The Eyes of the Dark

Three.

In the morning I feel a slight ache in my body from training yesterday. After Max escorted me back to my room, I didn't fall asleep until a few hours after. My mind was spinning with questions and my fear of being discovered was growing. When I finally sit up in my bed my head pounds with anticipation for today's training. I throw the covers off me and head into the bathroom and flick on the light. My reflection looks back at me in the mirror. I look down into the sink and watch as a droplet from the faucet drops. I slowly raise my hand and focus on the sink. Energy flows out of my hand and to my surprise the sink slowly fills up with water. Then I look up to the light and bring my focus to it. Bright, sparking energy shoots out towards my hand and absorbs it. The light turns off and then they turn back on. I smile to myself in pleasure. A wandering thought of my fourth power takes over my smile and turns it into a frown. How am I supposed to use it if I don't know what it is? My hand raises from my side and I focus on myself in the mirror. Suddenly my hearing goes out, yet I can hear everything. My first instinct is to drop my hand, but I don't. I keep it steady. I feel like I'm floating. A door from the hallway slams and breaks the void I am in and suddenly I'm back to reality. Damnit.

I quickly wash my face and change into my training clothes. I braid my hair into one long braid and make sure to tuck in my necklace. As I am on my way down the stairs I run into Kim.

"Hey, where were you last night?" We both step down the stairs together.

"Um, I went to find the library and I got lost," I say hoping she will drop the subject. She nods as we enter into the grand hall.

"Ready for training today?" We both sit across from each other.

"I guess. I'm sore from yesterday," I say sipping my juice. I make eye contact with Ava who is dead staring at me across the room. I remind myself I need to stay away from her because she is trouble and she will be able to see right through me if I let her.

"Me too," she says. "Is she staring at you?" I nod and look away from Ava. "She's just jealous."

"Of what? It's clear she's better than me," I say stabbing my fork into my eggs.

"That's what she wants you to think. Don't let her get to you." Listen to her, she's right. If only it was that easy.

Once breakfast is over everyone separates and Kim and I head into the training room. When we walk in Prince Cedric is standing in the middle of the room.

"Max must be teaching the other group today," Kim whispers with a frown as we take our place on the mat. He seems more relaxed than Max.

"I'm Cedric and I will be teaching today's class. We will be learning self defense and how to fight without powers." A murmur goes through the crowd.

"Damn, I thought we would do more with our powers," Kim says under her breath.

"Me too," I admit. Thankfully no powers today. I sigh my body feels relieved.

"Now, I know you all are excited to learn more about your powers, but today we will solely focus on fighting without powers. When everyone has learned this, then we will get into fighting with powers." Everyone nods to his statement. "Okay, I need a volunteer," he says clapping his hands together, which startles me. I watch Ava shoot up her hand, but he doesn't pick her. His gaze grazes over her. Instead he picks Jeremey. Kim and I both snicker under our breath. Jeremy steps confidently onto the mat with Cedric and we all watch with anticipation.

"First thing is first, stance. Feet apart, arms out, and knees bent." Jeremy follows his guiding's. "Now Jeremy, I want you to attack me." Jeremy looks a little hesitant, but he dives for Cedric's stomach. Cedric's arms move quickly and catch his head. He puts him in a headlock and flips him over onto the floor. We all grimace. Jeremy groans on the floor.