“Sorry!” He bowed at the waist. “I’m Marcus. It is very nice to meet you.”
Bowing? What the heck– am I supposed to curtsey or something? I quickly elected to nod. Nodding is always a good fallback.
“So, if you’re here to learn about what you want to learn–” he straightened up “–that is a large task indeed!” Marcus grinned, and joined me in facing the books.
I blushed again.
“How advanced are you already?” he asked.
While the question sparked a short flash of panic, it thankfully made my stomach an unsuitable environment for butterflies.
“I’ll need to start with the most basic classes first.” I shrugged, grinding the toe of my borrowed boot into the stone floor.
Marcus blinked twice, but continued to light up the room with his dimples. I’m noticing dimples now? Dear lord.
“Well, if you’re starting from the beginning then it may be best to first dive into ‘The Source of Magic’ and ‘Spell Casting’.” He strode over to a nearby shelf, and carefully selected two leather bound books. “Both classes are offered this semester and give a very solid basis for understanding what it means to be a magic-kind.” He handed them to me, both titled in shimmering gold script.
“How do you know I’m a magic user, and not say, a werewolf?” I raised an eyebrow.
Marcus shoved his hands back into his pockets. I turned towards him fully, keen to know his answer.
“You’ll have to forgive me, but it’s incredibly obvious,” he said to the ceiling. “By obvious I mean it is almost literally blinding.” His eyes flicked back down to mine. “Your magical aura is one of the brightest I have seen–” his gaze drifted away again “–in a long time.”
I looked down at my body, furrowing my brow. Right, someone is going to have to explain this to me sooner rather than later.
“What’s wrong?” Marcus asked.
“You’re the second person to say that to me.” I hugged the books tighter to my chest. “And I’m not sure how I feel about it.”
“Hey, having a bright aura is nothing to be ashamed of.” Marcus crossed his arms. “Particularly one like yours. You must be able to draw a lot of power from your element.”
Ah, so my aura has something to do with my power? I opened my mouth to ask Marcus, but my logic-bone prevented me. Probably best not to blab around to strangers how little I know about magic.
“It’s just that it’s been getting me some unwanted attention from the vampires on campus,” I said instead.
Marcus’s smile vanished, and he turned away. “Ah yes, I suppose you would.”
Wait, he can see my glow without having to close his eyes like Midwood did? “You’re a vampire, aren’t you?” I asked. “That’s why you can see my aura?”
Marcus glanced at me through the corner of his eyes, and then away. “Yes, I am.”
I rolled my shoulders, shaking out my hands. Am I ever going to get used to this? “So why do the other vampires look at me like a piece of candy, and you seem…”
“Normal?” he finished. Spot on once more.
“I was trying think to think of a different word. But yes.”
“I’m old enough to enjoy sitting in the sun.” Marcus tilted his face up. “Unlike the young ones.”
What does a calm face look like again? I need to put one on. He’s a real proper vampire!
“So your glow as you put it,” he said, facing me again, “isn’t as distracting to me as it would be for them.”
But it still must be a little distracting. Crap, the butterflies were back. Or maybe they’re bats?
“If you’re getting unwanted attention–” he rubbed his arm “–why don’t you mask your aura?”
I set out to inspect the tops of my, er Rowan’s, shoes. Don’t admit you don’t know anything about magic, you don’t know who you can trust yet.
“To be honest, I only discovered that this supernatural stuff exists maybe twelve hours ago.” I sighed internally. Good one, Nyminia.
Marcus jerked his head back, and stayed silent a moment before his face broke out in a handsome grin.
“You took the whole ‘I’m a vampire’ thing really well for someone who didn’t know my kind existed until yesterday.” He winked.
“I’m screaming on the inside.” I shrugged. That’s not a lie.
Marcus chuckled, and I let my half smile blossom into a full one. I stood in the multi colored light which filtered through the stained glass above, admiring the violet and blue hues it cast on my skin. If I can manage to continue to keep my cool, I might just get through this.
