The Crystal Trials

59 Dath

My mind was much clearer during Jorah's class. Nik and her friends were ridiculous in their performance with him. I wasn't sure what they were playing at, probably just picking on the poor man, but it was funny.

After the class they walked together giggling and chatting. Erix's sons went their separate ways, each one brooding. They were always so moody. Alden took the stairs in the foyer. My left arm itched under my gauntlet. My vision began clouding over and suddenly I felt the urge to follow Alden. I shook my head fighting confusion. Darkness closed in aggressively like it was angry. When I caught up to Alden, I had to grab him. I grasped his arm, squeezing a little. He growled at me with malice. Ignoring him, I followed the darkness and dragged him to his father's office. Alden didn't fight me when we walked up the stairs to the top of the tower into the last room.

Erix stood by the window, looking out to the sea. My arms moved of their own accord and forced Alden down onto the chair. Erix ripped his shirt off and tied his arms to the back of the chair. Alden swiveled his head back and forth in a panic. I watched, unable to move.

Erix crouched down in front of his son and rolled up his sleeves. "What the Hells happened out at the ocean last night?"

Alden looked up at him with annoyed confusion. "I haven't the least idea."

"There was a massive power surge coming from the docks that could be seen for miles. There are very few sources that could make that type of power. And I have a feeling your little girlfriend is one of them."

Alden bared his teeth. "She isn't my girlfriend. And I have no idea what you're talking about. I went to bed early."

"Oh, I very much doubt that," Erix stood up and prowled around the room ignoring me, "The Giving is extremely difficult to fight off. I'm sure you got your fill with her."

"I didn't. She ran off. I upset her."

Erix froze mid-step and turned to him slowly. "Ran. Off. Where."

Alden went white, realizing his mistake. I smiled. A thrilling running through my body. The darkness closed in further. It was almost my turn to play. My arms raised and slashed his chest open with a whip of fire, the blood spaying my face. Alden screamed, not being able to hold it in. The darkness inside caressed my unease like a lover. My bear roared in pleasure. All doubt dissipating.

"Tell me, son. Or he will use his bear."

He spit some blood out, teeth red when he said, "Never. I don't know what you want with her, but I will not give her up to you."

I shifted my hand and slashed once, twice, a third time. His chest in ribbons and skin still smoking. Erix snaped his fingers and my hand stopped midair for another blow. I blinked m vision clearing long enough to see Alden broken and crying. He looked at me and noticed the clarity I felt. He shook his head and I mouthed, "I'm sorry." Erix snapped his fingers again and my arm lashed out. Inside my mind space, I screamed in horror as my body hurt someone I would never. No matter how much I wanted Nik for myself, I never wanted to be the one to take something else from her. I had become her enemy and she had no idea. And I had no way to tell her. I watched Alden throw his head back, slipping away. His father healed him whole, and he sobbed.