Scribd Chapters 199092

8/6/2019 Scribd Chapters 199092

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Prologue

"Come on, mijita, hurry!"

Our footsteps and heavy breathing echoed in the dark tower. Wind, rain and the waves ofthe ocean, rapped hard against the walls. The storm outside threatened to shake the tower

off the mountain side. The stairs seemed to be getting steeper and the air became heavier.

I couldn't breathe.

"No ms, pap."

"Almost there, un poco ms."

I struggled to keep up with Pap as we ran higher up the building. A crash from

downstairs that made us both stop. We heard heavy footsteps and loud talking. Papcursed under his breath and continued up the stairs, faster than before.

It seemed to take hours to reach the room, that Pap finally crashed into. It was dark and

we couldn't see a thing. Pap whispered magical words and his hands lit with white light.Finding what he must have been looking for he turned the lights off and hurried me to a

heavy wardrobe.

"Inside, mija." He started to push me inside the closet.

"Pap, I don't want to leave you!"

He looked down at me with soft brown eyes, "You must."

"No quiero! No quiero!" Tears streaked down my face.

I heard the footsteps from outside coming closer. I locked my arms around his neck. Pap

hugged me tightly before slipping out of my hold.

"Now, mija."

"Pero-"

"No buts, te vas ahora."

"No!"

Bright light flashed from my hands. Pap told me not to use them, but I was crying too

hard to care. I just wanted to stay with my pap.

"Aye!" He quickly grabbed my hands and I knew that I had to stop the light. "Never show

your powers, they are now your secret."

"I know Pap."


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"Te quiero mijita, siempre."

The footsteps banged closer and Pap somehow got me into the wardrobe and hid me

behind the jackets.

"I love you too, Pap."

He kissed my forehead, "I know mija, I know."

Then he backed out of the wardrobe, and the door behind him busted in.

Men dressed in black rushed into the room. I saw them from the wardrobe as theysurrounded Pap. One tried to grab his arms, but Pap was too fast. White light flashed

from his hands as he swung them out, palms toward one of the men. The man flew back

and crashed out of one of the tower's windows. A second man tried to charge, butscreamed in pain when Pap touched his face with one of his lit up hands. From the

corner of my eye, I saw that Pap's light had melted off half of the man's face. There was

no warning of the third man. He came from behind Pap with one of their dark, devilknifes. The man stabbed Pap's neck, and I watched as a blinding light flashed from himand he turned to dust.

Tears streamed down my face and I had to strangle whimper, other men continued to

barge into the room, looking around.

"Witnesses said he had a young girl with him." One of the men spoke in a deep, cold

voice. "Tan, 3"4, long, dark brown hair, green eyes."

"Is it his daughter?"

"Unconfirmed."

As they spoke, I saw a flash of something on one of the men's hand. A ring. A black ring

with a red dragon's eye in the middle.

I sank deeper into the wardrobe. I quickly unhooked the golden pegasus wing necklace

from around my neck. That was why Pap told me not to use my powers. The men werefrom the lado de diablo, the darkness. That was why the killed my pap, we are the side

of Angels, the light.

I was locked in fear as the men started searching the room. I knew they were going tofind me. Suddenly, a soothing calm flowed through me. I knew I was supposed to be

scared, afraid, worried, but I couldn't help to feel, serene.

"They will find you, daughter." A beautifully warm voice echoed inside of me. "Do not

be afraid, we will protect you."

Some part of me could tell that the men were getting closer, that they were going to find

me. Yet all I felt, was the strange urge to sleep.

"Yes rest, we will be with you."


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The footsteps got closer, and I heard what could have been the sound of a door opening. I

could no longer tell what was happening around me, I was being lulled to sleep. The last

thing I remembered was a strong stinging on my upper arm.

Chapter 1

A painfully bright light flashed onto my face. A voice spoke out. It was neither male or

female, high or low, it was a whisper and a shout, it was one and it was a hundred, it was

all.

We are still here, my daughter. We still protect you." The blinding light grew warmer.

Now is the time, The light was hot, unbearably so. "Remember." It burned, I needed to

turn away but I was stuck in place.

Remember."

I lurched out of the dream and into a sitting position, banging my head painfully againstthe metal frame of the upper bunk-bed. Cursing, I rubbed the bump I felt forming on my

forehead. I look around the small room, darkness was everywhere. Above me, I heard

Keera- my best friend and roommate and- stir, and knew that I had woken her up.

"Sorry. It was that nightmare again." I whispered up to her.

"Yeah, I guessed that." She whispered back groggily, "I thought they were getting

better?"

"I did too."

Kierra let one of her dark arms dangle over the side of her bed. She patted the air as closeto me as she could reach. "You'll be fine, Is. It was just a dream."

I had sick feeling that it wasn't though. The word repeated in my head.Remember.

Remember what?

"How does it feel to be sixteen years old?" Keera asked excitedly as we walked into the

filling cafeteria.

Kids were strewn everywhere in the huge white room, all the conversations werecontained and spoken in low tones. All the students wore the black uniform, and had themandatory breakfast. Guards patrolled on the edges of the room.

"I'm not sixteen yet." I gave her a droll stare.

Keera had dark skin, tanner than my own olive tone. Her hair was black, shiny and curly.It was cut at the mandatory length, to the shoulders. It seemed to frame her pixie face

perfectly. Keera was a pixie-like in almost every way. She was petite, yet full of of


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curves. One of the only things that we both shared is shocking green eyes. But where as

hers' were beautifully bright and clear, mine were dark with deep flecks of gold. Keera

was uniquely gorgeous.

"You know you don't have to count down to the precise moment."

Before I could comment, Keera pointed behind me. I saw Delano coming toward us,somehow making the uniform black pants and shirt look gorgeous. Honestly, it was really

all him that was gorgeous, he had dark hair, and deep, dark, eyes. Any Dark's dream guy,and by some crazy miracle, he was my boyfriend.

"Hey, Keera." He said in his mysterious, deep voice.

"Hi, Delano."

Delano sat next to me and put an arm around my shoulders, "Hey babe." He kissed my

neck as I giggled.

"Ugh. Some people are trying to eat here." Keera complained loudly, stabbing at her

eggs.

Delano just laughed at her. "So Is, what are we doing for your birthday tonight? Its at

twelve-thirty, right?"

