One Last Hope

Chapter 28

⭐“Imperfections are not inadequacies, they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”⭐
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When he's finished with the warnings, Nicolae crosses his hands like a professor with attitude.

Nicolae: "First off, we know your gifts are linked to your emotions. You'll have to learn to deal with that."

Nora: "Why isn't it the same for everyone?"

Nicolae: "Every witch is different. Some have leanings in specific areas... While others are capable of a range of different things without mastering a particular gift. We'll have to figure out if you belong more in the first category or the second."

Nora: "And how do we find out?"

Nicolae: "We'll do some exercises. We can stimulate your senses and emotions to see how they react."

I can feel my fingers tingling and my body shivering. It's as if my physical self is eager to be tested.

Nora: "I don't understand why we can't get started tonight..."

Nicolae: "Because you're nowhere near ready!"

Nora: "Of course I am! I feel great and I really want to test my limits."

Nicolae: "This isn't a game, Nora. In fact, it's the exact opposite of a game. We must proceed with caution..."

I feel so frustrated. I really thought I was going to try something new, but I guess I'm going to have to wait.

Nicolae piles several books in front of me, until they form an impressive heap.

Nicolae: "These are for you. Take them to your room and spend some time reading them."

Nora: "All of them? From cover to cover?"

I'm much less motivated all of a sudden!

If I'd known that becoming a witch would just add a ton of books to the masses of college work I already have, I wouldn't have bothered getting all excited about it.

Nora: "Seriously, Nicolae! Where do you expect me to find the time for this? I have classes, homework and exams to prepare on top of all the time I spend with Lorie..."

Nicolae: "It wasn't so much of a problem when you wanted to go out and have fun a couple of evenings a week, was it?"

Nora: “I don't believe this. I've only been out once!“

Nicolae: "For now. We'll talk about it again in a few weeks..."

Nora: "I'll find the time."

He moves further back onto the couch and stares at me for a long time.

Nicolae: "You asked me to help you and that's what I'm doing. I understand that you find all this boring, but you have to put the effort in. It's very important to master the theory before you put your knowledge into practice. That goes for everything, not just witchcraft."

I hate it when he's right. He's such a killjoy... but I must face the fact that what he's saying makes sense.

I stroke the book bindings with my fingertips...

Nora: "I didn't think I'd be so fascinated by it all..."

Nicolae: "This situation is so new to you. It's natural for you to be intrigued."

I shudder as I remember the feeling of energy, like a fire, smoldering inside me.

Nora: "What I felt was so powerful... It's a little scary. What if I can't control myself? What if my powers are stronger than me?"