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The only drawback seems to be that it is physically exhausting, as it works like a conversion of our body's own Quatura core energy, which is probably the case because there is no genetic connection to this type of energy. At least, that's my theory.

Umbra is more of an independent force that functions differently. It feeds on existing energy.

But now comes the interesting part: Umbra can be used for more than just practicing other elements. It contains a form of energy that goes far beyond that of the Quatura. Psychic energy.

If I interpret the last passage I came across in one of the few books with decipherable writing about the nature of Umbra correctly, then this energy can be used to alter organic processes, as Umbra can penetrate deep into matter without damaging it, provided it is used correctly and high blood sacrifices are made.

It's astonishing that no one has noticed that the elixir the Councils use to erase memories results from an alchemical Umbra formula, and not an Earth Quatura formula, as the Councils preached.

The Councils use Umbra, knowingly. And the Circle is obviously kept in the dark about it.

Umbra is the key to so much that has been withheld from the Quatura society to this day. Perhaps it is the key that Alice has been searching for in vain...

The Mansion

Garry Schyman

Saturday, November 15, 1997

Entry 14

I stood in front of the wardrobe and looked at the two shirts, as well as the white robes embroidered with silver squares and abstract patterns that could also be found in old Quatura books. Mother had hung them here. And the fact that my sister hadn't received any worried me.

“She plans to make you a member of the Councils.”

I spun around.

“Why not you?” Manda's gaze seemed to linger on the robes for a moment. “You are an Air Quatura... I am not.”

Her gaze slid to my reflection in the mirror.

“The Councils seem to take an interest in you. And you are becoming more and more the center of attention.” There was something knowing in her voice. “Because you are starting to gain more control over your powers.”

Unable to hold her gaze, I looked back at the robes.

I didn't gain any control over that part of me. I numbed it every day so it wouldn't break out of me.

“What is it? This Umbra?”

Caught out, I looked at my sister, who was still standing in the doorway of my room.

The door had to be open, as always. Our mother didn't like us locking ourselves in, as she did, to hide her screams in a pillow for hours.

“Dark practices,” I said, and it sounded like I was about to tell a fairy tale. Alice would like that...

Amanda just raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest.

“I mean, what does it do to you?”

I hung the hangers back in the closet among all the perfectly ironed fabrics. The part of the housework our mother enjoyed most when she wasn’t working as a judge in Vancouver during the week.

“What do you mean?” I asked Manda, trying to focus on the conversation and not the stupid clothes.

“You really think the injections could help you gain control?”

I jerked around. The shock must have been written all over my face.

She had seen me.