Page 80 of Omega Sanctuary

I released the magic, going for slow and steady. It came out in a rush, and I cried out as it burned through me.

Magic gathered in a torrent, released in a burst that sent a shockwave through the courtyard. Aalina's robes rippled in the waves, along with small bits of rocks and leaves.

The pressure of spirit magic gone, I sucked in a breath of air.

Aalina settled her robes and picked up her needlepoint. "Getting there. We will wait for the Void to arrive to do more than simple exercises."

I pulled myself into a sitting position again. I looked at the ground, my vision wavering. My entire body ached, a symphony to pain.

"I'll get you some tea." Aalina stood up and walked back to the small temple.

I thought about following her, but my body ached enough that I didn't want to move. The cushion under my butt, so soft before, felt like a rock now.

I blew out a harsh breath. I was supposed to be getting better. Not struggling with the basics. How was I supposed to get any sort of mastery over my spirit magic if I couldn't even gather magic without setting off an explosion?

Each time I told myself it would be easier, but it was like standing on the beach, trying to capture an oncoming wave.

Aalina came back with a tray of tea and scones, but behind her were two other priestesses.

Walking between them was a man who took my ragged breath away. Lean and tall, his black hair barely touched his shoulders. His ruby colored jacket set off the color nicely, with tight black pants tucking into shiny black boots.

He was like a thunderstorm incarnate. His energy filled the space between us like the scent and pressure of rainfall.

He scowled. "You cannot be serious."

Aalina gave him a smug look. "Have some tea."

"You too, Zara." She gestured at the small table.

I stiffly got to my feet. One of the priestesses helped me up and I wobbled.

The man looked at me. "You're wasting my time, Aalina." His voice was rich and heavy like velvet.

His energy wrapped around me. I paused, unable to do anything but feel the torrent of alpha energy. The thunderclap of his energy sucked away the ache in my bones, the heat of the slight fever. Like a giant weight lifted off my shoulders.

It had been a long time since I felt this light.

"Oh." I sat down. Being this close to him was almost too much. I gripped the table, my knuckles turning white.

He raked his gaze over me. Lust followed his look, and I let out a shaky breath. Heat flared in my core, my body craving the touch of him. I wanted to crawl over the table and settle myself onto his lap. A few shifts of clothing and he'd be inside me. I let out a shaky breath, praying my thoughts weren't written on my face.

Judging from the glare he gave me, he had no idea. "I don't know how you've managed to convince them you need a void, but your game is up, Princess."

I frowned. "I'm not playing games."

He rolled his eyes. He was probably only a handful of years older than me, but something about him was broken, and the weight of it made him seem more worn. "We don't need voids for omegas anymore. Go to some more dances and find your alphas there."

I blinked again. "It's like you're speaking in tongues."

Aalina chuckled. "As much of a catch as you are, Prince Nikoladis."

He flinched at that, like he expected Aalina to make a joke at his expense. Odd.

"I called for the void. Zara here almost took out the entire training area." Priestess Aalina puffed up, like it was something to be proud of.

Prince Nikoladis scoffed. "You must be getting old for a novice to slip through your iron fist like that."

Aalina gave a short barking laugh. "Your arrogance will follow mine."

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