“Hey, Sal,” David said. “Can we talk outside?”
“Yeah. Sure.” I spared a glance at Ender.
“I’ll grab us some drinks and meet you at the table.” Ender nodded and strode toward the drink table.
I followed David outside, the cold air stinging my face. It would be good for us to talk after what happened this morning, but it didn’t mean I wanted to, especially outside in the cold.
“I’m sorry for pulling you out here. I didn’t want to speak about this in front of everyone, but I didn’t know if we’d get the chance to talk later.” David led me around the side of the gym. “Remember when we talked about why I’m here?”
“Yes.” I recalled that the council had sent him here to help teach him how to control his magic.
“I still haven’t been able keep my gloves off. That might be because I’m afraid to remove them, but when I touched you earlier, it was like I knew my magic wouldn’t hurt you. Even through the gloves.”
That was not what I’d felt; at least, that was not how I interpreted what wanting to take his magic felt like. I thought he was going to ask me ether questions and then I would apologize for earlier.
“Trainer Murphy is great, but I never had that feeling with her. I get nervous and lose control. I think if a friend were to help me, I would be calmer.” He swallowed. “You’re probably the only one here who could handle my magic.”
Understanding hit. He was asking for help.
“What do you need me to do?”
“Can we meet before classes start up again?” he asked.
“How about we try now?” I could tell this was bothering him and we still had some time before dinner. I knew the feeling of needing an outlet before it emotionally dragged you down.
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Take off your glove. Let’s see what you can do.”
He sighed and grabbed his right glove, holding it there.
“They’re enchanted.” He eyed his glove but didn’t make the move to tug it off.
“I’ll be fine,” I promised.
He removed his glove and sandwiched it between his opposite arm and side. His jaw set as he held out his hand, focusing on his magic. Less than a second later, fire lit.
“I can create it and manipulate it with ease.” Light from the fire flickered in his eyes. “It’s when my emotions are elevated that it explodes.”
“That’s very common.” I stared at the small flame in his palm. He had control of its size. “Is it phantom fire?”
“No. I’m inept in phantom fire.” He shook his head. “Trainer Murphy has tried a few times, but we’ve been focusing on de-escalation techniques.”
“Let’s start there.” Phantom fire didn’t harm others. It was what created mage lights. Spells could be added so the flames would last but also not burn down their surroundings.
I moved my hand to hover over the warmth created by the small fire, but it immediately disappeared as David pulled his hand back.
“This is what you wanted. I can’t help you if you don’t let me.” I glared at him. “Now do it again.” He swallowed and reached his hand out once more, lighting the flame again. “Good.”
I lowered my hand closer, the flame almost licking at my palm, and David paled. He was truly afraid of his fire, even with such a tiny flame.
“Close your eyes,” I instructed. Once they were closed, I continued. “Now, focus on something that makes you happy. Once you have it, hold on to it and do not let it go. Take that happiness and protect it. Protect it from your fire. Will it to not harm it.” I gave him a moment. “Is it safe?”
He nodded.
“Good. Now create a safe cast over that happiness and keep it there.” A part of my heart squeezed. I was teaching him the same way my mom had taught me. “Keep your light on and don’t drop the magic, but steadily project that safety cast.”
I gave him a moment longer. “Open your eyes.”
