The classroom buzzed with electric energy, and I could almost feel it in my bones. Stormcaller Zephyr stood at the front, his presence like a crackling storm. The students, each from a different magical background, were gathered in anticipation. Today's lesson? Lightning and storm magic. Not my area, but I've learned to handle things I'm not comfortable with, especially in a place like this.
Zephyr's silver hair glinted faintly under the magical lights, and his sharp gaze swept over the room, reminiscent of Magnus in both appearance and presence. It was easy to see they were brothers, their similar features and commanding auras undeniable. His gaze landed on me briefly, and a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. I didn't react, but that smirk sent a tight pang through my chest.
"Lightning and storm magic isn't just about power; it's about precision and adaptability," he announced, his voice cutting through the room. "Even those of you who don't possess this affinity can benefit from understanding its principles. Magic is interconnected. Master one, and you'll gain insight into others."
Magnus stood to the side, arms folded, a picture of calm in his brother's domain. He didn't seem bothered by the lesson, but I noticed the way his eyes avoided mine. It had been like this ever since the Battle Royale.
Zephyr conjured a miniature storm cloud above us, crackling with energy. The storm looked almost alive, and I braced myself for the challenge ahead.
"Your task today," Zephyr continued, "is twofold. First, you will learn to manipulate lightning within a controlled environment. Then, you will create a protective barrier against a simulated storm. This will test both your magical control and your ability to think under pressure."
Great. I wasn't sure how much help I'd be in this exercise, but I'd faced worse.
Before we began, Zephyr announced that we'd pair up for the task. I looked around, hoping for someone to make eye contact, but no one did. They started grouping instinctively, and I stood there, alone.
I heard the whispers.
"She's a human."
"Why should I pair with her? She doesn't even belong here."
It wasn't the first time I'd heard things like this, but it still stung. I kept my face neutral, refusing to let their words affect me.
Zephyr's gaze swept over the room, narrowing when he saw the students avoiding me. Without a word, he turned to Magnus.
"Magnus," he said, his tone sharp, "you'll pair with Valkyrie."
Magnus stiffened. I caught his eyes for the briefest second before he looked away, and my heart sank. His voice was casual, but I could hear the resistance. "What about someone else? I think someone else would be a better fit."
Zephyr's eyes hardened. "Did I ask for your opinion? You'll pair with her."
Magnus sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "Fine," he muttered, walking toward me with visible reluctance.
I didn't look at him, just squared my shoulders and held my ground. I wouldn't let his avoidance get to me.
The task began. One of us was to generate a bolt of lightning, and the other would guide it through an intricate, glowing rune pattern Zephyr had conjured in the air. Simple in theory, but it was all about precision and teamwork.
Magnus summoned lightning with practiced ease, and the crackling bolt jumped from his fingers. "Try not to mess this up," he said, his voice cool and detached. He tossed the lightning my way.
I reached out with my mana, focusing as the bolt threatened to spiral out of control. The electricity danced, wild and unpredictable, but I concentrated and forced it to follow the rune. Slowly, it traced the delicate lines, illuminating the pattern with a brilliant glow.
Magnus nodded, his expression unreadable. "At least you didn't ruin it."
I forced myself not to snap back, my tone clipped. "Thanks."
Zephyr approached, observing our progress. He nodded slightly at me. "Impressive. Control like that takes discipline. Keep it up."
Magnus didn't meet my eyes, and I could almost feel the tension between us. He didn't seem happy about it, but it didn't matter. I didn't need his approval.
The second part of the lesson was harder. Zephyr conjured a simulated storm—lightning strikes and torrential rain—and told us to form protective barriers. It was a test of our control and focus.
Magnus stepped forward confidently, extending his hand. Lightning danced along his fingers, and he conjured a glowing shield of energy. The storm battered against it, but he stood firm, calm and collected.
"Looks like child's play for him," I heard one student mutter.
I gritted my teeth and focused, conjuring my own barrier. My hair stuck to my face as the rain pelted me. I channeled my magma affinity, imagining molten rock solidifying into a shield. A reddish glow flickered in front of me, but the storm was fierce. The barrier shuddered under the onslaught of lightning and rain.
"Focus, Valkyrie!" Zephyr called, his voice cutting through the roar of the storm. "Your mana is faltering. Strengthen the foundation of your barrier."
"I'm trying!" I muttered, my fists clenched.
The storm intensified, and my barrier wavered. I felt my energy draining, but I wouldn't let it fail. Magnus glanced in my direction, and I caught the briefest flash of something—maybe concern? But he looked away quickly, his own shield standing strong.
"Keep your balance!" Zephyr commanded as a bolt of lightning struck dangerously close to me.
"I'm fine!" I snapped, forcing the words through gritted teeth.
I drew deeper from my magma affinity, pouring more mana into the barrier. The reddish glow flared brighter, more solid, pushing back against the storm. My barrier held, barely, but I managed to keep it intact.
When the storm finally subsided, Zephyr surveyed the room. "Adequate," he said, nodding at Magnus. "Your barrier was solid as expected."
He turned to me. I stood, breathless and drenched, but holding my ground. "Valkyrie," Zephyr said, his voice steady but approving, "you adapted well. But you need more control. Strength without precision is wasted."
"Yes, sir," I replied, panting slightly, but I managed to meet his gaze.
By the end of the session, I was exhausted, but there was a thrill in me I couldn't ignore. As the students started to disperse, Zephyr called me over.
"You show promise," he said quietly, his sharp eyes locking onto mine. "Don't waste it."
I blinked in surprise. "I won't," I replied, my voice steady despite the exhaustion weighing on me.
Magnus lingered nearby, watching the exchange. When I turned to look at him, he quickly averted his gaze, muttering under his breath. "Good work, I guess."
Without another word, he walked off, leaving me standing there.
I took a deep breath. The path ahead may be uncertain, but as I stood there, drenched but unyielding, I knew I was ready for whatever storms lay in my future.
***
Meanwhile, back at the Stormborn residence, Magnus sat in the cozy living room, nursing a cup of tea while Zephyr reclined casually on a chair across from him. The storm outside had subsided, but the air still carried a faint electric charge.
Zephyr broke the companionable silence, his tone playful. "So, Magnus," he began, an unmistakable glint in his eyes, "should we recruit Valkyrie as my sister-in-law? She seems capable."
Magnus, mid-sip of his tea, choked and sputtered, spitting out the drink in a spectacular spray. "What?!" he exclaimed, coughing as his face turned crimson.
Zephyr leaned back, his silver hair catching the light as he smirked. "I'm just saying," he continued, unbothered by his brother's flustered reaction. "Someone who can hold their ground in a storm and isn't afraid to challenge you might be a good match."
Magnus glared at him, his voice low and warning. "Shut up, brother." He pushed himself to his feet, still coughing slightly, and stormed out of the room, leaving his tea forgotten on the table.
Zephyr chuckled to himself, clearly satisfied with the reaction. "Too easy," he muttered, leaning back in his chair with a self-satisfied grin.