“Earth, fire and water,” Colton said, recounting the ones we’d tried so far.
“Air. I can do air,” I said. “It’s all around us.”
I had to this properly. If the other three elements weren’t mine, this onehadto be it. What use was I as a chosen one if I couldn’t get a single magic element right?
I exhaled, then took in a deep breath. I focused on the smells--the lake water, the lush foliage, the summer flavor in the air. I tried to draw it into me. To make it resonate. To feel it in my blood and my soul.
But I couldn’t. All I felt was the normal breeze against my skin.
I exhaled and let out a groan of frustration. “Nothing’s happening, Noro. What am I supposed to do?”
For the first time, Noro’s face took on a hint of worry. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. It was a bad sign if he was concerned. I found myself wondering again if the prophecy had chosen wrong. If I was supposed to be the omega in the verse, why couldn’t Idoanything? I hadn’t solved any problems. If anything, I’d just made them worse by existing. If I hadn’t been an omega, none of this would have happened.
I shrank down, slumping into the sand and burying my face in my knees. Hot tears of frustrated anger burned in my eyes. I didn’t want them to see me cry over my own weakness, but the tears wouldn’t stop.
“Oh, Mathe, it’s okay,” Ramsay said gently, touching my shoulder. “This shit is hard. It’s fine if you can’t figure it out right away. Right, Noro?”
Noro didn’t answer immediately, which made my heart sink. “Yes. I understand if you need more time to practice.”
“We can try it at home,” Colton suggested, and I heard the helpful smile in his voice. I knew he was trying to keep a positive attitude for my sake, which made me feel even more guilty. I didn’t want to hurt my mates or be a downer.
“Yeah,” I mumbled, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice. I wiped my eyes aggressively and stood up.
Ramsay smiled. “There you go. See, it’s not the end of the world.”
Noro’s tail slowly flicked back and forth, like he was deep in thought. “You should practice as much as you can, Matheson. Here.”
Noro retrieved four little leather pouches from his belt. He filled three of them with the elements we’d been practicing on--dirt for earth, ashes for fire, and water for water, obviously--and left the last one empty, for air.
“Take these with you.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll try my best.”
He nodded deeply. “I think this session is over. You’re tired, and magic won’t come easily if you’re frustrated. Go home and rest.”
“I will.”
“And feel free to come back anytime.”
After a quick goodbye, we left for the canoe and began the trip back to Eric’s place, which only worsened my mood. Facing him and telling him I was a total failure at the whole magic thing wasn’t something I was looking forward to in the slightest.
I shut my eyes and leaned against Colton’s warm body. My thoughts were a chaotic mess of doubt and worry and fear.
The pride of gryphons could attack all four packs at any moment.
And it was all my fault.
