"Come on, Trouble," he taunts playfully. "Show me what you've got."
I reach for the shadow magic again, trying to remember how it felt with Aspen. My personal shadows are practically bouncing with excitement, making it hard to concentrate on forming a proper construct.
"Focus, Ms. Draven," Thorne calls out. He's watching us intently, his dark eyes narrowed. "Control those... distractions."
Something in his tone makes my shadows bristle again. The construct I'm trying to form wavers, then suddenly snaps into perfect clarity - a wickedly sharp blade that would make Thorne proud.
Except...
"Um, Kaia?" Finn's voice is filled with barely suppressed laughter. "Your shadows are giving you a standing ovation."
I glance down to see my personal shadows doing exactly that - complete with tiny clapping motions and what appears to be an enthusiastic wave. Mortified, I try to rein them in, but they seem determined to express their appreciation for my success.
Thorne's expression could curdle milk. "Ms. Draven. A word after class."
Finn winces sympathetically. "Sorry about that. Though you have to admit, they've got great comedic timing."
I'm about to respond when Mouse appears at one of the high windows, his violet eyes fixed on something - or someone - behind me. I turn to find Malrik watching our practice session,his expression unreadable. His silver eyes seem to track the movement of my shadows, but that's impossible. Right?
Great. Just great. Because this day needed more complications.
"Again," Thorne commands, and I force myself to focus on the shadow magic, trying to ignore my personal shadows' continuing performance art.
As the other students file out after class, I stay behind, my heart hammering against my ribs. Finn squeezes my shoulder as he passes. "Want me to wait?"
I shake my head, though I appreciate the offer. "I'll be fine."
"If you're sure..." He hesitates, then adds quietly, "Find me after?"
I manage a nod, and he reluctantly leaves, though not before casting one last concerned look over his shoulder. My shadows reach after him briefly before curling back around my feet.
My personal shadows curl closer as Thorne approaches, their usual playfulness replaced by something almost protective. Through the window, Mouse has gone completely still, watching with an intensity that makes me nervous.
"Ms. Draven." Thorne's voice is silk over steel. "Your raw talent is... remarkable. But your lack of discipline is becoming a problem."
I straighten my spine, trying to dismiss feeling like a child under his gaze. "I told you, I'm learning control."
"Are you?" His eyes fix on my shadows. "Because what I witnessed today was not control. It was chaos. And chaos..." He steps closer, his presence overwhelming, "chaos gets people killed."
"I wouldn't-" I start to protest, but he cuts me off.
"You don't know what you would or wouldn't do, because you don't understand your own power." His tone softens slightly. "That's why you need guidance. Proper guidance."
My shadows twist uneasily. "Professor Lira-"
"Professor Aevorin," he interrupts smoothly, "is an excellent teacher of theory. But combat magic requires a firmer hand." He pauses, studying me. "I could help you master this power. Private lessons, twice a week. We'll start with the basics of control."
Everything in me wants to refuse, but I remember how my shadows reacted during class, how easily they got away from me. What if he's right? What if I really am dangerous?
"I..." I hesitate, and his eyes gleam with something like triumph but it’s quickly hidden behind his typically stoic mask.
"Think about it," he says. "But don't take too long. Power like yours," his voice low and deliberate, "has a way of drawing attention. Untrained magic invites... complications. Ones you may not be ready to face alone."
As if to prove his point, one of my shadows lashes out, curling aggressively toward him before I can stop it. Thorne doesn't flinch, just raises an eyebrow. “Predictable," Thorne murmurs, his gaze flicking to my shadows. "Chaos always seeks control, whether it knows it or not."
He turns away, dismissing me but not before I catch the smirk playing on his lips. "Let me know your decision by tomorrow."
I practically flee the arena, my shadows swirling agitatedly around me. Mouse materializes at my side the moment I clear the doorway, pressing against my legs in silent comfort.
