Audra
1 Month Later
I sat slumped over in the grass. My breaths came in short, ragged gasps. Acheron knelt beside me, lifting my chin forcefully. His piercing, icy blue eyes stared me down. "You're still not good enough. We will try again after lunch," he gritted out. He stood abruptly and walked back toward the facility. He had gotten comfortable leaving me outside. Though today, Sylvin watched our session from afar. I slowly looked out at his figure. He leaned against a large tree, his hazel eyes watching as I struggled to pull myself up. I sat up finally, wiping the sweat from my brow. Not good enough? I'll show him. I'll show all of them. I thrust my palm forward in a fit of rage, shooting out an angry beam of water. It sliced through the air with a loud whistle before it crashed into the pond. I smiled slightly—my knees giving out once more. I tumbled to the ground with a loud groan. I heard a slight chuckle, then saw Sylvin's black, leather boots as he approached me. He offered me his hand, which I stubbornly refused. "You're refusing my help, though you can barely stand," he laughed. "And?" I shot back, forcing myself up. My legs trembled, and before I lost my balance again, Sylvin hesitantly reached out, gripping my arm. He led me to a bench by the koi pond and sat me down. "You stay. I'll go get you some water," he said firmly, wagging a finger at me like I was a disobedient dog. I huffed, crossing my arms—yet I still listened. After some time, I got bored and slipped off the bench, kneeling by the water. I pushed my magic forward, creating a small curled tendril beneath my palm. Small bubbles pulled off of the water and floated around me. My magic. It once terrified me. It was the sole reason I had been taken. But now… it fascinated me. I wanted to learn more about it. Where it came from. Why I never knew it existed. But no one would answer my questions. No one here anyway. I dropped the water and twirled my finger on the surface of the pond. I heard the crunch of Sylvin's boots as he neared. He tapped my shoulder with the cool bottom of a water bottle. He held it still until I finally took it. "Thanks," I muttered, inspecting the bottle. It appeared to be unopened. I twisted the cap off and took a large drink. Sylvin sat beside me, and for a while, neither of us spoke. "You know," he said, his voice cutting through the silence. I eyed him, searching his expression as he continued. "I always see that look in your eye." He leaned back on his hands, looking up toward the sky. "You must have so many questions," he said, slowly turning his gaze to meet mine. "I know I would. So... ask away." He waved his hand, looking at me expectantly. My heart stopped. I can ask anything? Where do I start? "It's okay. You can take your time. I'll be here," he reassured. I let out a breath, closed my eyes, and thought. I let the smell of the earth and the gentle breeze wrap around me, guiding me. Finally, I had my first question. "How… how is any of this possible?" I motioned to the pond. The ripples of my magic still left a glowing trace on the water's surface. He laughed softly. "You're born with it. What your power is—it's decided by your genetics. Your mom, she's also a water wielder," he explained. "My mom? How come she never told me?" Then, like a sudden rush of water, the memories came back. Her warning me. The bracelet. The music box. My hand gripped the cool metal on my wrist. I looked down. It looked like silver water was twisting around my wrist, the blue crystals embedded in a flowery pattern. The signs had all been there. He watched as the realization dawned on me. "She didn't tell you because you were dormant. Not yet able to wield the power. Most people remain dormant, but... you met the criteria and awakened," he said. "Criteria?" I questioned. He sighed. "You must be eighteen, have had a near-death experience, and have your element in your daily life." He went to say more, but I interrupted him. "Eighteen? I'm only six—" I paused. "Well, actually… you're seventeen now," he corrected, somewhat sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. I gawked, mouth agape. He laughed sadly, taking his index finger and gently pushing my mouth closed. Five months. I had been gone for five months. I was seventeen? "What day is it?" I asked, my body starting to go numb. Before he could answer, Acheron's voice boomed through the garden. "Lunch. Now." Sylvin looked at me, his expression somewhat saddened. "Time for lunch, then," he sighed, once again offering me his hand. This time, I took it.