The Crystal Trials

11

All Ignus afternoon, students took the time to prepare for the Welcome Banquet the next day by practicing their magic and shifting. Students were scattered around Salvare University, mostly sticking to their teams. By the end of the day, I had managed to summon some rock in my hand, which should be sufficient for Ahren's class first thing on Lunedus.

On the day of the banquet, everyone was dressed nicely for their families and the dining hall had been transformed into a buffet of meats, cheeses, greens, and, best of all, desserts. I didn't expect mom to make it, especially with Zayden. But I had hoped she would, depending on what m uncle accomplished with father. I fidgeted nervously with my damn silver robes. Erix had insisted the Primes wear them, to present a good image. Taury and I had taken turns doing the girls' hair in our group. Jiaxin insisted his be styled as well, Taury jumping at the opportunity to play in his silky strands.

The Primes sat at their table. I sat between Ameer and Garren. Once the families began to arrive, music began to play quietly at the corners of the room. The sound was magnified from the small quartet near us by some air magic. The atmosphere was elegant and luxurious. I looked to Ameer, and he rolled his eyes. I giggled.

Faolan had found his family, who were some of the first to arrive. Lorinde and Dacian pulled him into a hug. Seraphina was brought into a hug as well and her and Lorinde walked off to grab food, chatting away. Garren's family were the first from our town to arrive. Lord Zondervan gave his son a quick hug and they began talking about magic. Apparently, he tested well on light and dark magic as well. Soon, they were both casting their magic in a small competition and Garren laughed at their fun. Taury walked up to me, stealing Garren's seat as he walked away to the buffet.

"I wrote Dad on our first day. He said he would come and try to bring Aunt Syrena and Zayden too," Taury announced as she stole a pastry off my plate.

I was about to respond when I saw them. Taury must have too because she was on her feet the same time as me. There were all there. Mom and Zayden and my aunt and uncle. We rushed to them hugging and crying all around. Mom looked so good. Her hair was bound in a loose knot and Zayden was wearing a nice set of new clothes. I looked to Uncle Josiah.

"What happened?" I questioned him. My uncle looked around for somewhere less public. Taury and I led our family to our usual tables where only Emyr sat observing the room. My uncle did not hesitate to relay the news.

"Well, we went after Nerin right after sending you two off. He must have sensed we were coming because he had a kitchen knife out when we arrived. He managed to get one of my guys in the stomach, but Kay here put them right." My uncle swallowed at the memory before continuing.

"Anyways, after that, the coward ran into the woods and we haven't seen him since," he averted his gaze with guilt.

"Good. I hope he starves," I bit out then addressed my mom, "Are you and Zay staying with them now?"

"No. We stayed at the house. I-"

"Are you kidding me mom? He is going to come back, you know that right? You have to leave. Now." I grabbed her hand. "Promise me."

"Nik I can't. It's our home."

I let go of her, angry tears welling. She still refused to fight, even when he wasn't there. Emotions I held back the last week surfaced quickly.

"You know what. Forget it. You want to live that way, fine. I'm done trying to protect you." I wiped at my face, stood up, and leaned over the table at her, not caring about her flinch. "You are the reason we lived that way. You. You let him beat me, whip me, and spit on me. Never once did you speak up or fight back, you let me take it for you and Zayden." Luckily Zayden was getting food but had looked over at me shouting in concern. I didn't stop there, anger flooding my mind and becoming reality as I said them. The truth exploded from me without warning.