“I can teach you how to do it.” Marcus’s voice climbed an octave. “If you like. It’s fairly simple.”
Is he nervous? Marcus held my eye contact. He’s probably a very nice vampire person who is kind and helpful to everyone. Right?
“I would really appreciate that, thank you,” I said, eyelashes fluttering in a very un-Nyminia way.
Marcus’s warm smile grew.
“Great!” he said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s head outside onto the grass, that’ll give us plenty of space.” Gesturing towards the exit, Marcus led me outside, holding the large glass door open on our way out. We walked next to each other, the warm afternoon breeze playing through my hair. I shifted the heavy books in my grasp as we walked towards an open grassy patch. Looking around, I noted we were quite a distance away from the other students who were lounging in the sun. Placing my books softly on the grass, I decided to try some small talk.
“So, you’re the library vamp?” I clasped my hands over my mouth, hoping there was a slim chance of stuffing them back in. Turning to Marcus, I expected a frown, and instead I found him doubled over, caught up in a laugh that sounded wild– like a river rushing past. When did I become a poet?
“I’m so sorry, I only just– I mean.” You didn’t know about supernatural slurs until yesterday, just explain that! “my roommate, ah, she– I–”
“You’ve met Rowan?” Marcus asked, after his laughter had subsided.
“How did you know that?” I raised my eyebrows.
“She’s the only person who calls me that, and she thinks I have no idea.” Marcus squinted up into the sun. “I guess I should be offended, but I like to think she uses it with some affection.”
“So, are you two–” I crossed my arms “–friends?”
Marcus sucked in a breath and gazed out towards the lake.
“Family friends would be more accurate.” He shrugged. “She’s a big personality, easy to get to know. I was familiar with her older brothers during their time here as well as with her parents when they were students.”
I nodded. Yep, just pretend that’s normal.
Marcus’s serious face was soon transformed by a loud laugh. “I know perfectly well that would sound crazy to you.”
I giggled, looking away– trying very hard to be ‘cool’. It was a relief though, that he understood. He’s so nice! Feeling a little braver, I looked back to Marcus’s soft green eyes.
“Rowan mentioned that the young vampires don’t feel–” I made air quotes with my fingers “–super comfortable approaching you.” I paused and noticed a shadow cross Marcus’s face. “You seem perfectly friendly to me, though.”
He toed the the spongy grass. “That’s a long story.” He sighed before looking back up to me. “I’m glad you think I’m friendly.”
Those blasted gastric-butterflies struck again, this time mixed with the distinct twinge of guilt. Why is he uncomfortable with that question?
“I think this spot will do just fine,” Marcus said, looking around. “If you don’t mind Nyminia, please stand just here.” He marked out a spot on the grass with his heel.
I stepped into position, and stood facing Marcus. I took a moment to admire his kind, angular face. His olive skin was marred only by a tiny scar on his upper lip. And he looks what, like maybe thirty years old? But he’s probably a hundred? I took a deep breath. This whole
immortality thing is a lot to wrap your head around.
“So, what do you know about magic so far?” Marcus asked, crossing his arms in front of his midnight blue shirt.
“I know that magic users all draw their power from one of the five elements,” I replied.
“Correct!” Marcus smiled. “Most magic users are able to draw a small amount of power from one element.”
“And no one can draw the full power of one?” I clarified once again.
Marcus shook his head. “It’s not possible. To have the full power of a single element that person would have to be the embodiment of the element itself.”
Like a dragon. A small knot of anxiety returned to my stomach.
“How do I know which element to draw on?” I asked, distracting myself.
“It sort of, comes to you.” Marcus gestured with his hands as he widened his stance. “You just have to open yourself up to it.”
“Can you use magic?” I mean you must, because you’re about to teach me about it.
Marcus’s smile wavered. “Yes.” Marcus pursed his lips. “But I choose not to.”
Hmm, another sore point.
I opened my mouth to ask why, but Marcus cut me off. “Now,” he said, a bright smile back on his face, “close your eyes.”
