Page 46 of Surrendering Hope (The Hope Legacy)

Duncan strides through, studies the room in a similar manner before resting his gaze on me. “That’s understandable, Locks. You’ve had a few revelations in the last few days.”

“I’m Eve,” I spit out. “I’m also older than dirt, and I can’t remember much beyond my eighth birthday when Melissa Gardner popped my balloons because more people attended my party than hers.”

Duncan pushes past Zee, stands behind me, and places his hands on my shoulders. He tugs me towards the bedroom. “Stay calm and control your power.”

“I’m Eve,” I mutter.

Duncan twists me around and glances over his shoulder. “Leave us, Zee.” He turns to me. “Sit, Natia.”

My ass hits the soft bedding as bugs crawl under my flesh, the power itching for release. My eyes slide shut and I take a deep breath. “Distract me.”

“I’m two hundred and three years old.”

My eyes shoot open and I struggle to not fall on the floor. “What?”

He leans against the fireplace and points at the painting of his family. “I’m a pure blood.”

I scrunch my face up. “A pure blood?” If he calls the rest of us muggles, I’m renaming Ty Voldemort. I guess in this scenario I would be Hermione.

He nods. “Most witch and warlock bloodlines have been mixed with other types of people… mainly humans. I’m from an elitist family with backward beliefs, but it means I’m not quite human. My lifespan is longer and I’m more powerful than the average warlock. I can relate to the knowledge that your life expectancy is longer, and you’ll most likely out live your family and friends.”

“Am I immortal?”

He shrugs. “I’m not sure.”

Jed walks through the door, glances at Duncan and parks himself next to me. He grabs my hand. Waves of calm soothe me. “Are you controlling my emotions right now?”

Jed sighs. “I’m comforting a friend, the calmness comes with that. I’m not forcing you to feel anything. Do you want me to stop?”

The itch fades into an irritating but manageable feeling. I shake my head. “No, but could you answer some more questions?”

“Sure.”

“Am I immortal?”

“As in, can you die?”

I nod.

“Everything can die, Natia. Even gods. If you’re asking if you’ll age beyond this point, I would guess no.”

“Guess?”

“You were mortal, you were aging. But you ingested Etir and lived. I think that altered your life course and gave you some god-like abilities.”

“Like knowing random spells for banishing demons?”

“Yes, like that.”

“And having control over the four elements?”

“No… that’s part of who you are and the way we made you.”

“Molded from earth, sculpted with water, forged in fire, and cooled by air,” I recite the passage which refers to Pandora’s creation.

“Hence why you have elemental power,” Duncan says.

“What about you, Duncan? How long will you live?”

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