“I want to activate my magic.” Zephon announced over his written lesson’s. Reem was still sleeping and Garion who normally didn’t have interest in written lessons was sitting there. They were worried she knew but the first time she didn’t think them being there would be good for any of them.

  “Why now?” Dru asked him patiently. Zephon shifted and looked to the empty chair.

  “Because they faster I have control the faster I can help Reem.” He answered glancing at Garion who was looking dejected.

  Drue nodded looking over Zephon thoughtfully. He lifted a finger and flicked a small spell at Zephon who nearly fell out of his chair fear breaking through his steady. The spell sparkled in the air and fizzled out. Dru stood and helped him up face understanding.

  “Zephon I know you recognized that spell. You knew it wasn’t threatening but you still reacted like it was. Control is so much harder when your afraid of your magic.” Dru voiced sending a glare at Nerezza who had actively tried to do that not knowing how scared she was of her magic that was so much like her mother’s and the pain she’d had to go through to have it.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Zephon turned to her.

  “You’re magic scarred you?” He asked.

  “Not consistently. Sometimes I love my magic it’s apart of me it’s my happiness my strength but other days it’s a reminder of things that magic my skin crawl and my heart lurch and my palm sweat and I want it to disappear.” She explained. “But I’ve learned coping mechanisms to focus on how much I love it and to get through when I fear it.” She explained to him.

  “How?” Zephon asked.

  “What works for me is using my magic in a way that wasn’t how it was used around me. I started making puppet shows, or dimming an area so my Mama could sleep more comfortably. Hiding my homework from Dru.” She listed.

  “Don’t tell them that.” He hissed out. She smirked. Zephon nodded slowly.

  “I’ll think on that thank you.” He offered.

  “I’m bored.” Garion whined. “Why don’t we make cookies for when Reem wakes up?” He asked Zephon. She nodded and gathered them up she opened the door and found Showl waiting outside of it. Dru looked at them.

  “I’ll take the boys.” He offered.