“Please,” I said, gesturing to the log perpendicular to ours. Which perhaps was silly, considering he had dominion over this entire place.
“Raddy, always a seat at the table for you, my friend.” Tio smiled, and even though he spoke to his superior in what some would consider a disrespectful way, he did sit a little straighter.
Radhak sighed heavily. “I’ve told you not to call me that.” The exhaustion in his voice told me this was something he’d said a million times. Still, there was no real reprimand, no power play to display his commanding authority.
“Nah, it’ll grow on ya.” Tio shoveled in another bite of stew.
Radhak smiled and shook his head, clasping his hands between his legs as he leaned forward. “How are you fairing, Miss Burton? Is there anything you’re in need of?”
“Goodness, no. Everyone has been so welcoming, and my tent accommodations are quite generous. Thank you.” They’d arranged for me to have my own private quarters, and even though I found myself entertaining the idea of inviting Tio in, I was grateful for the forced distance. My feelings became a whirlwind around him, and I wasn’t sure I could trust they’d lead me to the wisest choices. At least, for now.
“Excellent. I hear you’ve booked the training ring tomorrow?” Radhak said.
For the first time since my arrival, I wondered if I’d overstepped. “Yes, Tio said it’s a great space to practice my magic. But if I’m intruding on someone else’s time, I don’t have—”
Radhak interrupted me with a warm smile. “Miss Burton, you have just as much right to the ring as anyone in Rahana. I wanted to express my encouragement. The foundation of Rahana is safety and protection of those with magic. I hope you’ll feel here what you haven’t been able to during your timein Highcrest. I hope to see you flourish during your stay with us, however long that may be.”
The salt and pepper combination in his dark hair shimmered from the fire, and his entire face was aglow, mimicking the warm demeanor in which he welcomed me.
“You should be very proud of the life you’ve created here for your people,” I said earnestly to the leader adorned with decorative piercings.
“Ourpeople,” he corrected.
I supposed it would take a while for me to acknowledge myself as a magic wielder, especially when comparing to those who had mastered their gifts.
“And hopefully it’s just the beginning. Peace like this should engulf the entire continent. I might not see it in my lifetime, but I like to think we’re taking the first steps to creating that world.”
“You’re not the only one I know with a vision to change the future. Nora and Nicholas share that same dream. Now that you’re all working together, I think you might see some of that change sooner than you think. My sister is very determined, you know.” I leaned in, offering a teasing smile.
Radhak released a chuckle from deep within his chest. “I’ll hold you to that, Miss Burton.”
Tio held his hands behind his back, walking in a wide circle around me as the afternoon sun poured upon us. “Good. Again, but this time try sending it farther.” He dipped his chin toward the range we’d been practicing at for fifteen minutes. My light had singed the ground, leaving dirt piles in smoking rubbles.
We’d been testing the precision I could muster with my magic, both with the light and the blast of power it produced. On oneoccasion, I’d even split a tree trunk straight down the middle with a bolt of light I’d drawn from the sky, discovering my magic was akin to thunder and lightning.
The thundering invisible wall extended about ten feet when I pushed, like how I’d shoved the couch back at my old house. Accessing more light than a few twinkles proved difficult. The first few blasts felt like reaching down a hidden well inside of me, drawing from a surplus of energy I hadn’t known I possessed. After that, each use left me feeling emptier and beaten, like a solid punch to the arm.
“Is this how it feels for you?” I asked from a bent over position, breathing ragged after I hadn’t been able to make any progress with the last attempt.
“I never feel like my magic is leaving me per se, but it does get tiring. Similar to running. After a while, the exhaustion hits.” He hadn’t commented on my lack of progress, and I was grateful for a teacher that didn’t shame me for failing. Mrs. Waterton, my manners instructor, never failed to loudly reprimand our slouched postures or stray strands of fallen hair. This was a stark and lovely contrast.
I stared at the target I’d failed to strike and huffed my disappointment. Tio strode over, taking my hands and cupping them in his. “Like any muscle, training will strengthen it, but it takes time.” His blue-green eyes sparkled, and I saw the ocean of kindness that lived behind them. Always considerate, always supportive. He believed in me. Whether my power was a puny spark or a bolt of lightning, he held an air of pride over what I could accomplish.
His stare locked onto mine, and his lips curled. “There’s that look again,” his tone was deep and soft, like an expensive velvet.
“What look?” I asked softly, still getting lost in his mesmerizing beauty.
“One that makes me feel like I mean something.”
Heat gathered between my thighs, as happened often with him, when he stepped toward me. His hands rested over my curvy hips, the touch feather soft as he sought permission by staring into my eyes.
“And if I said you did?” My voice was quiet, probing. I stepped forward, closing the little space that remained.
His fingers pressed into my skin, and a reverence washed over his face. “Then I would be a very lucky man.”
“A good luck charm, you could say.” I indulged in a teasing smile.
He tossed his head back, sending a deep rumbling laugh into the field around us. His gaze settled on mine once again, and he cupped my face in his palms. “May I kiss you, Miss Melody?” His thumb slowly caressed my cheek.
