Shadow Beings

6. Past Lessons

The next day I woke to the sound of Jay's voice delivering instructions with faithful confidence.

Preparations for the ball, probably.

I stood up, walking towards the window to pull the curtains. Bright light entered the small but cosy room, my eyes narrowing as they adjusted to the brightness. A number of shadow trappers were spread around, walking towards different blocks or simply going on a pleasant, morning walk. I smiled and walked towards the bathroom to freshen myself.

Bursts of chatter hit my ears as I closed the door behind me, entering a busy hallway. I shyly greeted several shadow-trappers, some who I knew and some who welcomed me. Most of them made their way towards the main hall to prepare Sylva Vita for the Annual Ball.

A fresh breeze hit me as I stepped outside, messing my short hair and sending thrills through my skin. My bare feet moved on the damp grass as I walked towards the centre of Sylva Vita, looking at my surroundings.

I spotted Ava guiding a group of children a out the use of their abilities. It was easy to see that they were already under her charm, focused solely on her and her demonstrations. Most kids liked to fool around with their abilities, but Ava managed to instil discipline and responsibility in a sincere manner.

Towards her left was a large stand-alone building; the first structure for training. Through the windows of the second floor I saw Conrad, Evelyn, Theo and Jack already practice their abilities. A grin was already on Evelyn's face and Conrad shook his head while Theo and Jack appeared to enjoy the show.

Trina sat on the circular garden that sat between the building and Ava, a calm expression on her face as she closed her eyes. Elek was in the defence room situated in the second room of the building, scanning every system with two other shadow-trappers. They were probably planning more designs and fixing existing flaws.

I've always wondered why we used technology as Shadow Beings, it was so unintuitive, but I had faith in anything Elek worked on. He told me that most our "technology" was assigning energy and roles to physical objects in an abstract manner rather than a physical one. A vehicle can run on fuel, a cubical box could be given our sort of energy and Elek could insert information to make the box's role as something that flies.

I should've asked him about it yesterday, understand these things better.

Suddenly, Theo entered Elek's room with a curious look in his eye and dragged Trina along with him. She wore a firm expression of protest, clearly wanting to back into her quietude and sit with herself. I let out a gentle chuckle, leaving them to their antics.

I returned to the centre of the garden, embracing the memories associated with all of Sylva Vita. No matter what had happened, each event took away a moment of peace. I closed my eyes, recounting one of the more profound ones.

I was five when my mum brought me to the great tree, Paliv Verasel. Not just anyone could go to it; she was one of the ones who gave out permission as a member of the Shadow Council.

The Council that had disbanded after nearly all members were gone.

We stood in front of a large tree that seemed infinite to me at that point of time. Its branches spread far and wide, its leaves were bright and refreshing and the vines that hung swayed gently with the wind. We walked closer to it and my energy quickened with anticipation.

She brought my hand close to the tree's heart and said, "Close your eyes. Feel the energy running through your mind, your vessels and ultimately, your seven wheels, Audrey." Her voice sent a warm sensation through my skin.

"What are the seven wheels, mum?" My eyes shone with curiosity as my mum laughed.

"They are the seven pools of energy in our body, or as I prefer it, in our souls."