"Yea it is. We are going to be doing the same thing everyone else will be doing: resting

for tomorrow's training."

Living at the Home, you have pretty strict rules. You wear only black, always have your

pendant showing, and always attend training. That's why we are here, to train. We have

classes from hand to hand to covert operations. All to prepare us for when we get arewings, when we all join the War. Dark Angels don't really have a life, we are permitted to

marriages and encouraged to have children. Yet, we focus on the War. If your spouse

dies, you keep fighting. The children, well you don't keep them after the age of fouranyways.

"Come on, Isamaria!" Keera whined loudly. The guard around the room looked at us

suspiciously. Keera lowered her voice, slightly. "Let's do something fun. SI already have

it all planned out!"

I looked at Delano, he smiled but said nothing. I could tell that he agreed with Keera.

"Keke, you are killing me. Do you know what will happen if we get caught?"

She squealed quietly, knowing that she had won. "Trust me, I'll take care of everything!"

I sighed in frustration and buried my head into Delano's shoulder.

A high pitched bell sounded around the room. Everyone stood up, put away their trays

and headed, in lines into the hallways. It was time for "school".


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I heard once, that school was where human kids used to go to get an education. For us,

the children of the Dark, it is training. I guess it was almost like the human equivalent to

school, but slightly more dangerous. You would think having training classes might beexciting somehow. When instead, it is usually spent in a plain white class room, with

everyone sitting down in plain white desks, listening to teachers. Despite being Dark

Angels, our Homes had a very weird obsession with white color coding.

My first class was Covert Operations. So for an hour, a group of twenty Dark children sat

in a room while the teacher explained how to spot White magic.

That is what most of our classes are about, how to find, catch, and kill the White Angels.

They were our enemy in this War, a war that has been raging since the beginning of time.Though, why Horatius thought that he had to spend an hour telling us a lecture that, not

only has he repeated several times, but also that we've known since we were toddlers. It is

why all the kids of Dark Angels have to be sent here, or to laces like it. We've neverknown our parents, never had a family outside of the House.

"So, Isamaria if you were to be facing a White Angel in an area where you weredispatched, what would you do?"

"Disable the threat." I said it without a thought, unblinking. It was what was drilled intoour heads over and over. You either capture the enemy and bring it back for interrogation

or kill it. I would chose the second one if it was up to me.

"Keep your focus up here, Isamaria."

I heard a light laugh from behind me. After Horatius' attention was diverted to anotherstudent I turned to see a very innocent-looking Antonius. His dirty blond hair almost, but

not completely, covered two mischievous blue eyes. We were close friends since we were

little. He was my best friend and he knew it. So when I slyly slipped him a not-so-nicehand gesture, he just laughed and ignored me.

After the sharp bell rang through the building, Antonius and I slumped out of the room

with the others. Finally, it was over.

"What was with Horatius, today?" Antonius asked me softly. Although the class wasover, we were expected to stay quiet, and quickly go to our next class in orderly lines.

"I have no idea, but it seemed like he had a stick up his-" I broke off as one of the

hallway managers stared out me, silently telling me to "shut up, now". It didn't matter

anyway, Ant knew what I was talking about.

"So, what are you doing tomorrow?"

"I don't really feel like doing much, but you know Keera."

"Ah, that I do." Ant stared at me for moment before saying, "Just tell her no."

I loved how Ant could cut down the toughest decisions and bring out the simplest


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solutions. Solutions that, though I don't doubt that we would work, I was never able to

actually see them out. They were always just so hurtful and blunt.

"Ha ha, thanks Ant." I gave him a quick hug, as he left for his next class.

Then all to soon I was at the door to my next class. The class I dreaded the most, Magic

Use. The class that I completely failed at because, no matter how long I practice, it isobvious; I have no Dark Magic.

Chapter 2

"Come on, Isamaria, imagine the shadow. Feel it shading you, the power it holds."

Indiraja, my Magic teacher, tried yet again to get me to show at least an inkling of magic.

I concentrated hard on a shadow yet again. The feeling of the cool darkness, on everymemory I had of ever seeing one. It started at the base of me feet and rose to the top of

my head. It was something that I never felt before, but I knew instantly what it was.

Magic. It was the only thing that could be making me feel like I was tingling everywhere.

But as I tried to focus the energy into a shadow, a great shiver ran through my body. It

felt ice cold, dark, and the magic flooded out of me as fast as it had came.

Idiraja patted my shoulder lightly. "One day, Isamaria. You are getting so much better

every lesson."

"Yeah, I know. Thanks." I mumbled.

Indiraja walked on to the next student. I could tell that she was just as disappointed as I

was.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and Keera spoke from behind me, "She's right. You got soclose right there, I could see it."

"I'm never going to be able to use magic Keera."

"That's not-"

"Yes it is. We are supposed to be born able to do something, anything. But not me." I

looked around before I continued in a lower voice, "Maybe...maybe I'm....just...just too.

Human." The word squeaked out of me.

All the angel, whether they are Dark or Light, all have some human in us. It was the onlyway we could have survived; mating with the humans. Sometimes, it is said that when an

angel has too much human blood in their family, they become human.

Keera looked around sharply, making sure that no one had heard, when she spoke to meher tone was soft, "Don't say that Isa, we both know that it isn't true!"


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"But Keera all the facts-"

"What about the other stuff you can do. Things that only Dark Angels can do, and you

know it."

"Keera the thing is-with magic-it's just supposed to be the easiest thing for Darks, like

breathing."

"I know Isa but-" Keera was suddenly cut off by the end of class bell. She patted my

shoulder and looked me in they eye, telling me to listen to her, that she will be there,always.

With a regretful sigh, I left the class and followed slowly in line to my next class. At least

in the next class, I excelled. No matter if I was too human for magic or not, the one thingmy blood didn't keep out of me, was strength.

I trickle into the huge room, lined with mirrors that we used as the classroom for Hand to

Hand. Seeing all the mats on the floor I started stretching my neck. It was time to blowoff the stress I gained in MU. I tied up my wavy hair, and went through offensive anddefensive strategies in my head.

"Whoa babe, your not in the ring yet." Delano came around from behind me. I just

laughed and gave him a quick kiss.

