Page 25

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A few hours later, Mira trotted through the forest, following the map Ella had included. In the distance, she could hear someone playing guitar and people chatting. The warm glow of the fire illuminated the night—so different from the cold blue of a Wielder’s magic flames.

Some Casters sat on wooden benches around the crackling bonfire, and others stood and handed out drinks. It was difficult to miss Ella in her bright coat. She was talking to a man, and the way her eyes sparkled at him, Mira was reluctant to interrupt their chat. It had been a while since she’d seen Ella with someone. But the second Ella spotted Mira, she waved her over.

“Drink?” Ella asked, and offered Mira a mug of wine.

“Sure,” Mira responded, and instantly took a large sip, hoping the alcohol would help settle her nerves. She was convinced people were staring at her.

“Mira, this is Oliver.” Ella introduced the Caster before her.

The dark frame of his glasses stood out against his honey-blond hair. His shirt was several sizes too big.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” he said.

Before Mira could respond, Ella continued her introduction. “Oliver is in my shielding class. His redirection spell is fascinating. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

Oliver awkwardly scratched the back of his head and looked at the ground. But Ella wasn’t done gushing about his abilities just yet.

“It’s not just me saying it because he got the shielding apprenticeship with the council.”

Working for the White Magic section of the council was a distinct honor. The political center of magic, the council only gave out a few apprenticeships each year to the students with the utmost promise.

“I’m sure they will realize their error soon,” Oliver amended with a crooked smile.

“How are your classes?” Ella asked, and both of them stared at Mira.

She took another large sip of wine, unsure of how to answer. What was Oliver’s opinion of Wielders? Did he lose someone in the war?

Mira felt like a traitor with the Shadowflame. Would her parents be ashamed of her?

“It’s not very exciting since I don’t have any signifiers. The whole thing seems rather pointless.”

She watched a couple sitting by the fire, talking animatedly. They were shadowy figures against the flames. The young man reached his hand to the ground, and moments later, a green stem came from the earth and began to flower. He plucked the white daisy and handed it to the woman next to him.

Casters derived their powers from the elements, which is why Casters, unlike Wielders, could never run out of magic. Living in harmony with nature was one of White Magic’s highest rules.

“Have you had combat class yet?” Ella asked with that sparkle in her eyes that even the war hadn’t dimmed.

How was Ella able to move on with her life after everything? Mira was desperate to regain her old self, while it seemed to come effortlessly to her friend.

Talking about combat class in front of Oliver felt wrong. She gave a simple nod, but Ella’s curiosity wasn’t satiated.

“I was always so jealous of Wielders’ signifiers,” Ella sighed. “We have nothing remotely as exciting. Do you have a combat suit? Who is your training partner?”

“Another student.”

“Name? Preferably date of birth and number of signifiers.”

Mira coughed, hoping his name would be drowned out. “Dawson.”

Oliver almost dropped his beer bottle. “Aidric Dawson is your training partner? Why him?”

“Because I have no signifiers and he has five. It’s stupid.”

“Perfect reason not to pair you up with him. You should ask for someone else.”

Thank the spheres they didn’t know she was working with the Wielder on a secret murder investigation.