The Crystal Trials

56 Nik

I wasn't sure what to do on the day of The Giving. Or, as Ameer called it, The Bestowing. I had woken up early antsy, and full of energy. There were many in the dining hall at dawn, telling me that I wasn't the only one that could feel the energy of the day. Dath was speaking to Sera and Rayze about weapons training when I walked up. Faolan and Evander were speaking in hushed tones. Without warning Faolan shifted into a wolf and laid next Evander and placed his giant head on his lap. Evander looked at him lovingly and pet his head while he continued eating his food.

Lilta and Zither were in the corner by the windows practicing dark magic. Lilta had a hard time in Elve's class and must have been asking Zither for help. Everyone knew that the last trial would be light and dark as they were the only elements left. Between Dath's grandma passing, discovering Rion's deceit, and meeting with Volar, we hadn't had much time to practice for the trial. Taury and Garren weren't around. My guess was that they were checking on Emyr. The Primes had long since abandoned the table of honor, and since it was most of us, Erix hadn't approached me about being a better leader.

I sat by Ameer and Alden while they explained to Jiaxin a light magic assignment. Ameer pushed a plate of macaroons to me without looking away from a talking Jiaxin. I happily stuffed my face. Alden eyed me heatedly. The spring equinox had certainly begun. My own heart pounded with the magic pulsing through the air. I wondered how I was going to make it through the day after feeling the effects only being awake for an hour. I chewed quickly as my cheeks flushed and took a long swing of milk.

Classes had been cancelled for the day due to the nature of the day's events. I looked around at my team each one flushed and adjusting to the atmosphere of The Giving. I had to do something. My body needed physical activity. I touched Ameer's arm in thanks for the breakfast and smiled at Alden. I dropped my waste into the trash bin.

Where are you going? Are you ok?

Ameer asked from the table, having never moved or turned around. Sly panther. I smirked. Alden watched me but still engaged with Jiaxin.

Training grounds. I need to busy myself with something.

Want company?

I smiled. Hells yes. I waited for him by the trash while he finished what he was saying to the other boys. Alden watched us angrily, as if a challenge had been set. What the Hells was his problem? He turned to look at Dath who smiled kindly at him. Alden sprang up and matched past Ameer approaching me. I opened my mouth to ask him what was wrong, but Ameer was there before I could.

"Let's go." I snapped. All emotions were heightened, and it would only get worse. We walked to the white door and walked through. "You weren't joking when you said it was more intense than the Night of Nix."

"No. I wasn't."

We both walked to the weapons rack and grabbed some swords. My skills had improved a lot since working with Lambert on the side, so I was happy to have a new opponent.

I rounded on Ameer. "How are you not bothered by the magic in the air today?"

He flipped his sword in his hand skillfully, a lock falling in front of his face. "Who says I'm not?" He threw his sword into the dirt. Then, crossing his arms in front of him, he removed his shirt, exposing his skin to the warm spring air. I breathed heavily, fidgeting with my sword. His velvety umber skin bore a tattoo. Across his cut pectorals was a pair of wings. In the middle of the wings was the face of a fierce lion.

I met his eyes and said, "You're really calm."

I'm not.

And he struck. I met his oncoming blow with a parry. We fought on and on. Attacking and defending. A dance fueled by frustration, emotions, and magic in the air. He spun and went for my side, and I ducked swiping at his feet. He jumped, anticipating the move, and landed in a crouch. I bared my teeth and he growled back. I rolled along the side of him an swung my sword at his back which he blocked by swinging his sword behind him. With my sword caught in his, he spun around to face me, and we both stood. I pulled on my water magic and drenched him. Caught by surprise he released dropped his arm and I swung at his neck. He jumped back lithely. I laughed darkly.