“You can’t sleep forever.” Viv pulled back, giving me a smile through her tears. “You were never the lazy one. That job is for me.”
“Mom always had to pull you out of bed.” I laughed, my voice a little hoarse.
“It’s good to have you back.” She squeezed my hands, then stood, wiping away her tears. “But I suppose someone else would like to see you now. We are going to have nightly movies and endless Oreos once you’re out of this bed.”
She stepped aside, letting my dad take her space.
“How do you feel, Sal?” he asked.
“If you’re asking if I am going to start creating black lava vines, then fantastic because I am not going to be.” I adjusted myself so I sat straighter.
“No. I’m wondering how you physically feel.” He glanced at the fluid bag that led to an IV catheter in my hand.
“I’m fine,” I said.
“I don’t think these are required any longer.” My dad pulled out a key and motioned for me to hold out my arms. He started with the wrists. “You still won’t be able to use magic.”
I glanced at the glass box they had made the infirmary room into, complete with enforced door, and it made me wonder if they had done that around me while I was out or transferred me to the room afterward.
The cuffs slid off and I rubbed at my wrists even though they left no marks. He removed the ones on my ankles next. My dad was correct—I still couldn’t feel my magic, but I had thought I would at least feel the hum of it with those off.
“Sal.” He went over to the chair Ender had been in earlier and sat down. “There is something we need to discuss.”
“What is it?” I glanced around the room as everyone went quiet, holding their breaths. Dread built in my stomach.
“There is a lot of information to be relayed of the recent events. However, I feel this piece of information is important for you to hear now, and then you need to rest. The other details can be shared later. When you and David were in that pit, you essentiallyhealedhim of his dark magic. Healing comes at a cost, especially one as dire as this.” My dad grabbed my hand, which—to my surprise—I didn’t pull away. “While you were asleep, we retested you. Even with the magic nullifying cuffs and room, the device will still pick up the type and level of elemental user in their blood.”
If I was asleep, I couldn’t deceive the test like I had in the past.
“You are a level one ether mage.”
What?
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Selene
Steamwaftedoffthedark, rich delicious liquid as I poured myself a mug of French Press coffee. Despite it being the beginning of June and the majority of the human and mage population had already switched to iced coffee, I wanted an old-fashioned steaming cup. I set the carafe back down on the wooden cart in Dad’s office and glanced at the beautiful black walnut urn resting on the bookshelf next to it.
“Well, now I know I get my love of French Press coffee from both parents.” I held the mug in the air. “I love you, Mom. Thank you for keeping us safe.”
I took a slow, cautious sip, careful not to burn my tongue. I hadn’t been able to bring myself to drink coffee since Mom had died.
Between learning I had lost the majority of my magic—which was like missing a piece of myself—and the school healing and mourning from an eventful year, time had flown by. It’sbeen nearly three months after briefly turning… transitioning… whatever it had been called… into a dark mage and Mom’s murderer was finally gone. I was taking my first sip.
Warmth built in my chest, and I set the mug down before I let the feeling lead me to the door. I swung it open and Ender stood on the other side, a smile on his lips.
“I had a feeling you were in here.” He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest.
I reached up, catching him off guard, and kissed him. He wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling me closer. After what felt like not enough time, I pulled away.
“I don’t think I’m ready for you to graduate and leave,” I said.
Exams ended last week and graduation was this Friday. Ender planned to follow Priscilla’s path and become an agent for the council. His ether magic had evolved significantly. They were leaving for their home in Canada after graduation, but Dad didn’t need to stay on campus during the majority of the summer and was going to take me and Viv to visit.Thank goodness.The thought of being apart from him physically hurt. Senior year was going to be rough.
“We still have most of the summer.” The pad of his thumb brushed my cheek, wiping away my worries. “Would you like to walk with me to breakfast?”
I nodded and went to follow him but paused, glancing back at my coffee.
