Then I made my way to the other end of the suite and out onto the balcony.
The fresh morning air infused me as I grasped the railing and glanced around, taking in the view of the other side of the main Loxley Academy campus building that was visible from this vantage point.
Before I could second-guess myself, or engineer an excuse, I released the railing and snapped my palms up, calling my necromantic power.
Time to perform Soul Track.
Properly this time.
And all the way.
I zeroed in on the building first, my magic warming me from the inside, as I called on Soul Track, where I could lock onto active souls in real time.
I focused, then began to see glowing outlines inside the building, scores of them all over. I then even managed to clock several at the far reaches of campus in the fields and wooded areas. Not just death-touched beings, which were easier for a necromancer to get a lock on, but all beings. Every single one of them in and beyond the area I was targeting.
Through it all, my magic held steady, my palms upturned and glowing with my amber flame.
Yes.
I felt the control I had over it, the satisfaction of my power steadily coursing through me, and completely at my command once again.
I pushed deeper into the structure, through walls, objects, and managed to ascertain every being within. It wasn’t even straining to reach out further to encompass the surrounding forest.
With a satiated sigh, I snuffed out my power and dropped my hands, smiling to myself.
That had gone better than I’d even expected.
For now. Until that thing gets its claws into you again.
I gritted my teeth and forced that thought down.
I’d deal with it. I just wanted a little time to relish that I was back to normal.
And I wanted time to savor this now established foursome dynamic.
In the meantime, I’d hold onto the fact that I’d cast out whatever had been messing with me and impacting my magic. Essentially, I’d overpowered it. And that was what I would focus on.
I stepped back from the balcony railing and conjured my phone to check the time. We’d all worn each other out last night, and I didn’t want us to be late for classes because of it. Glancing at the screen, I noted that it was still early. We still had a couple of hours before classes.
Several texts had come in that I hadn’t even seen yet, because I’d been in a state last night for a long while.Then afterward, the four of us had been so immersed in one another.So I hadn’t looked at my phone in ages.
I took them all in rapidly.
Pops:Sure you’re okay after what Torvek did? Emotionally, I mean? V swore he’s got a handle on it, so it’s not gonna happen again, you don’t need to worry. Love you. And, yeah, your mom hasn’t blasted her way into your vicinity after getting wind of it because Father managed to talk her down. Took a lot, but she’s good. Focused on the news I gave her about your relationship now.
I winced at Pops’ message. Mom didn’t like hurting people as a rule, but she also wouldn’t exactly hold back if something or someone came at those she loved.
I pulled up her message and, sure enough, she wasn’t showing any violent intentions, and was just putting forth her caring, toned down maternal side. She’d never wanted me to see the feral-like safeguarding side of her when I’d been growing up, believing I needed to be shielded from anything negative in order to have a happy and loving childhood.
Mom:I’m happy for you, baby boy. Call me sometime and tell me all about your three loves.
I read through another couple of texts that had also come in at some point last night.
Father:Son, I am monitoring the Dracoryn Realm. Should they react unfavorably once word reaches them of your relationship with Evira, their wrath will be contained. Do not fret. Continue to love freely.
Dad:Interesting development, Win. Looking forward to seeing notable developments in your necromantic power usage as well. Very soon. Can’t tell if I should be concerned that you took some highly avoidable hits during that confrontation, or if I should chalk it up to your peaceable nature. If you need advice on foursome dynamics, I’m here. Hmm… your mom just walked in and saw my message. She says to take her advice where that’s concerned rather than mine. Apparently, I’m too “hardcore”. As if she hasn’t enjoyed that immensely over the years.
I blinked, trying to absorb all the information… and so many different facets of it.