A Dark walked into the room. She had blond hair and yellow eyes, definitely not our

normal bulk teacher, Arsenius.

"Who is she?" I whispered to him.

"I heard her name is Bellona, she was in the First War."

I looked at the women with new eyes. An Angel old enough to have fought in the First

War, and to have survived, must be incredibly powerful.

"Females, line up right here. Males, over there." The woman's voice was sharp and

precise, it seemed to echo around us. With a weak smile, Delano went over and lined upin the male line, as I did the same in the other line.

Bellona then continued to pair us into sparring partners. Something was weird though.

She was pairing girls with guys. We never did class this way, it was a silent rule, but itwas there. No girl on guy combat, ever. My eyes flashed to Delano as we neared the top

of the line. There was no doubt in my mind who my partner would be.

After she had gotten us all paired up and placed in our own areas on the mats, Bellona

spoke up, "You may be wondering why I have chosen to pair the way I did. The answeris simple. In war, you don't get to chose who you fight. You don't have a choice of a

female or male. We shall be practicing like this for now on. I am Bellona, your new

instructor for Hand to Hand. You may begin."


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I looked up into Delano's dark black eyes. We never had to spar together, obviously, but I

have seen him enough times to know that he was very skilled. Delano gave me a small

shrug. It said, what else can we do? My eyes searched the class and landed on Bellona.She was staring at us, waiting- as were a few of the other students near by. Delano was

right, at the Home, you listen to your superiors.

Slowly, almost identically, we both slipped into our fighting positions. I didn't know whowas supposed to attack first. Then Delano smiled lightly and beckoned me with two

fingers. I let my mind fall back and my instincts took over. I imagined how I would look,

my green eyes hardening my face becoming expressionless. Delano's face mirrored mine

and I knew that I wouldn't be fighting Delano my boyfriend, but Delano the soon to beDark Angel warrior.

I came at him with a quick jab toward his abdomen, which he skillfully dodged it. Now

was the time to calculate my opponent, no open attacks. Delano swiped at my head and Iducked, kicking at his legs. It was like we were dancing, our movements synchronized.

Delano had unknowingly came closer, drawn toward the fight. I swung, and hit himsquarely in the chest. I heard the breath swoosh out of him. As he automatically leaned

forward into the blow, my knee shot up and hit him in the face. Such a pretty one too. Itwas that thought alone that allowed him to knock me down with a single hit to the back

of my knee. I had managed to at least bring him down with me, but he had landed straight

on top of me. Delano struggled to pin my arms down for the necessary fifteen seconds. Itwas on three that I knocked him off of me and then proceeded to pin him.

"One-Two-Three-Four," The class was quietly chanting the seconds. "Five-"

With brute strength Delano rolled on top of me.

I looked up and saw that he was smiling down at me.

"Five-Six-Seven-"

It might have looked like a simple intake of breath, but for a quick moment Delano's

voice was in my ear, "Your down babe."

"Eight-Nine-Ten-"

I gritted my teeth and managed to bring my knees up slightly between us. I pushed up

with all my strength and sent him flying off of me. My vision suddenly blared white.

Things quickly began to take shape, but there was still a shinning light around everything,especially Delano. I was no longer capable of rational thought. I stalked over toward

Delano, my kick having sent him a few feet away.

We began circling each other. I could tell instantly that Delano knew something was up

with me. His eyes widened slightly, and he lost his grin. All I could think of was takinghim down.

The best way I could describe my attack is that I pounced, and that our bodies, so close to


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becoming full Angels, began to blur with our movements. Part of me heard a collective

gasp from the rest of the class, as our moves got more aggressive, deadlier.

We were back to constantly switching positions on the mat floors. I was on top.

"Two-Three-Four-"

This time the class chant was broken by the sound of the bell ringing through the room.

The sound seemed to have broken through my haze and everything returned back to its

normal brightness, leaving me lightheaded. I sagged lightly against Delano. I lookeddown at him. His dark hair mussed up and his black eyes twinkling dangerously. Staring

at him beneath me out of breath, I didn't care if the class or Bellona was staring, I leaned

the last inch closer and kissed him.

"Alright, get to your next lesson everyone." Bellona's voice sounded above the slight

chatter of the kids in the room.

Fluidly, I stood up and brought Delano with me. Although the color haze had stopped, thespeed and strength seemed to linger in my body. I quickly let go of Delano's hand as soonas we were both standing up, I didn't need to get us in anymore trouble. But looking into

Bellona's face, I saw that she was slightly amused.

"Good fighting, you two. Pretty close to getting your wings, aren't you?"

We both nodded. It was true, near any Angel's sixteenth to seventeenth birthday, they

become a full Angel. It came with wings, Magic, strength, and unique powers.

Bellona nodded thoughtfully, "Good. Now get to the showers.

After another nod, I followed Delano out into the hallway. As soon as the door wasclosed, I stopped and leaned against the wall. It had been my first time dipping into my

full Dark Angel power. I had always been fast and strong, but never like that.

"That was...interesting."

Delano laughed slightly and stood in front of me. "You were really good out there,especially for your first time."

Exhausted, I simply nodded.

"You saw black, didn't you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"When we were sparring, and that look came over you and-" He seemed to struggle for

the words, "and your- aura, changed."

I knew Delano couldn't see auras, it wasn't a power he had developed. Yet I understoodwhat he meant. Everything turned white though, not black.


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"What does it mean?"

"Sometimes, when a Dark Angel is battle, they get so engrossed, that their vision turn

dark and hazy."

"But it was just sparring. I mean-"

"Yea, I know. They say that only very strong Dark Angels go into that mood, it is when

they can conjure their weapons."

I was about to tell him about how my vision didn't turn dark, but light, when I caught thelook on his face. Delano was smiling at me openly, proud. Anywhere in the Dark

Society-which what we call the place on Earth where we Darks roam- let alone in a

Home, it is literally blasphemous to talk about seeing the Light. So instead of sayanything I simply shrugged, and gave him a quick kiss before heading off to the showers.

The next the hour and a half lesson period of Dark Angel History, seemed to drag. Then I

spent lunch with Keera and Delano and a few other of our friends. All of them told mehappy birthday, and it was like any other day. Even my favorite lesson, Weapons Use,passed with little excitement. Evander, our instructor, had just gotten into a new set of

weapons, archery and a crossbow- so he lectured us thoroughly on some safety

regulations and what not. The classes began to blend together and the next thing I knew,it was time for Study Hall period.

