Touch of Power (Alythian Legacy #1)

It's no secret that I loathe using the powers that I've stolen, but fuck does it feel good to actually use them and feel almost powerful.

After a full week since Kit dragged me to the morgue and a full week of not speaking to one another, I've needed to let off some frustrations as of late. I hate to admit how much I was depending on the prince for companionship and I especially hate how much he easily flits his attention away from me at every instance we're near one another.

Jun has seemed to cling to him further which has me rolling my eyes at them. I didn't think I'd be jealous of my friends hanging out but I am. Jun is my best friend. Kit was becoming a good friend. And just seeing those two hit it off... I can admit I'm fucking angry.

So here I am. After a night off from practice since Yondou had a meeting with the King and Queen, I sneak in by myself to let go. Standing in the center, I peel off my gloves and take a deep breath.

Our fire stems from us, Patrick once explained to me. We stem from our fire.

And that's what I become. I become fire.

I've heard from my years here at Glasswood that it's hard for people to conjure their powers, especially the Elementals. But anytime I call upon the power that lives in me, it easily shows and surges for me. Controlling it is my problem.

As fire stems from my fingers, I tilt my head and focus on the movement. It's so fascinating that something so dangerous can be so beautiful, so alluring as it wraps around each finger. I don't scream in pain from it, I don't balk behind how dangerous it could be. Instead, I'm so intrigued. After years of not claiming I had fire powers, I can fully admit that they're mine. This power is mine.

I'm powerful.

But I could be so much more.

The second I think it, I shut down the fire in me. This is the reason why I've been so hesitant to perfect my Inferno powers. I never wanted to get greedy with my powers and I fully have the ability to become a monster if I let myself go.

I sigh. I'm an Inferno and I plan on only being that. A rare powered Inferno if there ever was one.

Igniting the flame once again, I play around with different shapes, different attack and defensive strategies. For an hour, I let my flame consume every thought, every pore in my being is attuned to the flame I conjure. When my face drips from sweat and my body starts to ache from overextending a bit, only then do I drop the fire.

What I find has me pulling up my guard again.

Patrick stands at the edge of the mat, staring at me with a strange look plastered on his face. Shock, awe, envy... it could be any of it, maybe all of it. The second our eyes meet, Patrick stammers, "D-don't stop because of me."

Though my body wants to sit down, I take a defensive position, one that Patrick does not miss. "What are you doing here?" I ask.

Patrick steps onto the mat and says, "I was passing by when I felt the flame, even from outside."

Fuck, I think, how long was I burning for? Frowning, I say shakily, "Sorry for inconveniencing you."

"You didn't-" he starts but stops once he sees me shaking as he steps closer to me. "You used too much," Patrick observes.

"I'm fine," I grit out.

He doesn't buy it. "I warned you what would happen if you reached your limit."

"I'm fine," I lie. Patrick has gotten so close that he could reach out and touch my outstretched hand. When he still doesn't look convinced, I admit, "I'm just not used to using my powers for such a long time."