Page 22 of Tempest Blazing
His shoulders relaxed slightly, like he'd been braced for me to push. "Thanks, Tess. Is everything okay? You seem... I don't know. Tense."
I forced a smile. "Just the usual—too much homework, too many things to worry about. Nothing I can't handle." The words came easily enough, but my chest tightened with the urge to tell him about the interview. Mason would drop everything to help me if he knew—probably even cancel dinner with Kali.
And that was exactly why I couldn't say anything. He'd already sacrificed so much for other people. His sister deserved his undivided attention, especially after everything they'd been through.
Mason's dark eyes studied my face for a moment longer, and I could practically see him weighing whether to press. Finally, he nodded. "If you need anything..."
"I know. Go study—I can practically hear your textbooks calling your name."
He chuckled, the sound warm and familiar. "They're pretty demanding." He squeezed my shoulder gently before heading toward the library, leaving me standing in the slowly emptying classroom.
Kane was still at his desk, organizing his notes with the same precision he brought to everything else. His white hair caught the afternoon light streaming through the windows, and when he looked up, those blue-violet eyes cut straight through me.
He finished stacking his papers and stood, all fluid grace and controlled energy.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar note of authority that made something deep in my chest tighten.
"Lead the way."
We walked through the corridors of the training complex in comfortable silence. Well, comfortable for me—Kane seemedlost in thought, his expression more distant than usual. The late afternoon sun slanted through tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors.
Kane led me to one of the smaller practice rooms, away from the main training areas where other students might interrupt. Hardwood floors, mirrored walls, and protective wards humming just at the edge of hearing. But something about being alone with him here made the air feel charged, electric.
"We're going to work on channeling today," Kane said without preamble, setting his bag down near the door. "Your magic is powerful, but it's erratic. You need precision."
I nodded, trying to ignore the way his voice seemed to resonate in my chest. "What do you want me to do?"
"Center of the room. Close your eyes. Reach for your magic—just feel it."
I moved to the center of the room and closed my eyes, trying to quiet the nervous energy buzzing through me. The familiar warmth bloomed, golden and purple threads that felt like liquid fire.
"I can feel it," I said. "Gold and purple, woven together like fire and starlight."
"Good. Now direct it. Don't release—guide it through your body."
I tried to follow his instruction, but the moment I attempted control, the power flickered and sparked unpredictably.
"It's not working," I muttered, frustration creeping into my voice. "It's like trying to hold lightning."
"Your stance is wrong." Kane's voice was sharper than usual, carrying an edge I couldn't quite place. "You're fighting the magic instead of working with it."
I opened my eyes to find him closer than I'd expected, his expression tight with something that looked almost like anger. But anger at what? At me? We'd barely started.
"Show me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Kane moved behind me, and the heat of his body hit me even before his hands settled on my shoulders. His touch was firm, professional, but my skin burned where he made contact.
"Straighten your spine," he said, his voice low near my ear. "Your magic flows better when your body isn't fighting itself."
I tried to focus on his instruction, but his proximity scrambled my thoughts. The scent of him—something clean and sharp, like winter air—flooded my senses. When his hands adjusted my posture, I barely managed to swallow the sharp intake of breath.
"Now breathe," he commanded. "Let the magic follow the rhythm."
I closed my eyes again and tried to obey, but my magic seemed even more unstable now. The golden threads flickered wildly, purple energy crackling at the edges of my control.
"Focus, Tess." Kane's voice was harsher now, definitely angry. "You're letting yourself get distracted."
"I'm trying," I said through gritted teeth, but even as I spoke, I felt my magic surge unpredictably. The warmth in my chest flared hot enough to steal my breath.
