Page 71 of Tempest Awakening

I opened my eyes to find everyone staring at me. Kane wore a smirk, while Mason looked concerned. Anya gave me a sympathetic grimace.

"I... I can't seem to..." I stammered, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Hawthorne's brow furrowed. "Remember, Ms. Whittaker, while most humans have only trace amounts of Core Magic, your bond with your dragon should allow you to access more. Try to channel that connection."

Channel the connection. Right. Because it was that easy. I gritted my teeth and tried again, straining to lift the cube. It didn't budge an inch.

“Don't force it,”Thalon advised. “Let it come naturally.”

But there was nothing coming, naturally or otherwise. I was just a regular human, trying to lift something impossible with my bare hands and sheer force of will.

After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a minute, I stepped back, defeated. "I'm sorry, Professor. I can't do it."

"Well, keep practicing, Ms. Whittaker. Perhaps it will take some time for your bond to fully develop."

“Don't worry, little one,”Thalon's voice soothed in my mind. “We'll work on this together. Your magic is there, we just need to find the key to unlock it.”

I wanted to believe him, but the weight of my failure sat heavy in my chest.

"Alright, class," Hawthorne's voice cut through my thoughts. "That's all for today. Remember to practice your Core Magic exercises, and come prepared to discuss the ethical implications next time."

The room filled with the sounds of shuffling feet and murmured conversations as students began to pack up. I reached for my bag, my movements slow and defeated.

"Hey," Mason's gruff voice startled me. "Want me to walk you to our next class?"

I looked up, surprised by the offer. Mason stood there, all broad shoulders and quiet strength, just like when we were kids. A warmth spread through my chest, chasing away some of the disappointment from the failed exercise.

"Oh, uh, sure. Thanks," I managed, trying to ignore the little flip my stomach did.

As I stood, Mason offered me his arm, an oddly gentlemanly gesture that seemed at odds with his rugged appearance. I hesitated for a moment before linking my arm with his, acutely aware of the solid muscle beneath my fingertips.

We headed towards the door, and I couldn't help but think that maybe this whole dragon rider thing wasn't all bad. Sure, I couldn't lift a cube to save my life, but reconnecting with Mason? That was definitely a plus. It was nice having a familiar face around, especially one that had grown into such a, well, attractive familiar face.

As we walked, I caught sight of Kane watching us, his eyes narrowed. The tension between him and Mason was palpable, crackling in the air like static electricity.

Before I could dwell on that thought, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway, stopping us in our tracks. Theron Blackwell stood there, his emerald eyes scanning the room until they landed on me.

"Ms. Whittaker," he called out, his deep voice carrying easily over the chatter of departing students. "Come with me. The Headmaster wants to see you."

My stomach did a little flip, but not entirely from dread this time. Of course—I was the human who'd somehow bonded with a dragon before even becoming an applicant. They'd want to talk to me about that.

"Now?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Theron's expression remained impassive, bordering on cold. "Now," he confirmed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I turned to Mason, reluctantly letting go of his arm. "I guess I'll see you later?"

He nodded, concern etched on his face. "Good luck," he murmured, giving my hand a quick, reassuring squeeze.

As I followed Theron out of the classroom, my mind raced. Was this just a formality? Or were they having second thoughts about letting a human—one who couldn't even lift a cube with Core Magic—train as a dragon rider?

With each step, the knot in my stomach tightened. Whatever this meeting was about, I had a feeling it was going to be intense. I just hoped I was ready for it.

Chapter 23

Tess

The hallway narrowed as I followed Theron towards the Headmaster's office. Our shoulders nearly touched as we navigated the tight space, and I was acutely aware of every inch between us. I couldn't help but notice how his outfit perfectly blended his roles as instructor and dragon rider.

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