“I picked up some strays along the way, sir,” Nicron’s answer cut through, returning my focus to the situation at hand.
“Oh?” the voice mused, as the figure placed at the edge of the table rose to his feet. The man looked regal, with his golden hair styled neatly backwards, only a few unruly strands hanging forward. His light brown eyes looked me up and down, as if evaluating me on the spot. “More refugees?”
“Sort of,” Nicron scoffed, before he looked over at me. “But a gem amongst them.”
“Do tell.”
Malakai shifted, a slow step forward, as their eyes swept towards him. No threats, no words, but he placedhimself right next to me, crossing his arms over his chest as he claimed the space around me.
It was as if he was silently saying ‘don’t underestimate us’.
A smirk spread on the lips of the man in charge and Nicron nodded slightly, as if admiring Malakai’s reckless taunt.
“A fire mage,” Nicron continued.
The man slowly stalked around the table, leaving the others around it to wait for him in silence. Nicron waved at us and I took a step forward. Malakai followed, even though Nicron glared at him.
“Welcome,” the blonde man smiled. “I’m Michlael, and I’m in charge of this base, Runora.”
“I’m Ethalyn,” I said, my voice slightly shaking, but I hoped they didn’t notice. “The fire mage… And these are my friends.”
“Show me,” Michlael ordered, his voice soft as if begging, but firm enough to relay that I had no other option.
No pressure then. I pressed my lips together as I brought up my hands. Malakai’s eyes burned beside me, making sure I was aware that he’d make sure I would be punished if I failed.
“Don’t be shy,” Michlael added, unintentionally interrupting my focus and adding more nerves to my fuel instead.
Shit.
A moment of hesitation, as I looked back at Lionel, his eyes were fully focused on me, but I couldn’t read his expression. Was he as eager as them, or pained to be reminded of my lies?
I saw how Eve placed a hand on his arm, and he bent slightly as she whispered something to him. It was all I needed, my blood boiled, pain emerging as I witnessed what my betrayal had led to. They were closer now than before, hating mages together, hating me,together.
I ignited in an instant, as I turned forward again. Tears threatened at the corners of my eyes, but I kept them at bay, focusing on the anger, fueling my flames as they climbed up my arms.
“Fascinating,” Michlael exhaled, his eyes widened in surprise. “A rare gem indeed.”
“Why?” I asked, my anger also making me foolishly brave to question.
“Because we haven’t had a fire mage in a few decades,” Michlael confessed, his voice lowering. “With all of the elements at our disposal… we’d be able to create new things.”
“Like what?” I asked carefully.
He tilted his head at me, and I knew I was pushing it but I did it anyway. “Fusing all four elements into a single material creates something more powerful than anything found naturally. It could be used for a number of things, impenetrable shields for example.”
My flames diminished a bit, but kept burning. “So you’ll accept us?”
Michlael took a deep breath as he studied me and began playing with his fingers against his chin. “Hmm…” He slowly walked back and forth, as if thinking.“While you are rare indeed, I prefer to not favor one above another. WeAetherionswish to let everyone have a chance to prove themselves.”
Aetherion, that’s what they called themselves?
“What will you have me do, then?” I pressed on.
He scoffed at my eagerness, as a lazy smile played on his lips, while he looked back at the others surrounding the table. They nodded, as if they were communicating in silence.
“Here, we go through a rite of passage; succeed and you’ll pass,” Michlael continued.
Shit, I can’t put the others through that…
