The Witch's Ichor

Mana Poisoning [38]

The breeze gently ruffles Zoe's hair as she sits atop a boulder with an envelope in hand. She carefully tears it open, her fingernails finding purchase in the paper. The letter is embossed with a golden symbol. It's unfamiliar to Zoe.

"What's it say?"

Derek's words bring a scowl to Zoe's face. She glares at him, and he shuts his mouth.

Zoe turns back to the letter, and reads it.

Dear Ms. Kim,

It has recently come to my attention that you have become a witch. Congratulations.
However, your witchhood is not the reason I am writing to you. This is a warning, and an offer.

Firstly, it is important you know that unrestricted usage of magic leads to an elevated mana concentration in the air. When a mundane person breathes in too much mana they will experience mana poisoning. This results in mood swings, elevated heartrate, and mania.

I am cautioning you against using your magic too often. The ambient mana concentration in Witchburrow has spiked due to your actions these last few weeks, and those you frequently interact with may very well be at risk.

Stop using your magic frivolously.

Zoe's expression is sour as she crumbles the letter. She doesn't bother reading the next portion, instead trying to process the information. Derek is looking at her like he wants to say something. Zoe groans, urging him to speak.

"Just spit it out, you jerk."

Derek nods, putting a voice to his thoughts.

"I'm just worried about you, that's all."

The tender way Derek speaks sends a pang of longing through Zoe. She looks at him, and he tilts his head. She breaks eye contact, avoiding the urge to hug him. Acting thoughtlessly on her impulses is what caused this whole mess.

Zoe looks out at the wilderness with a bitter frown. Derek clears his throat.

"Are you okay?"

Derek approaches her. She doesn't move away when he puts his hand on her shoulder. Derek continues speaking, but in a softer tone of voice.

"I'm sorry. We should never should have treated you that way, you don't des-"

"It's my fault, Derek."

Zoe's voice is trembling. She doesn't make eye contact as Derek looks to her for an explanation. She explains as calmly as she can.

"The magic was poisoning you. All of you. It's my fault."

Her words trail off to a whisper. Derek blinks. His grip on Zoe's shoulder tightens as he turns her to face him. She looks ready to cry. Derek's face falls, and he takes his hands off Zoe. Derek questions her.

"I-I... Really? What do you mean..?"

"The letter was from a... a magic person?"

Zoe's lack of certainty raises suspicion. Derek questions her carefully, trying not to sound too accusatory.

"So... they know about magic?"

Derek is acknowledged with a nod from Zoe. She turns her eyes to her feet. She's still clutching the crumpled letter in one hand. Derek continues speaking.

"And they said your magic poisons people?"

Zoe winces at the bluntness of the statement, but doesn't deny it. She can hear the disbelief in Derek's tone, so she offers an explanation.

"Using my magic is like... spreading mana. And too much mana poisons regular people. Or at least that's how I understand it."

Zoe's words hang in the air as the two teenagers look at one another. Derek's expression is fighting between incredulous disbelief and shocked realization. He finally settles on realization. He parts his lips, speaking more to himself than to Zoe.