Page 23 of The Scars Within (Twisted Thorn #1)

As we settled into a quiet focus, Cora spoke about the importance of connecting with plants on a deeper level.

We learned that even without the power to channel the earth element, one can still form a special bond with the world around them.

She taught us that every plant has its own magical properties that can be harnessed by anyone with the proper knowledge of how to connect with them.

Cora demonstrated the act by gently placing her hand on the willow’s trunk and murmuring a soft incantation without using her element. The willow beamed with magic before our eyes, its leaves shimmering with a faint golden light as they rustled softly.

Next, Cora handed out small potted plants—each one different, ranging from vibrant herbs to tiny magical fungi.

“These are your partners for the term,” she said with a grin.

“You’ll nurture them, learn from them, and, most importantly, listen to them.

They have much to teach you if you’re willing to listen. ”

Throughout the class, Cora kept the mood light and playful.

She shared stories of her own misadventures with magical plants, like the time she accidentally brewed a potion that made her sing everything she said for a week, much to the delight of her students.

We all laughed, the tension of the new term melting away as I realized just how much I needed this class—and Aunt Cora’s warmth—in my life again .

By the end of the lesson, my peers were buzzing with excitement.

Everyone was chatting about what types of plants they wanted to learn more about.

I watched my aunt beam as she chatted with my fellow cadets, her pride and joy evident in every interaction.

She has truly thrived here at Mageia, and her passion was contagious.

She nurtured our knowledge of Herbology and deepened our love for the natural world and the magic it holds.

I didn’t feel a pang of envy that while she was flourishing here at Mageia, I had been slowly wasting away in that shed.

Not at all.

Did I?

After lunch, my group returned to our chambers to drop off our new potted plants.

As I walked, I couldn’t help but compare this assignment to one I remembered from back home, where young women carried flour sacks with cloth diapers attached for weeks as practice for childcare.

Keeping this plant alive, though, felt like it would be much more work than an unbaked baby.

As we reached our dorm, I noticed Shayde stepping out of his room. I gave my friends a reassuring nod, signaling that I’d catch up with them for Survival Training, and then walked over to get his attention.

“Hey,” I greeted, a bit awkwardly.

Shayde turned to meet my gaze. “Hey there. No coffee spill today?” He smiled a warm, genuine smile that could brighten anyone’s worst day. He had this quality about him, the kind that made you feel like you could trust him with your secrets and doubts, that he would always be a safe space.

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I fought to keep my smile from spreading too wide. “No, but I wanted to thank you again for yesterday morning. ”

“No need. You’re more than welcome, Scar.” Shayde stepped closer. He opened his mouth to say something, but his gaze fell on my potted plant, and his expression shifted. He seemed… stunned?

“What is this?” his brows knitted together.

Confused, I replied, “It’s from Aunt Co—Professor Reyes’s Herbology class. Didn’t you have the same lesson last year?”

Shayde swallowed and then nodded, “Oh, yeah. I totally forgot. Mine didn’t last that long, unfortunately.” He shifted his weight and slid his hands into his jacket pockets. I swear I saw a muscle in his jaw twitch.

Doubt bubbled in my chest, but I pushed it aside. Unlike his brother, he leaves everything on the table, so I forced myself to believe his words.

Mageia is supposed to be a fresh start. I don’t want to fall back into the habit of keeping my guard up for no reason, especially over something as simple as a potted plant.

Shayde’s warm hand gently wrapped around my elbow, and the unease melted away, replaced by a feeling I couldn’t quite describe.

“Would you like to hang out again this evening?” he asked.

The Wylder brothers are like night and day.

While Shayde is a calm, steady breeze. Rhodes is a storm strong enough to wipe out the world.

While Shayde seems like an easy-going romantic comedy, Rhodes is a thrilling romance with an emotionally devastating ending.

With Rhodes, I can see myself being lost.

But with Shayde, I can see myself being found.

So, embracing the need to put myself back together, I raised my chin. And after a few moments of thought for dramatic effect, I finally answered, “Sure.”

Shayde leaned in closer, his face only inches from mine. Just like his brother, he towers over me, making me feel small—but never inferior. For a split second, I thought he was about to…kiss me.

“I’ll meet you here after dinner, okay?” he said softly .

The spark within my chest nearly stole my breath. “Okay.”

We stood there for what felt like an eternity, time seemingly frozen. Then Shayde leaned in a little more and softly brushed his lips against my cheek.

The blush that had been confined to my cheeks spread to my entire face. His simple, unexpected gesture left me breathless, and for a moment, I couldn’t think or move. I was so stunned that I didn’t even realize he’d already started walking away.

Shayde glanced back over his shoulder, a playful smile on his lips. “And hey, no party tonight—just you and me,” he winked before walking off.

I remained rooted to the spot, utterly floored, replaying the moment over and over in my mind.

Until someone bumped my shoulder, knocking me out of my stupor.

I entered our dorm to drop off my plant and found its spot that my friends had left open on our windowsill.

Mine has four stems, each about three inches tall, standing straight up from the soil.

Although naming them wasn’t a part of the assignment, I’ve decided to call my plant Jeffery.

“Well, Jeffery. Looks like I’ll be finding another missing puzzle piece of myself tonight.”