Page 82 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
“It’s not a shock. I’m sorry. I want us to be friends. I guess I’m getting used to what that’s like. I don’t have a lot of experience and would never expect anything from you.” My eyes lift to hers, and that overwhelming feeling to reach out and hold her hand or hug her is right there again.
“I’ve lived at The Court my entire life, and I don’t like the assumption that The Chamber members and their families are better than the rest of us. They’ve grown their strength, generation after generation, and sometimes I think they forget there’s a whole other side to Kirrasia that’s not just about strength.”
“Wow.”
She smiles and turns away.
“Can I ask you something? You don’t have to tell me.”
“Go ahead.” She stands near the door.
“What’s your magic? Your power? I know you’re Elemental.”
She pulls the chain from around her neck, and I see the small blue stone, similar to Lyle’s and Micah’s. “I can influence the wind. Not much, but a swirl here or there.” She lifts her hand, and a faint breeze trickles through the room, sweeping over the flames and plunging us into the dark.
“Nice. Don’t suppose you can re-light them?” I blink my eyes until they adjust in the dark.
“Sorry. One way only. Even when I was training, it didn’t seem to change with practice. And it’s not strong enough to cause any real damage. Connecting to a Warrior helps strengthen it to a short gust, but that’s about it.” She’s moving around the room. I hear the flick and crackle of a match, and light returns to the room.
“Are the trials really that bad?” I blurt.
“Well, that’s the problem. They change. Each year, they’re different depending on who’s setting them. But there will be one designed by each Order.” She takes a seat perched on the bed next to me.
“And people leave after the trials?”
“Sometimes. Not always.”
“It feels like there’s still so much for me to learn about what it’s like to be Kirrian. What your traditions are. What you can and can’t do. Like the touch thing.”
“You’ll pick it up. There’s plenty of time for that. You need to focus on how to control and work with your magic. That’s what training is for, remember.”
I grab one of the pillows and place it in my lap as if wanting the extra comfort.
“Do you think Lyle knew about what I am? Is that why she kept me hidden?”
My eyes study the fine embroidery of the fabric so I don’t have to risk any sign of pity in Kyra’s eyes. “You at least met Lyle.”
“I think she was scared for you. And, from what you’ve said, there was no reason to suspect until recently. I don’t think the Orders saw it that way, though. Hence… well.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s a Watcher. It was her job. And not only did she miss your early signs, but you’ve got a power that no one’s seen for years.”
“She couldn’t have known about me being a Fifth.” I contradict my earlier question because the sting of betrayal that I could have this rare and powerful gift, and that she not only hid that, but everything else about Kirrasia, is too great.
I look back at Kyra, who, thankfully, doesn’t argue the point further.
“You know, it’s hard not to feel alone here. And lost. Like I’m stumbling along a path I can’t see the edges of or where it leads.” I fall back on the bed and look up at the ceiling. “The Transference has made things so much worse.”
“You’re not alone. I meant what I said earlier. I want to help, and I like the idea of us being friends. You’re strong and have a ton of courage. When you stood your ground and pushed Orion, I thought you might be sent to the cells or worse.”
I chuff out a laugh. “You and me both.”
“Remember that you’re capable of that strength. You did that without knowing anything about who you really are.”
Her words comfort me more than I expect, but they don’t push out the doubt in my mind when talking about Lyle. She never mentioned who my real parents were, and now, perhaps that’s a key to unlocking what my magic is all about?
She didn’t give me any reason to think of them before. I felt loved and cared for. Why would I when I had everything…
