Shadows of Valor

Part 16

The soft knock on the door startled Sebastian, breaking his reverie. He exchanged a puzzled glance with Reid before rising from the bed to answer it. As he opened the door, there stood Dr. Celeste Lawson, the perky blonde guidance counselor, her smile radiant as ever. "Good afternoon, boys. I hope you're finding your new quarters to your liking. I had come to see how you both were settling in but..." Dr. Lawson greeted them warmly, her voice carrying a touch of concern. "Reid, I couldn't help but notice the marks on your legs. They're rather unique. Do you know how they got there?"Sebastian's eyes widened his confusion mirroring Dr. Lawson's observation. He hadn't realized that the shadows could leave any visible traces behind. His gaze darted between Reid's legs and the counselor, a mix of curiosity and apprehension swirling within him.Reid scratched his head, a bemused expression crossing his face. "Oh, these marks? I honestly have no idea. They just appeared out of nowhere. Maybe it's some weird dorm-room phenomenon."Sebastian's brow furrowed, his mind grappling with the revelation. The shadows had always been an enigma to him, a comforting presence that responded to his emotions. But to see their impact manifest physically was a surprise. A tinge of unease mixed with his confusion, unsure of what it meant for their hidden abilities.Dr. Lawson studied them both intently, her concern transitioning into genuine curiosity. "Well, do let me know if anything unusual happens, or if these marks cause any discomfort. We want to ensure your well-being here."Sebastian nodded, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. "Of course, we'll keep an eye on it. Thanks for letting us know, Dr. Lawson."With a final reassuring smile, Dr. Lawson took her leave, leaving Sebastian and Reid to contemplate the newfound mystery. The room fell into a thoughtful silence as the shadows danced along the edges, their secrets cloaked in darkness.

Sebastian's gratitude swelled within him as he turned his attention to Reid. "Thanks for not saying anything. It's just... I need to understand what's happening with these marks," he said, his voice softened with sincerity.

Reid's breath caught in his throat as Sebastian reached out, his hands extending towards the marks. But as the icy chill of Sebastian's touch brushed against his skin, Reid instinctively pulled his leg back, surprise and discomfort flickering across his face. Sebastian, caught off guard by the coldness radiating from his own hand, quickly withdrew it.

"I'm sorry, Reid," Sebastian apologized, his annoyance growing at the unpredictable nature of the shadows. "I didn't realize they had entwined themselves with my hand. They don't always listen to me."

Shaking off the disorienting sensation, Sebastian gathered his focus once again. With a determined resolve, he commanded the shadows to retreat, urging them away from his hand. As they dispersed, Sebastian couldn't help but feel a wave of queasiness wash over him, the abrupt separation leaving him momentarily unsettled.

Once the shadows had receded, Sebastian directed his attention back to the marks on Reid's legs. He observed them closely, noting how they appeared slightly off-colored from Reid's natural skin tone, a hue that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows themselves. The marks appeared as if they were etched just beneath the surface, almost like a hidden layer waiting to be unveiled.

 Reid winced slightly, his expression indicating a subtle soreness surrounding the marks. He glanced down, studying the intricate patterns with a mix of curiosity and unease. "They're a little colder and tender to the touch," Reid remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of discomfort.

Sebastian nodded in understanding. "I can see that. It's as if they carry their own temperature, distinct from the rest of your skin. It's... peculiar, to say the least."

Fascination and concern intermingled within Sebastian's thoughts as he carefully examined the marks once more. They seemed to hold a certain presence, an air of significance that beckoned him to unravel their secrets. While he couldn't decipher their exact meaning, Sebastian knew deep down that they held the key to understanding the extraordinary powers they possessed.