I was in the Weapons Use range shooting with some bow and arrows when Keera and

Delano found me. I was completely focused on the target, the only sound being thethwack, every arrow made as it split into the one before. All my shots had been perfect.

"I think I finally found my weapon." I said out loud, knowing they had been watching

me.

"Damn girl you are just so much. I heard what happened in Hand to Hand earlier.Everyone is talking about it. I wish I was there." Keera came up and gave me a hug.

"She sure is something." Delano arm went around my shoulders as I put the beautifully

crafted wooden bow up.

"Sorry boyfriend, but I have to go take girlfriend to our room. We have to get ready.You're still bringing Galenus, right?"

"Yea. He was really excited when I told him about it."

Keera just rolled her eyes and laughed, but I could tell that she felt pleased. "Kay then,

we will meet you guys right outside your wing, eleven sharp. "

Are you guys sure we can't invite Antonius? I felt guilty about going without one of my

best friends.

"There are only room for four." Delano said giving my shoulders one more squeeze.


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Keera swirled around me the whole way to our small room, wondering what we should

wear, how to do our hair and makeup. That was something that we did enjoy rather a lot

from the humans, makeup and vanity. Even Dark Children got our hands on some. Keeralined my green eye with some sort of make up, making me look mysterious. She also

ended up pinning up half of my brown, curly hair. I had on dark clothing that fit tightly to

my tan skin. Keera talked to me while she got me ready, but for some reason I couldn'treally focus. It felt like there was a tugging at the back of my brain. Something was going

to happen tonight, something much worse than a bunch of teenagers getting caught out at

night.

Chapter 3

"Come on, keep up!" Keera whispered from in front of me.

We were silently moving down the dark hallways of the Home. Keera had managed to

sneak us past the two guards in front of the girls' wing and now we kept to the darkshadows of the building. Keera, though she was much louder, stayed in the lead. She was

the one with the power. Whenever she felt like we were nearing a guard she would pull

me close and conjure a shadow to cover us and make us slightly harder to see.

I was used to the pang of jealousy that hit me every time I saw a Dark, especially Keera,

use magic. But as she keenly, made our footsteps silent I couldn't help but feel a little put

out.

"The boys should be right over here." Keera mumbled quietly.

Suddenly as we were walking down the hallway, I felt a slight twitch to my left. My eyes

snapped straight to the side of the wall where there seemed to be a dark haze. Magic.

"I found them Keke." I pointed to the opposite wall as they stepped out of the shadow.

Delano, as always, looked heart-stopping gorgeous, and to his right was Galenus. Gale

and I weren't exactly friends, but friendly, I had hung out with him and Delano during

lunch or study hall. He was quiet and shy, the exact opposite of Keera, though he was just

as gorgeous. Galenus had dark black hair, involuntarily cut short, his pale skin wrappedtightly against wiry muscles. His eyes were the most shocking, bright gray color I have

ever seen on a Dark Angel.

"So where are we going?" I asked after we had all said our hellos and Delano's arm foundits way snugly around my shoulder.

Keera, Delano, and Gale all shared a look before Keera finally said, "Out."

I stood there open mouthed, unable to comprehend what she was talking about. I waited

before I was finally sure that I could talk without shouting. "Are you crazy?"

Keera quickly got a hold of my arms and Delano tightened his arm around me, "Come


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on, Is. You said I could decide. Plus it's your sixteen birthday. Isn't that the year the

humans were so crazy about. Come on! Please, please, please!"

I looked into her eyes and knew that she would not let me back out of this alive. Sosucking up all my worries, I leaned into Delano's strong shoulder and mumbled, "I will

kill you Keke if we get caught. Slowly, painfully kill you."

Keera jumped two feet in the air and gave me a huge hug, "Oh, I love, love, love, you!"

"Yea, yea I know. Now hurry up."

She lead us to the exercise room. It was a dome, glassed-in area, that showed we were

deep inside a forest. There were slots in the glass so we would be able to breathe in the

fresh air. It was almost everyone's favorite place.

During the day with sunlight and the smell of the forest drifting through the slots and

swirling around us, it was so peaceful.

Apparently one of Delano's friends had found a way out through one of the lower slots.

The slots were no bigger than four by one feet tall. Only the older kids were allowed inthe room, and even then, we were always watched.

There was one low slot placed around one part of the dome in a curve that, as Delano

explained, was hidden completely from the guard section and even the line of cameras.Delano told us that his friend took quite a while to check the theory. I could understand

why.

The rules of the Home were strict and the guards and instructors were ruthless. The

Homes were less like human schools and more like human training facilities, or jails,

when it came to rule breaking.

If we were to be caught, our punishment wouldn't be light. Isolation, eating restrictions,

rigorous physical work, stuff along those lines. At least no one had been whipped at ourHome for awhile.

The slot was low on the wall, touching the earth's ground. It had been dug under, deep

enough for even Delano to fit under comfortably. It was hidden from prying eyes by a

cloth with a lot magical warding.

The cloth looked and even felt remarkably like a patch of dirt to the unknowing eyes. But

the person, a kid really, had somehow made it easy to spot by anyone looking for it that

wasn't a guard or teacher. To all of us, that knew about it, it looked simply like a dingyold cloth. With words of magic whispered from Delano, we took off and scrambled

underneath.

After a few minutes of running through the woods, with Delano leading us, we finally

stopped in a beautiful little clearing. Our inhuman speed took us miles from the Home.The grass was green and the full moon seemed to be directly above us, illuminating

everything. It didn't seem real.


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Finally, breaking the silence, Keera shouted, "We made it!" Her high voice echoed

slightly around the clearing, making us all jump. "Calm down, we can't get caught out

here."

"What time is it?" Delano's strong voice rung out.

"Eleven-thirty." Galenus took off a heavy backpack that I hadn't noticed him wearingfrom his shoulders. He pulled out a blanket and a bottle full of some dark liquid. "It's

wine. One of the many destruction of humans."

He had everyone a glass as we sat down on the blanket. We talked and laughed, the

excitement of freedom making us all giddy. Or maybe that was an affect of the wine.

