I laid out the rules of warping as detailed by Professor Tittelbaum as best I could. Then I demonstrated using my mentor’s method. The difference in my method and the professor’s was enormous, and the resulting warphole was reminiscent of one of the first ones I’d ever created. It was more rigid, not as natural, and when I stepped through, it felt all wrong.
When it was Alex’s turn, he closed his eyes to try his hand. I felt the energy shift around him. The air began to shimmer a light red, and as he extended his hands, a ball of crimson formed in front of him.
I sucked in a breath. Was Alex going to turn out to be a warper like me?
But the ball fizzled in the next instant, and Alex dropped his hands and began panting. Even though it was November and frigid, a bead of sweat dripped down his face.
“You okay? Feel anything . . . different?”
Alex’s eyebrows knitted together. “Not so muchdifferent, but the sensation of running into a wall was intense. It was like my magic could flow, but only so far.”
I nodded. “I experienced that when I first tried warping to sites I couldn’t see.”
“Does that mean I’m on the right track?”
I shrugged. “It could mean that, or it could mean your magic doesn’t know what to do. Try again.”
He did. Five times. Then he grudgingly had to take a seat on a nearby stump.
I squatted next to him, and noticed that his legs were trembling. “Here, eat this.” I held out a protein bar that I’d snagged from the cafeteria for this exact reason.
Alex took it gratefully and inhaled the bar. “I’m not sure Tittelbaum’s method will work. What do you say we try it your way?”
I had hoped that we wouldn’t get to this point, because I knew that my method was so not going to jive with my analytical boyfriend’s nature.
“Do you have enough energy to go again?” I asked.
“Come on, babe, I’m not that weak,” Alex said, and I noticed the muscles in his legs stiffen as if he was contracting them so they’d stop shaking.
“Suit yourself,” I sighed. “If you’re going to try my method, you’d do best to erase Tittelbaum’s teachings from your mind.”
Alex snapped his fingers. “Done. Teach me your ways, Obi-Wan.”
“Okay . . .” I drew in a breath. “I make a warphole by feeling it in my bones.”
Alex laughed. “Nice try, sweets. Really, how do you do it?”
I’d known he’d have this reaction. “Seriously, that’s it. I understand the other ways, but it always feels so forced. I sense the power, all the energy deep inside, and then I just . . . manipulate it.”
Alex’s jaw dropped open.
“That’s not what you want to hear, or what resonates with you, but it’s the truth.”
His mouth snapped shut. “No, it’s fine. I guess I didn’t realize what a prodigy you were.”
Heat rose in my cheeks. “I wouldn’t say that—”
“I would. And since we’re short on time, I think I should just get on trying your method.” Alex stood. “Lead me back to the circle, Master.”
“If we plan to do this weekly, I’m bringing Hunter next time,” I said as I helped Alex climb the stairs to the third floor after a completely unsuccessful first warping lesson. “You’re too heavy for me to shoulder all your weight.”
“One,” he held up a single finger. “Everyone says warping takes an enormous amount of physical energy, but I didn’t think I’d be unable to make it up the stairs alone,” Alex said, the exhaustion obvious in his voice as he held up a second digit. “Two, I don’t weigh that much. And three.” He sighed and dropped his hand. “I didn’t realize you would pull that ‘I feel it in my bones’ voodoo crap. I’m going to ask Andre how he does it.”
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”
“Why? He still sucks at it?”
“No, but there are training regulations for warpers, and we’re breaking all of them.”
