The Magic In You

Chapter # 3 The Half Truth

As I reflected on the argument with Araz and Evanora last week, I was filled with conflicting emotions - confused, uncertain, and out of place amongst my village folk. Was it in my best be selfish in this matter, I wanted the best for Araz, should have I kept quiet? I wanted them to think that I cared but have I crossed the line? As the voices of a nearby couple grew louder, I pondered my origins and my inability to reach Evanora for answers. The sense of sadness and confusion that lingered in my mind left me feeling despondent and alone.

"And what will you do?" I listened to the voices of the couple, my attention turned to their discussion. I heard the girl giggling by something said by the guy. I took the hint and decided getting up without making sound, presumably to avoid hearing any intimate activities. Hoping not to make any further noise and risk the embarrassment of being caught eavesdropping on the couple.

"So many unimaginable things-" I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the thought of them discussing "unimaginable things". Suddenly, I noticed that the voice of the guy was remarkably similar to Leo. The realization took me by surprise and I suddenly felt a sense of intrigue and curiosity as I wondered what the odds were of the boy who are to be married to Araz is with someone

As the voice reminded me of Leo, my curiosity was further piqued, so I decided to climb a tall tree to get a better view of the culprits. Once I reached the top, I laid my eyes on Leo and one of the girls in the village. I was startled by the sight and my mind was filled with shock and disgust at the thought of them locking tongues. My thoughts turned to Leo, and I couldn't believe he would do such an unthinkable thing. My mind conjured up images of Leo as a "whore" and I felt a sense of disappointment and despair at his 'un' expected behaviour.

I had almost wanted to climb down when a sudden idea came to my mind. I decided to expend my remaining mana to freeze the pair, causing them to shriek as the magic flowed through their bodies, leaving them paralyzed and helpless. Once I gained control of the magic and their body, it all went silent, with no other sounds but their screams of shock and fear. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had caught them in the act and that they had no way of escaping.

I burst into laughter when I saw Leo, naked as a jaybird, and I couldn't help but look around for my next course of action. I noticed a group of villagers gathering around the bonfire, their conversations creating an interesting buzz of excitement. This prompted me to drag the frozen couple into the centre of the village and unfreeze them in front of the startled villagers. I took delight in watching the shocked and amused reactions of those present as the couple stood up, looking like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar. I savoured the feeling of retribution I felt in my heart.

He deserved this.

I watched with a sense of amusement as Leo hastily attempted to cover his exposed body while the people looked on in revulsion. The act of infidelity was not prohibited but certainly frowned upon by the society of the village, bringing shame and discredit upon both the man and woman involved. I felt a sense of schadenfreude as Leo and his partner faced the consequences of their actions, unable to do anything but stand in their shame as the villagers around them watched with disgusting expressions on their faces.

The voice of Leo's father filled the air with his loud and infuriated voice as he confronted his son in the wake of the shocking scandal. "Leo! What is the meaning of this?" he yelled; the disgust evident on his face. "How dare you even think of committing such forbidden acts when you are to be engaged?" the father went on, shocked by the audacity of his son's actions. As he witnessed the public disgrace of his son, he wondered what kind of judgment his family's name would endure as a result of this scandal.

"Father, it's not how it is. I was tricked by this woman!" He yelled as he pointed to the girl standing next to him, the girl looked up at him with a glare, her face filled with shame and anger at his false accusation. Leo, in particular, was adamant in his denial of wrongdoing, refusing to take responsibility for the scandal. Instead, he chose to push the blame onto his partner, hoping that his words would be believed. I rolled my eyes watching the scene unfold in front of me, typical Leo.