Keera stood up at around eleven-fifty and held up her sixth glass of dark red wine."Happy birthday, my darling. Admit it, sneaking out was worth it."

From my spot on the blanket, leaning against Delano, I said, "Yeah it was. I still think

you are mentally crazy, but this time, it was worth it."

She smiled and then sat down next to Gale. They shared a few whispered words beforedisappearing into the dark forest.

"Happy Birthday." Delano whispered in my ear.

"Thanks. It's nice that you and Keera got me out of there."

Delano mumbled a distracted, "Uhuh."

He began to kiss me, his breath smelling strongly of wine. Our breaths got heavier and

suddenly his hot hands were on me. It wasn't his normal, sweet and protecting, but

possessive and hurtful.

"Stop, Delano." I mumbled against his mouth. He didn't listen, but his hands becamemore aggressive. "Delano, you are hurting me." His hands pinned my arms painfully to

the ground. I tried to knock him off of me, but I couldn't. I was too scared to think

clearly. "Stop!"

I shouted the words and forced my arm out of his hold. White light poured strongly from

my palms and hit Delano. He was sent flying off of me.

"What the hell?"

I was too distracted looking down at my hands in amazement, to yell at Delano. But hewas right, what the hell? My hands were showering everything in bright white light.

White light, White Magic. No. That made no sense, if it was White Magic then that

would make me-

The air left my body as I was knocked to the ground. The light in my hands went out but

I could still feel the presence of magic in my body. Delano was on top of me again. I was

able to move my head to the left just as his hand came down, hitting the ground.


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"You-you are a White! You traitor!" He screamed at me, still trying to land a hit.

I kicked him off of me, just as Keera and Gale crashed into the clearing.

"What the fuck is going on?!" Keera shouted looking back from me to Delano.

I was still on the ground, and Delano was crouching against a tree staring down at mewith fury in his dark eyes. Sensing another attack, Gale rushed over to Delano and locked

his hands behind him, taking him to the ground. Keera rushed over and helped me up.

"Isamaria, are you okay? What happened?"

Delano had managed to push Gale off of him long enough to shout, "She's a liar! She isn't

who you think she is! She is a White-" Galenus got control and shoved his face into the

ground.

"What is he talking about?" Keera turned to me. I looked into her distressed green eyes,then back to where Delano and Gale still struggled on the ground.

"He thinks I am a White Angel."

"What?" Keera turned to look at Delano and laughed. "Are you crazy? This is Isa, the girlwe've known since we were six. The girl you are completely in love with."

Galenus obviously thought the situation wasn't as bad as it seemed and let Delano to his

knees. "Yea man, there is no way she could be a White."

"She must have been sent here when she was younger. A secret mole of the White Angelsto find out about our secrets!"

"Delano, listen to what you are saying. You just attacked your girlfriend." Keera saidobviously exasperated.

"I saw it myself, Keera. Her hands lit up. She used magic, White Magic."

Keera looked at me, ready for me to say something, but I didn't. I couldn't lie to Keera, I

never could.

"Isa, tell him he's wrong."

"I can't Keke." Tears streamed down my face. I looked back down at my palms. Therewas a new energy in me, one that I felt only briefly in MU. I hadn't been able to use it to

conjure a shadow, because it is true. I didn't have Dark Magic. I had White Magic of a

Light Angel.

The watch on Gale's wrist began to beep, we all ignored it. I was officially, sixteen.

"What are you saying?"

"I think he is right, Keke."


15/23

She scoffed at me, but I could tell that she was becoming weary, "So you are really a

Light Angel spy?"

"No, I'm not. But Keke-"

"How would a White even be able to come to a Dark Home?"

"I don't know, but-"

"Don't let yourself listen to that jerk."

"Keke-"

"Isa, I know you, you are not a White."

The magic in me swirled and I could feel it heat up. Almost as though it was insulted. My

voice, also sounded harder. "Keera."

Keera looked at me, surprised, even Gale heard the magic in my voice.

"I do not know how I got in the Home, but I know what I'm feeling in side of me." I

paused and looked at their surprised faces. Even Delano had stopped struggling and was

listening. "I feel the magic, and it isn't Dark Magic, I know."

"How, how do you know?" Keera's voice was now quiet and unsure.

Her tone made me soften, "Look, Keke."

I surged the magic inside me, and sent it to my hands. My palms again lit up, white and

shining. Suddenly a strong feeling of righteousness, swarmed through my body. I had

White Magic, I was indeed a Light Angel.

Chapter 4

They all stood motionless, gaping at my lit up hand. Even Delano seemed

stunned into silence. The beeping from Gale's wrist, stopped.

This isn't funny Isa, stop it. Keera's voice was unusually shaky and quiet.It isn't a joke, Keke. I can't make it stop. The disbelief, the yearning for it not to

be real, in her eyes hurt me deeply.

We were still best friends, weren't we? Even this, me being a White, shouldn'taffect us, should it? I turned the light coming from my hands off. There was no need toshow them anymore. We all knew what I was.

No, you must be mistaken.

Keera, nothing we can do or say will change this. I stepped forward and raisedmy hand to her shoulder. Keera flinched and took a step back, my hand fell in the space

between us. I knew the pain was clear in my face, and voice. It's still me, Keke.

I looked into my best friend's eyes, then to my boyfriend's, and then to Gale's. All


16/23

of them were shadowed with distrust and uncertainty. Just minutes ago we had been

celebrating my birthday, now they were against me. We all stood there in the clearing

unsure of what to do. Keera, as always, broke the silence, this time with her sobs. Shecried loudly into the quiet night, and I couldn't help but step towards her and wrap my

arms around her shaking body.

It's okay, nothing is going to happen. I whispered softly to her, patting her back.Even if I was a White, even if we were mortal enemies, our years of friendship won out

and she leaned into me.

But, Isa, what is going to happen?I don't know honey but-

That's it. Come on Keera, get away from it. Keera was suddenly ripped from

my arms, causing her to sob harder.

I looked into Delano's hard face. He was no longer the nice and sweet boy, thatwas my boyfriend; but a mean, calculating man. Galenus stood at the end of the clearing,

still unsure of what to do.

