“And the reason you’re coming forward now?” Victor asks as he looks into his empty glass with a sad face.
“I wanted to surprise you after you finished the first part of your training. It’s been concentrated, and I didn’t want to disturb you,” Lucas mentions. “It’s a big deal when empaths have learned the common specialties for whatever reason; don’t ask me why. I was hoping to be the one to teach you Light Magic. But I was told no. However, I can be there when you learn. And Jon has permission to be there when you learn Shadow.”
Victor looks through the window and sees everyone sitting around in the living room. “Everyone in there wants me to become this Grand Warlock. What are your thoughts?”
Lucas looks inside and studies the crowd. “Honestly, I wouldn’t know anyone else qualified,” Lucas says sincerely ashe turns his attention back to his friend. “I’ve seen how good a leader you are. Remember when we used to work together in the theme parks during parades? You were always on it with getting things ready in the area you were assigned to lead, and made sure everyone understood their tasks. And let’s not forget all the times we played paintball. You always had a strategy ready, and almost every time, we won.”
“Three times we lost, and that’s because the bitch thought I was an ass giving orders and didn’t know what I was talking about. And she was always the first one to get shot. Who invited that trollop anyway?” Victor and Lucas snicker at the memory before Victor sighs and becomes serious. “But this isn’t paintball. This is real. And I don’t know what the fuck I was thinking. I literally came into all of this without a thought in the world. It was as if I knew I was supposed to be here without question. But now, everyone expects me to become this person when I don’t even know if I could become that person.”
Lucas pats Victor’s leg. “I believe in you, Bestie. And I will always be by your side. And now that you know I’m a warlock, you can always come to me if you need to talk.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Victor hugs Lucas. They squeeze each other tightly.
Victor and Lucas pick up their drinks and walk back inside. When Victor walks into the living room, everyone goes silent and looks over at him. It was almost as if they sensed that Victor wanted their attention. He takes a deep breath before he speaks.
“We cannot allow what has happened in these last twenty-four hours to cloud what’s in front of us,” Victor proclaims as he looks around the room. “If we are to be ready for what comes next, I need to keep up with my training. Regardless of what dangers may come my way, I must be prepared. I don’t know what my uncle wanted last night or if he is behind any of this. We don’tknow what’s going on with Morgana or Florence, and I don’t give two shits about Derek.”
Victor takes a slow breath as he looks around at everyone. “I’m still coming to terms with what I am supposed to do. And that’s become the warlock that you need me to be.”
Superior Charles smiles as he raises his glass. “To our young empath and his journey.” Everyone raises their glasses and repeats after Superior Charles.
Lucas leans over so only Victor can hear. “That’s the leader I remember at paintball.”
The next day, Victor stands by the dresser, putting the finishing touches on his suit, whileLeo walks out of the closet holding an oblong box. Victor senses Leo admiring him.
“My eyes are up here,” Victor says to Leo without looking.
Leo chuckles as he walks over to Victor. “You’re starting to enjoy your empathic ability. I guess talking with Lucas yesterday put you in better spirits. And I see you’re going to start wearing your silver shirt and tie.”
“Platinum silver,” Victor smiles as he looks himself over in the mirror. “And talking with Lucas for a while did help me. I could always confide in him when I needed help figuring things out.” He turns and sees the box in Leo’s hands. “What’s all this?”
Leo smiles and places the box on top of the dresser. “Well, I was going to give this to you after you finished your basic lessons. But after your uncle’s unexpected visit, I felt it was necessary to give it to you now.”
Victor steps up next to Leo, gazing at the box. “Wow.” He gently slides his hand across the box. “I feel . . .” Victor opens the box and is mesmerized by the beauty of the small black sword. He gently hovers his hand over the length of the blade. He stops when he reaches the pearl embedded in the black metal.
“What do you feel?” Leo asks.
Victor looks up at Leo. “Hmm?”
“You said you feel?” Leo repeats.
Victor grips the blue handle and picks up the sword. “The magic in this sword.”
“That’s interesting because I could barely feel any of it,” Leo mentions.
Victor gives Leo a cocky look. “Because this sword is made for an empath.” Victor moves to an open area of the room and starts swinging the sword around.
“Have you handled swords before?” Leo asks, impressed by Victor’s skills.
“Besides the one between my legs?” Victor jokes as he gazes at the blade’s beauty.
Leo laughs, “Yes, besides the sword between any man’s legs.”
Victor extends his arms out, pointing the sword at the wall. “No.” He pulls the sword back and inspects it. “For some reason, it feels like I’ve handled a sword before. Maybe it’s the connection I have with it. I’m not sure. Maybe you can explain how magic like this works.”
“Sadly, describing magic could take more than just an afternoon.” Leo moves some tissue and pulls out a sheath harness. “Come here.” Leo helps Victor place the harness straps over Victor’s shoulders. Once Leo gets the harness fitted just right on Victor, Victor twirls his new sword around and places the blade into the sheath flawlessly.
“Okay, now you’re just showing off,” Leo remarks as he steps back and admires Victor.
