’t acting like a leader, like a lady.

Right now, she didn’t give a fuck about her mother or being a lady.

Her wind soared high above the buildings of their school, mixing with the natural breeze of Stella’s mountains. Marlena felt the wind change, working against her own. It was a sensation she only ever felt when another air wielder was manipulating at the same time.

It could be any number of students. Air control wasn’t uncommon, but there was something new about this power. She could feel it in the whispers of the wind.

Marlena ran faster, letting go of Arlet’s hand. She didn’t look back when Arlet called after her. She didn’t slow her pace. She let her wind catch her strides and push her faster, further, until Arlet was too far behind to hear.

The practice field came into view, and in the center stood Vega, surrounded by a crowd. Her dark hair stuck to her sweaty skin, wild and windblown, flowing over her shoulders with a gust of her newfound wind.

Vega’s fingers wiggled, her teeth gritting, and her face turned a shade of red Marlena had only seen when Vega struggled with the control of her lightning—the lightning she’d only just begun to have access to.

The lightning that was no longer her only power.

Marlena inhaled a sharp breath, filling her lungs with a fresh breath of air as she came to a stop outside of the circle of faculty. No one paid attention to her, their eyes still stuck on her sister. It wasn’t until Marlena shoved her way through that they took notice of her, earning a couple scoldings as they tried to pull her out of the training ring.

“Get your hands off me,” she growled, her lip curling in the corner. Professor Cato scoffed, reaching for her again, but Marlena was gone, disappearing from everyone’s view, not allowing anyone else to lay a hand on her.

Marlena didn’t like being touched.

When she reappeared, she stood in front of Vega, her hands resting on her sister’s clammy cheeks. “Vega.”

Vega’s eyes shot open, and Marlena beheld the same eyes she saw when she looked in a mirror. Vega’s were filmy, a clear sign of burnout, and her skin felt like a freshly lit flame. Marlena felt the thrum of the electric current under Vega’s skin.

“You’re burning out, Vega. You need to stop.” Marlena pushed the hair out of her face. “Take a breath.”

Vega listened, her chest rising and falling too quickly.

“Again,” Marlena ordered softly.

Wind whipped around them in a fury, scattering leaves across the open field. “Marlena,” a voice growled from behind—a voice she knew without having to look.

Marlena hadn’t noticed him when approaching the circle… but of course he’s here. Of course he showed up to see Vega’s new ability. She didn’t turn around. She didn’t take her focus off Vega. “She’s going to hurt herself, Father.” Marlena grazed a thumb over Vega’s pink cheeks. “Take another breath.” Her voice was light as a breeze.

Vega did as she was told and then wrapped her hands around Marlena’s wrists for support as she took another few inhales.

“Good,” Marlena cooed at the same time Jonan ripped her hands from Vega’s face, pushing his eldest daughter back with a gust of his own wind.

Vega stumbled when their hold was broken, stealing the leverage she needed to stay upright. Her knees hit the dirt, and a squeak of pain escaped her lips.

Marlena lunged for her but hit a wall of air so solid it knocked her down too.

Jonan stood above his daughters but only reached out to help one up. Vega extended her hand, letting him lift her back to her feet.

Marlena watched from the ground as Jonan wrapped his arms around Vega, whispering into her ear loud enough for Marlena to hear. “I am so proud of you, my strong girl. You’re spectacular.” He pressed a kiss to her temple and pulled her into his side. “Let’s get you home so you can rest.” He glanced over his shoulder as he turned to leave. “Back to class, Marlena.” Jonan glared, and Marlena knew her punishment for interfering today would come later. Horrible images of previous beatings flashed in her head.