I did as he bid. Nothing magical in here, just my eyelids.
“Relax, breathe deep, and open your inner eye to the four elements around you.” Marcus’s voice flowed around me, and hot prickles of embarrassment traveled down the back of my neck.
“Only four?” I asked.
“Living magic-kinds draw from the four true elements only.” Marcus’s voice was flat. “Blood is not one of them.”
Right. Not creepy at all. “So, how do I open my inner eye then?”
“Forget about the thoughts bouncing around in your head.” His voice was almost a whisper, but it was closer to me now– like he had taken a step forward. “Focus on the feeling of the earth under your feet, the sun on your skin, the breeze in your hair.”
I did my best to relax my mind and soak in the sensations. The earth under my feet was cool and dense, and I could smell the grass. The scent which reminded me of spring and summer, my favorite seasons. I lifted my face to the sun, letting its rays drip down my neck– flooding my body with warmth. Removing my hands from my pockets, I opened them, feeling the breeze. It danced playfully between my fingers, cooling my skin– balancing the warmth of the day.
“When you feel ready, imagine you are drawing in all of these feelings.” Marcus’s melodic voice was there again. “Let your body become transparent in your mind, imagine your own energy mingling with the energy around you.”
I took a deep breath in, and released it slowly. I had always prided myself on a vivid imagination, and I could clearly see in my mind what Marcus was describing. I stood in the dark, seperate from my body which was glowing from the inside out, a radiant white light. All around me swirled images I had conjured up for the elements. Earth, strong and solid beneath my feet, water, flowing all around, mingling with the air which flew through the mental image as a fierce wind. I listened to my heartbeat push the life blood through my veins, and at last I conjured up an image of fire.
Twisting, turning, burning away in the darkness, surrounding me. What happened next was difficult to describe in words– it was as if my molecules themselves were vibrating. Just barely at first, however the more I focused the more intense the sensation became. I couldn’t tell if Marcus was still talking, if he was, I couldn’t hear him. My body began to resonate, and I heard the music of all the elements– begging me to let them in. Letting go of my last sense of resistance, a massive wave of energy coursed through my body. Earth, air, fire, water– each in turn ripped through my veins. I have no control, is it supposed to be like this? An intense, deafening sensation flowed through me– as if I was caught up in a storm. No, I am the storm.
The sound of my name being shouted in my ear jolted me back to reality, where a distinct onset of vertigo caused me to topple over onto the soft, burning grass. Burning?
I opened my eyes to find myself only a few inches away from Marcus’s face. He was on his elbows and knees next to me, searching my expression with wide, worried eyes. His features relaxed the second my gaze met his, and he sprung up. Pushing myself to my knees, I watched him stamp out a small fire which seemed to have sprung up out of nowhere. I shook my head, trying to clear my vision. Climbing unsteadily to my feet, I saw I now stood in the center of a small scorched ring of earth and smoldering grass. My heart nearly stopping when I realized that all around me, the students who had been relaxing just moments previous where now putting out tiny fires all over the quad. Oh. My. God.
My gut turned to ice, and I whirled around to look at Marcus.
“Follow me,” he said, and headed off towards the library.
He led me into the shady blue fir grove, hidden from the frantic scene on the quad. I can’t stop shaking. Opening and closing my mouth, I struggled to find my words.
“It’s okay Nyminia, don’t worry.” Marcus glanced in the direction we had came from.
“What– just– happened?” I managed to gasp.
“You made contact with your element.” He looked at me with a small smile and high eyebrows, the way you do when you reassure a small child after they bump their head.
I’m a freak.
“It’s fire,” Marcus said, catching my eyes. “Your element is fire.”
CHAPTER 7
FIRE MAGIC
My element is fire. “That’s why I get the impression I nearly burned everything down?” I asked, my voice high.
“It’s amazing, actually.” Marcus crossed his arms.
I stared back at him, thrusting both hands through my hair. Amazing? What I saw back there did not look fantastic.
