Chapter 40: The Motes of Energy
The last few days of the Rotation Month were upon them, and Joy had been running herself ragged trying to help everyone find their place. The students were all bustling with excitement, and Electra’s challenge to each of them was a looming deadline. But despite her efforts to assist her peers, Joy couldn’t help but feel more lost than ever.
It wasn’t the uncertainty of her future that plagued her, nor the confusion over the path ahead—no, it was something else entirely. Something strange.
She had started noticing these peculiar floating orbs in the corners of her vision. They were soft, glowing spheres of light, drifting lazily in the air. At first, Joy thought they were a trick of her tired eyes or the result of some spell gone awry. But they had appeared again, and again. They weren’t illusions. They were real.
None of the other students seemed to notice them. Zephyr didn’t see them. Dani didn’t see them. Even Ash, who was known to have a sharp eye for magical oddities, seemed oblivious.
Confused and a little frightened, Joy sought out Electra. The powerful witch was in her office, sorting through papers, the faint hum of her magic filling the room.
“Electra,” Joy said hesitantly, her voice quieter than usual. “I need to ask you about something.”
Electra looked up, her piercing gaze landing on Joy. She tilted her head slightly, motioning for Joy to approach. “What is it, Joy?”
Joy took a deep breath. “I’ve been seeing these... floating orbs. Glowing lights, but they aren’t like normal magic. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Electra’s expression shifted, a knowing glint appearing in her eyes. “You’re seeing Motes.”
“Motes?” Joy repeated, her confusion deepening.
Electra nodded, leaning back in her chair. “Yes. Motes are pure magical energy. They float through the air, invisible to most, but a select few witches—those with the right sensitivity to magic—can see them. You’re one of those witches.”
Joy blinked, processing the information. “What do they mean? What do they do?”
Electra’s lips curled into a half-smile. “They’re powerful little things. You can absorb them for energy, and they’ll help you ward off curses or negative magic. They’re not harmful, but they can be a bit overwhelming at first.”
“Overwhelming?” Joy echoed, worried.
Electra shrugged. “It’s not dangerous if you know what to do with them. In fact, I could show you how to harness their power, but first, you’ll need to accept them. They’ll give you a burst of magic, and that should help you feel more grounded.”
Joy wasn’t sure about this. The idea of eating magical energy felt strange and unsettling, but if it was the key to understanding what was happening with her powers, she had to try.
Before she could say anything else, a commotion echoed down the hallway.
Wardell.
Joy rushed to the door of Electra’s office and saw him stumbling down the corridor, his fiery red hair disheveled and his face pale. He looked like he was about to collapse.
“Wardell!” Joy called out, rushing toward him. “What’s happening?”
He didn’t respond, his body shaking as he slumped to the floor with a heavy thud.
Electra was at her side in an instant. “What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t know! He just collapsed!” Joy said, kneeling next to Wardell, her hands shaking as she checked for a pulse. His skin was cold, and his breathing shallow.
