Infirmitate

SIXTEEN | Less Than Human

Alexa's POV

We didn't hesitate to get back to the mansion, eager for the feeling of safety in numbers. Mother nearly fainted in horror as the five of us recounted the events by the river. Father was furious, launching the closest ceramics he could get his hands on into the walls of the dining hall.

"How could you be so foolish?" Father's eyes glare at all of us, causing even Aaden to bow his head in shame. "We are on the edge of war, and you decide to go play by the river? And to play blindfolded, of all things."

Aron steps forward with his chin held high, in a respectful manner, not as a challenge. "The idea was mine, Sir. I am at fault. I did not stop to consider the consequences of our actions. I apologize."

I can feel the respect Aron gains from father as he speaks. "I accept your apology." Father's stern frown softens slightly. "I realize that your intentions were pure, Mr. Isaac. However, your planning was reckless. My daughter could have been killed, or worse." Aron bows his head with regret.

"It was my fault, Father." I step forward. Father's once calming eyes flare up and meet mine with a chilling harshness. "Yes, Alexandra, it is. You failed to consider the safety of yourself as well as those around you. Today's outcome could have ended very differently."

With Father's last comment hanging in the room like a heavy fog, Mother guides him to the doors. "You will be certain to make better precautions in the future, Alexandra. Our lives may depend on it." Father shuts the doors behind him and Mother, leaving the five of us to stand by the table awkwardly.

"Well," Charlie sighs to break the silence. "That went better than expected." Daniel finishes in a lighter tone. "I'm such an idiot." Aron growls to himself as he falls back into the chair nearest to him. Aaden pats his shoulder comfortingly.

"An idiot wouldn't have acknowledged his faults." Aaden smiles softly as he walks over to the doors. "If you're an idiot, I don't want to know what I am. I also failed to see an issue with the training. Alexa and I were raised to identify such problems, and we both missed it. Don't beat yourself up about it." With that, Aaden latches the door quietly as he walks away.

I call for warm baths to be prepared for everyone and we all sit at the table as we wait. "I have to admit," Daniel grins as he relaxes into his chair with his hands behind his head. "I think I did pretty good fighting off those agents."

Charlie scoffs with a smirk. "You barely did anything. Aron was the first to discover them and kill several." Aron frowns. "I recognized their attack methods. The entire group seemed sloppy, though. It's almost as if they were second years."

Charlie seems to think for a moment before agreeing. "You're right, it was far too easy to take them out. None of us had a single broken bone or missing limb. They didn't even knock one of us out."

"So, you're saying the Force is bringing even the trainees here to fight?" I ask nervously. Aron nods. "It would make sense. This is expected to be the biggest Magic battle in over two centuries."

"Wow. I didn't realize. By the way the force is acting, I would expect this to be a normal occurrence-the Magics rebelling, that is." I glance over at Charlie and Aron questioningly. "The last to rebel was Kala and her father." Charlie states. "There would be random attacks on the academy, but never something like this."

"I do find it strange that they are making such a big deal over my brothers and three other agents." Daniel mutters thoughtfully. "I feel like they're after something more."

We carry other, less headache-inducing conversations until our baths are prepared. I sigh in pure exhaustion as I sink into the steaming tub. It seems like I can never catch a break these days. I take the respites whenever and wherever I can get them.