The Woods

Chapter Thirty-Two

I never did end up sleeping that night, so after breakfast, when I went to meet Cain, I was bleary-eyed and yawning. He raised his eyebrows, but made no comment as he led me to the field outside. I just hoped the crisp morning air would help wake me up.

"I will be honest, I have never taught anyone to use magic," Cain said, dropping down onto the grass and crossing his legs. I sat opposite him, shivering from the dew on the grass. "Have you ever felt the magic within yourself?"

I nibbled my lip, thinking. "Only when there was the . . . incident with Dimah. I don't know if it was magic, but I couldn't get rid of the feeling of pride and rage."

"That was likely your instincts reacting to the way she treated you," he replied. "You come from the Wolf House, the second most powerful, while she has no status. Out of instinct, you let out power to show you were above her."

"Right. So how do I access the magic?"

He was silent for a few moments, thinking. "I want your magic to react," he finally replied. "If I use my magic against you, yours should react. It might fight back or cower. Either way, you need to be able to feel it."

I nodded, and his slight smile was the only warning he gave me before the temperature plummeted. I let out a gasp. It felt like I was being suffocated and breathing became difficult.

I certainly felt it beneath my skin. It crawled and writhed, as if it didn't know how to react. But then something bubbled in my gut, and a feeling of rage overcame me. A snarl ripped from my throat, surprising me.

Although I had no control, I could still feel the tension between our magic. Mine pressed back at his, as if trying to suffocate him. Cain looked delighted, and his own magic pressed back with full strength.

The silent battle went on for only a few minutes before my magic bucked beneath the weight of his, and I was left gasping for air. His own magic subsided immediately.

"Interesting," he said, the delight sparkling in his eyes.

"What is?" I asked through my panting.

"The magic is linked to the personality of the user," he replied. "Someone with a temper, such as Lord Benroy, would immediately fight back. While someone timid, and perhaps weaker, would immediately surrender to the magic. It's interesting that your magic didn't know how to respond at first. What did you feel in those moments?"

"Rage." My answer was blunt, and I couldn't tell if it was because I was exhausted, or because I was annoyed that I had lost.

He chucked, perhaps realising my thoughts. "You shouldn't be upset that you didn't win. As king, I am naturally the strongest with my magic."

"Then why do people like Lord Benroy bother challenging you?"

He was silent for a while, and by the time he answered, my breathing had evened out.

"The Fox House hasn't always ruled," he said. "Like two potential heirs must show who is stronger with their magic, others can challenge the ruler. If they somehow are able to show their magic is more powerful, the crown is handed over to them."

I frowned at the thought. What a messy system. Anyone could just rule if they were born with stronger power.

"But wouldn't it be unfair to the lower Houses?"

"While having a higher rank gives more potential to the House's power, there is an element of natural talent. Being born with enough power to beat the higher Houses despite having limitations of status proves they are worthy to claim a high status."