You may touch me, if you'd like to.
I reach out with shaking fingers and lay one hand against his chest. It feels solid and real. Like he's living and breathing right in front of me. When his fingers come up to brush my cheek, my eyelids flutter closed. It almost feels like my own soul is caressing me, comforting me, making me whole again. I hold his face in my hands and run my thumbs over his smooth cheeks. When Rowan smiles at me it takes my breath away. Magic is sparkling off him so vividly that I almost want to shield my eyes.
While Lucian calls to my spirit, Rowan calls to my very being. The darkest depths or recesses of my soul. He knows everything about me, yet I can sense a love and tenderness from him that makes me feel safe and happy. We move to lie side by side together with our hands clasped tightly.
We lie there like that long after darkness had fallen and the stars came out. We spoke about our fears, his life he led while being king, and what may come of us in the future. It's a simple interaction that has no expectations, no tensions, and it's a relief to have this time with him. Although, it may have had the opposite effect of what Rowan was hoping for. While I feel closer to him, and my heart aches for him, he still isn't real, right? He can't stay with me forever like this. And do I only like him more now because he resembles Lucian, the man that I'm almost certain is my fated mate? The confusion in my chest grows as I roll onto my side to face him.
His form is dimmer now, as if he doesn't have much more time before he will disappear. It allows me to better study his features. Rowan has a strong jawline, deep coal violet eyes, and crow’s feet that speak of many hours spent laughing. I can see his emotions plainly on his face as he watches me in return. Love, fear, uncertainty.
Are they simply a reflection of my own feelings, or is Rowan capable of feeling things? I'm still not sure how this shared body thing works. The thought leads me back to the main question I keep asking. As if sensing my inner monologue, he leans over me, one hand on either side of my head. His eyes search my face, while his looks vulnerable. The pure honesty we have between us gives me the courage to ask him one of my many burning questions.
Are you real?
I am real, Tiana. For you, I am real.
Chapter 14
Later that night I'm still in the clearing practicing my various elements while Rowan teaches me. He's no longer outside of my body as he said it would take up too much of my magical reserves. We're currently using fire to create usable weapons that are light as a feather but do just as much damage as a real sword. He coaxes me to create my own practices dummies out of water from the nearby stream.
They're not real and will feel no pain. It's just magic.
"It still feels wrong, you know?" I say worriedly while looking around at the water figures surrounding me. They're all poised in various ready positions, waiting for my call.
You're going to have to get over it anyhow if you plan to fight in a war.
I make a mental face at him, inciting a chuckle. Waving my hand, I initiate the first attack and twirl the fire swords into being. They blaze down my arms and grow into massive gleaming broadswords. They move as I do, cutting down water figure after water figure with a hiss. I twist, bend, and lunge at Rowan's direction, easily learning the technique. Once the final opponent is merely a puddle at my feet I straighten and get an idea. Waving at a nearby bolder, I conjure a figure out of the rock, making a sword out of each arm. It lumbers forward to face me.
This one has the actual capability to hurt you. It's not made of water, Rowan warns.
"Yeah, I know." I twirl the swords in my hands while reminding my magic to make them strong. They're reinforced with a flash of fire, and then dim again. Flicking my chin brings the beast closer to me. It charges forward and I go to parry its first blow, but stagger back from the force of it. It swings again, causing me to dodge out-of-the-way by rolling beneath its arm.
Plant your feet when you parry!
I ignore Rowan and swing my fire sword toward the back of my attacker. It spins with impossible agility and knocks my blow away. When it advances again and swings low my sword comes down to meet it. Instead of staggering, I plant one foot behind me and hold my position. The beast leans forward, shoving against me as sweat breaks out across my forehead. My arms begin to shake and I crouched lower, trying to hold my aching legs in position.
You can't win against a stronger opponent with brute force, try a different tactic.
Following Rowans advice, I break away, spinning backward to avoid its other swinging arm. I'm panting as we circle each other. It's surprisingly agile for such a bulky looking adversary. Its feet move silently, quickly, as it paces forward toward me again.
Instead of meeting it head on, I choose guerrilla warfare. I spin, poke, and prod at the creature leaving dozens of oozing gashes in my wake. It staggers, lunging forward awkwardly. Thinking this may be my chance, I lunge to the other side only to be hit with brute force by its swinging arm.
A whoosh of air flies out of my chest as I soar across the clearing and slam into a nearby tree. My skull cracks against the trunk, leaving me dizzy. The tree shudders above me, raining down pine needles. My fire swords disappear, evaporating with a hiss. Through blurry eyes I see the creature moving rapidly toward me, holding up one long sharp arm.
Stop it! Stop it before it kills you!
Rowan's voice sounds small and far away, not registering to me. My eyelids flutter and I shake my head, trying to stay awake. In a desperate attempt I fling out my arms and I'm surprised when spirit responds. Violet magic bursts forth from my fingers, wrapping around the creature and freezing it in its tracks. Now that I'm out of immediate danger, I rub my eyes, trying to clear my blurry vision.