Delano, I'm still me. My arms were out, palms up, begging for him to

understand.Galenus, get Keera. We're going back to the Home, and we are taking itto the

Guard.Delano thrust Keera toward Gale, who automatically stepped up. He was always

good at following orders.

Delano stood in front of them, shielding them from me. His body crouched,

expecting an attack. I honestly didn't believe that he would be able to do it; to seriouslyattack me. But all that changed as he flung himself at me. The White Magic still coursed

through my body, making my movements a blur. Delano flew past me.

I'm not going to fight you Delano.He didn't listen to my words, instead he charged at me. I stepped out the way

again, this time sending him crashing into a tree. He cursed and turned back to me, not

giving up. Delano's dark eyes grew colder, dark. Soon the darkness swarmed out of hisiris, turning his whole eyes black. He was seeing black, almost like I saw white in Hand

to Hand.

As his pursuits grew more aggressive, I had no choice but to attack also. We bothmoved at impossible speeds. He would swing, I would duck. I swung, he ducked. It was

like a deadly dance. I did not allow the white haze to overcome me. The idea of seriously

hurting Delano was incomprehensible.

I landed a punch to his stomach leaving him slightly stunned and out of breath. Ithen looked over to Gale, expecting him to come and help Delano. Instead I saw him

struggling with Keera, as she tried to get out of his hold. I couldn't tell why because

Delano cut into my line of sight. My punch seemed to have angered him further. Hecontinued to unleash his fury on me.

I was able to take a few punches to my side, until a hard blow to my head

knocked me down. Stumbling to the ground, stars shot across my eyes and the world wasspinning.

Delano was on top of me quickly, his hands around my throat. My hands raked

against his hold, but it only tightened. Spots danced across my vision and my head

seemed to be filled with helium. I was sure I was about to pass out. Then the pressure was


17/23

gone. Air rushed painfully into my gasping lungs, causing me to cough. I stood up

quickly, one hand still massaging my throat, looking for another attack by Delano.

Instead of finding him charging me, I saw him sprawled on the forest floor a fewfeet away. Keera stood next to me, her palm out, and breathing hard. She had used magic

to save me. Gale who had also been on the floor, got up shaky and uncoordinated. He

rushed over to check on Delano. Keera, with tears still streaming down her face, huggedme hard.

One word brushed across my ear, barely comprehensible. Run.

We hugged her tighter and I kissed her quickly on the cheek, tears now runningdown my own face. I cast one last look around the clearing, then sprinted away.

The forest rushed past me in a blur. The tears streaming down my face made it

harder t navigate. After thirty minutes of stumbled running, I finally stopped. My throat

ached and wasn't allowing me to breathe right. I sat down with my head between myknees, trying to think.

Despite me constantly tripping over roots and branches, I was confident that I

made it far away from the Home. But what was I supposed to do now? Where was I

going to go? I was still in the Dark territory, even if I did get away from the school. Theplace where the Whites where was a mystery, and they were still bound to be across the

globe. I had nowhere to go.White spots started to materialize around me, the world started to spin faster.

Then it all went white. A loud voice echoed all around me, it was deep and beautiful. I

had heard it somewhere, a long time ago.

It is time you know who you really are.The voice grew louder, closer. My head felt as though it was going to split in two.

You are not a Dark Child, but a child of the Light. Through the pain in my

head, I felt a sharp sting on my arm. Now it is time to remember.Light wafted through the tall forest trees and birds chirped happily. I looked

around unsure of where I was. Then I remembered last night and my horrible birthday.

The voice speaking to me, the headache, the sting on my arm. I looked at my left arm,where I had felt the pain.

There against my tan skin, was a beautiful and intricate tattoo. It was in the

shape of Pegasus wings. The sign of the Light Angels. I rubbed at it, trying to get it tocome off. Although it was beautiful and it felt right, it had been drilled into my head

over and over again. The Pegasus wings were bad. Well, good. But for us, no forthe

Dark Angels it was bad. The whole thing was confusing me. One thing that I was

certain, the guard was bound to be looking for me. I had to move.But as I stood up, dizziness overcame me. The next thing I knew, I was on the

ground staring at tree tops.

You have to know your past before you start on your future.This time when I blacked out, it didn't stay black. There were images, this time; of

a little girl, and a man. When I saw the man, my heart twinged and I had a strong

yearning for him. They were in a tower, there was a storm. He had placed her in awardrobe, had kissed her forehead. It was me, the little girl. The man is, was, my father.

The girl took of a necklace, the door busted in. They took the man, they found the girl

asleep.

I woke up, crying. It was from my past, and the memory was painful.


18/23

You truly are a White Angel.

I was tired of this ominous voice speaking to me, tired of not knowing. Through

my tears, I shouted at the sky. Where are you? Who are you?The voice was closer when it answered, it had lost the creepy echo that vibrated

inside my head. I am Alexios. And for now, I am here.

A man stepped out of the shadows. I had not been out long, so there was plenty oflight for me to see him in. He looked a few years older than myself, roughly eighteen. His

shoulders were broad and he had skin that was tight over his muscles. His hair was brown

and waved down over his eyes, framing a gorgeous face. Defined cheekbones and astrong jaw, his eyes were like the color of melted chocolate. But most shocking of all,

was his white wings that contrasted so much to his tan skin. He was a Light Angel.

You're a Light Angel.

As are you. He still stood near the trees, he had his hands slightly forward, hewas trying not to startle me.

Yes but-

The realization of what was happening, had me swaying. I was a Light Angel,

everyone I knew was my enemy. Everything I was ever taught, everything I knew was,suddenly turned upside down. But did I really believe in it, in what I was taught at the

Home. I had always felt separate from the other kids, never participated or paid muchattention to the lessons. I swayed again, and would have fell if the Angel wasn't there to

catch me.

Easy, Isamaria. Easy. He knelt down and placed me fully in his harms.

How-How do you know my name.I know a lot about you, Isamaria. I knew you for a long time. He swept my hair

away from my face. We were once friends. When we were younger. His beautiful eyes

looked as though he was looking at something far away. We were inseparable ever sinceyour father saved me. It has been a long wait, for you to remember. Almost eight years.

He stayed like that, looking off into his past, our past. Eventually I remembered

why I had wanted to leave.The Guard.

