Spurned Queen

Chapter 25: Kaiden

The Girl

She froze when she saw me. I peered up at her, waiting to see what she thought of me. She had beautiful ice blue irises set in almond shaped eyes. Her skin was slightly pink, her lips were full, and her hair was over a yard long. I couldn't get over the strange attraction I felt towards her; it intrigued me enough for me to follow her here to this place I otherwise had no intention of visiting. Whoever she was exactly, she didn't like me. Her eyes were slightly narrowed, and I noted her turn her body slightly into a stance that was almost defensive.

"Who are you?" she hissed.

I looked down sadly. She already hated me. Of course. She had seen my magic.

"I'm a student," I muttered, so low I was sure she wouldn't hear. I cleared my throat a little, hating how weak my voice sounded.

"A student?" she repeated skeptically.

I was surprised but I nodded.

"I suppose," she said dubiously. "Which class are you in?"

I didn't answer her question. Instead, I asked quietly, "Do you hate me?" I couldn't see her expression with my head bowed, but I could sense her shock.

After several seconds, she answered tightly, "No. I don't."

"Will you help me?" I asked again, made bold by her answer.

"Why would I help you?" she asked back. There was no venom in her tone, though I could hear some skepticism. But she was still here, so I took that as an encouragement.

"Because... because you're a teacher?"

Silence. I peeked up at her stunned face while she stared at me.

"What is your name?"

I blinked, not responding.

She sighed. "Okay fine. Let's say I'm a teacher. How would I help you?"

I flinched. "You don't have to," I mumbled.

"Yes, that's true. But you came in here to look for me and ask me for some kind if unknown help, so tell me what you want before I can decide whether or not I will, or can, give it to you."

I tipped my head to the side. She was actually considering helping me?

"Would you please help me learn how to control my powers? I can't control when they come out and when they don't."

"I gathered as much," she said. She debated with herself slightly, hesitating before offering me her hand. "Come with me. I don't know if I can help you, but I'll try. After all, I am a teacher."

I stared at the proffered hand, presented so that I could choose whether to take it or not. I could find no trace if malice in her expression. Her subtle defensive stance and the apprehension I could sense in her made me sure this was not some kind of trick. She didn't look like she wanted to grab me and strap me to a table- she had saved me from them, after all.

She neither liked, nor trusted me, but she offered me her hand. She was willing to help me, just because she was a teacher.

A tear slipped from my cheek before I even knew I was crying. I was pulled into a memory.

Flashback.

"Her powers are strange. Deadly strange. I've never seen the likes of it before."

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"It has a dark side. It is an evil wield."

My father snorted. I turned to him. "Bullshit. There is no such thing as an evil wield. You know what I believe? A wield is your only unconditional companion. Whatever you do or don't, it remains with you. It doesn't judge. And yes, it may take over and consume you, but it always follows your emotions. It wants to do whatever you want to do, albeit regardless of the means."