I groan, "Ugh, I definitely have another concussion. My head is swimming." With another flick of my wrist the creature collapses, turning back into a boulder. The spirit magic slithers back to me, wraps around my body once, and then sinks into my skin. It leaves a strange feeling behind.
Do you know what you just did? Rowan asks.
"No, not really. My vision is swimming. I was just trying not to die," I say while slowly rising to my feet. The world spins around me, making me clutch my stomach. "Ugh, I think I'm going to be sick." I start to stagger back toward the dorms.
Tiana, listen to me. You cannot, under any circumstances besides life or death, use that power again.
His voice was stern, and I stop to lean against a tree, trying to make sense of what he's saying. That was my first successful time using spirit power outside of my body, he should be proud.
"Why not?"
Remember what Lucian told you? About spirit fae using their power for the great war? And how it was controversial?
Realization dawns on me then and a cold feeling clenches around my heart. I controlled that boulder by holding whatever spirit it possessed. If that we're a real person I could have done serious damage. Lucian said it takes years to properly learn that power, and usually at the expense of several minds. Gods, I didn't even know what I was doing. I guess that's what the strange feeling was when that magic came back to me, almost as if it was tainted. My vision spins again and I stagger, gripping the wall of the spirit dorm by the door.
"Ugh, Rowan I don't feel great."
When I go inside Lucian is lounging on the couch, reading from one of his leather bound books. He glances up at me and raises one eyebrow at all the leaves and pine needles sticking out of my clothes. "I was practicing in the forest. Rowan was teaching me how to use fire to create weapons, and we used water dummies for practice. Then I tried to be high and mighty by facing a solid opponent made of stone, and it almost knocked me out. I'm alright, just a little banged up."
Lucian stands and moves toward me, "That's not all. What else happened?" His eyes search my face, and I should have known he would be able to sense my inner turmoil. We look at each other for a minute while I try to come up with the right thing to say. I have a feeling that it won't help me to reestablish our friendship
.
"Uh, when the boulder hit me into the tree I was super dazed. I just threw out my hands and spirit was the first element to respond. Rowan told me that I used the forbidden magic, and don't worry he already chewed me out about it. He's spirit fae too."
He stands there, just looking at me with an unreadable expression on his face. Setting down his book on the coffee table, he walks into his room and closes the door behind him.
I think you royally fucked up.
***
The next morning I wake up groggy and already in a bad mood. Lucian never showed up last night and is already gone from the dorm this morning. It's not surprising that he's gone as the competition starts today. Classes have been completed for the semester and all students are required to attend the competition, whether they're competing. The teachers insist that it will be a learning experience in battle magic.
Yeah, poorly executed battle magic at best.
I shake my head at him, this is a school for people trying to learn their powers. People will make mistakes that they can learn from without dying.
He doesn't reply as I leave the dorm and make my way to the arena that they've built in between the fae buildings. I see other supernaturals pass me as I go, shifters, witches, vampires, and more. They all have school off as well to watch the competition. By the time I find a seat in the stands the arena is filling up fast. It's a good mix of fae wearing full body gear like me and the regular academy uniform.
It appears that only half the fae student body is competing. But everyone is buzzing with nervous excitement, while all I feel is nervous and vaguely queasy. The idea of being forced to watch people fake die all day doesn't sit well with me.
Man, you're a sorry excuse for a warrior when you're not in the zone.
I hate the sight of bloodshed, sue me!
Cyrena walks into view wearing her full air fae gear and spots me. She waves and gestures for me to come down the bleachers. I do so, several students whispering about me as I pass. Ever since that day with Del no one has messed with me or spoken to me. Which is both a blessing and a curse.
A healthy amount of fear is to be expected and encouraged as the future queen of the fae.
I sigh. Please stop saying that. I don't want to be royalty.
I think you're the only fae in existence to say such a thing.
Cyrena grasps my arm and drags me along behind her, "Come on Tiana! What were you doing up there? The stands are for observers, not competitors!" She pulls me along I look around the arena floor. There are resources for each type of fae to use in battle. A river runs through the middle, trees surrounding it, and a sandy bank runs along the side. The open nature of it will also be an advantage to air fae.
I struggle to keep up, "How was I supposed to know?" She doesn't reply as she continues to lead me toward a smaller set of bleachers full of third and fourth year students along with a few cocky looking first and second years. The latter includes Cyrena and I. Wait a second. Are first and second year students not supposed to compete? "Hey! Why are there no young students here?"
"Because they're scared, duh. But there's no reason to be. No one actually dies at this event, and its great practice. This is a once and a lifetime opportunity, and we're not passing it up." We take the last available seats in the front row. The other competitors look fierce in their custom gear. All upperclassmen have the chance to order a custom set of battle gear that embodies both their affinity and personality. Most of the fae here look both bloodthirsty and scary.