Ah yes, the Dark authorities. Alexios smiled with no amusement. I guess we

do not want a run in with them. He looked down at me. Not at the moment anyway.Can you walk?

I nodded and he helped me up, still keeping an arm around me. Alexios' touch

was casual, comfortable, as though he was used to holding me. I didn't know what to

think, let alone feel. His presence alone made me feel on guard, defensive. I had beentrained to hunt his kind, our kind? There was another part of me that felt warm and

protected. I was torn in to. My body tense for an attack, yet yearned for his familiarity. I

knew that he was not lying about knowing me. Yet, I automatically considered all hiswords untrue.

Are you sure you are okay?

I'm fine Alex. A nickname of his name rolled easily off my tongue. I meanAlexios.

It is okay. You have been calling me that sense we were two. Alexios stared at

me, his face showing nothing. I have missed you Isa, we all have.

I stepped forward slowly, testing my balance. I did not know what to say t him.


19/23

What he said, what he implied, that I had family and friends in the Light territory. Is it

true?

We walked slowly through the forest. Alexios left me to my own thoughts, buthe was always there. Whenever I stumbled over a root or when an intruding branch

got in our way. After long minutes of silence, I said, Do I have any family, in the

Light territory?Alexios seemed to weigh his words before saying slowly, All your close, blood

family members are gone. Your mother died the day you were born, you had no siblings,

and your dad-I remember that night. My voice was shaky.

A sharp pain went through me. Mourning, for people, family, that I did not

remember.

You have friends. Tons of friends actually. Alexios gave a short laugh at amemory of his own. You were always the bright, talkative one.

You were deathly shy, always sticking to the back. As I said the words slowly I

felt the rightness in the words.

An image of beautiful, smiling children flashed across my eyes. Of all thechildren there seemed only one that was not smiling. A little boy in the back, with dark

hair curling over his face. A small, little girl with long hair stood by his side. She waswhispering in his ear something that made the side of his mouth tilt up in a half-smile.

Isa? Isa, are you okay? I was leaning against a tree my eyes closed and my

breathing quick. Alexios had stopped walking and was now starring at me with worry.

Why do you keep asking me that?You keep giving me reason to. Despite my annoyed tone, his was light and

amused.

Ugh. When will these damn visions stop?They are not visions, they are your past. Your memories. You should be glad

that the Council is allowing you access to them.

The Council?The oldest, most powerful of our kind. It is sort of like the Darks' Guard, but a

bit more democratic.

How could they keep my own memories from me? Why?They are the most powerful Light Angels, most of them are the original

archangels. They had first erased your memory the night you got captured. It was to

ensure that you would be accepted, and that you would not tell any of our secrets.

What kind of secrets would an eight year old know?More than what the Council was willing for them to know.

I leaned even harder against the tree. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

When I opened them again Alexios was staring at me curiously. I ignored him and justpushed myself off the tree and started walking.

We traveled in silence that was broken only once. It was one of the times, where

he had held back a branch from our path. As I stepped by him, my hair swinging slightlyin the wind. He wore a funny expression.

What? I asked defensively.

Your hair.

What about it?


20/23

It's so short.

My brown wavy hair was at the mandatory length of the Home. Alexios was right,

if it wasn't for the Home's strict rules, or persecutions, my hair would by tumbling to mythighs.

It was mandatory.

You always had the longest hair. You would scream your head off if your dadeven mentioned a trim.

He laughed and in the distance I heard I high pitch squeal, and a deep begging

voice.Mi'ja, please.

No quiero, pap.

Tears sprung to my eyes, and I swiped them away quickly. What I meant to come

out grouchy and annoyed, only sounded said and desperate.Can we stop with the memory lane stuff?

Yes, if that is what you would like. Alxios' voice was slightly disappointed, and

I wanted to say we can talk about whatever he liked.

We continued on in the forest. Both of us wrapped in our separated thoughts.We were close, yes?

Alexios looked at me surprised, and spoke curiously. Yes, we were like familyonce.

But we aren't family.

No we are not.

How long have we known each other?He smiled at me slightly, Think about it. I'm sure you will remember.

The weird thing was, I didn't remember. Didn't remember ever, not knowing him.

When I try and think about my past I have a general sense of him and the man, my father.We grew up together.

Yes, I was brought to your family the year you were born. I was just two and

both my parents were gone. Alexios' voice was filled with a deep sorrow and hisbeautiful eyes were cast down.

I'm sorry. I walked over and patted his arm sympathetically.

He smiled at me, but when he looked at my hand his smile froze. Alexios shookoff my hand as if it was a disgusting bug.

What?

The ring. You're still wearing their ring.

I looked down at my right hand and noticed what he was talking. There sitting bigand bulky, was the Dark Angel pendent. It was a dark ring with an even darker rock that

in the middle had a red dragon's eye. I never thought much about it, it had been on my

finger since I was eight. Everyone had to wear one. Then I saw it the way Alexios musthave seen it, as a sign of the enemy.

I wrapped two fingers around it and prepared to twist it off, but something inside me

stopped. Maybe it was because all the lectures I have had on how important the pendantwas. Or maybe I still couldn't part with the only thing from the Home I had. Then I saw

the look on Alexios' face as he watched the challenge I was going through. I practically

took my whole finger as I tried to rip the ring off.

I have your necklace. I looked up to find Alexios smiling at me.


21/23

My necklace?

You pegasus necklace. Seemingly out of nowhere, Alexios handed me a golden

chain necklace. The main pendant that the necklace was attached to was a beautiful pairof gold pegasus wings. They found it at the place. After you and your dad were- when

they-

It felt completely normal when I put a hand on his cheek, as though I did iteveryday. When he was quiet, I smiled and said, Thank you.

As I took it from his hand, I hoped he didn't notice me slip the ring into my back

pocket.Chapter 5

We traveled siliently, both weary of the other. Only the thought of being caught

by the Gaurd kept me moving until sunset. Alexios found a small clearing that, after

silent speculation, declared thhat it would work for the night.Exhausted, I leaned against a treee and closed my eyes. The whole day, and the

night before, had been both physically and emotionally drainning.

"Are you tired?" Alexios' voice sounded closer than what I expected.

My eyes flashed open and met his warm brown ones only a foot away. "Here."Again, seemingly from out of no where, he pulled out a thin blanket and pillow.