“What I mean is–” he took a step forward “–there must be only a handful people alive who can use fire magic.” He looked down for a moment, before gazing straight up into my eyes. “And not a single one of them would be able to draw as much power from it as you just did.”
I sank into the nearby tree as my world tipped sideways. Again bile burned the back of my throat, and dizziness threatened to empty my stomach. At least I wouldn’t have to deal with those butterflies anymore.
Marcus stepped towards me with his hand outstretched, before pulling it back to his side. Good. The last thing I need is to collapse romantically into someone’s arms and then spew.
“Am I going to be in trouble? For the fires?” I looked around, no one had followed us.
Marcus shook his head. “It wasn’t obvious that it was you, and besides– strange things happen all the time when students are cultivating their magic.”
I took a deep breath. “Will it always be like that?” I asked, searching Marcus’s face.
“No, not at all,” he replied immediately. “With practice, you’ll easily be in full control. Why don’t you try cloaking your aura?”
“You think that’s a good idea?” Because it seems like the opposite.
“The sooner you get a handle on your magic, the better off you’ll be,” Marcus said with a certain amount of authority. “I’ll be here if anything happens.”
I hated to admit it, but I agreed with his first sentence– and his last sentence calmed my nerves. I can’t help but like this guy, and maybe I even trust him. Maybe.
“Ok, what do I have to do?” I asked.
Marcus’s eyes lit up, and he revealed his pearly white teeth.
“Every type of magic is commanded in a different way.” Marcus smoothed his hands on his jeans, “For example, water magic is manipulated with music, air with words, earth with objects, and fire–” Marcus closed his eyes “–fire is commanded with a person’s passion. You will use your feelings to channel magic, and use it to knit spells.”
I raised my eyebrows. How is blood magic used? He was so weird about it before, I shouldn’t ask.
“Alright, so how do I
use my feelings to do magic?” I asked, pushing myself away from the tree.
“You’ll conjure up a strong emotion.” Marcus tapped his heart with his fingertips. “If the emotion is powerful enough, your fire will tether itself to it. Unlike many of the other elements, you don’t need to know the right set of words or motions to craft a spell– you simply have to feel and imagine the outcome clearly in your mind.”
“Is that easier to do, or harder?” I asked.
Marcus shrugged. “I’m sure it’s different for everyone.”
Well, I still have no idea how this is supposed to work– but I guess sometimes you just have to learn by doing.
“Shall we begin?” Marcus clasped his hands.
“Are you sure I’m not going to burn this forest down?” I asked, eyebrows raised.
“It would take a lot more than fire magic to burn these trees down.” Marcus replied, grinning.
I looked around at the tall, outwardly normal pines. The more attention I gave them, the more I realized that the breeze had no effect on their branches.
“They’re statues?” Running my hand over the bark of the tree, I frowned at Marcus.
“Frozen in time actually.” He grinned, tilting his face towards the lofty tops. “Easier to maintain that way, impervious to outside influences. You’d have to ask the gardeners for the whole story.”
“Sounds like it’s okay to get started then,” I said, shaking my head as I closed my eyes. This place is nuts.
“Picture your aura in your mind,” Marcus whispered.
I listened to his footsteps as he approached me. “Can you describe it please?” I swore I heard his breathing quicken.
“Of course. It’s… the brightest white light you’ve ever seen.” He paused. “But it’s more than just white, it has a brilliant coolness and beauty about it. I can only compare it to watching the sunrise over a silver ocean.” I heard him swallow. “To look at this light, is to stand in awe.”
My cheeks threatened to catch fire. Just focus on what that looks like, Nyminia, picture it. I saw my body in my mind, standing alone in the dark. Letting go of the lines and curves which made up my form, I tried to imagine the brilliant light Marcus described. In my mind I saw it twist and dance, like a giant multifaceted flame. There was white, silver, cold blue, and even a strand of violet, all woven together in this strange and beautiful cocoon which enclosed my body. Am I actually seeing this, or imagining it? It’s like a waking dream.
Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn Page 6
