Royal's Way

Chapter 13

I immediately jumped when I entered my house, screaming before letting out an irritated, "Jesus!"

Ruth was sitting on my couch, legs crossed. She didn't look phased when she turned to me. "Hello."
I blinked, slowly closing the door behind me as I asked, "What...What are you doing here?" She stood. "I need your help."
I scowled. She was wearing some of Levi's pajamas and was soaked, her hair beginning to dry quicker than the rest of her. "Why? Did something happen?" "Not anything bad," she replied, "Levi found Ian. And I really, really don't want Levi to go and get him." My shoulders sagged. "So, you want me to help you go get him?" "Exactly."

I hesitated. I knew that Levi was probably in much more danger than I was, but risking anything I had was just something I didn't want to do.
Ruth's expression fell as I replied, "I-I haven't practiced at all. I have no idea what I'm doing." "That's why I'm here again," Ruth replied, "Levi is recharging back at his house. We can get this done quick, and Levi doesn't have to be involved."

I hesitated.
She took a step forward. "I can help you," she said quietly, "If you help me. I don't want Levi to get hurt. Please."

I felt like I was being used. Like Levi's safety was more vital than mine.

It took me moment to remember that, technically, it was.

I rolled my eyes. "How long will this take?" "Not long, if we do this right." I thought for one more last moment. Then, I sighed. "Alright. Okay, let's do this, then. Lead the way."

She smiled at me, watching me as I headed for the door after saying, "Thank you."

Unbeknownst to Ruth and Miriam, Percy and Lily were right outside, their plan drastically changing in five minutes.

I immediately woke up when Miriam's door was shut, still feeling crappy. But they were in danger; I was actually going to be helpful for once.

I shot up from bed, stumbling a bit, before grabbing the lantern, pulling on my rain boots, and rushing out the door.

==

"So, where is it?" I asked Ruth. She shifted her gaze to the world in front of us. "The boiler room of the school. You'll have to lead me there; I don't know the way." I scowled, nervously taking lead. "Okay."

It was still storming. When I looked at Ruth, she looked more awake than ever. I rose a brow. "You like the storms?"

She looked at me, and snickered. "You could say that."
Before I could say anything else, she was talking again. "Give me your hand for a second."

I hesitated, and slowly shifted to her side as I held out my hand and replied awkwardly, "Okay."

She ran her fingers down mine. "You've been using it lately." I blinked. "What? No, I haven't." She smirked. "You might be using it on accident. The ability to bend light is easy to mask." She balanced my wrist with one hand, and made a strange motion over my palm with the other.

Multiple colored lights shined from her fingers, still attached to my palm as she manipulated it. I scowled, watching as she let it go and allowed me to take control. I felt like I was balancing a toothpick, though. "How did you do that?" I asked.

Ruth's expression fell. "Everyone bearing magic can manipulate another's. The weaker the connection between the magic and the host, the easier." She put a hand on my shoulder. "You're very emotionally unstable, yes?"

I scowled. The way she said it was so casual. "I..." "It is not something to be ashamed of," she replied, "Everyone has their years. You're at a point in your life where everything is confusing. I wish I didn't have to intrude and make it worse." I could only shrug in response.
Ruth smiled a little. "I can tell you're very giving." I looked up. "Huh?" "You're very open," she explained, "That's why you helped me today."