"Sorry, it was all they allowed me to pack."As I took them from his hands, tons of questions raced across my mind. Unable to

talk for fear of barbarding him with my inquieries, I met his eyes again. It was not a very

smart idea. All day my emotions and body had been at war. There would be times, when

he stepped on a twig or moved closer to me, when I would tense in anticipation for anattack from him. Yet other times, like when I stared into his eyes or the light shinned

through the leaves and hit his glorious wings. Those times I-

I hit the back of my head hard against the tree. Welcoming the pain, to help clearmy thoughts.

"Isa, what is wrong?"

"It's nothing." I was looking at the darkening treetop as I spoke, but my headsnapped down when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Again I was torn. Part of my wanted to

pull and twist the hand. Then another part, wanted me to lean into the simpathetic touch.

"There was a time when you told me everything." Alexios' voice washeartbreaking.

Before I could say anything, he turned around and sat down against an opposite

tree, Alexios leaned his head back and let his eyes slowly close. I placed the pillow

behind my neck and covered myseld as much as possible with the blanket. Then I let thetiredness take over my body, still the place where he touched my shoulder tingled and his

sad expression replayed in my head.

"Goodnight, Alex." I whispered, not fully expecting a reponse.But after a moment of silience he said, "Goodnight, Isamaria. Maybe one day,

things will change."

The night was terrible, distant memories floated and twisted in my head. One wasof two little kids, Alexios and me, running through a clearing. I held a wooden bow and

he carried my arrows. Alexios handed me one, I took aim and the scenery kept changing.

My father held my hand and led me through a dark corridor. Delano's arms around my

throat, tightening. Antonius smiling, Keera crying. Alexios calling my name.


22/23

"Isa. Isamaria."

"Isa!"

"Huh?" My arm shot up to my eyes where brilliant sunlight threatened to blindme.

"You have been mumbling in your sleep for the last two hours. Are you okay?"

"Ugh." I sat up groggily and looked around the small forest clearing. Light wasfiltering through the leaves above, turning everything a dream-like green. Alexios stood a

few feet away from me. His long hair, shadowed and darkened his brown eyes.

"Bad dreams?""More like bad memories." I groaned agained, and got up slowly.

"I am sorry." He was looking down which made it impossible to see his eyes.

"But we have to get on the move again."

"Yeah, right."I stood up and Alexios was there making the pillow and blanket disappear. "Are

you sure you are okay?"

He was standing so close that even his eyes were visable to me. I was able to feel

each breath that he took, which only made it that much more embarassing when mystomach growled loudly. Alexios chuckled softly and I took a step back.

"Sorry, it was-""No, my fault. I should have realized. You always had an appetite."

Before I could reply, Alexios pulled out a small bag out of thin air. How was he

doing that? Inside were pieces of bread, fruits. I looked back up at him, I needed to learn

that trick."The rest we can catch."

"How do you do that?"

"What?""Pull things out of nowhere."

"Oh, it's simple magic." In a blink of an eye, he held a leather jacket. "All this

stuff I had packed in a storage unit, I guess you could call it. But this, storage unit, hasbeen specially warded for me to be able to dip into it with my magic."

I bit into a piece of bread that he handed me. All magic seemed amazing to me

because i couldn't use any of it.What is wromg? Alexios paused before popping a grape into his mouth.

I- I can't use magic. I kept my eyes on the ground, waiting for his judgement.

It was the last thing I expected but Alexios started to laugh.

Shut up. I grabbed an apple and threw it at his head.He just caught it and kept laughing. You can't be serious!

Yes, I am! I never thought you were such a jerk!

No I'm serious, Alexios tried to sober up, That can'tbe possible." It took asecond, but the laughs finally stopped. "I have seen you do magic. No, no, wait. I have

seen you flaunt magic."

"What are you talking about?""I would tell you but you said to stop with the memory lane stuff so," He took a

big bite from the apple.

"Ugh! Just tell me."

"Are you sure?" He was taunting me now and it was getting annoying.


23/23

"Yes!"

"Really?"

"What are you, six?""Ha ha, I just don't want to anger you again."

I yanked off a small branch from the tree next to me. When I threw it, an extra

push of something went with it. It was automatic, I hadn't even thought about it. But asAlexios ducked quickly and the branch hit another tree and broke, I knew it. I had just

used magic.

Alexios stood up and looked behind him. "See, that would have really hurt. Youhave just dipped into your magic. You used to do that all the time when we were

younger."

"What, try to decapitate you?"

"Ha ha, not exactly but," He paused and considered if he should say something ornot, "you were the most powerful eight year old I knew. No one else knew that you could

use magic so adeptly. You only showed me.

"The first time was when we were hunting for the second time. Although you had

brought down a deer the other day, you had become distressed seeing it in pain before itdied. You swore that you wouldn't let that happen again. I thought you meant that you

wouldn't go hunting anymore." As Alexios spoke the words seemed to come alive. I saweverything, the forest, us, it was all clear as a bell. "But the next morning we went and

right before you drew back your bow, you whispered something. I wasn't able to hear you

but I think the rabbit did. Because it stopped, and when it got hit, it fell straight down. It

didn't even look like it was in pain as it died. You smiled really big and started to cry. Iasked what happened and you said that you gave it peace. After that, when we would go

in the forest, you would always show off what else you learned. Making apples fly and

hit me in the head, slaughter me at our hunting competitions. You taught me endlessly onhow to do the spell where the creatures would have peace before they died. Nothing we

caught after had died painfully. You never did tell me what that spell really did."

My head swirled with the visions and feeling from the memory. I spoke quietly,"Tranquillitas animi."

"Yes! You remember!"

I nodded slowly, not looking at him, "It means-It makes them see-It is hard toexplain but, by making the animal see the thing that they have ever wanted most in their

life, it sends them through, well almost like a trance. They don't see, hear, feel anything

but the vision. It would be the best way to die."

I looked up in time to see Alexios nodding his head. "You are very talented tohave found that out when you were so young."

"Not anymore. Whenever I do magic, I have to be emotionally overwhelmed. I

can't control or make anything happen."Alexios nodded and put a hand on my shoulder, "You taught me, now I will teach

you."

"Thank you," I said looking up into his eyes.

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