Scary? Really? You're not five Tiana, and you can beat anyone here if you want to. All you have to do is try.
Rowan's right once again. I'm not a child, and yesterday proved that I have a lot to offer. At the same time, I try not to think about how much it showed that I also have a lot to learn. My knees bounce up and down, my nervousness palpable.
Almost everyone else around me is the same way--fidgeting anxiously and looking around. Cyrena is sitting still beside me. She looks ready for anything and envy burns in my chest. Maybe Rowan should have chosen her for his queen.
Lucian appears from a side door wearing full battle armor fit for the king he is. The metal plating covering his body is ebony black with hints of deep purple jewels. An inky violet cloak lies elegantly across his shoulders, being held on by shoulder armor. The breathtaking sight is completed by the large black iron crown encircling his head. He is absolutely gorgeous and I can't blame the girls around me for letting out a collective sigh.
This is the first time that I've realized that Lucian is a king in his own right. He's always so casual and friendly toward me that the feeling of royalty doesn't resonate. Right now though, it absolutely does. He uncapped his power for the event and it rolls off of him, almost hitting me like a physical blow. A slight aura of spirit magic radiates from him as if his body is so full of it that it's leaking free.
Cyrena whispers, "I can't believe that you live with him. I'm officially jealous." A small laugh escapes me and Lucian's eyes slide toward me. The expression on his face doesn't change. He looks stony, and slightly bored. It freezes all the warm parts of my chest. Damn, I really did fuck up this time. His indifference to me makes anger burn in my chest. How dare he blame me! I was trying to save my own life, it wasn't intentional.
Your mate is quite sensitive. You have to approach him silently and calmly, like a deer.
Gods, now you're just being condescending. He's not my mate, and he's not sensitive. He's just cautious.
Whatever you say.
Rowan goes silent again, but his words had only fueled my bad mood. Damn him and damn Lucian too! I ball my fists and look anywhere but at him.
His voice booms across the arena, "Quiet!" All talking and noise ceases at his command, "Today marks the beginning of a new era. These two hundred and sixteen fae have elected to battle to the death for a spot in my court. I am honored to be preceding this competition. Each day we will host forty-five matches in order to complete the first round of eliminations in the next five days. As the rules have stated, no one, not even I know the matches beforehand. Magic decides. Each of you has a stone," He pauses while stones materialize in our hands, "When your stone heats up, turning red that signals it is your time to compete. Let the competition begin!"
Lucian turns sharply, swinging his cloak regally before striding across the field toward the thrones placed there. The other masters are present and sit in thorns, but Lucian's is the largest as he is the only king. The noise in the arena is deafening. Students are screaming and stomping their feet, eager to get started.
My stomach is doing flips, and I desperately hope that my rock doesn't heat up first. My plea is answered by whatever gods are listening because two fourth years are up first, and what happens next is awful.
The two begin by circling each other. One is a water fae, while the other is an Earth fae. I've never met or seen them around before, but they both look strong. All of a sudden the water fae flicks his arm out, calling the water to him. It surrounds his hands like a cyclone as he approaches the Earth fae. The earth fae stands her ground, almost beckoning him closer to her.
He flings the cyclone toward her, engulfing her in a water spout that climbs high into the air. The crowd gasps at the display as the water fae freezes shards of ice and vaults them into the cyclone, creating a deadly combination. But he doesn't see the vines slithering toward him from behind, and no one alerts him to their presence, as it's against the rules.
They lash out like snakes, wrapping tightly around his wrists and ankles. He struggles against them, but they pull him to the ground. The Earth fae is still nowhere to be found as more roots and vines wrapped around his body and neck, squeezing tightly. I wince at the pained expression on his face. It's over quickly after that, as he is strangled to death by the vines so thoroughly that his body disappears into the earth.
The water spout falls, splashing up toward the stands, causing the students to gasp and laugh. The earth fae emerges from the trees, not a d
rop of water on her. Impressed applause sound out across the arena, and she smiles while bowing low to both the crowd and Lucian. He acknowledges her with a slight dip of his chin and then snaps his fingers.
The student that died is pulled from the earth, gasping. He looks white as a sheet as he stands and makes his way toward the opposite side of the arena to be attended to by the healers. His neck is still red and bruised looking. The sight makes me sick to my stomach. The winner comes to sit back down in the stands and the fourth years around her give their congratulations.
Cyrena's breathes to me while staring at her, "That was amazing, wasn't it?" I close my eyes at her words. Amazing isn't the word I'd use for such a brutal display of power and destruction of another fae life.
"Uh, yeah. It was super impressive." She nods, still not looking at me and I'm grateful for that. She would see through my lie right away. I was raised as a human, and the violence of the fae is shocking and awful to me. It doesn't make sense that this is considered normal, that fighting and dying is nothing to them. It shouldn't be considered nothing.
High Fae Academy - Year One: Fae Paranormal Romance Page 12
