“I’ve been hearing things in the woods, and I’ve been so, so anxious. Being with you is the only time I don’t feel that way. Can we just stay like this for a while?”
She pushed herself closer as her aura melted with mine, and I finally felt like I was where I belonged.
TEN
Alister
Crystalshadunderestimatedpotential.Mother Earth, the mother of the earth element, was actually the first queen of the Earth Kingdom over in the fae realm. She was the one who created crystals in Kalista—gemstones—and she poured over half of her life essence into them.
They were powerful.
My mother had taught me about gemstones and their origins since birth. She was a nature witch who specialized in crystals. My father admired her. She was his mate, and when she left us, my father continued to love her. He never resented her for leaving, and not once did he ever talk ill of her.
I flicked my tongue over my fangs as I expelled air through my nose. The classroom was full, but only half the students were paying attention. I didn’t really care. It was their lives, and they could choose to listen or not as long as they weren’t disruptive.
We were at war, and if they died because they chose not to listen, it wasn’t on me.
“Crystals, otherwise known as gemstones, are conduits for energy—including magical energy. As supernaturals, that is important for us to know, so we can use that to our advantage. Crystals only get used properly by witches and warlocks, but the rest of the species can reap the benefits too, if you’re taught how. You learned this in theory, but you’re in practical now. Which means you’ll see crystals in action.”
Wren had her gaze on me as she twisted her ruby ring on her finger, and I noticed the second ruby ring her parents had given her around her neck on the same string as the mushroom necklace Trixie had given her.
My sweet ruby had so many who loved her, and Kalista be damned—she was stunning.
She was settled next to Thorn in the row of rubies in front. Thorn was a zircon, but I’d let him sit with her since they were mates. Plus, I liked the fae. He was protective of her.
A student from the middle raised his hand. “Will we be able to experiment with which crystal works best with our powers?”
“Absolutely. But today, I’m showing you one that could weaken an opponent.” I opened the drawer in my desk and pulled out a chunk of tourmalyke, placing it on top with a small thump.
The crystal was clear, with iridescent flecks residing within it, and it reminded me of Wren’s mark. Everything reminded me of her.
“This is tourmalyke. It’s an energy sucking crystal. It’s all about the intent of the magical essence pushed into it. There are few energy sucking crystals. I like to call them vampire crystals, for obvious reasons.” I flashed my fangs, and a few chuckles came from the students. “It can only be found within a volcano, and it’s protected by a coven of witches in Cursina.”
“Energy sucking,” Thorn muttered before straightening up and meeting my gaze. “There’s a crystal like that in my kingdom, only it zaps the magical energy completely before zapping the essence of life from the intended victim.”
My brows rose, and the ache of discovery throbbed deep in my brain. “I haven’t heard of a crystal like that existing.”
I couldn’t imagine the consequences if the dragons found out about something like that. To be honest, maybe Thorn mentioning it in a class with others wasn’t such a great idea.
A frown formed on Thorn’s face, and he tapped his head.
Ah, you’re reading my mind?
He nodded again.
Say you were joking. Nobody should know about a crystal that powerful existing.
“Of course you haven’t.” Thorn snorted, throwing his arm around the back of Wren’s bench. “The crystal was destroyed eons ago. To be honest, the legend of it may be completely fabricated.” He shrugged, a smirk pulling at his lips.
“Let’s keep the conversation in the future based on real crystals then, yes?” I flicked my gaze to Wren, who had her brows furrowed as she glanced between Thorn and me.
“Can we see the tourmalyke in action?” another student asked.
“Care to be the test subject?” I placed a finger on the crystal, and the student shuddered.
“Uh, no thanks.”
“It only sucks magical energy for ten minutes or so on an average supernatural. I’ll only use it for one minute so you can see it in action, but the effects will last all day. Any takers?”
